Reaching and Teaching Today's Students

This three-day course promotes the integration of technology into the science curriculum, the enhancement of teaching practices, and improved student achievement. Participants will acquire skills and strategies in the areas of understanding Internet tools, accessing teacher and student resources, and integrating student activities and projects in science. Participants will explore project-based learning, a key component of any STEM curriculum. Participants will gain an understanding of applying real-world problems and challenges through the characteristics of project-based learning. Meaningful assessment and ideas for classroom management will be investigated.

Length:
Three days

Objectives

• Locate, evaluate, and organize Web sites according to science content
• Locate Web sites that illustrate the use of higher-level problem-solving skills and science standards
• Understand how to locate and/or develop Internet lesson plans in science
• Locate online content and resources that support National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and local science standards
• Collect Internet content and resources that support project-based and scientific inquiry-based learning
• Explore the different types of collaborative science projects for elementary students that exist globally
• Understand how to manage project-based learning in science curriculum
• Design and create one online assignment in elementary science that meets local, state, and/or NSTA standards

College Credit Pending

In Designing Project-Based Learning with Web 2.0 Tools, participants are provided with the resources, skills, and practice they need to create an effective project-based learning environment centering on an inquiry oriented activity. There is a focus on higher-level thinking skills in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the Internet. Participants learn the instructional strategy of using authentic tasks that stress composition, comprehension, and application of skills as the basis for a lesson or unit that can be adapted to every content area.

Length:
One day

Objectives

• Understand the characteristics of project-based learning
• Understand how technology supports project based learning
• Explore a variety of quality Internet resources to support a Project based learning environment
• Learn six essential parts of project based learning that keep students focused and on task
• Learn about the assessment strategies that support project-based learning
• Design and develop a technology rich project based supports the classroom curriculum

College Credit Pending

College and career readiness begins with the connection of how to apply what is learned in school to the practical and intellectual tasks of everyday lives. The focus of this course is to integrate core subjects with 21st Century Skills. Participants will explore the skills their students need to develop to live and work in the global economy. In addition, participants will engage in “best practices” to teach 21st century learning and infuse these skills into current classroom practice.

Length:
One day

Objectives

• Realize the importance of having a 21st century learning vision for self and students
• Explore an instructional framework that builds student competencies
• Understand the themes of 21st century learning
• Define 21st century skills
• Learn ways technology supports balance of the visual approach to learning and traditional instruction
• Understand and develop innovative instructional strategies and activities to be used immediately in the classroom

College Credit Pending

Evaluating Teachers’ Effective Use of Technology focuses on strategies for assessing teachers’ skill levels and use of classroom technologies. Participants will be introduced to an overview of current research on classroom technology use, including the impact of effective practices as measured by student achievement and work product.

Length:
One day

Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Objectives

• Identify targeted uses of education technology
• Evaluate and select appropriate technology skill assessment instruments
• Develop classroom lessons that address key goals and depend on technology
• Coach teachers in the development of technology integrated lessons
• Observe classroom instruction and provide feedback in alignment with identified goals
• Analyze lesson plans, student work, and other artifacts for evidence of effective technology use
• Consider ways to utilize technology throughout the grade levels
• Review lesson plan design and practice peer coaching techniques
• Draft a plan for conducting or participating in technology use evaluation at their school site

College Credit Pending

In Inquiry-Based Learning in a Tech-Infused World, participants will learn to direct student learning to enhance interactive, student-centered, cooperative learning. Participants will also be introduced to classroom management methods for effectively integrating project-based learning.

Length:
One day

Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Objectives

• Understand the role technology can play in project-based learning
• Utilize best practices in project-based learning
• Understand the different cooperative learning methods
• Understand how technology can enhance project-based learning
• Use a variety of classroom management techniques for project-based learning
• Learn strategies for using the Internet for project-based learning
• Use Web 2.0 tools and services to support learning communities
• Integrate the different types of online projects
• Locate and use rubrics and other assessments to evaluate student projects
• Design and develop a project-based lesson

College Credit Pending

In this course, participants will develop a vision and plan to lead the way for teachers to embrace and use technology. They will investigate a variety of ways Internet technology can support the role of school administrator as a visionary leader. Participants will experience online resources, tools and content that support instruction. In addition, “best practices” in integrating technology into classroom instruction will be explored and discussed.

Length:
One day

Objectives

• Realize the importance of having a 21st century learning vision for education in the district or school
• See examples of current uses of technology: instructional tools, communication tools, student learning, assessment and online professional development
• Learn about the significance of mentoring and coaching as strategies to enhance staff use of information technology within the classroom
• Understand the importance of technology as a seamless resource within the teaching and learning process
• Identify effective uses of the Internet within the school and classroom
• Identify effective organizations of computer hardware in the school and classroom
• Identify effective tools and need
• View and discuss the national standards (ISTE NETS) for the use of technology by students
• View and discuss the national standards (ISTE NETS) for the use of technology by teachers

College Credit Pending

This course gives participants hands-on guidance in locating Web sites for virtual tours that enhance existing classroom lessons. Participants will develop activities that take their students on journeys outside the classroom walls.

Length:
One day

Objectives

• Design a lesson using virtual tours on the Internet
• Explore a variety of Internet resources that support the classroom curriculum
• Explore adventure learning via quests
• Understand how to use Web site evaluation skills/rubrics
• Gain an understanding of the variety of online activities and projects

College Credit Pending

Participants will explore the use of multimedia to enhance a multiple-intelligence teaching approach. Participants will be introduced to online resources that can help them understand intelligence levels and styles of learning and find ways to create challenging technology-enhanced lesson plans using multimedia.

Length:
One day

Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Objectives

• Gain an understanding of basic commands of multimedia programs such as PowerPoint^®
• Explore a variety of Internet resources that support the classroom curriculum
• Understand how to use rubrics to assess multimedia projects
• Design a lesson that integrates multimedia
• Gain an understanding of the variety of online activities and projects that support multiple learning styles.

College Credit Pending

This course will introduce participants to a variety of instructional strategies to be used with at-risk students that will enhance development of the higher order thinking skills necessary to be able to function effectively in the world. Participants will learn how to use technology to help students develop small-group cooperative learning skills to help them to learn from each other and raise student motivation. Focus is on maximizing student involvement in challenging, long-term projects that stress composition, comprehension, and application of skills in the context of working on authentic tasks.

Length:
One day

Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Objectives

• Identify a wide variety of technology and online resources that can be used with students
• Facilitate the ways students obtain, organize, manipulate, and display information
• Simulate real-world environments and create actual situations for experimentation
• Improve student communication skills and develop positive cooperative learning relationships
• Enhance student engagement, and productivity
• Move students toward self-reliance and peer coaching
• Explore online resources that support at-risk students
• Allow teachers to function as facilitators
• Learn time/classroom management strategies that maximize learning for every student
• Understand how to design projects that integrate a variety of disciplines
• Foster parental involvement and support

College Credit Pending

In 1:1 Laptop Learning, participants will experience how laptops can be used to facilitate learning through demonstration, simulation, sharing of student projects, research, communications, group discussion, and teacher or student presentations. In addition, participants will learn to manage students groups, assign relevant lessons, and organize student communications and projects.

Length:
One day

Objectives

• Explore the procedures for effective laptop use
• Recognize ways in which teachers can use laptops to enhance learning
• Understand how technology can impact student achievement with laptops serving as a “dynamic chalkboard”
• Examine whole class, group, and individualized learning in a laptop environment
• Locate and evaluate educational Web Sites
• Learn management strategies for 1:1 laptop use

College Credit Pending

This three-day course promotes the integration of laptop technology into the curriculum, the improvement of teaching practices, and improved student achievement in the standards-led curriculum. Participants will acquire skills and strategies for managing student laptops in the classroom, understanding online learning technologies, accessing teacher resources, and integrating student activities and projects. All participants will develop a student assignment that can be used in the classroom.

Length:
One day

Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Objectives

• Develop methods for using laptops in a classroom
• Understand how to use a laptop as a teaching tool
• Learn lesson planning from preparation to assessment
• Describe using cooperative grouping and scheduling to maximize access to technology
• Explore the different types of search engines and searching strategies
• Locate, evaluate, and organize Web sites according to content
• Collect Internet content and resources that support project-based learning
• Locate, explore, and integrate classroom projects
• Understand how to manage project-based learning in the classroom
• Explore the different types of project development tools
• Create one online assignment

College Credit Pending

This three-day course promotes the integration of technology into the reading curriculum, the improvement of teaching practice, and greater student achievement. Participants will acquire the skills and strategies in the areas of understanding Internet tools, meeting Common Core State Standards and other state standards, accessing reading resources, and integrating technology into student assignments.

Length:
One day

Objectives

• Locate, evaluate, and organize Web sites according to the five essential reading components
• Locate Web sites that illustrate the use of higher-level problem-solving skills
• Understand how to locate and/or develop Internet lesson plans
• Locate, evaluate, and organize Internet content and resources that support the reading curriculum
• Locate and integrate reading activities and projects
• Understand how to manage project-based learning in the classroom
• Understand how to create online projects such as hotlists, WebQuests, and hunts
• Create or locate one online assignment in reading

College Credit Pending

This three-day course promotes the integration of technology into the curriculum, the improvement of teaching practice, and improved student achievement in the standards-led curriculum. Participants will acquire skills and strategies in the areas of understanding Internet tools, accessing teacher resources, and integrating student assignments.

Length:
One day

Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Objectives

• Locate, evaluate and organize Web sites according to instructional needs
• Locate Web sites that illustrate the use of higher-level, problem solving skills
• Understand how to locate and/or develop Internet lesson plans
• Locate online content and resources that support local standards and project-based learning
• Locate and integrate inquiry-based projects
• Understand how to manage project-based learning in the classroom
• Understand how to create online projects such as hotlists, hunts, and WebQuests
• Explore the different types of project development tools
• Create one online assignment

College Credit Pending

This course focuses on the concept of digital storytelling, a technology-based model that is an exciting and motivating tool and resource that helps teachers develop unique learning experiences for their students. Participants will be amazed at the power of this cross-curricular tool, its ease of use, and the free development tools and resources that are available.

Length:
One day

Objectives

• Understand the necessary components of a digital storytelling lesson that promote the effective use of technology in the classroom
• Examine a variety of successful teacher and student examples
• Explore how to appeal to diverse learning styles
• Understand how to address higher-level thinking skills as students synthesize information through the planning, creating, and designing of assignments and address evaluation goals through recommendations, summarization, and comparison

College Credit Pending

In this course, participants will discuss NCSS Standards and 21st Century Skills and the implications for the use of multimedia technology in the Social Studies classroom. Participants will develop an understanding of the importance and impact of multimedia technology, and an understanding of how teaching and learning will change with the use of multimedia technology. Participants will have an opportunity to explore Web 2.0 tools and multimedia resources that can be used in the Social Studies classroom.

Length:
One day

Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Objectives

• Understand the educational value of integrating multimedia content in the classroom
• Develop effective instructional strategies for incorporating multimedia into instruction
• Create multimedia projects that incorporate content area knowledge gained from the Internet, Web 2.0 tools and supplementary resources
• Create lesson plans that infuse technology into instruction and into student activities

College Credit Pending

In Social Networking: Setting the Policy, district administrators, technology leaders, and school board members will be introduced to the social media policies of major corporations and examine why social networking is critical to our schools. During this one-day course, participants learn the importance of a code of ethics, the significance of the district spokesperson, and the value of social networking sites. In addition, those attending will work collaboratively to create a social media policy for their school or district.

Length:
One day

Objectives

• Understand why social networking is important in our schools
• Review social networking policies from major corporations
• Become familiar with the code of ethics for social networking
• Understand the expectations for district or school spokespeople
• Discuss which social media sites to block or unblock
• Create a social networking policy for the district or school

College Credit Pending

This course will provide participants with an in-depth look at Web-based resources for classroom collaboration, sharing, and communication. Participants will create an online community for classroom use as well as learn ways to integrate other Web 2.0 tools, such as wikis, blogs, chats, and podcasts, into daily instruction. Participants will leave with skills and tools that can be implemented immediately into daily instruction.

Length:
One day

Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Objectives

• Examine the features and components of a wiki, blog and podcast
• Examine the features and components of social networking sites
• Subscribe to desired wikis, blogs and/or podcast services
• Learn instructional strategies in using Web 2.0 tools
• Learn instructional strategies in using Web 2.0
• Create a lesson that uses a Web 2.0 tool to enhance, inspire or teach

College Credit Pending

This course will introduce participants to online tools and resources that serve to bridge the connection between technology and reading. Information gathering, pooling and sharing of data, collaboration, and interpersonal exchanges are some of the online projects that will be presented. This project-based learning approach allows the student to do collaborative problem solving, learn and work in teams, exercise high-level thinking skills while increasing information literacy. Through the use of multimedia, electronic books, and online resources that expand learning opportunities, participants will learn to improve student reading with the goal of fluency, accuracy, understanding and enjoyment.

Length:
One day

Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Objectives

• Construct an integrated reading classroom
• Design appropriate curriculum/technology integration projects for literacy learners at all grades
• Understand the components of Web-based literature projects and know how to design one for their individual classroom
• Locate different types of reading activities, projects and project development tools
• Identify and evaluate Internet sites for use in literacy education
• Locate and use online tools used in assessment and record keeping
• Use professional resources on the Internet that support literacy instruction
• Organize their classrooms to accommodate a more student-centered learning environment
• Locate and utilize online classroom projects and publishing sites that support writing and reading
• Manage activity-based learning in the classroom

College Credit Pending

This course will introduce participants to online tools and resources to improve student writing. Information gathering, pooling and sharing of writing, collaboration, and interpersonal exchanges are some of the online projects that will be presented. Participants will be guided through a digitally supported writing process which allows the student to engage in collaborative peer editing, solve problems, learn and work in teams, exercise high-level thinking skills, and increase information literacy. Available for K–5 or 6–12.

Length:
One day

Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Objectives

• Construct a technology-integrated writing classroom
• Design appropriate curriculum/technology integration projects for literacy learners at all grades
• Understand the components of online peer revision
• Learn strategies for incorporating online student learning communities
• Integrate print and digital tools into the writing classroom
• Locate and use online tools used in assessment and record keeping
• Organize their classrooms to accommodate a more student-centered online learning environment
• Manage the online/digital writing process in the classroom

College Credit Pending

This course will introduce participants to a variety of instructional strategies to be used with all students that will enhance development of the higher-order thinking skills necessary to be able to function effectively in the world. Participants will learn how to use technology to help students develop small-group cooperative learning skills to help them learn from each other and raise student motivation. Focus is on maximizing student involvement in challenging, long-term projects that stress composition, comprehension, and application of skills in the context of working on authentic tasks.

Length:
One day

Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Objectives:

• Identify a wide variety of technology and online resources that can be used with students
• Facilitate the ways students obtain, organize, manipulate, and display information
• Simulate real-world environments and create actual situations for experimentation
• Improve student communication skills and develop positive cooperative learning relationships
• Enhance student engagement, productivity, and move students toward self-reliance
• Explore online resources that support at-risk students
• Learn time/classroom management strategies that maximize learning for every student
• Understand how to design projects that integrate a variety of disciplines
• Foster parental involvement and support

College Credit Pending

This course is dedicated to the "interactive whiteboard" (IWB), what they are, and how they can be used to enhance teaching and learning. Participants will discover the ways an IWB can increase interactivity in the classroom between students, teachers and content. Using the IWB participants will learn how the interactivity increases student motivation.

Length:
One day

Objectives:

• Become comfortable using the IWB
• Integrate the IWB into the classroom environment
• Discuss the benefits and barriers of using the IWB
• Acquire strategies to integrate the IWB into the classroom environment
• Explore how multiple intelligences are incorporated into IWB lessons
• Discover ways to assess students and use the IWB to deliver pre-created and instant questions

College Credit Pending

This course will introduce teachers to the different types of mobile media such as the iPad®, iPod® and other touch screen devices. Participants will become familiar with the hardware, navigation and software of the device as they learn how mobile devices can be used to facilitate learning through demonstration, simulation, sharing of student projects, research and group discussions. Educators will have hands-on experiences using these features to develop interactive lessons that will provide an increased application of problem solving strategies and differentiated instructional practices, resulting in greater student achievement.

Length:
One day

Objectives:

• Understand and use of the mobile device
• Explore, and use effectively the functions of the iPad
• Develop effective instructional strategies for incorporating the mobile media device into instruction
• Examine whole class, group and individualized learning with a mobile device
• Learn management strategies for utilizing the mobile devices in classrooms
• Locate and evaluate education apps

College Credit Pending

iPad® and iPod® are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.