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January 31, 2007 07:22 AM

Qwest Grant: Junction Cit3/27/

Project Title: SmartBoard and Projector Project

Goal: The ultimate goal of bringing in these technologies is to increase student learning. In order to see that take place, I have a few goals for this technology in my classroom. (1) Students will be able to access classroom instruction both in the classroom, and re-access that same information outside of class to review. (2) Students will learn how to effectively utilize internet resources and information. (3) Students with writing difficulties will be able to get class notes printed from classroom discussions. (4) Students and teacher alike will learn how to use the technology efficiently.

What I hope to Accomplish: I would like to see students be more interested in their math and science classes. Many of my students are at the lowest levels, especially in math. Many have decided they don't like the materials, or believe they are incapable of understanding. With the addition of some cool technology, perhaps we can get a few more students to tune into what we do. Students also have a higher absence rate, and making class notes available online will help these students stay current with the class. Finally, many of the students have challenges with reading and writing, so having these notes available will take some of the pressure off of them during lecture times.

Status: We have recieved all the equipment, and installed the SmartBoard. I currently have the digital projector sitting on my old overhead cart. We are waiting on an electrician to mount the projector. Students are very excited about the new technology. I am learning alot of cool tools and functions of the equipment. Students are eager to come up and show how to solve problems.

Posted by jaredbrougher on January 31, 2007 at 07:22 AM in Ed Tech Grants | Comments (0)

January 30, 2007 09:12 AM

Qwest Grant:: Athena-West3/27/

Project Title: Information and Technology Literacy Project

Goal: To increase access to technology tools and multimedia equipment in the classroom which will enhance and support the curriculum, make classroom management more efficient, and promote project-based learning

Mission: At Weston Middle School, we have a vision of using technology in the 7th and 8th grade language arts classroom to support different learning styles, address multiple intelligences, reach all academic levels, and integrate technology into all core subject areas.
Specifically, all 7th and 8th grade language arts students will select a literature, science, or history topic of their choice to research. Using the research process, the students will gather information on their topic and then create multimedia presentations using Windows Movie Maker and/or podcasting.

Status: Recently at my Umatilla Morrow Regional Educational Technology Cadre meeting, I learned how to create a Windows Movie Maker project. Then I created an example project on lions with Windows Movie Maker for my students to watch. They were very excited to learn that they could create such a project as well. "Can we start today?!" they all screamed. And to top off the excitement that day, the computers arrived!
As of today, all 7th and 8th grade students have chosen their topics of interest...Let the research begin!

Footnote: The computers have been set up, installed, and are running in my classroom. We are waiting for the delivery of CDs and the software Inspiration.

Posted by gailturner on January 30, 2007 at 09:12 AM in Ed Tech Grants | Comments (0)

January 26, 2007 03:47 PM

February Cadre

We are going to have a great time Sunday, February 19th starting promptly at 9:30am at the Portland Airport Sheraton. We will see you there. Check out our agenda.

Posted by jena on January 26, 2007 at 03:47 PM in Meeting Activity | Comments (0)

January 10, 2007 08:08 AM

Wiki Resources

WikiHow~ A wiki that showcases editable "how to's". For example, How to make French Toast Waffles.

NPR podcasts on Wikipedia.

• Wikipedia Wins Users and Critics, Sept 2006
  
• Wikipedia Founder Asks: What's Your Dream?, Oct 2006
  
• 'Wikis' Meet to Chart Future of Wikipedia.org, Aug 2006
  
• Wikipedia's Growth Comes with Concerns, Nov 2005
  
• Wikipedia, Open Source and the Future of the Web, Nov 2005
  
• Wikipedia to Require Contributors to Register, Dec 2005

Posted by jena on January 10, 2007 at 08:08 AM in Resources & Gadgets | Comments (0)

January 5, 2007 02:53 PM

Technology Assessment Too3/27/

Hi all,

I'm just curious as to whether or not any of your districts are using any type of student technology proficiency assessment resource. We are looking at a couple of possible tools for use in Portland Public Schools, but wondering if anyone has had success with a specific tool. Thanks!

Posted by melissalim on January 5, 2007 at 02:53 PM in General | Comments (0)