Blogged with Flock
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
November a Giving Month
November for our family is a giving month. I would like to promote these giving ideas. 
Click here to help feed the world. What happens at this website, you have a chance to click the click here to give free food button. Then 100% of the sponsor money goes to charity. How do they do this? Well, the site also promotes some sales of items that they are hoping you will stop by and purchase. However, the beginning for all of us can be click and someone will be getting some food.
The next giving idea
This one I particularly like. You can read about how this works in detail. Basically, I am going to purchase a laptop and when I do, a laptop will also be purchased and given to a student in a designated country. I will have a laptop that my students can use and I will feel good about providing for another.
The final idea, not as magnanimous however, it is important to our community. Take part in this online survey as a student, parent or teacher. This survey gives our community a voice and some very good data which will go a long way to improving how we use technology in our district. Thanks for giving back.
Click here to help feed the world. What happens at this website, you have a chance to click the click here to give free food button. Then 100% of the sponsor money goes to charity. How do they do this? Well, the site also promotes some sales of items that they are hoping you will stop by and purchase. However, the beginning for all of us can be click and someone will be getting some food.
The next giving idea
This one I particularly like. You can read about how this works in detail. Basically, I am going to purchase a laptop and when I do, a laptop will also be purchased and given to a student in a designated country. I will have a laptop that my students can use and I will feel good about providing for another.
The final idea, not as magnanimous however, it is important to our community. Take part in this online survey as a student, parent or teacher. This survey gives our community a voice and some very good data which will go a long way to improving how we use technology in our district. Thanks for giving back.
Blogged with Flock
Monday, October 15, 2007
New Tools for Adding a blog post.
All I do it type my message and edit, then post.
Here is a great website. WOCSD District
Here is a great website. WOCSD District
Blogged with Flock
Big news October 15, 2007
You can take part in a FreeOnline workshop this week and next. K12OnlineConference
Take part in the national SpeakUP Netday survey. This gives our district great information about how we are using technology compared to our answers from last year and compared to the USA. It is very helpful in planning.
Click here SpeakupSurvey 2007
Our password is wocsd
Take part in the national SpeakUP Netday survey. This gives our district great information about how we are using technology compared to our answers from last year and compared to the USA. It is very helpful in planning.
Click here SpeakupSurvey 2007
Our password is wocsd
Sunday, October 14, 2007
ACTEM07 Will Richardson's Opening
This is the 20th year for the ACTEM technology educators workshop.
Listening to Will Richardson's keynote.
Technology:
changes in politics with YouTube, myspace, blogs as social networks
changes in journalism, the world has instant connection with their cell phone and cameras.
75% of media is shared peer to peer
Prince gave out 100,000 copies of his new CD.
Read Wikinomics!
Not about competition in business about collaboration and cooperation.
Looking at Clustr map, and why do all these folks come and visit Will's blog. All have some connection to the thoughts, the conversations and the thinking. Humbled by the fact that after 18 years in a high school, and then looking at the map, why?
The past 6 years of blogging has provided more growth, than all his course work in all the years.Kids are figuring this out. Look at the size of their classroom.
TakingITGlobal- online community for youth about world issues.
Fanfiction- you can add to the book.
Where kids write and have reviews and connections. doing this on their own. Kids make networks of people who are passionate about their favorite topic.
Who is teaching kids myspace?
Someone needs to model and teach myspace/online presence.
We need to build social spaces and model how to do this.
Clarance Fischer is building spaces for his students.
He has them start at Nata Village in South Africa, ravaged by AIDS and HIV. Clarance has his students blog about this. Nnow they are having students from Nata Village commenting on her blog, one of Clarance's students.
44645, text for google, way to get an answer to every question you need an answer to.
MIT Opencourseware- http://ocw.mit.edu
Need to find the information when you need it, need to know the ways to find the information, all information.
Go to Wikipedia and spend a couple hours digging deep.
How many teach Wikipedia? We have to think differently about what if we need kids to memorize the content.
If we as educators, can not find who owns a website and publishes it, then we are illiterate. We need to teach students how to do this, we need to do this.
How to get teachers to connect to experts from outside the the classroom.
Will's project with Secret Life Of Bees. http://weblogs.hcrhs.k12.nj.us/bees
Sue Monks Kidd, joined his clasroom blog and she answered questions. She taught Will's class more about SLB than he ever could.
YesIcanscience.com Great science project where kids interact with scientists.
Vicki's Flat Classroom Project, exceptional Flat Classroom project.
Radio WillowWeb elementary kids podcasting the classroom news.
Our kids are not waiting for us to catch up. We need to go there with the students.
We need to learn to model the safe, ethical ways to use these tools.Most teachers haven't put the new tools in their own practice. Teachers are just digitizing the old worksheets and putting into the same ole same ole into technology. We need to support teachers in finding new ways for students to collaborate creatively and safely.
Listening to Will Richardson's keynote.
Technology:
changes in politics with YouTube, myspace, blogs as social networks
changes in journalism, the world has instant connection with their cell phone and cameras.
75% of media is shared peer to peer
Prince gave out 100,000 copies of his new CD.
Read Wikinomics!
Not about competition in business about collaboration and cooperation.
Looking at Clustr map, and why do all these folks come and visit Will's blog. All have some connection to the thoughts, the conversations and the thinking. Humbled by the fact that after 18 years in a high school, and then looking at the map, why?
The past 6 years of blogging has provided more growth, than all his course work in all the years.Kids are figuring this out. Look at the size of their classroom.
TakingITGlobal- online community for youth about world issues.
Fanfiction- you can add to the book.
Where kids write and have reviews and connections. doing this on their own. Kids make networks of people who are passionate about their favorite topic.
Who is teaching kids myspace?
Someone needs to model and teach myspace/online presence.
We need to build social spaces and model how to do this.
Clarance Fischer is building spaces for his students.
He has them start at Nata Village in South Africa, ravaged by AIDS and HIV. Clarance has his students blog about this. Nnow they are having students from Nata Village commenting on her blog, one of Clarance's students.
44645, text for google, way to get an answer to every question you need an answer to.
MIT Opencourseware- http://ocw.mit.edu
Need to find the information when you need it, need to know the ways to find the information, all information.
Go to Wikipedia and spend a couple hours digging deep.
How many teach Wikipedia? We have to think differently about what if we need kids to memorize the content.
If we as educators, can not find who owns a website and publishes it, then we are illiterate. We need to teach students how to do this, we need to do this.
How to get teachers to connect to experts from outside the the classroom.
Will's project with Secret Life Of Bees. http://weblogs.hcrhs.k12.nj.us/bees
Sue Monks Kidd, joined his clasroom blog and she answered questions. She taught Will's class more about SLB than he ever could.
YesIcanscience.com Great science project where kids interact with scientists.
Vicki's Flat Classroom Project, exceptional Flat Classroom project.
Radio WillowWeb elementary kids podcasting the classroom news.
Our kids are not waiting for us to catch up. We need to go there with the students.
We need to learn to model the safe, ethical ways to use these tools.Most teachers haven't put the new tools in their own practice. Teachers are just digitizing the old worksheets and putting into the same ole same ole into technology. We need to support teachers in finding new ways for students to collaborate creatively and safely.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Getting Ready for K12online conference
Usually, when I go to a conference I blog my notes and reflections. Seems funny to be sitting in my home office, participating in an online keynote for the k12online conference.(Follow the previous link to learn how you can get credit for participating in this online conference.) However, since I am so used to backchanneling during a presentation, or blogging, I decided that this should be the same even though I am home and participating in this. Why am I not backchanneling or skype chatting while viewing this? (Although I am watching the twitter comments to see what others are saying about David's keynote.) Well, since it is an asynchronous presentation, others who are viewing this could be at a different spot in the presentation, so I will blog, and post and reflect with others later.This certainly captures David Warlick's whole premise, we need to create our own boundaries, our own rules. I can no longer just sit and git. I need to be actively participating and creating even when I am listening.
-are we are parent's future?
-are our students their parent's future, their teacher's future?
-loved David's son video, gotta know the territory!
-do we know our territory?
-we cut off our students when they enter our classrooms, we chop their tentacles, their network
-are we over-managing our environment in our classrooms, are we cutting our students off from their networks?
-ouch an encyclopedia with outdated material compared to wikipedia constant updates and new content
-I am waiting for the little ladies! too!
-our info-savvy students, are without the benefit of gravity!, they always have a neighborhood at their fingertips
-new information landscape-we educators need to learn how to harness this-in our content areas
-unpredictable future- we educators are preparing students for an unpredictable future, teach them to teach themselves
Oh, the little old lady!
Outtakes!
Thanks David for kicking off the k12online conference!
If you would like to view the keynote, follow the URL.
http://k12online.wm.edu/davidw.mp4
-are we are parent's future?
-are our students their parent's future, their teacher's future?
-loved David's son video, gotta know the territory!
-do we know our territory?
-we cut off our students when they enter our classrooms, we chop their tentacles, their network
-are we over-managing our environment in our classrooms, are we cutting our students off from their networks?
-ouch an encyclopedia with outdated material compared to wikipedia constant updates and new content
-I am waiting for the little ladies! too!
-our info-savvy students, are without the benefit of gravity!, they always have a neighborhood at their fingertips
-new information landscape-we educators need to learn how to harness this-in our content areas
-unpredictable future- we educators are preparing students for an unpredictable future, teach them to teach themselves
Oh, the little old lady!
Outtakes!
Thanks David for kicking off the k12online conference!
If you would like to view the keynote, follow the URL.
http://k12online.wm.edu/davidw.mp4
Blogged with Flock
Friday, September 28, 2007
My 3 reasons to join the K12Online Conference
You can see other reasons here! http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=120
1. I could take online workshops anytime I wanted.
2. I was able to comment to, listen to, view presentations with others from around the planet.
3. I was able to sign up for graduate credit!!!
I had so much fun attending last I, I signed on and was to chose to present. Join in the fun.
Check out the teasers and choose your own staff development.
http://k12onlineconference.org/?cat=15
1. I could take online workshops anytime I wanted.
2. I was able to comment to, listen to, view presentations with others from around the planet.
3. I was able to sign up for graduate credit!!!
I had so much fun attending last I, I signed on and was to chose to present. Join in the fun.
Check out the teasers and choose your own staff development.
http://k12onlineconference.org/?cat=15
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Great Research Sites for students K-6.
Here are some good research sites for kids, they may need some supervision to get things in the correct search spaces.
Kids Tools for searching the Internet
KidsClick!- designed by librarians
Time for Kids Homework Helper
EnchantedLearning
Big6Kids a great place to organize
Marvel KIDS- Maine's virtual Library- you will need your library card and bar code number!
At Marvel, you will also be able to search by reading level.
Yahooligans- now Yahoo Kids
Ask Jeeves for Kids
CIA Factbook
These are the first research sites that come to the front of the pack. Remember that although these sites are rated for children K-6, there are still items that may not be appropriate for your student. Internet research should always be done with adults supervising.l
Kids Tools for searching the Internet
KidsClick!- designed by librarians
Time for Kids Homework Helper
EnchantedLearning
Big6Kids a great place to organize
Marvel KIDS- Maine's virtual Library- you will need your library card and bar code number!
At Marvel, you will also be able to search by reading level.
Yahooligans- now Yahoo Kids
Ask Jeeves for Kids
CIA Factbook
These are the first research sites that come to the front of the pack. Remember that although these sites are rated for children K-6, there are still items that may not be appropriate for your student. Internet research should always be done with adults supervising.l
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
I just loved this statement. When was the last time you felt like this?
My good friend Jose R, made this remark on his blog this week. I just love how everything came together for him. I asked if I could share and well, open source!
Over and Out,
Cheryl
I think I first heard the term; "Open Source Learning" in chat in the Webcast Academy. I thought I knew what it was. I figured it referred to us choose what content we wanted to learn on the internet. I heard Will Richardson refer to ideas on the Read-Write Web and the like. I also keep up with other superbloggers like Wesley Fryer, Miguel Ghulin, David Warlick, Christopher Sessums, Steven Downes just to name a few. I even particpated in K12Online last year and Web Heads in Action Online Conference this year along with Necc2007 not to mention everything happening at edtechtalk. Nevertheless understanding comes through the practice or application and not theory. Not until Webcast Academy did I begin to understand Open Source Learning. It just all clicked today. I got a call from Kevin Sandridge a teacher in central Florida, we had a long talk about web 2.0 and implications for Second Language Learners, Yesterday Susan was asking about classes to recruit for youthbridges. I had a conversation with Chris Craft about a project on digital storytelling on Friday. And Today it just came all together. Dennis was uploading his file to Webcast Academy. It didn't show up in the flash player. I thought I would help out. How hard could it be. 80 minutes later with Susan patiently waiting on the sidelines we defeated the audacity gremlins and sucessfully uploaded the file. I felt great and was happy to be able to contribute. Open Source Learning means building on collective knowledge. NOW, I've GOT IT!
I hope you get a chance to try this out for yourself. Leave a comment if you have a reflection about this.Over and Out,
Cheryl
Blogged with Flock
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Eight Random Things Meme
I was tagged by my great Canadian friend Sharon Peters and Wes Fryer, so here goes.
Here are the Rules:
* Post these rules before you give your facts
* List 8 random facts about yourself
* At the end of your post, choose (tag) 8 people and list their names, linking to them
* Leave a comment on their blog, letting them know they’ve been tagged.
Okay, 8 random things about me. This could be fun.
1. I love skiing, just love it, 50+ days a year.
2. During the summer, I spend time gardening.
3. My High School English teachers did not think I was a good writer, I think I have finally stopped believing that.
4. I am a Webhead class of 2006.
5. Although I am a Women of Web 2.0, my husband and I have 3 young men in our house.
6. My ipod has more podcasts than songs and photos combined.
7. I love to make up passwords for people!
8. I have yet to find my comfort zone, I am always living on the edge.
Well, that was fun! Now for my victims!
Alice Barr, Michael Richards, Jason Hando, Chrissy Hellyer, Melinda Miller, Susan Ettenheim
Hope you have fun!
Here are the Rules:
* Post these rules before you give your facts
* List 8 random facts about yourself
* At the end of your post, choose (tag) 8 people and list their names, linking to them
* Leave a comment on their blog, letting them know they’ve been tagged.
Okay, 8 random things about me. This could be fun.
1. I love skiing, just love it, 50+ days a year.
2. During the summer, I spend time gardening.
3. My High School English teachers did not think I was a good writer, I think I have finally stopped believing that.
4. I am a Webhead class of 2006.
5. Although I am a Women of Web 2.0, my husband and I have 3 young men in our house.
6. My ipod has more podcasts than songs and photos combined.
7. I love to make up passwords for people!
8. I have yet to find my comfort zone, I am always living on the edge.
Well, that was fun! Now for my victims!
Alice Barr, Michael Richards, Jason Hando, Chrissy Hellyer, Melinda Miller, Susan Ettenheim
Hope you have fun!
Blogged with Flock
Thursday, August 02, 2007
MLTI-emints workshop in Castine, ME August 2007
This workshop is really happening. There are so many new tools that have been put into place since June. I will share them as I find and experience them.
I've been in workshops with David Warlick today and I"ve learned lots about the tools and people who are using them. There are so many new things.
This morning at low tide I found the most unreal sea stars or star fish of many sizes and many colors.I've made a bubbleshare feed for you to see what I saw.
technorati tags:cheryloakes
Blogged with Flock
Friday, July 20, 2007
Thanks to Rachel, NZ, for this heads up about the 10 year anniversary of blogging. It was a surprise blogging has been around that long. I've been blogging since I believe the school year of 2003, and in earnest since 2005 when I went on sabbatical and wanted to stay in touch with my students. Now I have many blogs, one for staff, one for TechLearning.com/blog, my facebook, my think.com, and the list goes on.
So, Happy Blogiversary! If you aren't posting (writing) to your own blog yet, try reading a few.
Here is the Wall Street Journal article explaining the 10 year history.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Parent Information about Technology in WOCSD #18
Parent Technology Information for WOCSD #18
The WOCSD District Technology Committee has spent the year reviewing how technology is used in the classroom and throughout the district. A number of changes and recommendations have come from this review. The committee wanted to update the community on the progress the district has made with regard to technology both in the classroom and throughout the district. If you have any questions please contact coakesATwocsd.org
Internet Safety DVD at library: In January a very informative program on internet safety, presented by Brad Russ, that went into specifics about My space, IM, cyberbullying, and preserving your online identity. The program was recorded and is available on DVD at the Wells Public Library and each school. Be sure to check it out and take a look at it. Thanks to Reg Bennett for recording this event. Thanks to Nancy Cotty and Cheryl Mills for organizing this event. You can continue the conversations here at http://wocsdinternetsafety4parents.wikispaces.com/ or http://tinyurl.com/24nmrc . The podcast of the evening is a this address http://coakes50.podomatic.com/entry/eg/2007-02-01T02_52_12-08_00 or you can use this address http://tinyurl.com/2g7x8p
Technology expectations for teachers and administrators: Beginning in the fall all teachers and administrators within the district will be using basic technology skills and will be expected to incorporate these skills in the classroom on a regular basis. A list of skill requirements was developed by the committee and approved by the administration. All teachers have completed an online survey. The survey will shape the professional development and other continuing education opportunities which will be offered. Support will be offered through Adult Education classes, online classes, outside workshops and conferences and local workshops.
Moodle to be used for communication: Another exciting change is the addition of a moodle that will be used by teachers throughout the district. A what? A moodle...is online software that was designed to manage class or course content. Teachers and administrators can use the Moodle as a place to share information, provide quizzes for students, provide surveys and places for students to share projects. The district will support teachers in their learning of the Moodle opportunities. This will be a multi year project as there are many different ways to use the Moodle. Teachers will use this system to communicate with each other, students and parents. In the long run it will enable much flexibility in communicating with parents and students since both groups will be able to access homework assignments, papers, and potentially grades among other things. There will be more information on how parents can use this new technology to their advantage in the fall. This new system will replace the current HomeworkNow.com.
On-line announcements: A major change at Wells Elementary School began this spring. In an effort to save paper the school began a paperless announcement system. Also in response to the results of a National Technology Use survey, parents requested announcements go directly to their email, rather than parents checking out a webpage for announcements. Instead of sending home notices to every student on Fridays the school began sending an email announcement with notices attached in pdf format. In the fall this paperless system will continue. At the junior high and senior high schools the goal is to have all announcements posted on the web sites on a daily basis. This will enable parents to easily keep track of upcoming events and other vital school information. The committee feels strongly that this is a very important part of good communication between schools and parents. The School Committee commented during a recent meeting commented that many people in the community are pleased with the ease of email contact with staff.
Free software: In an effort to leverage our tax dollars where is matters most, the district technology committee recommended the district look at open source software. This software is what is called open source software, a free, downloadable version of a product that is under development, and fully operational. This program is very similar to Microsoft Office, but students will be able to save their work in a format that can be opened on any types of computer operating system and within Microsoft Office. In other words, your child will not have to worry if he saves it on a school mac, but has a pc at home. Additionally, if you do not have Microsoft Office, or a certain piece of it, you can download the open source program for free without fear of introducing a virus onto your computer. Businesses all over the world are switching to this program. You can find additional information about this software at HYPERLINK "http://www.openoffice.org/"(for pc's) or _NeoOffice__ http://www.neooffice.org/ (for mac's). All schools will be using open source software for students including Firefox, a browser by Mozilla.org, Neooffice at NeoOffice.org, OpenOffice at OpenOffice.org and the Moodle at Moodle.org.
Virtual High School: After reviewing computer and technology courses offered at high schools throughout York and Cumberland Counties we discovered that WHS is one of just two school districts that does not offer these courses as electives. We currently are in discussions with Kennebunk High School to become part of the state's virtual high school. This allows member schools to access on-line courses taught by teachers within the member community. Course listings can be quite extensive and not just limited to technology. We hope to have something in the works next year. Also please see your guidance counselor for details on specific Virtual Classes offered to students on an individual basis, throughout the State of Maine. All High School juniors will have free access to PrepMe an online program for practicing strategies for taking the SAT. You will receive individual login and password information from your guidance counselor.
Laptops: Laptops will continue to be used at WJHS as part of the STATE MLTI, Maine Learning and Technology Initiative. However, beginning next year, at WHS, laptops for freshmen and sophomores will not be sent home on a daily basis. Students will be encouraged to purchase a USB flash Drive memory stick to transport information between home and school. Memory sticks with a 256mb memory and engraved with a Wells Warrior logo will be available for purchase in the office beginning in the fall through the Wells Boosters. Memory sticks also may be purchased elsewhere. The 256 mb will be plenty for school purposes.
Tech staffing: There will be a changes in technology staffing in the district for next year. At WJHS Mr. Lindauer will split his time between a half time science position and half time technology integrator. Cheryl Oakes will add an additional day at WHS as technology integrator/collaborative content coach for technology, for a total of 2 days a week. Mr. Sprankle will continue as full time technology integrator at WES. Each school building will continue to have a full time computer technician to support our use of technology.
This summary was created by Marty Cryer and Cheryl Oakes and posted July 2007. Thanks Marty! The full technology plan update will be found at the district site or here at wocsdtechtalk.
The WOCSD District Technology Committee has spent the year reviewing how technology is used in the classroom and throughout the district. A number of changes and recommendations have come from this review. The committee wanted to update the community on the progress the district has made with regard to technology both in the classroom and throughout the district. If you have any questions please contact coakesATwocsd.org
Internet Safety DVD at library: In January a very informative program on internet safety, presented by Brad Russ, that went into specifics about My space, IM, cyberbullying, and preserving your online identity. The program was recorded and is available on DVD at the Wells Public Library and each school. Be sure to check it out and take a look at it. Thanks to Reg Bennett for recording this event. Thanks to Nancy Cotty and Cheryl Mills for organizing this event. You can continue the conversations here at http://wocsdinternetsafety4parents.wikispaces.com/ or http://tinyurl.com/24nmrc . The podcast of the evening is a this address http://coakes50.podomatic.com/entry/eg/2007-02-01T02_52_12-08_00 or you can use this address http://tinyurl.com/2g7x8p
Technology expectations for teachers and administrators: Beginning in the fall all teachers and administrators within the district will be using basic technology skills and will be expected to incorporate these skills in the classroom on a regular basis. A list of skill requirements was developed by the committee and approved by the administration. All teachers have completed an online survey. The survey will shape the professional development and other continuing education opportunities which will be offered. Support will be offered through Adult Education classes, online classes, outside workshops and conferences and local workshops.
Moodle to be used for communication: Another exciting change is the addition of a moodle that will be used by teachers throughout the district. A what? A moodle...is online software that was designed to manage class or course content. Teachers and administrators can use the Moodle as a place to share information, provide quizzes for students, provide surveys and places for students to share projects. The district will support teachers in their learning of the Moodle opportunities. This will be a multi year project as there are many different ways to use the Moodle. Teachers will use this system to communicate with each other, students and parents. In the long run it will enable much flexibility in communicating with parents and students since both groups will be able to access homework assignments, papers, and potentially grades among other things. There will be more information on how parents can use this new technology to their advantage in the fall. This new system will replace the current HomeworkNow.com.
On-line announcements: A major change at Wells Elementary School began this spring. In an effort to save paper the school began a paperless announcement system. Also in response to the results of a National Technology Use survey, parents requested announcements go directly to their email, rather than parents checking out a webpage for announcements. Instead of sending home notices to every student on Fridays the school began sending an email announcement with notices attached in pdf format. In the fall this paperless system will continue. At the junior high and senior high schools the goal is to have all announcements posted on the web sites on a daily basis. This will enable parents to easily keep track of upcoming events and other vital school information. The committee feels strongly that this is a very important part of good communication between schools and parents. The School Committee commented during a recent meeting commented that many people in the community are pleased with the ease of email contact with staff.
Free software: In an effort to leverage our tax dollars where is matters most, the district technology committee recommended the district look at open source software. This software is what is called open source software, a free, downloadable version of a product that is under development, and fully operational. This program is very similar to Microsoft Office, but students will be able to save their work in a format that can be opened on any types of computer operating system and within Microsoft Office. In other words, your child will not have to worry if he saves it on a school mac, but has a pc at home. Additionally, if you do not have Microsoft Office, or a certain piece of it, you can download the open source program for free without fear of introducing a virus onto your computer. Businesses all over the world are switching to this program. You can find additional information about this software at HYPERLINK "http://www.openoffice.org/"(for pc's) or _NeoOffice__ http://www.neooffice.org/ (for mac's). All schools will be using open source software for students including Firefox, a browser by Mozilla.org, Neooffice at NeoOffice.org, OpenOffice at OpenOffice.org and the Moodle at Moodle.org.
Virtual High School: After reviewing computer and technology courses offered at high schools throughout York and Cumberland Counties we discovered that WHS is one of just two school districts that does not offer these courses as electives. We currently are in discussions with Kennebunk High School to become part of the state's virtual high school. This allows member schools to access on-line courses taught by teachers within the member community. Course listings can be quite extensive and not just limited to technology. We hope to have something in the works next year. Also please see your guidance counselor for details on specific Virtual Classes offered to students on an individual basis, throughout the State of Maine. All High School juniors will have free access to PrepMe an online program for practicing strategies for taking the SAT. You will receive individual login and password information from your guidance counselor.
Laptops: Laptops will continue to be used at WJHS as part of the STATE MLTI, Maine Learning and Technology Initiative. However, beginning next year, at WHS, laptops for freshmen and sophomores will not be sent home on a daily basis. Students will be encouraged to purchase a USB flash Drive memory stick to transport information between home and school. Memory sticks with a 256mb memory and engraved with a Wells Warrior logo will be available for purchase in the office beginning in the fall through the Wells Boosters. Memory sticks also may be purchased elsewhere. The 256 mb will be plenty for school purposes.
Tech staffing: There will be a changes in technology staffing in the district for next year. At WJHS Mr. Lindauer will split his time between a half time science position and half time technology integrator. Cheryl Oakes will add an additional day at WHS as technology integrator/collaborative content coach for technology, for a total of 2 days a week. Mr. Sprankle will continue as full time technology integrator at WES. Each school building will continue to have a full time computer technician to support our use of technology.
This summary was created by Marty Cryer and Cheryl Oakes and posted July 2007. Thanks Marty! The full technology plan update will be found at the district site or here at wocsdtechtalk.
technorati tags:wocsd, parent, cheryloakes
Blogged with Flock
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Karl Fisch and his cadre of teachers
Constructivist Teaching with Technology: Learning with Laptops
Tag=n07s647
fischbowl.blogspot.com
learningandlaptops.blogspot.com
Karl wrote up a proposal where staff meet once every 3rd week for a 3 hour block, during day, paid staff development- built in collaboration time, reflection and sharing.
Teachers need the passion.
First thing was to change the way the classroom looked. Changed the culture for students, tables, rolling chairs, and told the kids they were professionals and they had a job.
Second, changed the posters in the room. 21st century motivating.
Third, posted kids expectations in the class.
The first successes were noticed with teachers being engaged, during lunch, teachers talking about ideas, no complaining during lunch.Each teacher has a personal blog for reflection. Classes have their class blogs. Constructivist class practice. When Ann has a fishbowl in the class so students are participating, then the outside kids are blogging the proceeding.Skype is better than blogger for commenting on ideas.
Had conversations about what kinds of abilities the students should have by graduation. Businesses said teamwork was essential. When to be a leader, when to follow and how to collaborate. Collaboration is not the same as cooperative learning!
http://www.lps.k12.co.us/schools/arapahoe/21c/necc2007.html
Podcasting is an incredible way to share what is happening, it is a window to the classroom. She had her students write essays for NPR, This I Believe. Success!
to be continued....
Some of the responses are not the best work, but there is a worldwide audience and it is emphasized to produce quality work.
Leaving time for conversation. Thanks to Karl and his team. Check it out!
technorati tags:necc07
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Monday, June 25, 2007
Sowing the Seed for a more creative society
Mitchel Resnick
Tag=n07s737 Blog Posts / Blog RSS / Flickr / Flickr RSS
Join me with a summary of this workshop.
Where do we do creativity right? Kindergarten, go Maria Knee,(who I happen to be sitting next to during this session) Kathy Shields and all the rest of you!
Kindergarten approach, explore, create, question. If you only have wooden blocks and paint from kindergarten to high school, we won't create and envision new things.
But rather let's work on more advance ideas with the kindergarten approach.
Look for technologies that are easy to get into yet have lots of diversity of projects, learning styles, and more complex things.
to be continued...
Playfulinventioncompany pico.com
There is a new kit with legos and arts and craft stuff for building. Crickets.
the new materials for kids to build with are sensors and lights.
Scratch sosftware for kids to create online. Put together media to act and react
Demo of the software , awesome. Free download from ScratchMIT
Running out of battery, be back later!
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Daring Conversation: An Actor shares the voices of students
Very dynamic and engaging presentation using student blogs, statistics. Taking It Global Student Video Contest award winning videos.
www.takingitglobal.org
Students are creating content, so they are learning.But how can you /we bring ideas into the classroom, how do they use technology in their lives, how can we use it in schools.
Tag=n07s581
How can we use technology to connect souls and teach brains!
http://www.actwith.com
Daring to Converse with Natives in the Jungle
Great.
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Voices from the Past, session at NECC07
This session was a great demonstration of how a 3rd grade teacher used a blog, start to finish with her students to write, illustrate and provide audio about Harriet Tubman. You can see the website here. http://dowell.typepad.com/harriet_tubman/2006/02/welcome.html#comments
Junior High http://dowell.typepad.com/civil_war/2007/05/welcome.html#comments
4th grade http://tappmiddleschool.typepad.com/ww2/
Junior High http://dowell.typepad.com/civil_war/2007/05/welcome.html#comments
4th grade http://tappmiddleschool.typepad.com/ww2/
The room was packed, the information was concise and well delivered.
Presentation by Herman Wood. edtech@typepad.com
technorati tags:necc07, n07s740
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Sunday, June 24, 2007
Sunday NECC June 24 ready for the Keynote.
Well, this update will show that you too can live this conference virtually.
I spent last evening at the top of the Westin Hotel with a great group of bloggers. Photos will follow, Lisa! Vicki Davis surely had great southern hospitality and gave all the guest some peanut brittle, plus organized this wonderful dinner reservation.
We circled the city 3 times during dinner. It was an incredible dinner, view, and conversations. No we did not podcast!
Today was spent with the WOW 2 women went in different directions. Cheryl helped with the CRICK software booth and set up. It was amazing how an empty hall can be transformed into a huge and informative exhibit hall. Check out Brian Crosby's blog for the photographic transformation.
Vicki was preparing more for her presentations and more. Sharon was attending a workshop called Sidebar Envy , given by David Warlick. Jen went to Stone Mountain and spent the day with Discovery Educators.
We are waiting for the first keynote with Anderw Zolli. Look for the blogs with this tag, from David Warlick.
Well, this is Day 2 and the real conference is about to begin. People are recognizable by their lanyards and name tags. The badge of honor. I am seated at the Bloggers Cafe, great wireless and good folks all around.
Over and out.
technorati tags:NECC07, cheryloakes
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