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ESchool has a steaming news program dealing with the most interesting technology innovations of the day, http://www.eschoolnews.tv/ . You might find this site a quick way to keep up-to-date on the newest ideas dealing with technology. This site also provides an idea for our schools. When you go to eSchool's Techwatch listen and watch for just a few minutes to get acclimated. Then look for the tab that links to the Empowered Education Awards, How We Use Technology to Learn. Watch a couple of these 3 to 7 minute videos produced by students. The titles will appear in a box at the bottom left of the screen. Students in our schools could produce such videos. To empower multimedia projects such as these, the Division of Schools purchased 20 Flip Video Camcorders that can be used on a loan basis for project based learning by teams of students. The Flip is a small camcorder that connects via USB port to your computer. Videos can be downloaded and production can take place in Windows Movie Marker, a free program found on almost every PC. (http://www.theflip.com/products_try.shtml ) We would love to publicize your students' work on http://ideas4us.com Imagine the excitement of seeing a brief video (up to 3 to 5 minutes) on our site, on your own school site or even in teacher tube http://www.teachertube.com/ Reserve a set of Flip Video Camcorders for a Multimedia Project.
Cyber Bullying is becoming an all too frequent event, an event we can help to prevent. Yes, all our schools have acceptable use policies. We require both parent and student' signatures to ensure that the Internet and school resources are used appropriately. But we need to do more. We need to teach our students to consider the consequences of cyber bullying both to the victims and to the bullies. Students will understand more clearly when they are the authors of their own cyber bullying presentations and collectively produce cyber rules to teach others. We’ve seen this done so effectively in Wikis produced by teams of students. Why not let our students do the research and publish their own documentation. Here are some resources you might want to use to get such a project started. Could older students work with younger ones in such a project? Could students produce a video podcast (vodcasts) to share in http://ideas4us.com or on your own Web site? Here are some resources to get you started:
http://wiredsafety.org/
http://www.staysafe.org
http://www.bullying.org
Cyberethics, Cybersafety and Cybersecurity REGISTER NOW! for the 7th Annual C3™ ConferenceThe core mission of the C3™ Conference is to inform the educational community about the ethical, legal, safety, and security implications of technology use and how educators and parents can apply these concepts to their own setting. This year includes tutorial sessions and practical applications that can be immediately applied to your home or classroom setting. A display area has also been added to share cutting edge products with attendees. Participants will hear from a number of National Educational Technology and Information and Assurance Technology Experts on topics including Acceptable Use Policies, Copyright, Promotion Strategies for Academic Integrity and Character Education, Ethical Development and Decision Making, Privacy, Cyber bullying, Identity Theft, Educational Curriculum Options for Ethics, Security and Safety. Through a variety of presentations, case studies and group work, participants will give consideration to responses that can be applied in their own settings. Participants will also learn how to get more actively involved in National Cyber Security Awareness Month and the National C3™ Baseline Study. Registration cost ($75) includes: conference sessions, workshops, keynote luncheon, snacks, materials and CD
Website
Update
Our Technology Showcase
for the 08/09 school year
is part of the ABCCE conference.
Professional
Development with Technology We currently have 24 courses approved by the state department, each course all participants to earn continuing professional development, CPD, credits. You can see a complete listing of courses here: http://ideas4us.com/msde.htm These approved courses can be taught by a qualified educator at your own school. Does your school currently offer any of these courses for your own educators? The process for making this happen is outlined here: http://ideas4us.com/process4teaching.htm
Web Site Ideas: Best Librarian Blog Diigo if a free bookmarking tool that gives user a
digital highlighter to mark important ideas as well as free annotator to
tool to add ideas.
May 2008 Update
ABCCE Summer
Courses eRate
Re-certification
Technology Plans ABCCE Presenter Proposals
· The easiest solution is to make screen prints of what you want to show from the Internet and copy and paste them into your PowerPoint. Not only is this easy but the process absolutely assures that your audience will see what you want them to see when you want them to see it. In fact, that is the way I always present at conferences. If I get to the Internet, that’s good and if I don’t my presentation goes on without a hitch. Besides that, I have a ready presentation that doesn’t require much thought on the day of presentation and can be given over and over again. It’s really the way to go! · I have a dial-up connection through my phone and am able to get Internet anywhere. It is cheap and easy (about $20 for the connection and about $5.00 a month fee. · I also have a USB connection to the Internet. (I have been seeing these offered in new phone deals for free) Not as cheap (about $40 a month but really a valuable tool. If you travel around a lot, this is such a wonderful tool. If you are worried about bringing your own laptop and projector, please don’t worry. We’ll have a guarded storage room for you. So with all that said, what are you waiting for?
Sign up now directly from
http://ideas4us.com You will be helping your fellow teachers. You will be advertising the good things that are happening at your school. And being a presenter at a State wide conference looks great in your resume or portfolio. Furthermore, we need you! The opportunity to present will soon close. Don’t delay. Principals, please encourage your
teachers to present at the ABCCE Conference. What a great way to
reaffirm their important efforts.
Please, PLEASE remember the rules for successfully completing your MSDE re-certification are found online on our own Website. Go to the main page of http://ideas4us.com and click on Certification or go directly to http://ideas4us.com/Certification.htm Check this site often. Changes are made frequently. In summary, we are getting expert help specifically for Catholic Educators from MSDE for those who first read and follow the directions found on the links above. All Certification information from MSDE is communicated via the web and email so be sure to include an email address whenever you correspond with MSDE. Send your inquiries on school stationary so that you are clearly identified as a Catholic Educator. MSDE also needs your SS# Download verification of experience forms from the website above if you are new to our school system or have a PEC certificate. You’ll also need to send your background check and fingerprint information that is located in your school office. And if you have never been certified before go to a college or university that has an MAT (Masters in Arts in Teaching) program to find out what you need to do to become a certified teacher.
And if your technology plan has not been approved by me, it needs to be. Plans must be approved every 3 years by someone certified by Schools and Library services. This plan does not have to be complicated or lengthy. For requirements look here: http://ideas4us.com/tech_plans.htm Time is running out on this requirement. Plans must be approved before you file the final form or pay vendors. Like the Certification process the rules are very specific but unlike Certification not complicated. In recent years more and more schools have been audited and had to produce signed plans. Don’t get caught.-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technology Leaders Graduate from AOB Certificate Program We are pleased and honored to announce that 12 members of our cohort, who received scholarships from the Catholic Family Foundation, are awarded Certificates of Specialization in Educational Technology Leadership. The following Catholic educators have completed at least four courses in the Technology Professional Development Program of the Archdiocese of Baltimore (AOB). In addition, they have completed a practicum requiring mentoring colleagues and instruction of students in the use of online learning management system tools. Many of the following have already become instructors in the AOB professional development program. All are invited to take part in this exciting, collaborative effort to build teams of technology specialists in every school. Please join me in congratulating the following participants and personally awarding them their Certificate of Specialization in Educational Technology leadership.
On March 3 at The John Carroll School, more than 300 Catholic educators representing high schools, middle schools and elementary schools met for a day of sharing best practices in using technology as a tool for learning. The hallways of the main floor of the school came alive with the work of about 30 posters presenters, many of them students, eager to talk to their audience and share their important work. MPC/Gateway provided hospitality as well as shipped in more than 25 table PC computers for the Showcase audience to see, touch and feel pen-based computer concepts. Paul Barker, principal, offered a keynote address in which he encouraged all educators to embrace the idea of "going into the new." Break-out sessions, involving an additional 30 presenters, filled rooms to overflowing and offered insight into blogging, podcasting, video production. Web 2.0 as well as many more cutting edge topics. Hands-on labs allowed participants to learn about the latest Microsoft products, tablet PC technology, pen-based computer input and dynamic Web site creation. The day was filled with exciting opportunities for learning, collaboration and networking that left most who attended alive with possibilities to implement in their own schools.
Whole School Interactive Web sites Authored with Principals' Input Two of our elementary/middle school principals are leading the way toward implementing whole school communication through Website possibilities. Both schools are working with teachers, students, and parents in offering opportunities to communicate through their school sites. Sr. Helen Wiegmann, S.S.J., Our Lady of Grace, in Parkton, Maryland, maintains a principal's page for teachers and parents, alike. while Pat Schratz, principal of St. Augustine School in Elkridge Maryland, is an author in her school’s SharePoint site. Both administrators model their enthusiasm and encouragement for members of their school communities. Every teacher in both schools has created a Webpage with information for parents and students, alike.
Practicum Course Develops Online Leaders In the Spring Semester of 2008, twelve Catholic Educators put together online courses, studying best practices in distance learning and involving students in online communication. Perhaps the most unique part of the practicum is that those participating teach at many different levels, grades 2 through 8, as well as high school Social Studies, Physics and English. Those who believe that such a diverse group of educators would have little in common would be surprised to see this effective, collaborative, community at work. Not only are the course participants benefitting from their study but so are their students who eagerly communicate through Web-based discussion and online teamwork.
eRate brings Funding for Technology
Final meeting to assure that schools that applied receive their funds....August 7th (location TBA)
Every week from June 16th to the last week in July offers different opportunities to participate in Maryland State Department Education approved courses worth 3 continuing professional development credits.
You'll find more details and Web-based registration here: http://ideas4us.com/summer08.htm
Technology News
Professional Day News Reported The Professional Day for Archdiocese Technology Leaders gave many the opportunities to network and share important ideas. Our audience was grateful for the presentations dealing with best practices in using Microsoft Office 2008, Vista operating system and SharePoint 3. Suggestions from the participants include more
opportunities for networking and hands-on sessions. There is a request
for a lesson plan sharing space. A central location of such lessons is
here:
http://sp.mdtechcenter.org/redline/open/Lesson%20Plan%20Sharing/Forms/Standard.aspx
Sharing the Good
News
Judy Robison of St
John’s Catholic Prep reports
that her school is using Moodle to enhance problem solving, critical
thinking and student collaboration. This school offers professional
development online. If you would like to know more about their exciting
work contact Judy
jrobison@saintjohnsprep.org
for a guest account.
Go to
http://64.181.56.170
St. John’s Catholic Prep is also using Edline and Grade Quick.
Lori Snyder of St.
Augustine School is proud to
announce that their school is using Tablet PC’s to their best advantage.
Last year faculty received their
tablets and this year, St. Augustine purchased
31 brand new HP Tablets for use
in the middle school. Pat Stelmaszczk , Father Kolbe School, is working more extensively with SharePoint 2 using their own server donated by a local business. Last year several teachers took a course in utilizing SharePoint and their enthusiasm for online sharing among students and faculty alike just took off.
Patti White, St. Clare School, reports that enthusiasm is ALIVE for integrating technology into the curriculum. Middle School students are not only proficient in MS Office use but are learning to build computers. Their problem solving and teamwork skills are increasing steadily. St. Clare’s school uses technology to communicate with parents, students and faculty.
Cathy Urban, St Clement School , posts video to http://Teachertube.comCrusaders of Learning finds full implementation at her school. Each day more and more teachers are discovering the power of online communication with one another, parents and students.
Karen Sampson, St. Joan of Arc School, announces the launching of a new school website. All teachers have their own areas for posting homework, newsletters, announcements and class work. Approval of an upgraded server and network has faculty, students and parents excited about new possibilities for using Technology as a tool for communication and learning.
Tim Wedra,
Teachers and Technology
awarded several of our schools complete SharePoint 3 domains allowing
all teachers and administrators to have personal websites and all the
interactive capability of online sharing. Tim is a long time friend and
trainer of teachers in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. In partnership with
the Division of Catholic Schools Tim hosts our website
http://ideas4us.com and all our online
capabilities with SharePoint. SharePoint is a Microsoft Product with
full capabilities of an online learning system. New opportunities for
sharing information, communication, collaboration and presentations
being developed almost daily. Teachers in the AOB can view some of
SharePoint's’ capabilities by participating in the Technology Leadership
site.
http://sp.mdtechcenter.org/redline/open/default.aspx
Tom Murdock
awarded the following school use of Moodlerooms.
Patricia
Stelmaszczk—Father Kolbe
Schott Loomis,
Regional Sales Manager of Tech4Learning
http://tech4learning.com/donated
complete lab sets of Multimedia Software to the following schools: (In
addition the winning schools will receive extensive training and support
ensuring best practices and technical skill in the use of the new
software.) These schools will present their student’s best work at the
Technology Showcase, March 3, 2007 Maria Scott, St. William of York, won a complete lab set of software, Frames, which allows students to create multimedia Pod Casts, movies, animation and more. Maria Starcher, St. Joseph Fullerton, won a complete lab set for the multimedia software, Blender. With this tool students can create rich web sites with text, graphics, and sound to share school reports, field trips, photo galleries, hobbies, and much more. Web Blender's intuitive tools has a friendly interface let you focus on the content, and not your web-authoring tool. Sally Moran, Monsignor Slade School, won Pixie. Pixie is exciting creativity software with an array of paint and easy-to-use image editing tools. Users of all ages can manipulate images and design original artwork. Edit images by applying a variety of graphic effects and cool edges to photos. Create original art using unique paint tools, shapes, and fill options. Tell stories using pictures from the sticker library. Other Important Awards available for your school
Impatica
http://www.impatica.com/imp4ppt/ is an innovative tool for compressing PowerPoint presentations. If you teach students ( and faculty) to create PowerPoint presentations and you have web server where you would like to store their work either for internal use or the World Wide Web, Impatica is a necessity for you. Impatica for PowerPoint simply converts the PowerPoint file into a compressed format that is optimized for streaming over the Internet. The Impatica file is typically 95% smaller than the PowerPoint HTML files. Furthermore, no one needs PowerPoint to view the files and all work is un-editable preserving each original presentation.
David J. Manley, president and developer of Crusaders of Learning, https://Crusadersoflearning.org has offered the new Learning Management System, free to Archdiocesan schools during the 2007-08 school year. Crusaders of Learning has been designed to meet the needs of the elementary school student. Crusaders of Learning provides teachers one place to manage educational standards, lesson plans, and student assignments. Teachers match the objectives of their lesson plans to the relevant educational standards that apply to their curriculum. This learning management system allows teachers to build a portfolio of effective lesson plans and assignments that can be easily refreshed, updated, and presented again - saving preparation time each session. Lesson plans, designated as shared by other teachers, can be reviewed on-line, which facilitates networking with colleagues sharing methodologies, educational materials and research. Other features available within Crusaders of Learning: creating on-line tests, hosting on-line conferences with voice and image, hosting chat rooms, monitoring collaboration activities, posting to event calendars, and managing the notification and registration of Parent/Teacher Conferences, and Consent and Permission authorizations. To date all students in
grades k-8 are active participates in Crusaders of Learning at St.
Clement M.H.
ERate
School. New Archdiocesan accounts with
Crusaders of Learning are the following: Our Lady of Hope/ St. Luke, St.
Marks Catonsville, and To request an account with Crusaders of Learning go to https://Crusadersoflearning.org
Although registration for eRate training officially closed on November 2, you are still invited to attend. When registering late you may have missed the documentation that was sent contact credline@archbalt.orgto make sure you have everything you need for the meetings. At the Superintendent’s luncheon, Dr. Mary Ellen Hrutka announced the Consortium’s plan to support our schools in gaining important eRate funding by providing us with an expert in the field, Jason Koch, to guide us in our work. Jason is leading two workshops one on November 14 and the other on December 12 at Graduate Centers Timonium Campus. 2034 Greenspring Drive, Timonium, MD 21093. After these sessions Jason will continue his guidance through online assistance and another workshop planned for July or August to assure that you receive the funds for which you have been approved. If you are satisfied and confident in your eRate application, this message is not for you. By all means continue to do what works for you. But if you feel you could use more assistance in preparation of these government forms, please plan to send a representative to either the workshop for those new to eRate or to the workshop for those familiar with eRate. If your school has a high poverty level of 75% as represented in free and reduced lunch and textbook funding, Mr. Koch will be able to provide more extensive services throughout the entire project. This is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss! You can still register to attend. Registration Process is as follows: Go to
http://ideas4us.com/e-rate.htm In the Blue sidebar click on either, Register1 (experience)…..or Register2 (new to eRate) Choose New….New item Fill in the information and click OK We are confidence your participation in the project will yield excellent returns for your effort.
Go to http://sp.mdtechcenter.org/redline/open/default.aspx User name…..archteacher Registration is available through the blue quick launch bar running down the left side of the screen. There is no better way to highlight and showcase your students ‘excellent work then to present a tabletop/ poster session at the Technology Showcase on March 3. If you register NOW to publish your students work in this important way, the job will be easy. Start collecting their work and let them know that those who show good problem solving and collaborative skills will be chosen to represent your school. Please share! Also register to provide a break-out session. During professional day, leaders asked for hands on sessions in the new Microsoft products and as well as Moodle, Crusaders and SharePoint3. Also requested was a session on free or inexpensive ways to equip your school, lesson plan sharing, and other networking sessions. You may have even better ideas. Register now!
The professional
development courses which run for our schools, in our schools, by our
leaders are alive and well. More and more school schools are recognizing
the value of these courses. Particularly in the field of technology,
leaders are compelled to provide professional development for their
teachers. The Archdiocese Strategic Plan lists this goal and eRate
funding demands it as do almost all grant opportunities.
Having courses that involve integrating technology into the curriculum are an important way to develop the teams of collaborative leaders needed in each school. As more and more teachers are trained, the school reaches new heights in meeting the needs of the whole community of learners at each educational institution. Courses other than those particularly dealing with technology are available, also.
Look at these requirements: http://ideas4us.com/process4teaching.htm Consider these courses: http://ideas4us.com/msde.htm Contact Carole
Redline who will help you implement your plan.
Ideas 4 us, http://ideas4us , the division of Catholic Schools, technology Website, has become an important resource for sharing information. Although the site has only existed for about a year, the information it contains has been used by many teachers and administrators to quickly locate current opportunities concerning professional development, certification, eRate, technology planning, and other official Division of Catholic Schools policy. In addition the site provides a pathway to our online courses and opportunities for project sharing. In order to keep the Website viable and easy to navigate, the design has been revised and updated. More opportunities for collaboration have been added. Ideas4us acts as a portal not only for resources but also for our SharePoint services and collaborative efforts. New classrooms have been added for administrators, new teachers, the teacher focus group, Project Skip, Student Empowerment and eRate collaboration. What ideas do you have about information that should be included? Do you need access to a new SharePoint site? Contact Carole Redline credline@archbalt.org . Back to Top of Page
Fall
Courses in Continuing Professional Development offered by AOB
instructors There are currently twenty-one courses that have been approved for Maryland State Department CPD credit. This summer three pre-algebra and algebra classes were added to the offerings. In addition a course on Technology planning has been added.
More schools are inquiring about
holding courses at their own facilities to meet the specific needs of
their faculty. Many administrators are exploring ways to use title II
funding to sponsor faculty participation. Contact Carole Redline for
further information.
Teacher Re-Certification with Maryland State Department of Education This site contains procedures that must be followed carefully and information on senior exemption, verification of experience, and links to important MSDE tracking of progress in the renewal process. Please read this important information carefully. Back to Top of Page
You won’t want to miss this important eRate Opportunity at Loyola
Graduate Center,
Therefore, the Consortium
of Mid-Atlantic Catholic Schools through the guidance of Dr. Mary
Ellen Hrutka has proposed that professional guidance be provided to
all our schools through Jason Koch, Dynamic Network Solutions. Jason’s expertise in eRate consultation
is highly documented. We are extremely fortunate to have him
facilitate our eRate efforts and very grateful for the consortiums
effort to assure that all our schools receive the money they are
entitled to.
To
register for the session you will need a user name and pswd
erate
is the user name and
sharepoint
is the pswd
A website is available for
communication of best practices and questions. Full implementation of
this site will begin with November training but you can sign-up
immediately to attend our first meeting here:
http://www.isharenet.com/mentors/MSDE_Resources/Registration_resources.html
Things are changing and the only thing certain is change. This seems to be the mantra for all educators who use technology in the service of the curriculum. Changes in new programs available through Microsoft will affect our schools no matter whether we participate in upgrades or not. Many new computers purchased by our students will come with a Vista operating system. Navigating the new system takes time, practice and patience. Word 2007 will also become the standard in new computers but how will we deal with students who come to school with files that cannot be opened or fellow teachers and administrators who do not remember to SAVE AS Word 2003. Even opportunities in Web creation with FrontPage will shift to SharePoint Designer and our work in SharePoint Designer II will not be easily uploaded to SharePoint III. Being aware of all these changes takes a dedicated and openness to change. Let’s discuss strategies for handing all the newness in our October 22 Professional Development days. If you are already an expert in using one of the new programs, volunteer to present. Back to Top of Page
Fall,
AOB Professional Development Day October
22 Ideas for discussion include: · Dealing with and implementing new programs and Software o Vista o Office 2007 o SharePoint 2007 o SharePoint designer · New eRate consultation opportunity · Technology Planning and new AOB viabilities worksheet · AOB courses for recertification o Teaching at your school o Use of Title II funding · Technology Showcase 2007 at John Carroll School ( March 3, 2008) o Ideas for presenting o Meeting your needs
o
Attendance incentives Mark October 22 on your calendar now! Do you have other ideas you would like to see discussed? Would you like to give a presentation? Communicate those ideas and practice with Sharepoint 3. Click here to contribute
Sign up to attend here by clicking
here:
Registration Your user name is
archteacher and your pswd is
sharepoint
Technology
Showcase Theme Set This year in Baltimore. the Showcase will be hosted at The John Carroll School in Harford County on March 3, 2008. The theme of the conference is Online Collaboration In and Among our Schools. Presentations on innovative ways to use Learning Management Systems, Blogging, Pod-casting, Wikis and Radio broadcasting will be highlighted. Mark your calendars now and plan to present. Bring your colleagues and administrators.
|
Ideas 4 Us
New
Techno News
May 2007
|
Nine classes in technology or that
use technology for delivery are offered June 17- 22
1.
Technology a New Literacy
offered at St. Margaret School
2. Practicum
in using Online Communication in your Teaching offered at
St. Clement/MH
3. Effective
Classroom Management offered at Our Lady Queen of Peac |