E FFECTIVELY I NTEGRATING T ECHNOLOGY & L ITERACY Lesa Scott February 2011

Discover the key to effective technology useDiscover the key to effective technology use 1 Explore some technology toolsExplore some technology tools 2 Awaken a passion for using technology in the classroomAwaken a passion for using technology in the classroom 3 Session Goals

Technology Mentor School District 15 o 280 educators o 3500 students 13 schools 3 alternate school sites A Little Background…

Demonstration Schools Superior Middle School 1:1 netbooks, Take it Home Bathurst High School Dalhousie Regional High School Sugarloaf Senior High School

1:1 Elementary Pilot L.E. Reinsborough Grades 4 & 5

Other Configurations Computer Labs Notebooks Carts/Wireless Pods in Classrooms Pods in Libraries SMART Boards, FM Systems, Document Cameras, Wireless Slates, Response Systems, Teacher Laptops… Caution! What You Have versus How You Use It

T IME TO T HINK ….

How Are You Using Technology? Create a list identifying the ways you use technology in your classroom.

How Are You Using Technology? Is the technology being used “Just because it’s there”? Lacks focus No purpose Add on No real impact on the learning process

How Are You Using Technology? Do old things in old ways – Typing assignments instead of hand writing. – Projecting notes on a white board. – Play a video.

Do old things in new ways Enhance the learning environment How Are You Using Technology?

D OES THE T ECHNOLOGY A LLOW S TUDENTS TO …

..learn from people they never would have been able to without it?

…interact with information in a way that is meaningful and could not have happened otherwise?

…create and share knowledge with an audience they never would have had access to without technology?

Note: 50 Ways to Use Wordle in the Literacy Classroom

T IPS & E XAMPLES …

Know What is Out There Seek examples – Google – YouTube – Follow blogs – Colleagues – Mentors

Know Your Curriculum Outcomes Skill development – Technology use – Researching – Communication Speaking Listening Interpreting – Perseverance – Collaboration – Problem solving – Presentation Software used: -PowerPoint -Audacity -Marvin Hardware: -1 laptop/2 students (partners) -microphones -recommend headsets & jack splitter Grade 5 Guidance

Provide Authentic Opportunities Enrichment Project – Technology use – Communication Speaking Presenting – Collaboration – Community partner – Presentation Software used: -Photostory -File management -School’s portal site Hardware: - PC computers & laptops -microphone/headset -digital camera Grades 3-5 Enrichment

Teach Others Software used: -Audacity -Garageband -Scanning software Hardware: -Macbook -Digital recorders -Digital camera Wikispaces Grades 2-5 Write Traits Lessons – Communication Writing Presenting Speaking – Collaboration – District wide – 3 different schools – Leadership

Make Global Connections Software used: -PowerPoint -Photostory -Skype Wikisaces Hardware: -PC computers -Webcam 5 Partnerships elementary & middle school Netherland Partnerships – Students Share information about their communities & interests. – Teachers Enable authentic learning opportunities.

Showcase Cultures Software used: -Marvin -Audacity -Movie Maker Hardware: -PC computer 5 First Nations students from elementary & middle school First Nations Students – Showcased their learning from a guest speaker. Skills Developed – Communication o Speaking o Listening – Collaboration – Creativity

D ON ' T F ORGET A BOUT C OPYRIGHT

Resources for Canadian Copyright Terms of Use Everything belongs to someone. Be careful about what you distribute. Model good practices.

F INAL T HOUGHTS

Final Thoughts Good pedagogical practices are key to using technology effectively. Know your outcomes and find the appropriate tools to accomplish them. Maintain balance!

Something to think about “While students may be tech savvy when it comes to entertainment, they may not have the critical thinking skills to perform the kinds of information management and research tasks necessary for academic success." – Comment posted on nance/21stcenturyframew ork (12/3/2008) nance/21stcenturyframew ork