 Take this time to look at the reflection sheet provided. Complete the chart on how you currently feel about technology specifically discussion boards in the classroom.

 Students respond to a teacher lead prompt online. Each student responds and views other classmates responses. There are multiple avenues for implementing and instruction. › Literature Circles › Journaling/Free Write › Math Strategies

 Be prepared to share something that caught your attention…

 Burke and Oomen 2008 › Online discussion boards give ALL students the opportunity to engage in class conversations. › Relieves the stress from having to speak on the spot in traditional classrooms. › Engages students and encourages analyzing, evaluating, and applying acquired knowledge. Burke, S., Oomen-Early, J. (2008). That’s Blog Worthy: Ten Ways to integrate Blogging into the Health Education Classroom. American Journal of Health Education. 39(6),

 Cuhadar and Kuzu 2010 › Students have the opportunity to work together to reach a common learning goal. › Students seemed to be more team oriented and respectful of their classmates when responding. › Students were using the information on the online discussions to prepare for in class assignments. Cuhadar, C., Kuzu, K. (2010). Improving Interaction Through Blogs in a Constructivist Learning Environment. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 11(1),

 Bull and Kajder 2004 › Students are excited to use the blogs › They are writing using more detail and depth › Students were found to be discovering their love of writing. › Free write gave students the opportunity to reflect on their thoughts and opinions on a number of topics and/or prompts Bull, G., Kajder, S. (2004). Blogs in the Language Arts Classroom. International Society for Technology in Education., 31(6),

 Bowers and Campbell 2011 › Students gain a deeper connection with text, teaches, and classmates. › Everyone is held accountable for their participation › Students are less fearful to express their opinions and ideas › Allows students to collaborate more intensely › Allows time for refection Bowers-Campbell, J. (2011). Take it out of class: Exploring virtual literature circles. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 54(8), doi: /JAAL

 In grade level teams share some of the observations you have made about students and technology.

 Get to Know Moodle › Moodle is a safe discussion board and class Internet website site provided by the SMCPS.  Each teacher will have their own class site on Moodle. › Teacher-created and monitored › Password protected & advertisement free › Students do not need to provide an address or any personal information to use this site.

 › You all have pages and have been added to the Moodle site  Take the time to go on and explore. I have provided you with your usernames and passwords. › Please log on with your passwords and follow as I lead through the site.

 DON”T BE AFRAID TO STOP & ASK QUESTIONS

 Let’s take the time to reflect on how we see this working in our classrooms.  Use the minute reflection sheet provided

 Discussion Board for Staff Collaboration › New Post on  Create a new post for each lesson used (1 a month at least)  Respond to at least one other post each month.  This online discussion board will guide our monthly small group meetings.

 Please take the time to complete the assessment sheet on this professional development session. Thank you so much for your valuable time!!!