Lights, Camera, Engagement

Yes we can bring your State Learning Standards to the classroom in new and exciting ways just in time for  testing! The key is to differentiate instruction through student created multimedia projects that are easier than you might think. I will share a number of examples from easy let’s get started, to longer term projects that will have students processing information at much higher levels. From a simple book report movie to well editing student scripted projects I will share the many possibilities and get you started planning your first project.

Power Googling for Educators

There is no Dewey Decimal System for the Internet. So how do you locate what you are looking for? Everyone needs new skills to process information in the 21^st Century. Gathering information and weeding through the infoclutter are the skills everyone needs to be productive citizens in this age of information.  Explore the many tools, tricks and strategies you can begin to use immediately.

Technology Resources to Support the Struggling Reader

Explore the many resources available to help the struggling reader. Most of the resources are free and online, others are features already embedded in the software you have. A digital filing cabinet has been created and filled with hundreds of resources to take back and share with the entire staff.

Technology Tools to Support Students with Learning Disabilities

Practical strategies, solutions and resources are the basis of this session. Meet the needs of all learners with technology tools that break down barriers. Explore new ideas, technology solutions and tools to help you all children feel successful.

Digital Textbooks are Powerful Tools for Connected Kids

Leave the books at home for the homework and watch this animation to kick off the lesson. As more textbooks come online amazing possibilities emerge for instruction that students really understand. Finally help students understand volume by watching a rectangular prism fill with cubes. See inside a cell with a click of a button, or understand a conflict in history by viewing the video clip. For those students that need it repeated, log in from home or the library and try some more examples. All of this is possible with selected textbooks. Instruction in the classroom now is more engaging and focused on comprehension of the topics instead of struggling with a complicated text. See for yourself how lessons are transformed through multimedia and engaging examples.

Thumboarding not Keyboarding: Are You Prepared for the Future of Technology @ School?

Smaller, faster, feature-rich and cheaper; handhelds are quickly replacing desktop computers in the quest to reach one-to-one computing. Technology will only increase student achievement if the technology is personal. Handheld computers can do this. Get technology into the hands of more students, support teachers with quality professional development and classrooms will never be the same. Free up those computer labs, get more students using technology and stay within budget. Come learn about the reality of this at school.

Overhead Overkill!

Wheel the overhead right out of the room and get ready to engage your students in amazing new ways. Bring your content to life by streaming videos, front loading vocabulary, rotating a 3-d model, or taking a virtual field trip inside an erupting volcano. Next, we will step into the world of Second Life and experience the future of teaching and learning. Hold on as I teleport you to various islands, to meet and greet those of you all ready in-world. This is not science fiction, this is not your messy writing on the overhead, this is the future of teaching and learning, and you need to know about it today!

The Reality of Second Life

Don’t just dream of the future; come on a walking tour about the future of teaching and learning. If you stumble into walls I will teleport you to various landmarks, and let you explore the island. We can sit down for a chat with Einstein, a famous historical figure, or the teacher next door.  As your virtual tour guide I will help you experience the power of Second Life and the great potential for transforming teaching and learning. This is not science fiction, my space or facebook, instead this is a world YOU need to be in! If you are all ready in-world, drop in on the session in real time and share your stories, no idea about what this session is about, this is a must attend!

Second Life will Change Education! Are You In-World?

The first trip into second life was almost my last, it felt like Match.com when you are not interested in dating. Falling down stairs, walking into walls, and changing my hairstyle twenty times, didn’t leave me bruised, but confirmed I am an old lady living in a video game world. A few weeks later, dear Kathy Schrock extended her virtual hand through her site of the week. I logged back on and Kathy (Drybourgh her name in-world) teleported me to Eduisland II. Still walking into walls I sat down with Kathy and our aviators had a nice little chat, in world my name is Meg Writer.  Sounds scary? This is just the beginning  of my journey of transformational thinking about the future of teaching and learning. Scared? You bet! Come in explore the possibilities, ready or not they are here!

Network Literacy

In 2007, it's no longer important to be just information literate-it's about being network literate.  Today, networks have the capability to connect people, resources and ideas together in an ever-expanding global conversation on just about every topic-including education.  By joining this conversation you can contribute, create content, and have your ideas amplified by contributors world-wide.  Join me as we explore the critical attributes of what it means to be network literate, how network literacy empowers 21st Century teaching and learning, and why we need to get started right now! 

The Browser is the New Software...

The next big thing is the power and potential of sharing methodologies for collaboration and learning in an online environment, unique as every visitor. These powerful tools enable everyone to tell their story, edit movies, polish presentations, showcase work and create an environment for collaboration. This custom learning environment may soon reach the masses through a yet defined ubiquitous computing solution in the hands of all. Come explore the power of collaboration in rich learning environments, things you can use today, and others you need on your radar screen.

 InfoClutter: Processing Information in New Ways

We are all drowning in infoclutter and need strategies immediately to tame the mess around us. New skills are needed to manage the digital files in your life. For paper, we have systems we know; learn about new systems to manage your information digitally. Create your digital filing cabinet and fill it through an organizational system that really works. Once the system is created, learn new tips, tricks and strategies for dealing with your own personal infoclutter!

Multimedia in the Differentiated Classroom

Transform your teaching by incorporating more multimedia experiences for students. From student-created slide shows, Web sites and digital video projects to the thousands of clips and images online, see how they can help differentiate the curriculum. This workshop will bring your lessons to life and engage students in new and exciting ways.

Technology Tools to Support the Reluctant Writer

It was fun. We played ball. The end.

Meet the reluctant writer!  You need new strategies and tools to help these students express themselves. Make the most of software you already have, online resources and digital tools to improve writing in all content areas.

Laptops and Learning: Restructuring Teaching and Learning

With student access to laptops, lessons may need to be designed or delivered in new ways. This workshop provides you with practical ways to maximize the technology investment by actively engaging your students in new and exciting projects. Leave this session with practical ways, and management tips to make the most of the technology tools.

Teaching in the Digital Age