Why Teach Technology.

This video is from TeacherTube. It was produced by a student in answer to his teacher's question on Why Teach Technology. Vicki Davis is the teacher.

21st Century Teaching

Last evening at our School Board meeting, I heard a presentation on the success of Greene Central Schools second year with their Reading First Grant. Sure having over $400,000 over 3 years to spend on materials, professional development and programming was a big help. But, the items that jumped out of the presentation for me were teaching and learning paradigm shifts that have resulted during these two years. The teachers said:

• we no longer work in isolation, but as a team
• each student is benchmarked and her progress checked regularly
• extensive data is being used to discover a student's true levels
• intervention is not completed by pulling out, but by adding
• scientifically based researched reading programs are being implemented as needed
• we know the level and progress of every child, not just the ones that are apparent
• we have had such great training and support
• special education referrals are going down

I think these bullets represent a shift toward 21st Century teaching. Doug Johnson, wrote in his Blue Skunk Blog some criteria for 21st Century teachers:

* are diagnosticians who use technology to help them create effective IEPs for all their kids using evaluation data that is accessed and manipulated electronically
* are masters of differentiated instruction
* communicate online easily
* can identify, organize and prescribe online learning activities
* are dynamic and engaging discussion leaders
* figure out new ways of teaming with other educators to specialize in learning styles rather than content areas

I see a clear correlation between these criteria and the Greene teachers' description of their work. Technology is the ubiquitous tool used to make these things happen. From a child's computer project to the Palm Pilots used by teachers to record test scores, it is a major component of this success. We are onto something here.

The question that comes to mind is "Why can't we implement these strategies in all areas for all students"?

reading+first
sharon+betts

Technology Teachers for Third Quarter

This quarter we are honoring three teachers who have taken the plunge into a new technology for the benefit of their students:

Jenn Bradford, a Cadre member from TES - Jenn began using Moodle with her fifth grade students during their Discovery Unit. They employed online discussions to plan, report and give feedback throughout the process. This student comment said it all: Our group is working spectacularly! I can't believe it!
Jenn also is an avid digital photographer who has documented the entire year in pictures. AT the end of the year, she plans to have each student receive an archive of their experiences.

Tina Nadeau, a Cadre member from TMS - Tina's seventh grade class has become digitized. They are using Moodle for writing prompts, online discussions, and resource links. This quarter students completed impressive Digital Stories using Keynote software to demonstrate their learning.

Jennifer Adams, teacher at GCS - Jennifer started using digital recordings with her 4th grade students. Songs of the Solar System and Favorite Food paragraphs are shared on the class website. Through sound, students are able to express their learning in different ways.

These dedicated educators are using the tools of today to bring their curriculum to life and enhance learning. Each will receive a certificate and a classroom scanner to assist them with their next projects. Congratulations!

Cyber Safety and Bullying

Online bullying, called cyberbullying, happens when students use the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. Cyberbullying is a problem affecting almost half of all American teens. National Crime Prevention Council is a great site for parents and students - help stop cyberbullying!