MSAD52Tech

Technology Teacher Recognition

2008-05-16T14:46:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Marlene Aguilar - our Spring Technology Teacher award winner. Marlene teaches Foreign Language at Leavitt Area High School. She spent last summer developing her first webpage and hasn't looked back since. Her desire to find some students outside of Maine for collaboration led to the formation of "Taking Learning Global" a social network dedicated to sharing learning and cultural experiences across the world. This network now has over 100 students registered from as far away as China, Portugal and Brazil.

Marlene recently organized a blogging training session where the participants launched their classroom blogs in preparation for using this new tool next year. Great job! As a small reward for her contagious enthusiasm, she will receive a digital recorder.

Señora Aguilar, enhorabuena!

Technology Grant

2008-02-27T09:31:00.001-05:00

Cross posted from District Blogs.
Penny Nutting - computer teacher at GCS - awarded BestBuy Grant.
Way to go, Penny!

Quarter 2 Technology Teacher

2008-02-19T11:31:00.003-05:00

Announcing the Technology Teacher of the Quarter
Quarter 2 2007-2008

Congratulations go to Jolene Randall, Wildcats/Literacy Interventionist teacher at Tripp Middle School.
Jolene has been working with her students to improve not only their learning but to also give Turner Primary Kindergarten students resources for their classroom through her "Request a Reader" program. Using laptops and her web-page, the students have recorded books selected by the younger children. They are presently working on the second set of books while the Kindergarten students wait impatiently. Jolene's website is a useful resource to parents and students wishing to increase their literacy skills. The goal of the next project is to add images and to solicit voice feedback from the
primary students.

Jolene's leadership and willingness to assist other teachers in using voice tools in their classrooms is exemplary. In recognition of her exciting work, Jolene will receive a digital recorder to support more communication experiences with her students.
Congratulations, Jolene!

Technology Update given to the Board

2008-01-29T14:54:00.000-05:00

View Larger Version

Yale joins the Open Course list

2007-12-17T11:06:00.001-05:00

Cross posted from SharonsShare

Open Yale Courses provides free and open access to seven introductory courses taught by distinguished teachers and scholars at Yale University. The aim of the project is to expand access to educational materials for all who wish to learn.

This can be such a boon to those students needing more, but living in remote areas. Technology can be the leveler to give them the challenge the need. There are courses in Astronomy, English, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology and Religious Studies.

Thank you Yale.

Technorati Tags: sharonbetts,Yale,opencourses

All we want for.....

2007-12-10T14:23:00.000-05:00

We are starting the process of moving the website to a more user friendly format.

What I need from you, the users and readers, are any ideas of missing content or functionality.
This is the time to let me know what is missing. Think broadly - ask your children - How can we change this website to really meet the needs of the students, staff and community?

And what is there that is not necessary? Are there areas that could / should be removed?

Thank you for any and all input,
Sharon Betts, Educational Technology Coordinator

Quarter 1 07-08 Tech. Teacher of the Quarter

2007-12-04T11:10:00.000-05:00

Announcing the Technology Teacher of the Quarter
Quarter 1 2007-2008

Congratulations go to Donna Storer, 6th grade teacher at Leeds Central School.
Donna has been working along with her students for the last two years to improve learning through technology. She completed the Cadre 1 course last year and is now enrolled in Cadre 2. The class website is used by all her students and parents. Her class just finished production of "old-time radio shows" around their Social Studies Curriculum (you can hear these under Intermediate podcasts)

Their latest adventure is just getting underway as they team up with other 6th grades around the US and the world to expand their cultural experiences virtually. Donna's model of "life-long learning" in technology is an example for not only her students but for all of us.

In recognition of her exemplary work, Donna will receive a digital recorder to assist in more communication experiences with her students.
Congratulations, Donna!

Is there a new computer in your future?

2007-11-21T09:27:00.001-05:00

When computers are purchased, they are usually installed with the latest software. For Windows machines that will mean the Vista operating system and Office 2007 (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.) This can be very exciting for everyone in the family and the students will soon be producing projects and papers using their new equipment.

What a disappointment if they arrive in school with a file or send an assignment to a teacher only to discover that it is not able to be read or printed. Why?????? Not all software programs are compatible. In MSAD#52, we have installed many Open Source programs. These software solutions are very robust and capable of supporting all the necessary objectives of our school program. Plus, they are free to install for anyone. The Office Suite being used on all student machines is Open Office. (http://www.openoffice.org/)

You are also welcome to download and install this on your new (or old) Windows home computer systems. If you do not wish to install this software, you can guarantee that your products are compatible by clicking Saving As in your word processor – and selecting Office 2000.

What other software is available for free – and being used by your students in MSAD#52?

GIMP – this is a substitute for Photoshop – http://www.gimp.org/

IrfanView – a nice photo-editor - http://www.irfanview.com/

Audacity – Sound recorder and editor - http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Google Earth – satellite imagery, maps, terrain and 3D buildings - http://earth.google.com/

Tuxpaint - drawing program for children ages 3 to 12 - http://www.tuxpaint.org/

Gcompris - an educational software which propose different activities to children from 2 to 10 years old http://gcompris.net/-en-

If you have any questions about our software program or technology in general, please contact Sharon Betts, Educational Technology Coordinator at sbetts@msad52 or 225-4565

Listen to our Blogs and Podcasts

2007-11-17T20:03:00.001-05:00

There is a new section on the MSAD#52 website. Podcasts and Videos! Take a few minutes to listen and view some items from us and from other educators around the world.

Community Input Wanted

2007-11-13T14:05:00.001-05:00

It is again time to begin the budget process in MSAD#52. Do you - the parents and students - have any input on our existing technology programs or on future adoptions?

Is the technology available to students adequate? fabulous? lacking? Comments.

Do you feel students are mastering necessary technology skills as they move through the system?

What suggestions do you have for improving our use of technology?

email Sharon Betts, Educational Technology Coordinator with your thoughts and feedback.

November Update

2007-10-31T13:41:00.001-04:00

The winter is approaching and teachers and students are fully involved with classes and projects. My office is now at Tripp, and I am impressed everyday with the ubiquitous use of the MLTI laptops across the curriculum. It is worth a visit just to walk down the halls and witness the learning.

Leavitt teachers have been switching their MSAD#52 laptops for the state MacBooks. The transition is going smoothly due to the extensive time and work put in by the technology staff in preparing these machines. Thank you, Jason, Lori and Randy. This will make more units available to the students via carts.

Technology learning is continuing for teachers also. Year long courses are being attended by 30 staff members, PowerGrade and individual topic sessions are continuously scheduled. It is very rewarding to see the dedication of our staff in implementing these new technologies.

K12Online - let the fun begin

2007-10-15T10:02:00.000-04:00

This is an online conference with presentations from educators around the world. Listen in (and view) some of the newest topics in Educational Technology.

(Cross posted from SharonsShare) These presentations have been published today at K12OnlineConference 2007!

Direct links to the presentation are provided.

This is a must attend conference - at your own time and place. Even have CEU's and college credits offered. The presenters names are a list of visionary educators.

Technorati Tags: sharonbetts,k12online07

October update

2007-10-02T13:09:00.001-04:00

September was a very busy month getting the labs ready and the curriculum rolling. All NWEA testing has been completed and the labs will be getting back to skill and integration lessons.

At Leavitt, we have had MacBooks delivered for the teachers (as part of the state MLTI program). The laptops that these teachers are presently using will be redistributed with a large group becoming available to students.

Many staff members have registered for the technology courses being offered this year. You can read about these opportunities and consider stopping in sometime. The technology staff will be attending the MainEducational Technology Conference in Augusta this month. There are always a lot of excitement generated by this newlearning.

Did you know?

2007-09-05T16:05:00.000-04:00

This is worth thinking about for all teachers and parents.
Any comments:

Teachers complete summer training

2007-08-21T21:29:00.000-04:00

Over 30 teachers dedicated a week of their summer to advance their technology skills. Bootcamps concentrating on web development, digital storytelling and integrating teacher laptops were devoured by teachers working toward more proficient use of technology. Congratulations to all participants!

Ed. Tech. Coordinator moves

2007-07-10T18:45:00.001-04:00

What can we do now?

2007-06-08T11:42:00.000-04:00

Summer is a time for activities and fun. But, what can you do on those rainy days? How can you help your child to continue learning until classes begin?

Summer - while enjoying the sun and your laptop:
http://sharonbetts.org/sshare/blog.html

Why Teach Technology.

2007-04-30T13:53:00.000-04:00

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

2007-04-27T14:06:00.000-04:00

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

2007-04-20T10:34:00.000-04:00

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

2007-04-02T11:00:00.000-04:00

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!

Curriculum Draft

2007-03-14T14:53:00.000-04:00

The technology department of MSAD#52 has released the draft curriculum for grades K-8. We welcome any input from the community. This curriculum is based on the National Educational Technology Standards as well as the National Technology Plan and our own Long Range Technology Plan.
Download the Drafts.
Grades K-4

Grades 5 - 8

Technology Standards - National

2007-02-14T19:58:00.000-05:00

The International Society for Technology Educators has the most widely adopted set of standards existing today. Here is a draft of their updated plan.

Technology Teacher for Second Quarter

2007-02-02T09:06:00.000-05:00

Maynard Walton, Tripp Middle School Science teacher, named Technology Teacher of the Quarter!

Maynard Walton has been named the Technology Teacher for second quarter. Mr Walton's Science class has been made interesting and challenging through interactive technology tools. Podcasting lessons for his webpage on his way to school in the mornings started the trend. All of Mr. Walton's students have now been given accounts on our district e-portfolio system. They document their creativity in designing their websites as they create virtual science notebooks. Although student work is password protected, you can see the many aspects of technology in action at Maynard's webpage.

Eduhound selects Second Grade Website

2007-02-02T09:05:00.000-05:00

Tim Thompson, second grade teacher at Greene, has been recognized for his use of web technology in his classroom by Eduhound. CLICK THE HEADER TO READ MORE.

Tim Thompson, second grade teacher at Greene, has been recognized for his use of web technology in his classroom by Eduhound.

A quote from them:
We found your site to be an excellent addition to our directory. It is now active on Our Spotlight Page under the appropriate state/city/grade level.

It was also selected as the SPOTLIGHT CLASSROOM OF THE WEEK!
It will be featured in the Thursday, February 8, 2007, edition of EduHound Weekly -- and permanently on our classroom spotlight page Congratulations Tim!

Slide Show posted.

2007-01-22T12:05:00.000-05:00

View a pdf version of the Technology Overview and Status Report.

Technology Update at Board Meeting

2007-01-13T13:40:00.000-05:00

The annual update on technology in MSAD52 will be given at this weeks board meeting.
Thursday, January 18, 2007 beginning at 7:00 PM at Greene Central School.

Board treated to Technology

2007-01-05T09:14:00.000-05:00

At the January 4th board meeting, three dedicated teachers demonstrated some of the ways technology is making a difference to their teaching and the student learning. Tim Thompson, 2nd grade at Greene - and our 1st Quarter Teacher of the Quarter, showed his young students blogs, wikis and personal work. From Tripp Middle School science department, Maynard Walton and Ben Wilson took the audience through their many methods of transforming their lessons through technology. Ben ended with examples of video clips posted from the Tripp athletic events. Exemplary ..................

Thank you for taking the Speakout Survey.

2006-12-19T08:33:00.000-05:00

Thank you for participating in this year's Speak Up Survey. As a result of your efforts over 269,000 students, teachers and parents shared their views about K-12 education topics.
I will post the results from MSAD#52 out in late January.
Sharon

Leeds 5th grade in worldwide collaboration

2006-12-12T08:33:00.000-05:00

Donna Storer's fifh grade class at Leeds Central School participates in Global collaboration to brainstorm online solutions to combate global warming.

Read more.

Technology Teacher of the Quarter

2006-11-21T13:14:00.000-05:00

We are initiating a new program in MSAD#52 - each quarter a teacher (and their class) will be recognized for their use of technology to transform learning. The first recipient has been announced:
Tim Thompson, second grade teacher at Greene Central School, has been selected for Quarter 1, 2006-2007. You can read more about Tim on the district website.

Here's one worthy of subscription

2006-11-02T08:19:00.000-05:00

About Solution Watch

Began May 30th, 2005, Solution Watch surveys the new generation of the web, reviewing and providing in-depth walkthroughs of today’s best products and services. Owned and maintained by Brian Benzinger, Solution Watch has grown and become a member of the 9rules Network and Web 2.0 Workgroup. Solution Watch aims for writing quality reviews of products and services that are of benefit to its users.

Brian, 20 year old web watcher, has compiled a fantastic list of web 2.0 tools with a lean toward educational use.
I am going to have to pry myself away from testing these out today.
http://www.solutionwatch.com/512/back-to-school-with-the-class-of-web-20-part-1

Also learned from his site that Google purchased Jotspot - onward with the empire.

technorati tags: sharon_betts web2.0

Help us by Speaking up.

2006-10-31T15:36:00.000-05:00

You can help us understand your ideas and opinions, by participating in the 2006 Speak Up National Survey. Click the banner - and speak up!

We will review and report on the data collected during the month of January 2007.
Thank you for taking the time.

Technology supports NWEA

2006-10-19T15:18:00.000-04:00

The students in grades 3 - 10 will be completing the Northwest Educational Assessment during the next month. It is our first attempt at using an online assessment package outside of the MEA online at Tripp Middle School.

NWEA offers state-aligned computer adaptive tests measure student achievement and growth. The entire technology staff has been working to make this a smooth learning experience for the students.

Busy with MainEd Conference

2006-10-08T18:36:00.000-04:00

This week is really busy with the Maine Education Technology Conference (ACTEM) - I hope to post some sessions on my other blog, Sharon's Share.

Great news - School Site of the Month

2006-10-04T09:39:00.000-04:00

http://www.msad52.org has been chosen as School Site of the Month by Technology and Learning Magazine for September.

"Maine School Adminstrative District No. 52's recently renovated site is concise and informative, and interactivity is key. Comments about the new site may be posted to the Technology Blog. The School Board Policies area provides a searchable database of all policies. Recommended Web resources are offered through the Webmaster's del.icio.us links." -- Susan Brooks-Young

We are on the map again!

Time for Website input

2006-09-21T13:50:00.000-04:00

The new website can no longer be considered "new". We have now established ourselves under the name(s) www.msad52.net and www.msad52.org. What we need now is input on how to best make this a site for you, the readers.

Please give us your comments and suggestions. We have heard that the Leavitt parents would really like to see daily announcements -- they are coming. What else?

New equipment arriving

2006-09-11T13:12:00.001-04:00

The new equipment is arriving and all the district Computer staff are working non-stop to get them prepared and distributed to the teachers and schools. It is a very exciting process and we thank all the msad52 community for their patience in making this happen.

New equipment arriving

2006-09-11T13:12:00.000-04:00

And thus it begins

2006-08-22T15:10:00.000-04:00

Today was new staff orientation day in MSAD#52. It is always enjoyable to meet the eager new faces each August. It doesn't seem possible that I was one of those last November - this has been a great 9 months! I put together a webpage with Teacher Technology - it may be of interest to you.

Everyone was excited to learn of the classroom teacher laptops and the new desktop machines in the labs. We have also been working on the replacement MLTI (ibooks in grades 7-8) machines. I would like to extend an invitation to everyone in the community to drop in after school gets into full swing.

Sharon

technorati tags:teachers

Blogged with Flock

Tech_Summer

2006-08-04T10:29:00.000-04:00

Summer is rapidly slipping by and the technology department has been very busy. With gratitude for the community support, we will be upgrading computer equipment across the district. Teacher machines will be replaced with laptops and labs with new desktops. We are preparing for delivery of these units now. The students and staff at TMS are continuing their participation in the MLTI project which is also replacing the old iBooks with new machines. We purchased a group of the retiring units for placement at LAHS in the Language Arts department. These are being placed on two traveling carts.

Groups of teachers have been participating in summer training and you will see many new webpages becoming available for parents and students as the year progresses. It is an exciting time in MSAD52 -- please stop by sometime.

Budget Info made available

2006-05-23T10:14:00.000-04:00

There will be a public hearing at Greene Central School Gymnasium on Monday, June 12, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. and the annual district budget meeting will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2006 at Leavitt Area High School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
We have provided electronic copies of the MSAD #52 budget warrant for 2006-07 school year and a summary of the proposed budget on the website. For more detailed information, please contact Deb Holland, Business Manager, at 225-3406.

Deb Holland
Business Manager
MSAD #52
486 Turner Center Road
Turner ME 04282
(207) 225-3406
dholland@msad52.org

As summer approaches

2006-05-08T13:31:00.000-04:00

As we begin to enjoy the warm sun and anticipate a break from normal routines, planning for next year slides to the top of the list. We are working to implement a listserv for the community, update old equipment and continue expansion of the website. There are also many other thoughts bouncing around, but what we really need is input from you, our readers. If you have any thoughts about technology and learning in msad52, please start some conversations here.
Thank you, The technology team.

Five Year Plan nearing completion

2006-04-13T14:49:00.000-04:00

The comments have all been compiled and included in the final draft of the long range plan. It will be submitted to the state department of education for approval immediately after Spring break.
This is your last chance for input before this submission.
You will find the newest draft here.

Budget presented

2006-04-13T14:47:00.000-04:00

The proposed 2006-2007 budget in technology was presented this week. Upgrading the againg equipment through a lease / purchase program is the foundation of the hardware portion. Extending the use of web resources for the community through the website and distance learning was also presented. Watch the website for eventual posting of the data.

Technology Budget on the Agenda

2006-04-04T21:42:00.000-04:00

The technology budget presentation is scheduled for the next budget workshop on April 11th. We are looking forward to a great year with goals established. The Community Technology Advisory Team meeting was also very productive with discussions around the following topics:

expanding technology to every child in a when needed/where needed system
review of the 5 year plan
the new web site

If you are interested in joining this group or giving input to the MSAD#52Tech. Team, you can post here, email Sharon Betts, or call us at 225.4565.

Welcome to the Technology Blog

2006-03-30T09:34:00.000-05:00

This is a test to open a line of conversation between the community and the technology team at MSAD#52. Please post your comments and concerns remembering that this is an open line and can be read by everyone.