Jeanne's Tech Musings

Join the Crowd at FETC

2011-12-08T12:31:00.001-05:00

Thinkfinity: Florida Thinkfinity: FETC 2012

2011-12-04T15:35:00.000-05:00

Thinkfinity: Florida Thinkfinity: FETC 2012

Will you be attending the FETC conference this year? What are you most interested in?

FETC 2012

2011-10-11T12:36:00.002-04:00

FETC is set to start in Orlando, Florida, January 23-26, 2012. This national conference is content rich and brings educators together to share best practices and the latest hardware and software available.

Students at Ivey Lane Elementary School Achieve Dramatic Increases in Math Performance

2011-09-08T10:46:00.002-04:00

MIND Research Institute’s Math Initiative provided pilot grants for a new visual math software program to Ivey Lane and 22 other schools in Orange County Public Schools
ORLANDO, FL, Sept. 7, 2011 – The non-profit education researcher MIND Research Institute announced that third-grade students and their teachers at Ivey Lane Elementary School using MIND’s ST Math® visual math software program achieved a dramatic 26-point gain in grade-level math achievement on the 2011 FCAT 2.0. Ivey Lane also finished 2010/11 in MIND’s top 10% nationally in completion of the challenging, web-based ST Math software, out of more than 1,000 schools in 24 states.

Ivey Lane was one of 23 schools in Orange County Public Schools to pilot the ST Math approach and software in 2010/11, which taps into students’ innate ability to reason their way through visual math puzzles covering Florida’s Next Generation Sunshine State math standards. Schools implemented the program at grades 3, 4 or 5. The 23 schools participated in a philanthropically funded Orlando Math Initiative, receiving their software licenses at up to two grade levels free of charge in fall of 2010. Overall, the average results at these schools were also significant and positive, with an average 4-point increase in grade-level performance across all sites on the rigorous FCAT 2.0. The FCAT 2.0 is new, and by design in 2011 showed no net statewide gains.
Third graders at Ivey Lane achieved the most dramatic results. Grade-level math achievement went up by 26 points, from 59% in 2010 to 85% in 2011. And in 2011, the percentage of students at the lowest FCAT achievement level dropped from 9% to zero. These high gains, accompanied by record-high implementation of the new ST Math software program, are signs of outstanding dedication by the school staff to their students’ success with the assistance of the program.
“2010 was our first year piloting our unique program in Florida, and Orange County Public Schools, the pioneer district. So we were anxiously anticipating the results on Florida’s state-of-the-art Next Generation standards and FCAT 2.0 assessment. Thanks to the outstanding reception and implementation our Math Initiative received in Orlando, we are extremely pleased to report these increases in student math achievement,” said Andrew R. Coulson, Education Division President, MIND Research Institute.
“A total of 23 schools in the Orange County Public Schools began our math program last year with two grades enrolled. The Math Initiative continues to make licenses available to expand the program to all of grades K-5 at these sites, adding two grades per year,” continued Coulson. “Public/private partnerships with local schools and our corporate sponsors enabled us to get this pilot going, and great educator partners have shown what is possible in student math achievement gains.”
Funders for this pilot, as part of a scale-up across the United States, include PricewaterhouseCoopers, CISCO, Wells Fargo Foundation, and University of Phoenix Foundation.
“Wells Fargo is proud to support the communities we serve, including Orlando and the state of Florida. Investing in children’s education here is crucial to building a stronger tomorrow for everyone,” said Tim Hanlon, Wells Fargo’s head of philanthropy. “We commend the children and staff at Ivey Lane for their excellent accomplishments in math, as well as the MIND Research Institute for bringing innovative math programs to children across the nation.”
Math Initiative sites received MIND’s award-winning ST Math instructional software, teacher training, and real-time reports on student progress for teachers and principals. MIND Research proactively supports each school’s implementation throughout the year.
MIND Research Institute
The MIND Research Institute is a neuroscience and education research-based, non-profit corporation. MIND applies its distinctive visual approach to illustrating math concepts and building problem-solving skills as the basis for innovative, research-proven math education programs for elementary and secondary schools. MIND’s programs currently reach over 320,000 students and 13,000 teachers in more than 1,000 schools in 24 states. For more information, visit http://www.mindresearch.net.

Florida Budget

2011-05-07T18:12:00.001-04:00

State and required local funding in Florida's public schools will drop by $1.3 billion. That's a $542.03, or 8 percent!

Courses covered by class size limits will be reduced from 849 to 304. Schools would be required to meet the limits of 18 students in kindergarten through third grade, 22 in fourth through eighth grades and 25 in high school only when head counts are taken in October. After that classes can exceed the limits by up to three students in kindergarten through third grade and by five in the other grades.

http://bit.ly/lEtEuN

Select the winner, cast your vote

2011-05-07T08:36:00.002-04:00

Samsung Wants Help Selecting the Winner of its
SUPERHERO Video Competition

Everyone…please cast your vote!

Ridgefield Park, New Jersey (May 5, 2011) – Samsung Techwin America’s Electronic Imaging Division (www.samsungpresenterusa.com), a leader in document camera technology, today announced that it would like everyone’s help to select the winner of its winter Superhero video contest. “The competition was fierce, but our judges were able to narrow it down to 10 finalists,” said Richard Bellomy, V.P. of Sales for Samsung Techwin’s Electronic Imaging Division. “Now, we would like everyone’s help by voting to determine the winner.”

Anyone can vote by simply going to Samsung’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SamsungDigitalPresenters) and clicking the ‘like’ button for their favorite video. “All of the students did a fantastic job and looked like they had a lot of fun portraying their favorite historical characters and creating their videos,” added Bellomy. “This was very rewarding to see and I’m excited to invite interested students to enter our next Superhero video competition for spring.”

To enter, simply go to www.samsungk-12.com. Any student in grades K-12 who attends school in a United States or Federal Territory is eligible to enter a digital video of 1-3 minutes in length. Students are to portray a historical character and will be judged on presentation performance, character and content accuracy, and content quality. Spring competition entries are due June 17, 2011 and autumn competition entries are due September 23, 2011. One student winner will be selected per competition and will receive $500. In addition, a SAMCAM 860 document camera will be given to their class. The MSRP of the Samsung SAMCAM 860 is $799.

For more information about Samsung Techwin America’s Electronic Imaging Division and its full line of affordable and innovative document cameras, call 877-213-1222, ext. 3306 or go to www.samsungpresenterusa.com.

About Samsung Techwin America – Electronic Imaging Division
Samsung Techwin America is a market leader in document cameras for use in the education sector, ranging from K-12 to universities, courtroom applications, as well as numerous Fortune 500 companies. Every Samsung document camera provides the quality and innovation that has built the Samsung name- quality optics, a robust feature set, a wealth of user-friendly features, and state-of-the-art digital imaging technology. Additionally Samsung Techwin markets a full line of security products under the CCTV Division. Samsung Techwin America is the U.S. subsidiary of Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd. in Sungnam Kyungki-Do, Korea. Samsung is the world’s 11th largest company. www.samsungpresenterusa.com.

Tech Care Package

2011-04-21T08:23:00.000-04:00

This is neat, create a tech support care package to send to your parent(s), friends, neighbors! There are short how to videos for basics, communication, media, and the world wide web. You pick and choose what you’d like to share, check the various boxes for what you wish to say! You will find this at Teach Parents Tech.

Going Google with Netbooks

2010-12-07T13:03:00.006-05:00

Our school district is piloting Google Apps in Education. It's a natural fit to use Google with the Netbooks. "Working in the cloud" is a term that I am hearing everywhere- TV commercials, educational journals, blogs and so on. The Netbooks are the perfect machine for cloud computing. Jolicloud makes it easier. There are numerous apps offered through Jolicloud that may be added to the Netbooks. Management could be an issue, but with Ubuntu you are able to sync an App change. Make that change on one machine and when the others log in the next time, they just need to run their sync for the App to show. The icons make locating items an easy task.

With any pilot program, your main job is to find out what works and what doesn't. Often times human error can ruin an otherwise great idea. I created a Google document to share with the class with a list of instructions. By following the directions, students would review the basics of word processing. Thing is, I forgot to share the document properly. Now that I have, I will be eager to read student responses.

Getting Acquainted with Netbooks

2010-12-06T10:26:00.009-05:00

We are an Apple School. There have only been about 6 PC's in the school in my 11 year experience as Tech Specialist here. BUT...an opportunity presented itself and we now have 26 Dell Inspiron mini Netbooks. They are assigned to AW's class and offer a one to one computer initiative. They were introduced last week and the excitement was contagious!

Preliminary set up and organization are key. Our district subscribes to Atomic Learning and I used the tutorials in the Netbook workshop to help me out. It can be difficult helping others with a technology that you've never 'touched'. Atomic Learning had nice pdf handouts available and they were used to send home information to the students and parents.

My first decision to make: keep the machine with Windows or try a Linux OS.

After 4 days using Windows, I knew we needed to look seriously at an alternative. The Netbook took about 3 minutes to boot up, numerous updates would run and seemed to be needed daily. We had the concern for viruses, which had never been an issue for us before. Also, this class is participating in a Google Apps for Education pilot program in the district. Since we'd be "working in the cloud", I felt Linux would be the way to go. My friend and colleague AD helped me out. He chose Ubuntu with Jolicloud. The system was loaded on several SD cards and installation on 26 machines took a little over 2 hours.

We used a Bretford laptop cart and used additional power strips to accommodate the power plugs. The odd shaped Netbook plugs prevent the use of a traditional power strip.

I gave the classroom teacher address labels and had the kids create a name tag. I thought perhaps their own name tag would create a sense of pride and encourage care of the machines. After tagging, the Netbooks were ready to roll out.

Into the Book

2010-09-23T13:23:00.000-04:00

There are so many wonderful educational resources available and I found one I’d like to share. It is called Into the Book (http://reading.ecb.org) and was developed by the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board, Department of Public Instruction and a team of educators.

Kids can get into the book! After entering their first name, they will be assigned a key. There are eight strategies that they can explore; Visualizing, Summarizing, Synthesizing, Making Connections, Prior Knowledge, Inferring, Evaluating, Questioning, as well as using strategies together. Instructional videos are provided and then interactive practice.

Teachers can check out the learning objectives for each strategy, take a look at the student/teacher videos, lessons, teaching tips, suggested books and additional links.

There are so many wonderful suggestions, updated information, pdf downloads, teaching tips and so on.

Into the Book is a multimedia treasure house that will help improve students’ reading comprehension. I know you will find it useful.

The Google Apps Blog

2010-08-25T10:39:00.000-04:00

The Google Apps Blog: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Word Wall

2010-05-14T15:20:00.000-04:00

W E L C O M E Florida Institute of Education

Kid Web Browsers

2010-05-10T11:12:00.001-04:00

Here's information on two kid safe browsers. Zoodles (http://www.zoodles.com) is advertised as a "playground full of fun, age-appropriate games". There is ad blocking and violence filtering.

Another I looked at is KidZui (http://www.kidzui.com/). Both offer a desktop icon for ease of access.

Where have all the teachers gone?

2010-04-09T18:55:00.001-04:00

All the SB6 talk has taken a toll on my outlook for work. That isn't good, it will be so difficult to stay focused on tasks at hand and not look into the future. I fear the country is failing the citizens of tomorrow, and the problem is in our backyards. A dedicated educator takes care of the whole child...not just how well they read, or how high they can score on a test. They care if they are unhappy or having trouble with family and friends. They care if the child is moving to yet another foster home, the fifth in one year.They care if the child has enough food to eat over the weekend. They care if the child goes home to an empty house and no one else will be there for hours. A dedicated educator provides shoes, clothing, counseling, empathy, and love and manages to instruct and motivate and instill in their young charges a desire to learn. What will happen to all the dedicated educators?

iWeb FAQ

2010-03-23T14:26:00.001-04:00

iWeb FAQ - Adding movies and Flash content to iWeb Love it when colleagues share! Thanks Brandon!

Technology Tools and other Stuff

2010-03-10T11:07:00.002-05:00

https://sites.google.com/site/mdejrogers/
I recently moved resources from one of my wikis to Google sites. Please take a look and let me know if you find anything useful.

Cool Web Resources

2010-03-02T12:17:00.002-05:00

I'll be hosting a training on Cool Web Resources March 3, 2010 at the Pasco County Department of Instructional Media office. I've prepared an introduction presentation on Google Docs and have created a Moodle course as well. I experimented with being able to embed a Google presentation into a web page...

Reflecting on FETC

2010-01-27T10:10:00.000-05:00

I spend part of my day 'in the cloud' and other times I am just in a fog!

I did see the new projectors with DLP capability. Bringing 3D to the classroom enhances the learning experience. After dodging asteroids myself, I could picture our kids' interest level would be super high.

Inspiration 9 had a January release. They added the presentation conversion feature and mind maps. With just a click, you are able to convert your visual diagrams into slides for a presentation, an Inspiration viewer (free download) means you can view on any machine, not have to have the app itself.

Applications aren't going away, but they will be used as tools for use in the cloud. When working with Google, for example, you can upload Powerpoint presentations, so folks can still create with programs they are comfortable with. Google Wave increases the collaboration efforts made not only in education, but business too. Google will continue to unveil more. 20% of their employees day is spent on personal work pursuits. Lots of great stuff coming.

The freedom to not being tied to one computer is so nice. I saw more in the line of mobile users and am hoping that supports the need for mobility with our computers in the classroom. AKA eliminate stationary labs. With budget issues haunting us for some time to come, why not let kids bring their own 'tools' to school. We need to be ready, get policy in place, do the background work, and not be in a position of 'catch up'.

With Web2.0 and working in the cloud, we need to examine bandwidth needs for the future. I am so glad we switched our network provider. Things go so much smoother now than they did with the "tower people" aka Trillion. Lots of conversation at FETC from folks concerned that their bandwidth would not meet their needs.

The role of the tech in Pasco is changing. Get ready. We all need to be learning, not only the tools, but how to use them in the classroom.
Word for the future: Integration Specialists! We know the hardware/software and we educate others on appropriate use. I liked when Richard, a Pasco Colleague, said, "you will be standing by the side of the road and eventually forced to move out of the way."

Google Teacher Academy Reflection

2010-01-18T16:56:00.005-05:00

I was fortunate to be included with those attending the Google Teacher Academy in Boulder, CO August 5, 2009. It was the first time there were 51 participants and not the typical 50. Could I have been that fifty-first person? Fortunate indeed!

The networking opportunities with so many top notch educators and tech specialists was humbling. But we all realized there's 'oodles of Google' to learn! I'd only touched the surface with Gmail, docs, and spreadsheets.

This fast paced training was an unforgettable experience. One that remains with you and causes you to continue to seek out and learn more. Sharing Google with others is a mission in itself, but one easy to do.

Since August, I've searched for ways to integrate Google into my school work day as well as my own everyday life. I encouraged the principal of my school to use Google Calendar for parents this year. It is accessible from our web site. We've used Google Forms to gather data from our staff members on a variety of topics. We will continue to use both.

There are tasks still to accomplish, like creating a Moodle Course on Google tools. Reading the discussion topics from fellow GTA's is a part time job in itself! But it is all worthwhile and although all I meet don't necessarily share my level of enthusiasm I am making progress in the increased use of Google during the school day.

Gale Delivers

2010-01-14T13:07:00.006-05:00

Gale Cengage Learning company provides numerous online resources. There is a wonderful 17 Volume Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia that is an interactive comprehensive animal reference. It is media rich with photos, videos, and real time news which is updated regularly. Take a look and preview a video: http://www.gale.com/wildthings.

Gale has teamed up with the Florida Electronic Library to provide online resources that meet the research needs of the state. If you get the chance surf by and see all that is available to you.

Inspiration 9

2010-01-14T10:42:00.004-05:00

I just met with Mona Westhaver, President and Co-Founder of Inspiration Software,Inc. Their product line includes Inspiration, Kidspiration, and InspireData. Inspiration 9 was released January 5, 2010 and FETC 2010 is a perfect venue to show the added features.

Inspiration is clearly a leader in visual thinking and learning. With Inspiration 9 there has been a reorganization of symbols and visual tools that will aid students in making curriculum connections. There is increased capability for organizing, outlining, and writing. The NEW Presentation Manager and Mind Map view are additions to an already superb product.

Students will be able to transfer their work from diagram, outline, and/or mind map views into presentations. With a few clicks, drags and drops, students will be able to move their brainstorming to the presentation level, thereby achieving and demonstrating their knowledge within one program. Inspiration presenter applet is available as a free download in order to view the presentations even if Inspiration is not installed on that particular machine.

Students are able to export their document or presentation directly to the PDF format, making it very easy to share their work with others.

FETC Keynote Speaker

2010-01-13T22:17:00.002-05:00

Ed Begley Jr. is indeed an accomplished actor, but he is also a dynamic individual and a person who truly lives and practices what he believes in. He started taking a great interest in the environment back in 1970. He is often seen on his bicycle, he purchases recycled paper, has a rain barrel, recycles and composts and practices what he 'preaches'. He is so entertaining to listen to, that one becomes absorbed in the message and comes away with a feeling that 'I can do that'.

Today, before leaving home, I stopped to drop off the newspapers and boxes at a school with the large GREEN dumpster. People do not realize how convenient it is. In Pasco County, only a small percentage of homes have 'blue bag' recycling. But we do our part and I am proud of the effort. Even more so after listening to Ed Begley, Jr.

Mr. Begley said that "Everybody can do something". It's okay to start small. Do what you can and after that try to do more.

As to technology, "it can be a friend". Use it wisely. It's okay to have a fondness for the printed page.

With regard to the climate change discussion, stick to good science. Go to reputable scientific sites for information. Be aware of your source.

Ready, Set, Go!

2010-01-13T14:18:00.006-05:00

It's time for FETC 2010, 30 year anniversary, and all is set and ready for thousands of participants to filter through the Orange County Convention Center. We're at the West Concourse this year, with parking in the rear of the building.

Ready- Left home with the added travel concern of sinkholes. Armed with my map of the exhibit hall, email verifications of appointments, interviews, receptions, and my own eagerness.

Set- After parking and a hike to Level 1 Sections A and B, I checked in and located the FETC Press Room. Such a nice welcome from really fine folks. We have wireless connection, work areas, and refreshments available to us throughout FETC.

Go- I will be attending the opening session which is 3:30-5:00 PM. From there I'll head to the Exhibit Hall's Grand Opening. There are several companies I will be looking for this evening: Discovery Education, SMART, and Epson to name a few.

Vendor Hall Exhibit

2010-01-11T10:19:00.003-05:00

FETC Vendor Hall opening reception is set for Wednesday, January 13 from 5:00-7:00PM.
On Thursday, the Vendor Hall is open 9:00-5:30PM and on Friday, 9:00-2:30PM. Visiting vendors enables attendees to see products, demonstrations, and attend staff development.

Opening Session

2010-01-08T09:31:00.006-05:00

Ed Begley, Jr.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Gearing up!

2010-01-06T21:35:00.004-05:00

FETC 2010 is just around the corner. I asked colleagues if they made a schedule to follow while at the conference. The majority of responses indicate the attempt is made, but so much can happen.

The exhibit hall is a big draw not only to see many of the hardware and software products out, but also for the opportunity in attending sessions dealing with the product. Many companies offer staff development in connection with a product purchase. Ask if it is included with the purchase and be sure to follow up and schedule sessions for your staff members.

I've been reading all that I can on the FETC web site . If I am informed, I hope to make wise choices for my time at the conference. I plan on being comfortable and doing a lot of walking. I'll be adding information daily and hope it will benefit those of you who 'pass' by.

Verizon Thinkfinity

2009-12-30T23:33:00.003-05:00

Verizon Thinkfinity is such a wonderful web portal to rich educational web resources. I have recently applied to be a Verizon Thinkfinity National Cadre Trainer. I feel I have much to offer and believe wholeheartedly that the resources available are high quality and contain tools that will help "children reach their highest potential" (Pasco County).

I am an Educator

2009-12-18T08:06:00.001-05:00

I feel I was "called" to this profession, one I am proud to have been a part of for 35 years. After 25 years in the classroom (N-8), I decided to become an Instructional Technology Specialist. Although my focus has changed to coaching teachers in the use of technology, I feel that I have a good insight into the demands on today's teacher.

Many teachers are leaving the profession during their first five years. The demands on today's teacher are phenomenal. School districts who adopt new programs, textbooks, professional development expectations and so forth are forgetting the need for the time needed to adequately prepare for lessons. Too many meetings, paperwork, assessments are interfering with the teaching and learning process. Our school day is the same length as it was back in the 1920's, but look at all the things to learn that have developed.

To do the best job for students we need to have initiatives and policies fully backed with the necessary funds to make it happen. Perfect example is the use of online testing when schools are not equipped with enough computers to basically 'shut down' any other use for 3-5 weeks of the school year. We need educators with vision...where are we heading and what is the ultimate goal?

January FETC 2010

2009-12-16T12:37:00.003-05:00

Time is drawing near for this year's Florida Educational Technology Conference (FETC) held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. FETC is a division of 1105 Media Inc. and this year's conference will have more than 200 Concurrent Sessions, more than 70 Professional Development Workshops, and an exhibit hall with 500+ companies. Participants will have an opportunity to network with folks about the latest in technology and educational resources. I look forward to attending and meeting folks I've communicated with during the year on Skype, Twitter, and FaceBook. Educators discovering ways to incorporate the latest Web 2.0 tools in the classroom are an exciting group!

FETC Virtual Conference

2009-10-22T12:11:00.002-04:00

The FETC Virtual Conference is being held today until 6PM. Interact with participants and exhibitors. Go to the auditorium to listen to guest speakers. If you are unable to stay online for a long period of time, go to the Media Center and pick up some white papers to check out later. This is a perfect venue for those of us with busy schedules and no budgets for travel and such.

Consultant work

2009-10-09T19:59:00.002-04:00

I have really enjoyed the past couple of months working with BigUniverse.com. It has been very rewarding and I've met wonderful individuals virtually. Working strictly "in the clouds" has been a new experience. My role allowed me to draw upon the skills I have been working on for the past decade. I learned new software programs, communicated via Skype and used Google Business (docs, spreadsheets, calendar, and gmail). Hats off to a company that has a great product and a 21st century work environment!

Good Find from Twitter

2009-09-18T20:46:00.002-04:00

You can always count on learning something from reading the tweets on Twitter. This article, 100 Helpful Web Tools for Every Kind of Learner, is a real find! Check it out, as it is organized by learning style.

BigUniverse.com

2009-08-14T21:16:00.001-04:00

I first posted about BigUniverse in January and I’ve really come to appreciate what this site offers. The site includes the opportunity to create a virtual bookshelf, rate books, and recommend them to others. There is also an authoring tool built in so subscribers can create and publish their own books. With school budget cuts across the country, this is a wonderful way to increase access to books in our K-6 schools. Older students would welcome the authoring tool.

Google Certified Teacher

2009-08-08T22:47:00.003-04:00

What a fabulous experience being at Google in Boulder, CO. I learned so many things and previous learning was reinforced. I am ecstatic to be part of this closed community.

Web 2.0

2009-07-31T13:23:00.002-04:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Web 2.0

View more presentations from Rob Kovi.

Teacher Toolbox

2009-07-28T18:24:00.002-04:00

The following site is made with Google Docs and is a nice collection of teacher tools for use during the school year. https://docs.google.com/View?id=d9vcd73_70dw2bgjgr

Another collection of tools can be found at this wiki.

How to Set Up a Blog Using Blogger

2009-07-17T16:00:00.001-04:00

How to Set Up a Blog Using Blogger

Shared via AddThis

Google Invitation Received and Accepted!!

2009-07-11T18:51:00.003-04:00

http://www.google.com/educators/gta.html

The GTA is in Boulder, CO this year and I am going!! Wow, I am soooo excited. It is a fabulous opportunity and one I will take full advantage of. I plan on sharing what I learn with colleagues.

Sunny Sunday in Tampa

2009-05-17T09:17:00.014-04:00

Okay, so it rained last night while we were at Tia's Tex Mex. Today it is sunny and we are already working on Audio...using Audacity, since it is cross platformed.

Remember with Audacity you need the Lame Encoder. Check here.

Software install CD will be included for participants.
Using a script for recording- use digitally...reduces paper noise and simulates a tele prompter. Place it beside or above the Audacity program right on the desktop.

Moodle course will be designed and will be used to prepare the asset reviewers. MDE's will serve as asset reviewers again this year.

Video Karen Seddon is doing a demo on iMovie08 and iMovie09. We created a movie with audio...practicing editing tools.

Action research was discussed and Kate Kemker spoke about iTunes U.

Portfolios and Assessments
Reflect on what they learn and how they learned it.

Survey Monkey about summer availability only showed that people's plans change...so...read your emails, check the MDE Moodle, and stay in touch with fellow MDE's.

Saturday Afternoon

2009-05-16T12:47:00.020-04:00

One of the Newspapers in Education reps is here and we are having about a 20 minute preso. Jeremy complimented all of us, not just those present, but all MDE's for the great people and educators we are.

This afternoon we have to play catch up. We will be spending an hour on the following: ICT, Telling Stories with Digital Images, and audio.

Sunday looks like Digital Video, Portfolios, Content Creation...

We are sitting through a presentation on Newspapers in Education...need I say more?
We need to be well versed in the program and the Herald Tribune. MDE's will do an elective session on this topic.
Check out eedition.heraldtribune.com for an idea. I think NY Times is available as well.

Please note that some of the writing here is for notes so I can remember what was discussed.

Gordon is ready to move on...I believe our topic is ICT (Information, Communication and Technology Skills)
Educators will be able to locate things on their computer, tagging, cite info, copyright, collaboration with wikis and blogs, and much more!

Adobe Reader tools- highlighting, quotes, etc. How to use a web browser search more effectively. How to use Edit>Find in the browser and locate key words on pages and in documents.

Web searches, include custom search for FCIT

Tagging: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ywC_ebiSb4

Be aware of Thinkfinity.org in order to share this resource with participants.

Delicious.com Social bookmarking, tagging, and network friends

Be on the lookout for log ons being sent via email for blogs and wikis that are on USF server.

Check out WORD 2008 and from the ToolBox, 3rd icon over, you have a citation maker!

Thinkquest.org

TIM...Technology Integration Matrix

Saturday Morning

2009-05-16T08:26:00.024-04:00

Here we are...haven't started, but took 20 minutes to get wireless access. Now I'll be all set. Will send the address out for those who are interested. Feel free to share it.

People were selected to come from all over the state...N, S, E, W...
Nancy, Pauline, Po, Kristie, Lynn, John L, Kathy, Marsha, Karen, C David, Kristine, Darryl, Norma, Kathy Hobbs, Theresa, me, Sylvia, Kris, Gordon, Michael, Kate..
so in essence, all corners are covered with an informed MDE.

Spending time with introductions and finding out what people are doing...this part of the agenda was to end at 8:30.

Lots of changes coming up and will be shared!

TAR- 2 week deadline, must be done for travel etc. BEFORE travel in order to get reimbursed. USF and Kris will take care of it. Cars rented cost ends up around $22/day so much better than using own car. When pcard is used, we will have conf. numbers, if a PO is used, then no conf. #. Contact Kris for travel.

USF on a budget, there will be additional MDE's working this summer-not just us...okay!

Summer Training:
* numbers are not in...1 MDE to 12 participants will be the rough ratio.
* some beginner and some advanced institutes
* institutes limited to 100 people
* June 15 Gainesville, Gulf
* June 22 Polk USF facility in Lakeland
* July 13 Pensacola, Okaloosa (40 people)
* July 21 Orlando
* July 27 Collier
* August4 Tampa
If they can't travel, the program will travel to them.

Workshops listed on the web site may not happen with the numbers. Advertise the
workshops. MDE's may be asked to come in and teach a workshop. MDE's may be viewing assets.

FDE Institute 2009 Outline
MUST KNOW ALL OF THESE. Be prepared for all sessions. Assets from each section...
Day 1 Presentation Skills
Information, Communication and Technology

Day 2 Telling stories with digital images
Developing understanding with audio

Day 3 Digital Video
Elective 1, 2 (1.5 hours for each elective)
Vendor Fair at larger institute group

Day 4 Elective 3, 4
Portfolios and Assessment (Making an ePortfolio with their assets.)
We will have essential questions. Participants will make choices. Will zip and add ePortfolio as an asset.

Share and discuss Technology Integration Matrix
All document handouts are in draft form.

We spent over an hour working through Presentations. Worked with Master slides, opacity, etc. Many of us had never delved into that.

On Moodle, at bottom of Portal Page, you will find the training institute information. Download zip files and you will get a good idea of what to expect.
It is now 11:30 and Jeremy Jackson is here for lunch. More later!

MDE Tampa Weekend

2009-05-15T18:57:00.002-04:00

The next few entries will be a collection of info tidbits from this weekend in Tamps, May 16-17. Full day planned 8:00AM - 5:00PM on Saturday and 8:30-12:30PM on Sunday.
Jeremy Jackson will attend and provide lunch. I chatted with Jeremy today and it will be good to see him as always.

Tech4Learning Innovative Educator

2009-05-08T19:10:00.002-04:00

Received notice today that I received a TIE...Am thrilled to be recognized for my efforts with Tech4Learning- especially with Pixie. This is indeed an honor and one I will share with the Pasco County Educational Foundation. It was through the Foundation that I received a grant to purchase copies of Pixie for Deer Park Elementary.

Gearing up for Summer

2009-05-03T15:54:00.003-04:00

Here's a helpful link for tutorials of Apple's iLife suite: http://www.apple.com/ilife/tutorials/#iphoto

Looking at numerous applications for the summer: iLife and iWork for the Mac, Audacity, MovieMaker, PowerPoint, Tech4Learning's Pixie and Frames and Picasa.

Invited to Tampa for an MDE weekend May 16-May 17. Shall see what is in store for the summer. I will be doing 40 hours of summer school and work for USF when I am able.

Will be going to NY for my niece's bridal shower in June.

Teacher Humor

2009-04-29T09:23:00.000-04:00

Attach0
And what are you planning for Mother's Day gifts this year?

MrsA - home

2009-04-25T18:28:00.000-04:00

MrsA - home

Contains numerous links on Internet Safety, Copyright, Web 2.0, and lesson plan sites.

Pixie Fun

2009-04-15T21:03:00.003-04:00

Jeremy Jackson stopped by today. I was happy to introduce him to several fourth graders who used Pixie for digital storytelling last month. Their work is posted here.

Looking forward to sharing Pixie with a class of first graders next. This is part of the job that is fun!

Dump Drone Slides

2009-03-26T14:31:00.003-04:00

Cathy Moore points out some good reminders and offers tips on making your presentations better.

Posted via Pixelpipe.

Post by Jeanne Rogers on Pixelpipe

2009-03-26T14:31:00.001-04:00

Post by Jeanne Rogers on Pixelpipe

Posted using ShareThis

ePortfolio

2009-02-18T20:47:00.000-05:00

The web site created during year one as an MDE is still available at
http://etc.usf.edu/portfolios/jrogers/. I was surprised to see it.
No way to update or change it!

Digital Storytelling Resource

2009-02-06T12:22:00.000-05:00

One of my twitter followers has a good post on Digital Storytelling.
Some fine links.

http://educationaltechnology.ca/couros/1268

At FETC Orlando

2009-01-21T18:58:00.000-05:00

Great people, good ideas.

Presented Curriculum Enhancement with Web2.0, Wednesday, January 21 4-7PM. Worked well with Chris and Hope. As one participant said in a subsequent email, "made a good tag team". Individuals were from Massachusetts, California, and Tennessee. Have the opportunity to continue to network with them, collaborate, learn from each other.
That is one of the best experiences offered through conference attendance.

On Thursday I met with AtomicLearning to discuss ways that service has assisted me personally, as well as how it is a help to my school and my district.

I was able to attend the keynote address by Phillipe Cousteau and came away with an increased awareness of just how the world has changed and that we must be vigilant in caring for the planet.

The reception and vendor time offered a new experience for me as I was invited to assist in the Tech4Learning booth. I am a grant recipient for Digital Storytelling with Pixie.

I headed back to Pasco County, FL on Friday morning as I had to return to work. This FETC was one of giving back to the profession.

MDE honored in Broward as finalist for TOY

2009-01-16T21:04:00.000-05:00

RockYou.com

2009-01-15T11:39:00.000-05:00

RockYou.com - photo sharing, MySpace slideshows, MySpace codes, MySpace music

This site, for creating a slide show, has no registration and might work well with students. You are invited to register, but may choose the skip button!

iMovie practice

2009-01-03T18:01:00.000-05:00

I made a video. You might think, so what? I've used iMovie before, but this was different. I used the video as a means to practice GarageBand, iPhoto, and iMovie 08. By honing my own skills I gained confidence to be able to provide more assistance to other educators. As an MDE, I believe it is important to continue to increase our knowledge on all the digital tools available to us. If you don't use it, you lose it. That is really true in this digital world we live in. Stay in touch with what is going on by checking the MDE portal on Moodle and keep using digital tools available.

iFrames in iWeb

2008-12-20T17:07:00.000-05:00

Welcome to iWebUnlimited.com - iWeb Tricks, Tips, How-To's, and more

I may have mentioned this site before, but it is worth repeating. This is good! Good info, good tips, and I learn so much when I remember to check back at this site. You too can make the most of iWeb.

Holiday Party

2008-12-14T08:23:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Too Cool!

2008-12-12T20:34:00.000-05:00

Received an invitation to Big Sur Technologies' holiday party at Whiskey North in Tampa for December 13. Dinner and drinks starting at 6PM.

Spoke with Jeremy Jackson this week about my recent purchase of 20 copies of Pixie. Was happy when he invited me to demo Pixie in the Tech4Learning booth at FETC in January.

Of course, our District is in dire straits for funds, as we all are in Florida. I am waiting for approval to attend FETC. I have funds from the internal media budget...Scholastic Book Fair earnings. Hope I will be there.

Shannon enroute to Mizzou

2008-11-28T18:02:00.000-05:00

Attended a farewell dinner for Shannon on Saturday. Was great to see the USF gang- Michael, Roy, BJ, Anna, Jim, Luis and more. Shannon looks happy and content with her decision. Had the chance to see C David and Nancy.

$300 Grant

2008-11-01T18:17:00.000-04:00

Received word that I am the recipient of a $300 grant that I submitted for Pixie and Digital Storytelling. I hope to hear from Jeremy Jackson about coming to Deer Park Elementary. I have several other tech specialists interested in Pixie. Perhaps he can share the program with them.

I also have $86 from the fall carnival that I will put towards Pixie. Hoping to get 16 copies to start. I will install them on a 16 station MacBook Lab.

Looking forward to sharing the software with fourth graders. They're my target group for the grant. I believe it will be good for K-5.

FDE updates

2008-10-11T11:30:00.000-04:00

I found a tentative list of dates for the 2009 summer and thought I'd post it here.
http://etc.usf.edu/fde/

New SmartBoard Arrives

2008-10-06T11:15:00.001-04:00

My school has a SmartBoard and I am doing the happy dance. I attended a training given by Patti Palancia the day after the board arrived. I plan on introducing it to my staff and using it for an upcoming Thinkfinity training. I believe the interactive activities I selected from Thinkfinity will be a great demo use of the board. Later I will get Smart Notebook installed on teacher machines. More training will be needed. It was recommended that the board be used by one teacher for three weeks. This would give adequate time to get used to it and to think of ways it can be used for class instruction. We hope to get more in the future.

What Do Teachers Make?

2008-09-29T10:58:00.000-04:00

A grandmother of one of our students sent this to me. I'd seen it before, but felt it was worth posting.

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education.

He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best=2 0option in life was to become a teacher?'

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'

To emphasize his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?'

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, 'You want to know what I make?

(She paused for a second, then began...)

·         'Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

·         I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

·         I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?' (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

·         ''I make kids wonder.

·         I make them question.

·         I make them apologize and mean it.

·         I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

·         I teach them to write and then I make them write.

·         Keyboarding isn't everything.

·         I make them read, read, read.

·         I make them sho w all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator.

·         I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

·         I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

·         I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America .

I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.'

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

'Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?'

His jaw dropped, he went silent.

Do you believe?

2008-09-27T14:39:00.000-04:00

If you haven't had a chance to view this awesome keynote address by a fifth grader in Dallas, you need to take a few moments now!

Family

2008-09-27T14:29:00.001-04:00

I miss my MDE family members! After spending so many hours together over the summer, I look forward to checking email, twitter, iChat and FaceBook to see what people are doing.
Hope to get a group together in October in Tampa-Clearwater area for dinner. Interested?

Having fun with kitten, Mister Snickers.

Summer's End

2008-08-10T15:29:00.000-04:00

The last of the summer institutes was held in Orlando at the University of Central Florida. What a campus! What a facility! Gordon took this photo of a sculpture at the entrance to the Teaching Academy building.

The participants were so enthusiastic and motivated. Many commented that it was the best professional development experience.

It was with a bit of sadness that we packed up the vans for the final time. All of us were anxious to get home, for sure, but we also had to bid farewell to colleagues and friends we shared the summer with. MDE's et al are an extension of our family.

With that said we can look ahead to a good school year. We'll share our lives through blogs, twitter, facebook, and ichats.

CyberBee

2008-08-07T09:15:00.000-04:00

CyberBee

Great site for elementary students. Not only is there a great interactive question and answer activity for students on the basics of copyright, but there are currently posted 2008 election lessons.

Orlando Institute

2008-08-02T16:20:00.000-04:00

The Orlando Institute is this week. I'll leave New Port Richey on Monday, August 4. We will be having a special twist to this Institute: Art Infusion with UCF. I'll be training with Angee on ICT, Information and Communication Technology. My electives will be Keynote and Introduction to Mac OS, which I will repeat. Then I will be able to assist with Google Earth and finally, SMART Technologies. We will be getting our first SMART board at Deer Park and I am excited about being able to show teachers how it can transform teaching.

Interactivate: Stopwatch

2008-08-01T10:30:00.000-04:00

Interactivate: Stopwatch

Blue Armadillo

2008-08-01T08:20:00.000-04:00

Tech4Learning, Inc. - Utensils - Blue Armadillo

This is an image batch conversion utility for Windows and Mac. Only for Classic on the Mac side and no plans for an upgrade.

Mac Aerobics

2008-07-31T21:42:00.001-04:00

from youtube

Apple Computer

2008-07-31T21:39:00.001-04:00

from youtube

Tampa Institute

2008-07-26T14:30:00.000-04:00

After a looooooong day at USF/FCIT TL Institute, we enjoyed a lovely dinner prepared by our very own Chris Nitti and his wife, Liz. A great chance to gather with the MDE family!

Teachers' Domain: Home

2008-07-19T13:18:00.000-04:00

Teachers' Domain: Home

Look for additions to this site in other content area, not just science, this fall.

Essential Questions

2008-07-18T15:06:00.000-04:00

Here's a site containing numerous links for Essential Questions and lesson planning.

Essential Questions

Lake City a Success

2008-07-12T13:58:00.000-04:00

Lake City was a great Teaching and Learning Technology institute filled with eager, enthusiastic, motivated participants. They were gracious to us and complimented the MDE/FCIT staff as being most pleasant and great to work with.

The MDE's enjoyed the opportunity to share time and talents with each other.

As to the drive, well, it will be better since I will travel with a Florida map next time. Glad I had the navigation compass in the Impala as I missed the road I was to use to get to the interstate on the way home. I saw some beautiful lush countryside as a result of my south-southwest traveling to I75.

July Institutes

2008-07-04T13:25:00.001-04:00

Lake City is next. Cuts predicted for Boca Raton. Tremendous learning opportunities at the institutes for all involved. One of the things I like best is feedback from the participants. I like the evaluation sheets USF is using after each session and the electives. If we could use a Google form or survey monkey, the info could be readily available for researcher information and for use in DOE publications.

Check out Slide.com

2008-06-25T06:49:00.001-04:00

Naples Institute

2008-06-21T12:43:00.000-04:00

I would describe this institute as a learning experience.
As the first one of the summer, we looked at ways to revise the playbooks and agenda. The Naples area was lovely and we had a great time.

Heading to Naples

2008-06-06T14:07:00.001-04:00

I will be conducting the Information and Communication Technologies training in Naples.
David, Crystal, Nancy, Norma, and Rick (Dreamweaver) will be there.

Institutes Revisited

2008-06-04T12:26:00.001-04:00

May need to cut some MDE's for the institutes in June due to funds not available for districts to send participants. Waiting to see results of volunteering.

Social Bookmarking

2008-05-26T20:58:00.000-04:00

Here's a video that will provide background info on social bookmarking.

The old method of saving a library of sites was to create a bookmark or a favorite on your own computer in the browser of choice. Now, with sites like de.lici.ous, you can have your bookmarks available 24/7 wherever you are, tagged, and able to share with others.

Preparing for Summer Institutes 2008

2008-05-22T17:29:00.000-04:00

MDEs training this summer gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn in Tampa May 17-18. There we reviewed FCIT/ETC web site with Roy, met Kris and thanked her for travel efforts, and renewed friendships.

Worth Checking Out

2008-05-17T12:43:00.000-04:00

Objectpark Software - Products

Objectpark Software - Products
Check out the MenuCalendar if you are an iCal user.

Themes
Themes (LOTS!!!!) @ Pratt's Educational Resources

In2Edu
In2Edu - Education:Teacher resources, lesson plans, thematic integrated units... the best

Vista True Info Video - Metacafe

2008-05-15T13:04:00.000-04:00

Vista True Info Video - Metacafe

Summer Institutes 2008

2008-05-01T19:30:00.000-04:00

Seems like things are shaping up for the Institutes. Michael sent out a survey to see which topics we'd like to cover. We've been in contact by Kris regarding the weekend in May at the Hilton Garden in Tampa. It will be good seeing people and working with them again.

Hope there won't be any hurricanes to disrupt our summer plans!

Online Video Converter

2008-04-22T12:23:00.001-04:00

Teacher asked for help 'downloading' a video from You Tube...Neil Diamond's Coming to America...to use in class. I used Zamzar to convert the file. It was emailed to me and I now have a copy for the teacher to use for an educational purpose. I did this at home. Yes, at the moment You Tube is accessible, but she wants to show it in May.

MDE update

2008-04-13T14:34:00.000-04:00

MDE's around the state are receiving information regarding their Teaching & Learning summer institute dates and locations. I'm happy to know that I'll be sharing the summer with Angee and Crystal. Haven't heard from anyone else at time of posting.

Heard via twitter that cohort 3 names have been announced and should be posted this week on the fde/mde web site.

May 17 and 18 will be the next MDE weekend in Tampa at USF. The MDE's that are summer trainers/facilitators will be there.

Learning continues

2008-04-06T20:25:00.000-04:00

I've been working with Leopard and Leopard server, on the Mac side of things. I gave a training on iLife08, specifically iPhoto and iMovie. I've been working with iWeb and Dreamweaver for web design. I have been adding to my knowledge of Web 2.0. I joined Twitter and Classroom 2.0 and have picked up numerous tips, sites, and insights from reading these and other blogs. I've been helping my staff with Discovery Education Network.

As I read the blogs of colleagues in the global community, I am humbled because I find there is so much I still don't know. The desire is keen to learn.

A star is born!

2008-04-05T17:16:00.000-04:00

Teaching my husband PhotoBooth.

Royalty Free Music.

2008-04-01T13:05:00.000-04:00

http://www.soundzabound.com/

http://www.partnersinrhyme.com/

http://www.instantmusicnow.com/default.asp

Welcome Kit

2008-03-29T11:40:00.000-04:00

My Welcome kit as a Star Discovery Educator arrived Friday!

Wiki and Blog Policies

2008-03-26T19:52:00.001-04:00

OS X Help

2008-03-24T18:09:00.000-04:00

OS X Help - Insanely simple tutorials for the first time Macintosh user

PhotoBooth and Pages

2008-03-24T12:19:00.000-04:00

Today I worked with K-1 students with MacBooks. Students opened Pages and selected a template for a report. Students were directed to change text for name and to write a sentence about themselves. We then opened PhotoBooth and students were directed to take a photo of themselves. The class I worked with had prior knowledge and chose to take a funny photo using effects in the program. Students selected one photo and dragged it to the desktop. They then were instructed to replace the pic in the template with their own photo. We printed to a selected printer and kids had their paper to take home. The 45 minute lesson provided an opportunity to use two new applications, new MacBooks, and completed tasks related to SSS LA 3.6.4.1 and LA 3.6.4.2.

Don't Quit Poem

2008-03-15T12:08:00.001-04:00

http://www.thedontquitpoem.com

Who did you vote for?

2008-03-12T13:20:00.000-04:00

We do make a difference!

2008-03-07T20:25:00.001-05:00

VoiceThread

2008-03-07T10:36:00.000-05:00

Used VoiceThread this week for the first time, thanks to Karen Seddon. I made two short clips and the second one was made on my MacBook and that has better sound quality than the iMac I used.

http://voicethread.com/share/74703
http://voicethread.com/share/75849

Zoho

2008-03-02T16:42:00.000-05:00

Check out zoho.com for more options for working on the web. Similar to Google Tools.