Integrate Now Club

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Been a while with water under the proverbial bridge!
IN Group held our second to last session this past week. You can check out details of each of the sessions on the webpage. Oour last session focused on games, educational games. NOT drilll a nd practice games. Marc Prensky's ideas and philosophy were the primary focus of our last few meetings.
All participants received a copy of 'Don't Bother Me Mom, I'm Learning" along with a 1 gb flash drive. We hope they use it to infuse United Streaming Video into their curriculum, found through the ASSET or IDEAL portals.
Here's link to my EdTech blog which discusses the Tech Academy held last Thursday. The theme was in tandem to the goals of the IN Group!
Also below is a link that will lead you to ASSET and IDEAL.
Our next session: Small Grants for Classroom Technology

Thursday, January 18, 2007

ASSET Course for IN Group Members

Linda Sturr (Santa Cruz 4th Grade Gifted) and I are taking an on-line ASSET class; to Creating Internet-based Lesson Plans with MarcoPolo Resources. During the next 8 weeks we will be working with an on-line cohort of teachers from all over Arizona to help integrate robust on-line resources into classroom content and lessons. Linda's classroom BLOG!

I am an ASSET trained Navigator, but always thoroughly enjoy my role as an on-line ASSET student. Linda and I met after school today to support each other in beginning the class - working together to successfully navigate the first lesson plan!
Not an ASSET Member? Check Out Just Visting!
Want some KIDS resources? Check Out http://asset2.asu.iassessment.org/ia/render.userLayoutRootNode.uP

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Amazing On-Line Lesson Plans and Resources

At our November 30th session, Gina Pinch, Director of Technology shared very specific websites that provide teachers with robust and complete implementations and lesson plans. One of the observations Gina has made in her many years in the field of Technology Education is that teachers do not always have time to evaluate and review websites thoroughly. Web-based resources for teachers are virtually limitless, but Gina has taken the step of paring down a formidable number of resources to a manageable amount of excellent sites for teachers.

By introducing teachers to reputable and rather complete sites, that relate their content to standards in a searchable format, she brings a wealth of focused and purposeful opportuntites directly to the teacher. Without adding additional research, using these resouorces enables the teacher to easily transition their regular curriculum into a technology rich teaching/learning environment.



HIGHLIGHTS

ASSET Arizona School Services through Educational Technology is THE definitive MUST HAVE resource for AZ teachers and administrators. Gina directed us to one aspect 'Curricular Resources'. The ASSET 'Curricular Resources' section is the Portal to United Video Streaming, Math Active, Marco Polo and other 'Interactive Learning' resources and 'Classroom Resources' such as 'Curriculum Showcase'; 'Curriculum Partners'; 'ASSET Reviewed sites' and MORE!!!

CIESE The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education offers fully developed and integrated projects and lesson plans using Primary Resources, Real-Time-Data Projects and Collaborative Projects. Gina and I are CIESE trained 'Savvy Cyber Teacher' mentors/trainers.

Discovery School Searchable by content and grade. The range of content and themes is astounding. Please take some time to review this site.
If you need any assistance in formulating your technology integration implementation, please email me: achayefsky@musd20.org

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Class Rescheduled
from
Wednesday, November 15
to
Thursday, November 30th


One of our major topics is Blogging – Blog is short for Web Log (a form of internet based journaling) – Check these links to see Blogs currently in use at MUSD – This is an amazingly quick, easy and internet-based way to connect classroom to parents and the community – Teachers, you can do it from the comfort of an internet connected computer at home (or wireless PC/PDA/Smart Phone ANYWHERE) Post homework, class happenings, student works. Forget printing and distributing newsletters – publish Blogs! Come to class and learn how!!!

High School Announcements Blog – found on HS home page
Technology Department Blog – found on Tech Dep’t Home Page
Videoconferencing Blog – found on Tech Dep’t Home Page
IN Group Blog – found on Tech Dep’t Home Page

Amy’s AzTEA Blog (not district related) – found on Amy’s Blogs ‘R Us Page

This class will focus on International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Teacher Standard II; Performance Indicator as follows:
Teacher Standard II – Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences
Performance Indicator A – Design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners

The strategies we will explore are:
-Locating lesson plans, which are already developed and available
-Accessing teacher resources with the ASSET portal
-Utilizing blogging within the classroom
-Introduction to podcasts developed by both teachers and students

We certainly hope that you can join us on November 15th
3:45- 4:00 – Snack and Socializing
4:00-5:30 – Strategies and Practice Time
5:30-6:00 – Optional - Additional time for practice/questions

Friday, September 22, 2006

Kick-Off meetings a success!!!
Several teachers, with grades ranging from Kindergarten through High School, have joining the MUSD 'IN' Group to learn how to integrate technology into their classrooms. Two brainstorming sessions were held this past week and the ideas will become the foundation from which we develop and design the training model and focus that follows. Ideas included efficient uses of the 'One Computer Classroom', Computer Lab Simulations, Podcasting and Blogging, Videoconferencing, Telecollaboration, ASSET Resources and improved use of software applications.
ASSET 360 Assessments - This coming week, members will be participating in the ASSET 360 Teacher Technology Assessments, which will help develop additional group related benchmarks.
Classes - In the next few weeks we will be announcing a 'Menu' of training sessions open for Members Only registration. Course selections are based on needs and interests collected from the team brainstorming sessions!
For more information, contact: Amy Chayefsky, achayefsky@musd20.org

Friday, September 15, 2006

'IN' Club (Integrate Now!)
2006-2007 Kick-off meetings
Wednesday, September 20th and Thursday, September 21st
4 pm - 5 pm
Participants: Choose to attend one of these Orientation sessions
Location: Maricopa High School Distance Learning Lab
The goal of the IN Club is to deliver innovative and meaningful technology into the hands of teachers and their students. Part of this session is reserved for Brainstroming so bring your ideas, your wish lists and questions about what you have seen done and what you would like to do!!!
Participation is limited. If you are interested, but have not already become a registered member, please email: achayefsky@musd20.org