HMHEducation.com

Data - Driven Decisions Academy, K-12

The three-day Data-Driven Decisions Academy promotes the integration of data-driven decision making for school improvement, with a focus on the improvement of teaching practices and student achievement in the standards led curriculum. Participants acquire research-based skills and strategies in understanding the data-driven decision making cycle, identifying student achievement needs, locating and examining data to identify root causes, creating action plans that address root causes, using appropriate formative assessments, differentiating instruction to meet student needs, and accessing teacher and student resources that support instruction. All participants will develop an action plan that can be immediately used in a district, school, or classroom.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Identify the key elements and processes of data-driven decision making for school improvement
• Discover the accountability mandates of NCLB
• Examine a best practice framework that highlights instructional practices and strategies that impact student learning in the classroom
• Read and analyze types of student performance data
• Learn how to set effective and measurable goals
• Understand the process of root cause analysis and how to build data focused questions
• Examine the role of formative assessments in data-driven decision making
• Explore online resources in support of state and national standards
• Uncover the purpose and key components of an instructional action plan

Three Days
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Social Networking: Setting the Policy, K-12

In Social Networking: Setting the Policy, district administrators, technology leaders, and school board members will be introduced to the social media policies of major corporations and examine why social networking is critical to our schools. During this one-day course, participants learn the importance of a code of ethics, the significance of the district spokesperson, and the value of social networking sites. In addition, those attending will work collaboratively to create a social media policy for their school or district.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand why social networking is important in our schools
• Review social networking policies from major corporations
• Become familiar with the code of ethics for social networking
• Understand the expectations for district or school spokespeople
• Discuss which social media sites to block or unblock
• Create a social networking policy for the district or school

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Technology Leadership Camp, Grades K-12

This three-day workshop provides technology leaders with the skills, resources, and confidence to effectively use the Internet for their individual needs and to lead the effort to successfully infuse technology into instruction. Participants will become more effective as they address their local needs by developing vision, planning, and assessment and evaluation skills. All participants will develop an action plan that can be immediately used in the district and/or school.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Develop technology skills and tools to assist with leadership activities
• Locate online curriculum content and resources that support local, ISTE, and NETS standards
• Collect Internet content and resources that support administrative responsibilities
• Develop leadership skills through direct instruction and hands-on activities illustrating the strategies, techniques, and tools presented
• Gain an understanding of the instructional strategies necessary to integrate technology into the daily curriculum
• Learn how technology can support professional learning communities
• Explore the different strategies in effective role modeling and mentoring

Three Days
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Camp Connect Mentoring, K-12

Successful integration of instructional technology in the classroom depends on the support of educators' continued professional growth. Camp Connect Mentoring begins with a three-day camp to provide mentoring strategies for educators, promote the integration of technology into the curriculum, and promote the improvement of teaching practice and student achievement in the standards-led curriculum. Participants acquire the skills and strategies in learning the mentoring process, understanding Internet tools, accessing teacher resources, mentoring peers, and integrating student assignments.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the four-step process of mentoring and how it applies to tech integration
• Learn how to create and manage an effective mentoring program as well as instructional and tech support to staff
• Locate and evaluate educational Web sites and organize them according to content
• Understand how to locate and/or develop Internet lesson plans and resources that support local standards
• Collect Internet content and resources that support mentoring and/or project-based learning
• Explore the different types of problem-solving projects
• Develop instructional strategies that support integrating technology into the curriculum
• Understand how to manage project-based learning in the classroom
• Create one model online assignment

Three Days
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Leading with Technology, Grades K-12

In Leading with Technology, participants will look at a variety of ways Internet technology can serve the school administrator in their role as a visionary leader. Participants will experience online resources, tools, and content that support instruction. In addition, "best practices" in integrating technology will be explored and discussed.

Objectives

Participants will:

• See examples of current uses of technology: instructional tools, communication tools, student learning, assessment, and online professional development
• Learn about the significance of mentoring and coaching as strategies to enhance staff use of information technology within the classroom
• Understand the importance of technology as a seamless resource within the teaching and learning process
• Identify effective organizations of computer hardware in the school and classroom
• View and discuss International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for the use of technology by students and teachers

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Evaluating Teachers' Effective Use of Technology, Grades K-12

Evaluating Teachers' Effective Use of Technology focuses on strategies for assessing teachers' skill levels and use of classroom technologies. Participants will be introduced to an overview of current research on classroom technology use, including the impact of effective practices as measured by student achievement and work product.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Identify target uses of education technology
• Evaluate and select appropriate technology skill assessment instruments
• Develop classroom lessons that address key goals and depend on technology
• Coach peers in the development of technology-integrated lessons
• Observe classroom instruction and provide feedback in alignment with identified goals
• Analyze lesson plans, student work, and other artifacts for evidence of effective technology use
• Consider ways to utilize technology throughout the grade levels
• Review lesson plan design and practice peer coaching techniques
• Draft a plan for conducting or participating in technology use evaluation at their school site

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Creating an Online Professional Learning Community, Grades K-12

This one-day workshop focuses on the skills and strategies necessary to create an online professional learning community for administrators and teachers. Participants will learn about the different Web 2.0 tools such as wikis, blogs, chats, and podcasts that are prevalent on social networking sites. They will be introduced to methods and best practices in using these tools to enhance communication and collaboration. Participants will leave with the skills and tools to create their own professional learning sites.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the features and components of a wiki, blog, podcast, and social networking sites
• Understand the term "social media", and how it applies to professional learning
• Learn the advantages and disadvantages in using social media tools and resources
• Learn the purpose of a RSS feed in the distribution of information and content
• Subscribe to desired wikis, blogs, and/or podcast services
• Explore how Web 2.0 tools can be infused in collaborating and communicating
• Create an implementation action plan in using a variety of these in their professional learning community

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Building an Effective Technology Mentoring Program, Grades K-12

In this workshop, participants will investigate methods for measuring how well teachers integrate technology into their core content subject areas. Participants will learn how to maximize the training budget by fully preparing mentors to work with other staff members. Mentors will assist teachers in developing the skills and confidence necessary to independently use technology that enhances classroom lessons and ultimately increases student performance.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the mentoring philosophy and identify stages of integration
• Provide a clear vision for technology use in the classroom
• Understand how to create a "risk free" environment for beginning teachers
• Examine the structure of a successful mentoring program
• Discover the importance of teacher/mentor buy-in through mutual benefit
• Examine instructional strategies that support technology integration
• Establish on and offline learning communities for ongoing support
• Develop a program evaluation model
• Explore funding sources for mentoring programs

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Data-Driven Decision Making Skills for Administrators, Grades K-12

In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to explore innovative approaches that combine instruction, technology and student data to make effective instructional decisions in the classroom. Participants will use a wide range of online data resources, review commercial Instructional Learning Systems available for implementation, and receive best practice strategies in using data to transform learning in the classroom. The workshop will also include curriculum-mapping techniques to address targeted learning needs, classroom implementation strategies to increase student performance, and instructional strategies to positively impact the achievement gap.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Evaluate No Child Left Behind expectations and the use of learning data to achieve target progress expectations
• Utilize online resources designed to offer teachers learning data and other student performance indicators
• Review examples of research-based best practices from schools and districts nationally recognized for their use of learning data
• Evaluate use of a wide range of Instructional Learning Systems designed to offer teachers effective data and impact student learning
• Acquire curriculum-mapping skills
• Design the implementation of school "study groups" with a focus of supporting teachers in the effective use of data

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Connected Coaching, K-12

Connected Coaching is a systemic approach to professional development that provides teachers with one-on-one support in technology integration within their classroom environment. Our staff development specialist works with teachers through a series of sessions that include planning, lesson delivery, observation, and feedback. Participants receive lesson plan templates, online resources, and tools that can be applied to their lessons. In collaboration with the staff development specialist, each participant will develop a tech-infused activity or project that can be used as a model for future lessons.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Analyze student work and identify instructional needs
• Review technology instructional best practices and choose appropriate strategies
• Use classroom management skills to effectively deliver integration activities and projects
• Plan lessons to target learning needs, incorporating new technology strategies
• Teach lessons and receive supportive feedback

1-5 Days
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Camp Connect Reading, K-12

This three-day workshop promotes the integration of technology into the reading curriculum, the improvement of teaching practice, and improved student achievement in the reading curriculum. Participants will acquire the skills and strategies in the areas of understanding Internet tools, understanding No Child Left Behind (NCLB), accessing reading resources, and integrating technology into student assignments.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand how NCLB legislation impacts student learning in reading
• Locate, evaluate and organize Web sites according to the five essential reading components
• Locate Web sites that illustrate the use of higher-level problem-solving skills
• Understand how to locate and/or develop Internet lesson plans
• Locate, evaluate and organize Internet content and resources that support the reading curriculum
• Locate and integrate reading activities and projects
• Understand how to manage project-based learning in the classroom
• Understand how to create online projects such as hotlists, WebQuests, and hunts
• Create or locate one online assignment in reading

Three Days
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Camp Connect Math, K-12

This three-day workshop promotes the integration of technology into the curriculum, the improvement of teaching practice, and improved student achievement in the standards-led curriculum. Participants will acquire the skills and strategies in the areas of understanding Internet tools, accessing teacher resources, and integrating student activities and projects. All participants will develop a student activity or project that can be used immediately in the classroom.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Locate, evaluate and organize Web sites according to instructional needs
• Locate Web sites that illustrate the use of higher-level, problem-solving skills
• Understand how to locate and/or develop Internet lesson plans
• Locate online content and resources that support local standards and project-based learning
• Locate and integrate inquiry-based projects
• Understand how to manage project-based learning in the classroom
• Understand how to create online projects such as hotlists, hunts, and WebQuests
• Explore the different types of project development tools
• Create one online activity or project

Three Days
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Camp Connect Science, K-12

This three-day workshop promotes the integration of technology into the science curriculum, the improvement of teaching practices, and the improved student achievement in the standards-led curriculum. Participants will acquire the skills and strategies in the areas of understanding Internet tools, accessing teacher and student resources, and integrating student activities and projects in science. All participants will develop a student assignment that can be immediately used in the classroom.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Locate, evaluate, and organize Web sites according to science content
• Locate Web sites that illustrate the use of higher-level problem-solving skills and science standards
• Understand how to locate and/or develop Internet lesson plans in science
• Locate online content and resources that support National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and local science standards
• Collect Internet content and resources that support project-based and scientific inquiry-based learning
• Explore the different types of collaborative science projects for elementary students that exist globally
• Understand how to manage project-based learning in science curriculum
• Design and create one online assignment in elementary science that meets local, state, and/or NSTA standards

Three Days
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Online Technologies to Support Literacy Instruction, K-12

This workshop introduces participants to online tools and resources that serve to bridge the connection between technology and reading. Information gathering, pooling and sharing of data, collaboration, and interpersonal exchanges are some of the online projects that will be presented. This project-based learning approach allows the student to do collaborative problem-solving, learn and work in teams, exercise high-level thinking skills, and increase information literacy. Through the use of multimedia, electronic books, and online resources that expand learning opportunities, participants will learn to improve student reading with the goal of fluency, accuracy, understanding and enjoyment.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Identify and evaluate Internet sites for use in literacy education
• Locate and use online tools used in assessment and record keeping
• Use professional resources on the Internet that support literacy instruction
• Construct an integrated reading classroom
• Design appropriate curriculum/technology integration projects for literacy learners at all grades
• Understand the components of web-based literature projects and know how to design one for their individual classroom
• Locate and utilize online classroom projects and publishing sites that support writing and reading
• Create a hotlist to support student activities and projects

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Infusing Web 2.0 Tools into the Language Arts Classroom, K-12

This workshop will provide participants with an in-depth look at Web-based resources for classroom collaboration, sharing, and communication. Participants will create an online community for classroom use as well as learn ways to integrate other Web 2.0 tools into daily instruction such as wikis, blogs, chats, and podcasts. Participants will leave with the skills and tools that can be implemented immediately into daily instruction.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Examine the features and components of a wiki, blog, podcast, and social networking sites
• Identify writing strategies, reading strategies, or independent reading that could be taught using an Internet resource
• Learn instructional strategies in using Web 2.0
• Create a writing, reading, or literature lesson that uses a Web 2.0 tool to enhance, inspire, or teach

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Reading and Language Arts Online, 3-12

In this workshop, participants will discover ways to build important language arts skills in students through technology. Effective strategies will be introduced to enhance the reading skills of students. Participants will learn how to use the Internet to supplement balanced literacy, and build strong reading and writing skills for all students.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Examine e-mail as a means of communication and as an authentic audience for students' writing
• Become familiar with state standards, lesson plans, projects, and interactive language arts sites
• Identify basic elements of a well-designed lesson that integrates reading/writing standards with resources on the Internet
• Identify sites to use as a resource for published writing
• Create a writing, reading, or literature lesson that uses an Internet site to enhance, inspire, or teach
• Identify the value of students' publishing on the Internet

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Using Technology to Support Reading Standards, K-5

In Using Technology to Support Reading Standards, participants will create lessons that meet reading standards as well as explore online resources that contain activities that comply with both reading and technology standards. Participants will experience first hand how adding technology to the mix can formulate exciting, motivating experiences that produce improved reading ability.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Locate Internet sites that contain state standards for reading
• Familiarize participants with ISTE NETS (National Educational Technology Standards) for Students
• Understand the benefits of using technology and the Internet to support reading standards
• Locate online resources that provide research materials and tools on technology and reading for teacher professional development
• Identify basic element of a well-designed lesson that integrates reading and technology standards
• Locate student activities and projects that promote technology integration
• Learn how to use technology and online resources effectively to design reading lessons
• Create a lesson plan that utilizes technology to address one or more reading standards

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Infusing Online Tools into Math Instruction, K-5

This workshop will provide participants with an introduction to web-based resources available for math specialists, as well as ways to integrate Internet-based activities into their classroom for the more net-savvy. Participants will review content-rich Web sites, online resources and tools, and collections of Internet activities. The workshop project will include the implementation of an Internet-based activity that meets your specific curricular needs.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the advantages of Internet-based resources, and different ways for integrating technology into math curriculum
• Access content-rich Web sites, which illustrate the types of resources available online
• Learn about math-oriented professional learning communities
• Choose a lesson and work through each of the component steps to create a lesson plan
• Explore and understand the different types of online projects

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Science and Technology: A Natural Partnership, K-12

In this workshop, participants will explore ways for integrating technology into science curriculum. Topics include research, probes, working with experts, and collaborative projects. Participants will gain the confidence and skills to integrate such learning technologies in the science curriculum.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Explore the relationship between technology and science
• Understand the advantages of Internet-based resources, and different ways for integrating technology into science curriculum
• Access content-rich Web sites, which illustrate the types of resources available online
• Learn about science-oriented professional learning communities
• Choose a lesson and work through each of the component steps to create a lesson plan
• Access and understand the different types of online projects

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Social Studies in a Web-Based World, K-12

Social Studies in a Web-based World is intended both for educators who are looking for an introduction to web-based resources available for the Social Studies specialist, as well as for the more net-savvy who are looking for ways to integrate Internet-based activities into their classroom. Participants will review content-rich Web sites, Web 2.0 resources, and collections of Internet activities with a critical eye. The workshop project will include the implementation of an Internet-based activity that meets your specific curricular needs.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Learn the advantages of Internet-based resources for history and social sciences curriculum
• Investigate integration ideas for primary source documents, news and current events, and maps and mapping skills
• Learn about Social Studies-oriented LISTSERV applications, join one, and post a query to the list
• Explore contrasting models of lesson design, including virtual fieldtrips, opposing viewpoints, scenario-based activities (WebQuests), and fact-based activities
• Review Internet activities in print and online
• Choose a lesson and work through each of the component steps
• Critique an existing online activity
• Create a rubric to evaluate student performance

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Using Technology to Teach Standards, K-12

This workshop is designed for teachers who are ready to integrate education technologies into their instructional units. During the workshop, participants will be introduced to the National Curriculum Content Standards and to a new set of technology standards for students. The goal of the class is to prepare participants to be able to create and modify lessons that use technology to help students meet learning standards.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the general history of the standards movement and the impact of McREL research on standards
• Utilize web resources to locate standards-based lessons and activities
• Be able to create a PDC chart
• Use the McREL Web site to select standards that apply to selected lesson plans, and plan for a lesson assessment
• Create or modify a lesson for use in your own classroom
• Explore selected Internet curriculum and assessment resources
• Strategize approaches to the problem of standards not being met in the classroom

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Internet Resources that Improve Writing Skills, K-5 or 6-12

In this workshop, participants will learn how Internet resources can make a difference in writing instruction. Graphic organizers, a great prewriting tool, will be demonstrated along with many other resources – from rubrics to publishing – for student and teacher use. Technology can make the writing process easier for both teachers and students.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Discuss writing strategies, including the writing process
• Identify Internet resources for teaching writing skills
• Demonstrate Internet tools for student use (e.g. rubrics, tools for citing resources, checklists)
• Present assessment resources for students and teacher evaluation
• Create a writers toolkit of resources for the writing teacher or the student
• Create a personal writing space immediately accessible to others and open to feedback via a web blog

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Online Tools to Support Differentiated Instruction, K-12

This workshop introduces participants to assessment, key principles, and management strategies for the complex differentiated instructional process. Participants will experience the important role technology plays in providing children with the appropriate scaffolding for their individual needs through web-based sites, activities, and professional development.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Examine the five essential components of differentiated instruction
• Understand what differentiated instruction is and what it isn't
• Examine the benefits and methods of differentiated instruction
• Recognize the importance of technology's role in differentiated instruction
• Examine and practice classroom management strategies
• Explore online resources and tools that support differentiated instruction

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Data-Driven Decision Making Skills to Inform Instruction, K-12

In Data-Driven Decision Making Skills to Inform Instruction, participants will explore a variety of student data, innovative approaches, and plans that combine instruction, technology, and student data to make effective instructional decisions in the classroom. There will be opportunities to learn about online tools, online programs, and online resources that transform data into individualized instruction in the classroom. Each participant will create a lesson plan based on student data to establish teaching strategies and data analysis skills to impact student achievement.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Evaluate No Child Left Behind expectations and the use of learning data to achieve target progress expectations
• Explore and interpret a variety of student data
• Understand how student data drives and impacts student performance
• Utilize online resources designed to offer teachers learning data and other student performance indicators
• Review research-based best practices and examples of schools and districts nationally-recognized for their use of learning data
• Evaluate use of a wide range of Instructional Learning Systems and online programs designed to offer teachers effective data and impact student learning
• Develop a lesson plan that promotes differentiated instruction

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Using Technology to Enhance Learning for At-Risk Students, K-12

This workshop will introduce participants to a variety of instructional strategies to be used with at-risk students that will enhance development of the higher order thinking skills necessary to be able to function effectively in the world. Participants will learn how to use technology to help students develop small-group cooperative learning skills to help them to learn from each other and raise student motivation. Focus is on maximizing student involvement in challenging, long-term projects that stress composition, comprehension, and application of skills in the context of working on authentic tasks.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Identify a wide variety of technology and online resources that can be used with students
• Facilitate the ways students obtain, organize, manipulate, and display information
• Simulate real-world environments and create actual situations for experimentation
• Improve student communication skills and develop positive cooperative learning relationships
• Enhance student engagement, productivity, and move students toward self-reliance
• Explore online resources that support at-risk students
• Learn time/classroom management strategies that maximize learning for every student
• Understand how to design projects that integrate a variety of disciplines
• Foster parental involvement and support

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Camp Connect Tech Integration, K-12

This three-day workshop promotes the integration of technology into the curriculum, the improvement of teaching practice, and improved student achievement in the standards-led curriculum. Participants will acquire the skills and strategies in the areas of understanding Internet tools, accessing teacher resources, and integrating student assignments.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Locate, evaluate and organize Web sites according to instructional needs
• Locate Web sites that illustrate the use of higher-level, problem-solving skills
• Understand how to locate and/or develop Internet lesson plans
• Locate online content and resources that support local standards and project-based learning
• Locate and integrate inquiry-based projects
• Understand how to manage project-based learning in the classroom
• Understand how to create online projects such as hotlists, hunts, and WebQuests
• Explore the different types of project development tools
• Create one online assignment

Three Days
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Camp Connect Laptop Integration, K-12

This three-day workshop promotes the integration of laptop technology into the curriculum, the improvement of teaching practices and improved student achievement in the standards-led curriculum. Participants will acquire skills and strategies in the areas of managing student laptops in the classroom, understanding online learning technologies, accessing teacher resources, and integrating student activities and projects. All participants will develop a student assignment that can be used in the classroom.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Explore different management strategies for 1:1 laptop use
• Develop methods for using laptops in a classroom
• Understand how to use a laptop as a teaching tool
• Learn lesson planning from preparation to assessment
• Describe using cooperative grouping and scheduling to maximize access to technology
• Explore the different types of search engines and searching strategies
• Locate, evaluate, and organize Web sites according to content
• Collect Internet content and resources that support project-based learning
• Locate, explore, and integrate classroom projects
• Understand how to manage project-based learning in the classroom
• Explore the different types of project development tools
• Create one online assignment

Three Days
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Camp Connect Digital Imaging, Grades K-12

This three-day workshop promotes the integration of digital images into the curriculum, the improvement of teaching practices and improved student achievement in the standards-led curriculum. Participants will acquire skills and strategies in the areas of digital cameras, digital storytelling, digital manipulation and optimization, and integrating student activities and projects. All participants will develop a teaching tool or student project that can be immediately used in the classroom.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Explore the digital photo tips and tutorials related to cameras and digital photography
• Learn how to take professional-looking digital images
• Explore step-by step lessons and activities to teach the entire digital workflow
• Edit photos taken with digital or traditional cameras, including adding effects and filters to your digital images
• Examine the importance of digital imaging optimization
• Understand the necessary components of a digital storytelling lesson that promote the effective use of technology in the classroom
• Explore how to appeal to diverse learning styles
• Understand how to address higher-level thinking skills as students participate in digital imaging projects

Three Days
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Using Web 2.0 in the Classroom, Grades K-12

Using Web 2.0 in the Classroom focuses on the skills and strategies necessary to integrate Web 2.0 tools into daily instruction and learning. Participants will learn about the different Web 2.0 tools such as wikis, blogs, and podcasts. They will be introduced to methods of using these as communication and collaboration tools to enhance instruction and learning. Participants will leave with skills that can be implemented immediately in their daily instruction.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the features and components of a wiki, blog, podcast, and social networking sites
• Learn the purpose of a RSS feed in the distribution of information and content
• Subscribe to desired wikis, blogs and/or, podcast services
• Learn instructional strategies in using Web 2.0 tools
• Create an implementation action plan in using a variety of these in the daily lessons

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Not All WebQuests Are Created Equal, Grades K-12

In Not All WebQuests are Created Equal, participants are provided with the resources, skills and practice they need to create truly effective WebQuests-an inquiry-oriented activity focusing on higher-level thinking skills in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the Internet. Participants learn how the instructional strategy of using an authentic task as the basis for a lesson or unit can be adapted to every content area.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Explore a variety of quality Internet resources for use in creating a WebQuest
• Learn the six essential parts of a WebQuest that keep students focused and on task
• Understand the components and functionality of a WebQuest
• Create a WebQuest that best supports the classroom curriculum
• Learn how to obtain all the necessary tools and resources to create a WebQuest

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Using Social Networking to Enhance Standards Based Curriculum, K-12

In this one-day course, educators will have the opportunity to explore social networking sites that can be used to support a standards-based curriculum. Participants work collaboratively to gain insights on acceptable social networking policies for personal use and for student use. In addition, participants will subscribe to at least one RSS feed and create their own Personal Learning Network (PLN) for classroom use.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Define "social networking"
• Explore social networking sites for teachers
• Understand the importance of setting policy for social networking
• Create an awareness of the importance of students and their digital footprint
• Become familiar with the Guidelines for Educators Using Social and Educational Media
• Create a Personal Learning Network

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Internet: Taking Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls, Grades K-12

This workshop gives participants hands-on guidance in locating Web sites for virtual tours that enhance existing classroom lessons. Participants will develop activities that take their students on journeys outside the classroom walls.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Design a lesson using virtual tours on the Internet
• Explore a variety of Internet resources that support the classroom curriculum
• Explore adventure learning via quests
• Understand how to use Web site evaluation skills/rubrics
• Gain an understanding of the variety of online activities and projects

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Integrating Technology in a Project-based Learning Environment, Grades K-12

In Integrating Technology in a Project-Based Learning Environment, participants will learn to direct student learning to enhance interactive, student-centered, cooperative learning. Participants will also be introduced to classroom management methods for effectively integrating project-based learning.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the role technology can play in project-based learning
• Learn best practices in project-based learning
• Understand the different cooperative learning methods
• Understand how technology can enhance project-based learning
• Use a variety of classroom management techniques for project-based learning
• Learn strategies for using the Internet for project-based learning
• Use Web 2.0 tools and services to support learning communities
• Integrate the different types of online projects
• Locate and use rubrics and other assessments to evaluate student projects
• Design and develop a project-based lesson

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Using Multimedia to Enhance Teaching and Learning, Grades K-12

In Using Multimedia to Enhance Teaching and Learning, participants will explore the use of multimedia to enhance a multiple intelligence teaching approach. Participants will be introduced to online resources that can help them understand intelligence levels and styles of learning, and find ways to create challenging technology enhanced lesson plans using multimedia.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Gain an understanding of basic commands of multimedia programs such as PowerPoint
• Explore a variety of Internet resources that support the classroom curriculum
• Understand how to use rubrics to assess multimedia projects
• Design a lesson that integrates multimedia
• Gain an understanding of the variety of online activities and projects that support multiple learning styles

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Using Laptops in the Classroom, Grades K-12

In Using Laptops in the Classroom, participants will learn how laptops can be used to facilitate learning through demonstration, simulation, sharing of student projects, research, communications, group discussion, and teacher or student presentations. In addition, participants will learn to manage student groups, assign relevant lessons, and organize student communications and projects.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Explore the procedures for effective laptop use
• Recognize ways in which teachers can use laptops to enhance learning
• Understand how technology can impact student achievement with laptops serving as a "dynamic chalkboard"
• Explore productivity software selections (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database)
• Examine whole class, group, and individualized learning in a laptop environment
• Locate and evaluate educational Web sites

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Creating an Online Learning Community for Students, Grades K-12

This one-day workshop focuses on the skills and strategies necessary to create an online learning environment for students. Participants will learn about the different Web 2.0 tools such as wikis, blogs, chats, and podcasts. They will also be introduced to methods of using these as communication and collaboration tools to enhance instruction and learning. Participants will leave with the skills and tools that can be implemented immediately into their daily instruction.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the term "social media" and how it applies to classroom learning
• Understand the features and components of a wiki, blog, podcast, and social networking sites
• Understand the advantages and disadvantages in using social media
• Learn the purpose of a RSS feed in the distribution of information and content
• Subscribe to desired wikis, blogs, and/or podcast services
• Explore how Web 2.0 tools can be infused in project-based learning experiences
• Create an implementation action plan in using a variety of these in their learning community

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Digital Storytelling, Grades K-12

This session focuses on the concept of digital storytelling, a technology based model that is an exciting and motivating tool and resource that helps teachers develop unique learning experiences for their students. Participants will be amazed at the power of this cross-curricular tool, its ease of use, and the free development tools and resources that are available.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the necessary components of a digital storytelling lesson that promotes the effective use of technology in the classroom
• Examine a variety of successful teacher and student examples
• Explore how to appeal to diverse learning styles
• Understand how to address higher level thinking skills as students synthesize information through the planning, creating, and designing of assignments and address evaluation goals through recommendations, summarization, and comparison

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Using the Internet to Create Thematic Units, Grades K-12

In Using the Internet to Create Thematic Units, participants will explore the Internet as a valuable source for cross-curricular resources and opportunities. This workshop introduces participants to practical web integration ideas to enhance the writing of multi-disciplinary units. Participants will experience the latest in online resources, tools, and content related to the classroom curriculum.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Gain an understanding of searching strategies
• Explore a variety of Internet resources that support multi-disciplinary units
• Understand how to use Web site evaluation skills/rubrics
• Design a cross-curricular unit using Internet resources
• Gain an understanding of the variety of online activities and projects

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending

Strategies for Successful Online Learning, Grades K-12

In this workshop, participants will learn strategies to ensure that their online professional development experience is positive, effective, and enjoyable. Participants will learn how to find the information they need, contribute to discussions, and complete the assignments within their online learning community.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Develop accurate expectations for online learning opportunities
• Explore case study models of effective online learning
• Understand how to prepare the personal learning environment
• Compare a variety of online discussion formats
• Gain an understanding of how to manage time "in class," on assignments and in discussion
• Analyze how online learning fits into the big picture of lifelong professional development
• Develop personal learning objectives and management strategies by adapting templates and workshop examples

One Day
Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

College Credit Pending