Instructional Technology in the Northbridge Public Schools. Peter Ritter District Instructional Technology Specialist.

Transcription

1 Instructional Technology in the Northbridge Public Schools Peter Ritter District Instructional Technology Specialist January 11, 2011

2 Presentation Topics SMART Boards (Interactive Boards) Moodle Teacher Web Sites Other Instructional Technology

3 SMART Boards What are they? The interactive board (SMART Boards) classroom set up consists of an interactive board, computer, projector, and speakers.

4 SMART Boards What does the SMART Board classroom setup do? The computer's image is projected up front on the interactive board. At the board, teachers and students can use their fingers and other objects (pens, erasers, koosh-balls?) to interact and control the computer.

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6 Video Example (Link to video)

7 SMART Notebook Software A powerful piece of the whole setup Interactive Presentation software designed to be used with the board Teachers can build lessons, share lessons, collaborate on lessons, and find many lessons already created by others Majority of SMART Board training is with this software SMART Math software, SMART View, and Student Edition software

8 Recent Additions Science Classrooms at the Middle School and High School 14 Installations Training given to all teachers on professional development days On going support and continued working with teachers (one-on-one, PD, , Moodle)

9 Improving Student Achievement SMART Boards improve student achievement by... Meeting Multiple Learning Styles Hands-on Learners, Visual Learners, Auditory Learners, Reading/Writing Learners Creating a high level of teacher and student enthusiasm Engaging learners by interacting with the board

10 Moodle supports and extends opportunities for students to learn outside of the traditional faceto-face classroom environment. Learning management systems have quickly become the standard at colleges and universities and corporate environments that desire the ability to provide those opportunities. Moodle is a prime example of using 21st Century ready tools for education.

11 Since February 2009, Moodle usage is still increasing and dynamically adapting for many different applications in the district.

12 Improving Student Achievement Moodle helps improve student achievement by: Extending the school day virtually Challenging students at multiple levels Providing safe collaboration (Asynchronously) Providing resources for students to further explore on topics of interest Providing a space to upload digital assignments (dog eat your homework?)

13 Improving Student Achievement Examples of Moodle use: Reinforce Face-to-Face Instruction Middle School Science MCAS Review Course Review of Science materials before taking the 8th grade Science MCAS. Assessment is integrated into the course and gives students the flexibility to go at their own pace

14 Improving Student Achievement Examples of Moodle use: Technology Help Resources (how to documents, demonstrations) Robotics Club (other clubs) School Administrator PLCs Delivers Yearly Mandatory Training

15 Teacher Web Sites Usage grew very quickly! - Started in January 2010 Northbridge Elementary School Balmer Elementary School 5 Middle School (Link) 2 30 High School 2

16 Improving Student Achievement Teacher web sites helps improve student achievement by: Communicating with students/parents (homework info, upcoming events) Providing resources (Worksheets, letters, links to web sites) Publishing and sharing student pictures/work to increase student motivation (videos)

17 Other Instructional Technology? Improving Student Achievement by... Providing staff Professional Development and resources Summer Sessions (Summer 2010) FITS (Flexible Instructional Technology Sessions) during the school year One-on-one sessions How-to materials in Moodle

18 Other Instructional Technology? Improving Student Achievement by... Communicating/Sharing Instructional Technology Practices and Resources Newsletters Blog Offering professional advice and research: Instructional Technology purchases and in grant proposals District Initiatives (Bullying and Tech Surveys)

19 Other Instructional Technology? Improving Student Achievement by... Making sure educational programs are prepared for students and teachers, including how-to materials Discovery Education Streaming ThinkCentral (StoryTown) Scholastic Products (SRI, SRC) Pearson SuccessNet MathXL Math SMART Software

20 Other Instructional Technology? Improving Student Achievement by... Advancing multimedia and technology skills of staff: Digital Audio Digital Video Digital Pictures OpenOffice Suite Using sites like Teacher's Domain and OpenCouresware Using other software like Google Picasa and Google Earth

21 Questions?