March Tech Committee Meeting

Our March Technology Committee meeting went well. I was asked to lead it at the last minute due to the fact that Mary D. had to finish up things with book fair. We discussed the online community I created for our school and possible ways it could be used. For the time being, we decided it would be best to use for future technology professional learning sessions, so that those leading it can create a new page and post their resources and helpful information on that page. In addition, any faculty members who would like to add to any pages are free to do so. The website is: https://laniertechnologycommunity.wikispaces.com/

We also discussed our upcoming technology training for May. It was decided that each grade level will decide their specific needs and Technology Committee reps will lead smaller training sessions/workshops. I think this is such a great idea and could be so much more relevant for all the teachers. Some teachers on my grade level have expressed an interest in exploring some specific Web 2.0 tools in more depth, so I am excited to help them.

In addition, we discussed the template to be used for the school-wide 21st Century Learning projects. Each Tech Committee representative will bring form with them to end of year conference with the principal, but each teacher must be prepared to discuss how the projects went.

February Technology Committee meeting, etc.

We had our Technology Committee meeting this week. Another teacher at our school won a digital response system and year's subscription to Starrmatica . She gave us a brief overview of the devices and how they provide instant student answers within the form of a PowerPoint. Survey data can also be displayed. I used Starrmatica with my class. It is a great resource that teaches and reinforces specific math and reading skills, but the reading passages are too difficult for 2nd graders.

The Technology Committee also discussed our upcoming SPLOST budget. It seems the money will go toward 55" flat screen televisions with interactive slates and Hover Cams for teachers. These presentation devices are quite valuable in giving students information and allowing them to practice concepts. Other considerations will be made concerning additional lap tops for teacher check-out, tablets, and e-readers.

I asked for feedback concerning my upcoming March staff development. The consensus was to focus on 2-3 Web 2.0 tools in order for staff members to have time to play around with each and not become overwhelmed. Now, I must determine which tools would be most beneficial to every teacher. I'm considering Kerpoof since I use it frequently with my own students.

I have completed my media center evaluation. The results were quite good, considering the nonexistent media center budget. Mary D. certainly does a lot with very little. Our discussion was quite helpful. In addition, the DOE rubric is a wonderful tool in order to improve the overall performance of a media center.

I'm excited about how my portfolio is coming along. I have many things embedded and am anxious to start embedding assignments from my practicum.

Also... my observation date has been scheduled for March 2nd! I'm certainly nervous, but excited, too. I'm confident the 4th grade students I'll be working with for my Information Literacy lesson will be excited to use the technology and Web 2.0 resources for their research on the three branches of government.