Current+Technology+Workshops

Winter 2012 Technology Professional Development
= February 7, 2012 = = Grant Writing =
 * Where**: Teachers' Memorial Middle School Library
 * When:** February 7, 2012 from 3:45 to 4:45 (.1 CEUs, with more time allotted if choosing the extension activity)
 * Format**: Face-to-face with extension activity as an option
 * Audience**: Anyone wishing to learn about grant writing for classroom teachers
 * Presenter**: Karen Urgitis

Purpose of the 1 hour face-to-face session: To provide an overview of the grant writing process for the classroom teacher

This instructor-led session will provide an overview of the process involved in writing a grant for your classroom. Participants will view a sample RFP (Request for Proposals) and will gain an understanding of the components of the RFP. They will learn about the process involved from defining a need, conceptualizing a project, researching grant options, completing a proposal, submitting and review proposals based on assessment rubrics, learning what happens once the proposal is awarded, implementing the grant program, collecting data and submitting reports. Participants will receive a web link with several grant opportunities.

The optional activity includes the completion of an authentic proposal to submit to the appropriate grantor. For participants who are interested in submitting a proposal, the workshop will continue through online guided instruction as needed to complete an application. The award of this grant is an Apple iPad2 for use in the teacher's classroom.

The optional application process for this project entails variable hours of independent work ([|Time Log Sheet]). Once your application has been submitted, an evaluation sheet for CEUs will be emailed for you to complete and Time Log Sheet should be emailed to instructor. Proposals will be evaluated by technology experts outside of the NPS district.

email kurgitis@norwichpublicschools.org with Grant Writing Workshop in the subject line if you wish to enroll.

= February 14, 2012  = = Internet Safety  =
 * Where**: Teachers' Memorial Middle School Library
 * When:** February 14, 2012 from 3:45 to 4:45 (.1 CEUs, with more time allotted if choosing the extension activity)
 * Format**: Face-to-face
 * Audience**: Anyone wishing to learn about Internet Safety for Students
 * Presenter**: Karen Urgitis

Purpose of the 1 hour face-to-face session: To provide an overview Internet Safety and dangers students can encounter.

This instructor-led session will provide an overview of Internet Safety - specifically - how our filtering systems are used to block inappropriate information and how students are able to circumvent the systems that are in place. Participants will gain an understanding of two mechanisms in place at Norwich Public Schools. They will learn about image filtering and how searching for images can result in unwanted returns. Topics for discussion include alternate ways for students to conduct meaningful searches.

email kurgitis@norwichpublicschools.org with Grant Writing Workshop in the subject line if you wish to enroll.

Spring 2011 - all workshops are 2 hours long beginning at 3:30 and ending at 5:30 p.m.
April 11

Macintosh Basics for the Classroom Teacher

**Where**: Teachers’ Memorial Middle School Library **When:** April 11, 2011 from 3:30 to 5:30 (.2 CEUs)
 * Format**: Face-to-face hands-on activity
 * Audience**: Anyone wishing to learn more about the Macintosh computer, especially educators who now have access to mobile labs
 * Presenter**: Karen Urgitis

Welcome to Macintosh - the familiar opening screen debuted in 1984 (anyone recognize the fellow in the image?) and has become a much-revered tool in the classroom setting. This course is an overview of Apple Computer’s latest laptop - the MacBook, and operating system OSX.6 - code name - //Snow Leopard//. Teachers will gain an understanding of the hardware, software, basic functions, and most importantly, ways that educators and students can use the technology for teaching and learning. We will compare and contrast the //Snow Leopard// platform with //Windows XP// and brainstorm ways the technology can be used in the 21st Century classroom. This is a hands-on workshop limited to 10 participants. There will be one laptop to use per participant. Should more than 10 enroll, another session will be scheduled. **You will learn:** To enroll in this course – send an email to kurgitis@norwichpublicschools.org with __Macintosh Basics__ in the subject line.
 * Basic functions of the Macintosh MacBook
 * Hardware and software features
 * How the platform compares to Windows XP
 * How this computer can help bring teaching/learning into the 21st Century.

April 13

iPads in Education For Classroom Teachers



Learn about Apple Computer’s Amazing iPad! **Where**: Teachers’ Memorial Middle School Library
 * When:** April 13, 2011 from 3:30 to 5:30 (.2 CEUs)
 * Format:** Face-to-face hands-on activity
 * Audience:** Anyone interested in learning about this new technology tool
 * Presenter:** Karen Urgitis

This introductory workshop will give teachers an overview of Apple Computer’s iPad and how it can bring teaching and learning into the 21st Century. Teachers will gain an understanding of the hardware and connectivity options, useful applications for students and teachers, and future plans for this new handheld computer. We will also discuss the pros and cons of the device, what it is meant to do and not meant to do. This is a hands-on workshop limited to 15 participants. There will be one iPad to use per participant if the workshop fills to capacity. To enroll in this course – send an email to kurgitis@norwichpublicschools.org with __Apple iPad__ in the subject line.
 * You will learn:**
 * Basic functions of the device and how it syncs to a computer
 * Useful applications for teachers and students
 * Just for fun applications
 * How this device can help bring teaching/learning into the 21st Century.

May 10

Google Tools for the Teacher **Where**: Teachers’ Memorial Middle School Library **Audience:** Teachers in grades 4 and up - primarily for middle school and high school teachers **Presenter:** Karen Urgitis
 * When:** May 10, 2011 from 3:30 to 5:30 (.2 CEUs)
 * Format:** Face-to-face hands-on activity

A Googol is 1 with 100 zeroes. Http://www.google.com is an incredible web tool that offers so much more than basic internet surfing. Google has become a staple in the educational setting, but what other features, besides searching, are offered? What can teachers do with this tool that will empower students to become tech-savvy researchers? How do you choose the right tool for the specific task? This session help participants to increase their awareness of the multiple functions of Google Tools. Participants in this workshop will work in teams to complete an activity that can be modified and used in the classroom. They will share their experiences with the class at the end of the session. An extension activity that can provide additional CEUs after this workshop is the creation of a lesson plan to incorporate Google Tools in the individual teacher's classroom setting. Details for this option will be discussed in the workshop. **You will learn:**


 * How the variety of Google Tools can be used
 * Useful ways to apply tools to teaching and learning
 * Through the Jig-saw approach, complete a simulated lesson/web scavenger hunt
 * How this tool can help bring teaching/learning into the 21st Century.

To enroll in this course – send an email to kurgitis@norwichpublicschools.org with __Google Tools__ in the subject line.

May 11

Developing Internal Blogs for Student Projects



**Where**: Teachers’ Memorial Middle School Library **When:** May 11, 2011 from 3:30 to 5:30 (.2 CEUs) **Format:** Face-to-face hands-on activity **Presenter:** Karen Urgitis
 * Audience:** Upper elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, high school teachers

Communication in the 21st Century digital world involves skills that transcend the traditional written word or spoken language. It also entails technical skills using Web 2.0 tools in a global venue. Students are becoming keenly aware, through social networking sites and various online community centers, how to use the tools that provide them a platform for communication.

Typically, school district network filter systems prevent the use of these tools in the classroom. These sites are difficult to monitor making it impossible to screen all content. The approach has been to ban all online communication (social networks, blogs, and email) for the safety and protection of the students. But how do students learn to communicate properly, responsibly, ethically, and meaningfully in the digital world in which they live? How can schools constructively use these tools in a safe and secure system?

Norwich Public Schools now has a platform to incorporate blogging into a secure and monitored environment. Through a networked server located at Teachers' Memorial Middle School, teachers can now use blogging tools to enhance lessons and provide students with opportunities for learning and communicating in digital environments. This tool is available for all teachers within the district, but cannot be accessed past the walls of our internal network.

This workshop will provide the overview of the blog - an online journal that is created by an author and solicits comments and contributions from the global society - and in this case - the Norwich Public Schools learning community. Students can create their own blogs and role-play famous individuals. Lesson examples, such as: historical blogs by famous individuals with comments from appropriate peers; persuasive pieces that promote interaction and encourage a discussion; or a future President of the United States outlining a political platform.

For the teacher, an extension activity that can provide additional CEUs after this workshop is the creation of a lesson plan to incorporate blogging in the individual teacher's classroom setting. Details for this option will be discussed in the workshop.


 * You will learn:**
 * The features of a blog - an online journal - and how teachers can incorporate this tool in classroom settings
 * Ways to monitor and techniques to follow in creating, managing, and expanding the blog
 * Ethical use of computer technology and promoting that use to others

To enroll in this course – send an email to kurgitis@norwichpublicschools.org with __Blogs__ in the subject line.

May 12 Creating and Editing Video Projects



**Where**: Teachers’ Memorial Middle School Library **When:** May 12, 2011 from 3:30 to 5:30 (.2 CEUs) **Format:** Face-to-face hands-on activity **Presenter:** Karen Urgitis
 * Audience:** Anyone wishing to learn the basics of movie making - primarily those with access to Macintosh mobile labs

Lights! Cameras! Action! Welcome to the world of video production - the digital world. Never has it been easier to take video footage and create outstanding and award-winning film! With Apple Computer's iMovie application, making your own movie is not only simple, but fun. Now students have another communication tool in their hands as they learn to create video projects and publish their work.

This workshop will focus on the basics of iMovie video production. Participants will learn to take short video clips, follow a storyboard, and create a timeline. They will add transitions, text, sound effects, and background music. The final product can then be published on the internal wikispace for sharing.

You will learn:
 * Basics of iMovie software and how to create a 3 minute video from multiple clips
 * Project ideas for students to complete
 * Ways in which to publish the final projects

To enroll in this course – send an email to kurgitis@norwichpublicschools.org with __iMovie__ in the subject line.

TBD - upcoming workshops - details will follow

//**Making Beautiful Music with Garage Band - Everyone Can Be a Musician!**// //**WebQuests - What's the Essential Question?**// //**Grant Writing for the Classroom Teacher - Getting the Technology You Need for Your Classroom**// //**Electronic Student Portfolios - Evaluating Student Technology Competencies through Project Presentation**//
 * //Student Response Systems in the Classroom - Immediate Feedback on Student Comprehension//**