InSTEP Fall Catalog

InSTEP Fall 2012

Workshop Catalog Technology Training for

Educators

InSTEP Educational Technologies

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●

P r o g r a m C a t a l o g

For More Information or to Register: Please visit our website,

www.InStepEdTech.com, or contact us at (469) 534-7119.

I n t e r e s t e d i n m e r g i n g l e a r n i n g s t a n d a r d s & d i g i t a l t o o l s ?

W a n t t o e n g a g e s t u d e n t s w i t h m e a n i n g f u l t e c h n o l o g y ?

A r e y o u r e a d y t o b u i l d a 2 1 s t c e n t u r y c l a s s r o o m ?

I n S T E P c a n h e l p .

R e a d o n t o d i s c o v e r m o r e a b o u t o u r d y n a m i c c o u r s e o f f e r i n g s a n d

c o n s u l t a n t s e r v i c e s .

1


Interactive Trainings

Informational Trainings

ISTE Teacher & Administrator Standards

The 4 C’s of Today’s Classroom

Three Free Ways to Include Technology

3|

12|

16|

18|

19|

Table of Contents

2

InS

tep

Ed

uca

tio

na

l

Tec

hn

olo

gie

s I n t e r a c t i v e K - 1 2 T e c h n o l o g y

W o r k s h o p s



Our interactive courses provide educators the opportunity to

learn how to use digital tools to stimulate critical thinking skills

while reinforcing learning objectives covered in class. Educators

will learn step by step how to create different projects using Web

2.0 and multimedia technologies. InSTEP’s programs illustrate

how each project can be applied cross-curricula, aligning with

district goals and national ISTE standards.

Each program is researched-based and focuses on increasing

teacher and student use of technology relevant to learning objec-

tives.

3


InS

tep

Ed

uca

tio

na

l

Tec

hn

olo

gie

s

I n t e r a c t i v e K - 1 2 T e c h n o l o g y

W o r k s h o p s


www.InStepEdTech.com, or contact us at (469) 534-7119. Phone: 49.534.7119

E-mail: [email protected]

PO Box 1912

Coppell, TX 75019

I n S t e p E d u c a t i o n a l T e c h n o l o g i e s

Titles Offered

Blogging Bonanza Digital Storytelling

Social Networks: Twitter for Educators Didja Digital Yet?

Social Networks: Edmodo Enhancing Your Technology Toolkit I & I

(podcasts)

Wiki, Wiki, What? Computer Basics

Classroom Google Not Your Average PowerPoint

Technology & the Gifted Student Technology & the At-Risk Student

*All Texas area educators will receive CPE credit *

*Louisiana educators, please contact us to determine if your district has pre-approved for

CLU credit*

4

I n t e r a c t i v e K - 1 2

T e c h n o l o g y W o r k s h o p s

For More Information: Please visit our website, www.InStepEdTech.com, or contact us at (469) 534-7119.

Blogging Bonanza Length: 2 hrs

This workshop presents multiple ways to use blogs for classroom activities. During the program, educators will learn how to create and maintain a classroom blog, receive strategies how to use blogs for lesson engagement and enhance-

ment, and learn safety measures for online use. Participants also learn how blogs can be used for collaborative projects,

Objectives: Facilitate educator use of web blog sites (in alignment with TEKs) in the classroom Provide introduction into using digital tools to create collaborative communities Present interactive tutorial how to create a wiki site Exemplify how technology can be used to differentiate instruction Present examples of how blogs may be used cross-curricula Increase awareness of ISTE standards (NETS-T & NETS-S ) Increase awareness of safe use of digital communications in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Create, edit, and share a blogging site Infuse technology into daily practices, lessons, class materials Model appropriate and responsible use of internet and digital tools Incorporate ISTE NETS for teachers and students on a regular basis Communicate with parents, students, and cohorts via web portal

Not Your Average PowerPoint

(Developing Into Multimedia)

Length: 3 hrs

Designated for the intermediate to advanced PowerPoint user, this workshop shows participants how to create simple

multimedia works from an ordinary presentation. Educators will learn how transforming the basic PowerPoint presenta-tion into interactive audio/visual works increases student engagement and learning potential. Resulting projects can be

used for differentiation, skill isolation, and re-teaching opportunities.

Objectives: Facilitate educator use of MS PowerPoint for use in the classroom Present interactive tutorial how to create multimedia projects Exemplify how technology can be used to differentiate instruction Present examples of how completed projects may be used cross-curricula Increase awareness of ISTE standards (NETS-T & NETS-S ) Increase awareness of safe use of digital communications in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Create, edit, and share multimedia projects via PowerPoint Infuse technology into daily practices, lessons, class materials Model appropriate and responsible use of digital tools Incorporate ISTE NETS for teachers and students on a regular basis

5




Digital Storytelling Length: 3 hrs

Introduces Digital Storytelling as an educational tool. Participants will create their own digital storytelling projects, and learn how this form of multimedia can be used cross-curricula in the classroom. Educators will learn how to implement

use of digital storytelling as lesson material as well as how to teach students to create digital-storytelling products.

This training will: Facilitate educator use of digital-storytelling projects (in alignment with TEKs) in the classroom Provide introduction into using digital tools to create multimedia projects Present interactive tutorial how to create digital-storytelling product Present examples of how digital-storytelling may be used cross-curricula Increase awareness of ISTE standards (NETS-T & NETS-S )

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Create a digital-storytelling product Critique example digital-storytelling products to determine relevance and effectiveness regarding the inclusion

of state standards Create and assign digital projects that encompass new Bloom’s taxonomy and require students to exemplify

comprehension of material covered Model appropriate and responsible use of internet and digital tools Incorporate ISTE NETS for teachers and students on a regular basis

Length: 2 hrs Wiki, Wiki, What?

Introduces the Wiki as an educational tool to be used by the entire school site or in individual classroom. Participants will become familiarized with creating, editing, and sharing a secure wiki site, as well as learn how this form of multime-dia can be used cross-curricula in the classroom. Educators will learn how wikis can be used for collaboration and differ-

entiation in the classroom, or for school-wide collaborative opportunities. Workshop encourages educators to create wiki-based projects and/or assignments for students to complete. Program also provides safety measure information on

social networking and digital communications.

Objectives: Facilitate educator use of wiki web sites (in alignment with TEKs) in the classroom Provide introduction into using digital tools to create collaborative communities Present interactive tutorial how to create a wiki site Exemplify how technology can be used to differentiate instruction Present examples of how wikis may be used cross-curricula Increase awareness of ISTE standards (NETS-T & NETS-S ) Increase awareness of safe use of digital communications in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Create, edit, and share a wiki site Infuse technology into daily practices, lessons, class materials Model appropriate and responsible use of internet and digital tools Incorporate ISTE NETS for teachers and students on a regular basis Communicate with

6




Didja Digital Yet? (Grades K- 2) Length: 4 hrs

This workshop introduces educators to two methods of effectively implementing technology into lesson plans; creating multimedia products using PowerPoint presentations and digital story-telling projects. The workshop describes how

each activity employs higher order thinking skills (such as analyzing, evaluating, and creating), encompasses all learning styles, and how they can be easily integrated in multiple subject areas.

Objectives: Present interactive tutorial how to create 2 technology-based products relevant to the PK-12 educational envi-

ronment. Facilitate educator use of multiple web 2.0 and multimedia tools (in alignment with TEKs) for lesson enhance-

ment Increase awareness of ISTE standards (NETS-T & NETS-S ) Increase awareness of safe use of digital communications in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Transform simple PowerPoint presentations into multimedia projects Create digital-storytelling products Critique example products to determine relevancy and effectiveness regarding the inclusion of state standards Infuse technology into daily practices, lessons, class materials Model appropriate and responsible use of digital tools Incorporate ISTE NETS for teachers and students on a regular basis

Didja Digital Yet? (Grades 3 & up) Length: 8 hrs

Introduces educators to three methods of effectively implementing technology into lesson plans. It incorporates digital story-telling, creating simple web pages, and digital scrapbooking. The workshop describes how each activity employs

higher order thinking skills (such as analyzing, evaluating, and creating) and how they can be easily integrated in multi-ple subject areas. Workshop encourages educators to create project assignments for students to complete using the same

tools. Objectives:

Present interactive tutorial how to create 3 technology-based products relevant to the PK-12 educational envi-ronment.

Facilitate educator use of multiple web 2.0 and multimedia tools (in alignment with TEKs) for lesson enhance-ment

Increase awareness of ISTE standards (NETS-T & NETS-S ) Increase awareness of safe use of digital communications in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Create digital-storytelling, simple web pages, and digital scrapbooking products Critique example products to determine relevancy and effectiveness regarding the inclusion of state standards Create and assign digital projects that encompass new Bloom’s taxonomy and require students to exemplify

comprehension of material covered Model appropriate and responsible use of internet and digital tools Incorporate ISTE NETS for teachers and students on a regular basis

7




Enhancing Your Technology Toolkit I Length: 4 hrs

This workshop is geared for educators with intermediate and above skill proficiency using computers. Participants will be taught how to develop meaningful lessons by delving deep into Microsoft PowerPoint and creating accompanying

worksheets and assessments. Using Microsoft Office and Adobe products, educators will be taught how to use custom animations in PowerPoint, screen capture options, as well as use Word to develop functional, aesthetically pleasing

worksheets and assessments that connect with the lesson created, saved in PDF format.

Objectives: Present interactive tutorial how to create 3 technology-based products relevant to the PK-12 educational envi-

ronment. Facilitate educator use of multiple web 2.0 and multimedia tools (in alignment with TEKs) for lesson enhance-

ment Increase awareness of ISTE standards (NETS-T & NETS-S ) Increase awareness of safe use of digital communications in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Create digital-storytelling, simple web pages, and digital scrapbooking products that encompass all learning

styles Critique example products to determine relevancy and effectiveness regarding the inclusion of state standards Create and assign digital projects that encompass new Bloom’s taxonomy and require students to exemplify

comprehension of material covered

Enhancing Your Technology Toolkit II (Podcasts) Length: 8 hrs This workshop is geared for educators with intermediate and above skill proficiency using computers. Participants will

be taught how to create and edit video and audio to develop meaningful learning modules (Podcasts) to engage stu-dents. Educators will learn how multimedia podcasts can be used for differentiation, skill review, and lesson introduc-tion. Using video and audio editing software, educators will be taught how to create and insert media into documents,

presentations, and the web.

Objectives: Facilitate educator use of digital/multimedia tools to prepare technology-rich lessons Exemplify how technology can be used to differentiate instruction (in alignment with TEKs) Increase awareness of ISTE standards (NETS-T & NETS-S ) Increase awareness of safe use of digital communications in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Create and share multimedia podcasts with students and fellow educators Transform ordinary lessons into learning modules that encompass all learning styles Infuse technology/digital tools into regular lesson planning and classroom material Modify differentiated learning techniques via technology

8




Social Networks: Don’t Be Afraid! (Edmodo) Length: 2 hrs

Participants are introduced to a secure, social network developed specifically for the K-12 learning environment. Educa-

tors learn how to harness the power of Edmodo (Edmodo.com) in conjunction with daily lessons to garner student engagement and achievement. Participants will learn how to build and create professional learning communities with educators (administrators, teachers, higher ed) locally and on a global scale. Provides safety measure information on

social networking and digital communications.

Objectives: Demonstrate responsible and effective use of social networking for the PK-12 educational environment Facilitate educator use of Edmodo (in alignment with TEKs) for lesson enhancement Increase awareness of ISTE standards (NETS-T & NETS-S ) Increase awareness of safe use of digital communications in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Safely implement the use of Edmodo as lecture supplement, research aid, collaborative measures, homework

assignments, and more, cross-curricula Construct a global social learning community by interacting with other educators via social network platform Communicate with parents, students, administrators, and global learning community via social network plat-

form Model appropriate and responsible use of internet and digital tools Incorporate ISTE NETS for teachers and students on a regular basis

Social Networks: Don’t Be Afraid! (Twitter) Length: 2 hrs

Participants learn how to harness the power of Twitter (Twitter.com) in conjunction with daily lessons to garner stu-

dent engagement and achievement. Participants will learn how to build and create professional learning communities with educators (administrators, teachers, higher ed) locally and on a global scale. Provides safety measure information

on social networking and digital communications.

Objectives: Demonstrate responsible and effective use of social networking for the PK-12 educational environment Facilitate educator use of Twitter (in alignment with TEKs) for lesson enhancement Increase awareness of ISTE standards (NETS-T & NETS-S ) Increase awareness of safe use of digital communications in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Safely implement the use of Twitter as lecture supplements, research aid, collaborative measures, homework

assignments, and more, cross-curricula Construct a global social learning community by interacting with other educators via social network platform Communicate with parents, students, administrators, and global learning community via social network plat-

form Model appropriate and responsible use of internet and digital tools Incorporate ISTE NETS for teachers and students on a regular basis

9




Technology & the Gifted Student Length: 2 hrs

Participants learn how to use technology, alongside best practices, to incorporate TEKs objectives in develop-ing learning material and assignments. Workshop focuses on using Web 2.0, hypertext, and multimedia tools to increase the cognitive advancement and skill achievement of students considered to be gifted or acceler-ated in academic skill level. This program encourages the use of meaningful technology that employs critical

thinking and collaborative skills alongside digital manipulation. Workshop also covers differentiation and inde-pendent-study based projects.

Objectives: Provide researched data/statistical information regarding the successful use of technology in advanced

classroom environments

Facilitate educator use of digital tools to prepare technology-rich lessons

Exemplify how technology can be used to differentiate instruction

Increase awareness of ISTE standards (NETS-T & NETS-S )

Increase awareness of safe use of digital communications in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Employ classroom technology as a motivator to engage students in academic material and stimulate skill

achievement/growth

Infuse technology/digital tools into regular lesson planning and classroom material

Create and assign technology-rich scaffolding projects that employ the full range of Bloom’s new taxonomy

Implement the daily use of relevant and meaningful technology among students

Technology & the At-Risk Student Length: 2 hrs

Participants learn how to use technology, alongside best practices, to incorporate TEKs objectives in engaging learn-ing material and assignments. Workshop focuses on using Web 2.0, hypertext, and multimedia tools to increase the

overall skill achievement of students considered to be low in academic skill level, over-aged, excessively absent, discipline-prone, or environmentally disadvantaged (“at risk”). This program encourages the use of technology that employs critical thinking and collaborative skills as opposed to simple “skill drill”. Workshop also covers classroom

management and differentiation.

Objectives: Provide researched data/statistical information regarding the successful use of technology in “at risk”

classroom environments

Facilitate educator use of digital tools to prepare technology-rich lessons

Exemplify how technology can be used to differentiate instruction


Increase awareness of safe use of digital communications in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Employ classroom technology as a motivator to engage students in academic material and stimulate skill

achievement/growth

Infuse technology/digital tools into regular lesson planning and classroom material

Create and assign technology-rich scaffolding projects that employ the full range of Bloom’s new taxonomy

Implement the daily use of relevant technology among students

10




Not Your Average PowerPoint

(Developing Into Multimedia)

Length: 3 hrs

This workshop is beneficial for any educator who may have limited proficiencies or experiences with computers. The

workshop will cover basic information about the internet (terminology and searching techniques), word processing ca-pabilities (copy/paste, simple formatting), and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint).

Objectives: Provide needs-intensive training for educators with limited computer skill-proficiency

Present interactive tutorial how to create MS Word documents and PowerPoint presentations for educational/

classroom use

Facilitate educator use of basic Microsoft applications for lesson enhancement


As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Utilize Microsoft Office skills for basic classroom computing needs

Create engaging PowerPoint instructional material

Model appropriate and responsible use of digital tools

Incorporate ISTE NETS for teachers on a regular basis

Google In The Classroom – Forms, Documents, & Presentations Length: 3 hrs

This workshop introduces the use of Google forms, documents, and presentations for classroom activities. Participants learn how to create interactive forms, documents, and presentations via the Google website and how these tools can be used for collaborative classroom exercises. Educators learn strategies to use these tools cross-curricula and in adherence

to district goals and learning objectives.

Objectives: Facilitate educator use of Google products (in alignment with TEKs) in the classroom Exemplify how technology can be used collaboratively online Present examples of how Google may be used cross-curricula for classroom learning Increase awareness of ISTE standards (NETS-T & NETS-S ) Increase awareness of safe use of digital communications in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Create, edit, and share live, interactive forms, documents, and presentations Infuse technology into daily practices, lessons, class materials Model appropriate and responsible use of internet and digital tools Incorporate ISTE NETS for teachers and students on a regular basis

11

InS

tep

Ed

uca

tio

na

l

Tec

hn

olo

gie

s I n f o r m a t i v e K - 1 2


InSTEP’s informative courses share a wealth

of knowledge focused on the effects of

appropriate technology use by students in

the classroom as well as general classroom

practices. These sessions provide educators

with research-based information, current

best-practices of educational technology, and

success examples of classroom application

and use.

Each program relates everyday classroom

practices to national goals and technology

standards and answers questions such as

“What is STEM education?”, “How can I

apply STEM to my language arts class?”, or

“How do I include technology in my current

classroom environment?”



12


InS

tep

Ed

uca

tio

na

l

Tec

hn

olo

gie

s I n f o r m a t i v e K - 1 2



www.InStepEdTech.com, or contact us at (469) 534-7119. Phone: 49.534.7119

E-mail: [email protected]

PO Box 1912

Coppell, TX 75019

I n S t e p E d u c a t i o n a l T e c h n o l o g i e s

Titles Offered

Get In Step with STEM Step by Step—Creating Your Digital Aged

Classroom

Positively Successful Classroom

Management

Transitions and Time Management

*All Texas area educators will receive CPE credit *

*Louisiana educators, please contact us to determine if your district has pre-approved for

CLU credit*

13

I n f o r m a t i v e K - 1 2



Step By Step: Creating Your Digital-Aged Classroom Length: 2 hrs

Focuses on the 4 C’s (Communication, Creativity, Collaboration, & Critical thinking) of the 21st classroom and how technol-ogy can be implemented in each component. Participants learn how to merge use of web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis, and more with academic standards to establish a dynamic digital-aged classroom. Program also covers infusing differen-

tiation with technology.

Objectives: Facilitate educator use of technology to complement grade-level TEKs in conjunction with the 4 C’s

Exemplify how technology can be used to differentiate instruction to foster the 4 C’s

Provide introduction into using digital tools to allow students to create multimedia projects


As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Create a classroom environment incorporating the 4C’s of the 21st century design

Infuse technology into daily practices to support the components of the 4 C’s

Create assignments that employ the use of both critical thinking skills and technology

Get In Step with STEM Length: 2 hrs

This workshop introduces the 2009 national Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) initiative (Educate to Innovate) and relates its application to the individual classroom. The workshop is information-based, in-

cludes researched data, and answers the questions “What is STEM?” and “What does STEM have to do with me?” It is appropriate for any educator, regardless of grade level taught or technology expertise.

Objectives: Provide researched data/statistical information regarding the successful use of technology in “at risk” class-

room environments Facilitate educator use of digital tools to prepare technology-rich lessons Exemplify how technology can be used to differentiate instruction Increase awareness of ISTE standards (NETS-T & NETS-S ) Increase awareness of safe use of digital communications in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Understand how the national STEM initiative affects the individual classroom

Apply initiatives into the learning environment on a consistent basis

Apply ISTE (NETS-T & NETS-S) standards into learning environment on a consistent basis

14

I n f o r m a t i v e K - 1 2



Transitions & Time Management Length: 1 hr

Introduces a wealth of tips, strategies, and resources to tackle the issue of time management during the academic year. Not your average Educators are actively encouraged to participate with colleagues as they learn how to plan effectively to maximize minutes in the classroom, as well as how to use routines and non-verbal cues to decrease the amount of time

used during transitions and daily tasks.

Objectives: Provide multiple effective time management strategies Provide routine and non-verbal strategies for use in reducing transitional periods Promote various methods to create a fair and equitable learning environment

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Apply strategies to decrease time used in transitional periods

Strategize planning to utilize time effectively

Simplify daily routines to maximize educational time

Positively Successful Classroom Management Length: 2 hrs

This workshop presents multiple strategies/techniques to use for classroom management. During the program, educa-tors will learn how to develop a positive environment and promoting a collaborative community in which students motivate one another. Strategies are introduced to assist educators in creating and adhering to effective procedures,

rules, and consequences in a positive manner. This session is especially critical for classrooms of large sizes.

Objectives: Provide multiple classroom management strategies, focusing on motivations, transitions, and procedures Promote methods to create a fair and equitable learning environment Promote the use of positive behavior approaches in the classroom

As a result of this training, educator participant(s) will be able to: Apply strategies to increase instructional teaching time

Apply strategies to ignite intrinsic motivation in students

Promote student responsibility for learning and behaviors

Effective diffuse/curtail disruptive behaviors

Decrease the amount of deferrals necessary

15

“The most important thing schools can do

is not use technology in the curriculum

more, but to use it more effectively”

~Born Digital Magazine

International Society for Technology Education

(ISTE) NETS for Teachers

Facilitate and Inspire Student

Learning and Creativity

Teachers use their knowledge of subject

matter, teaching and learning, and tech-

nology to facilitate experiences that ad-

vance student learning, creativity, and

innovation in both face-to-face and vir-

tual environments.

Design and Develop Digital

Age Learning Experiences and

Assessments

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate

authentic learning experiences and as-

sessment incorporating contemporary

tools and resources to maximize content

learning in context and to develop the

knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified

in the NETS·S.

Model Digital Age Work and

Learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and

work processes representative of an inno-

vative professional in a global and digital

society.

Promote and Model Digital

Citizenship and Responsibility

Teachers understand local and global so-

cietal issues and responsibilities in an

evolving digital culture and exhibit legal

and ethical behavior in their professional

practices.

Engage in Professional Growth

and Leadership

Teachers continuously improve their pro-

fessional practice, model lifelong learning,

and exhibit leadership in their school and

professional community by promoting and

demonstrating the effective use of digital

tools and resources.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

16

International Society for Technology Education

(ISTE) NETS for Administrators

Visionary Leadership

Educational Administrators inspire and

lead development and implementation of

a shared vision for comprehensive inte-

gration of technology to promote excel-

lence and support transformation

throughout the organization.

Excellence in Professional

Practice

Educational Administrators promote an

environment of professional learning and

innovation that empowers educators to

enhance student learning through the

infusion of contemporary technologies

and digital resources.

Systemic Improvement

Educational Administrators provide digital

age leadership and management to

continuously improve the organization

through the effective use of information

and technology resources.

Digital Citizenship

Educational Administrators model and fa-

cilitate understanding of social, ethical and

legal issues and responsibilities related to

an evolving digital culture.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Digital Age Learning Culture

Educational Administrators create, pro-

mote, and sustain a dynamic, digital-age

learning culture that provides a rigorous,

relevant, and engaging education for all

students.

Additional information on ISTE standards, including NETS for Students, can be found at www.iste.org

“We initially implemented the STEM

Academy to prepare a select group of students

for careers in science and engineering. Now, I

believe the skills developed in a good STEM

program are beneficial for all students.”

~Paul Stapleton, Superintendent Halifax

County Public Schools

17

InS

tep

Ed

uca

tio

na

l

For More Information or to Register: Please visit our website, www.InStepEdTech.com, or call (469) 534-7119.

If you haven’t already heard, one of the newer ideas in the educational world includes the

buzz phrases “4 C’s” and “21st century”. What exactly are the 4C’s? And what should we do

to include them in our classrooms?

Long gone are the days where students go to school to simply learn ‘Reading, ‘Riting, and

‘Rithmetic… with the invent of personal computers and the popularity of other technological

devices, our world has changed dramatically since we were students. New graduates are ex-

pected to know how to manipulate digital tools and data, think outside the box, collaborate

with workmates, and solve problems – and we should be doing more to help prepare our stu-

dents for such a role while they are in our care. Basically, the 4 C’s carry the same philoso-

phy. They are:

Creativity and Innovation

Students should be encouraged to “think/dream big”. After all, the sky’s the limit, right?

Communication

Students should be aware of how to express oneself in an articulate manner – organizing

thoughts in order to speak and write clearly should be the only option available.

Collaboration

Being able to work alongside a teammate is no longer reserved for the athletes! Every

student should have the opportunity to learn from his/her counterparts – the ex-

change of ideas is how we grow and enrich our individual thought processes.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Students need to learn how to make connections. Whether through experimentation, trial

-and-error, deduction, or simple application, students should be able to put to use the

lessons we’ve taught previously to solve problems.

Now, you’re probably thinking “But I already do that in my room”, which is awesome… but

the question I want to ask is how are you doing these things? Are you allowing students to

use technology to help along the way? Or are you still using pencil and paper? In the overall

scheme of things, there is nothing really wrong with using pencil and paper, other than the

fact that once students enter the 21st century workforce, they will be undoubtedly seated in

front of a computer screen loaded with the latest software and expected to help solve some

type of momentary crisis. It is up to us, as educators – no, it is our responsibility to ensure

our students are actively practicing these skills in the present time.

The 4 C’s of 21st Century Classroom Design

18

3 Simple and Free Ways to Use Technology Teachers have an unbelievable amount of work to accomplish in a pretty short amount

of time. Between lesson plans, grading papers, conferences, paperwork, and the actual

teaching, it can be hard sometimes to readily accept adding new ideas into your class-

room. We know technology is important – but did you know that there are five simple,

free ways we can incorporate it into classrooms? Go ahead, try one, a few, or all of them!

1. Creating A Wiki: A wiki is a personal piece of the web educators and students can

share. Wikis are great tools to use for whole-class or small group collaboration wherein

instructors have the ability to determine which users will be able to view or edit the

workspace. This feature allows the wiki environment to remain secure. Another great

benefit of using a wiki is that it can be edited from any location with access to the inter-

net. This means students will still have access to group or class projects and informa-

tion while at home. As an added bonus, teachers will be able to monitor student work

efforts and interaction individually.

2. Digital Storytelling: Ever had a student that was so excited about a story to tell

that he could hardly contain himself? Or a student who had so much to say that she ran

out of space while writing it all down? Digital storytelling would be an excellent way to

capture student research, thoughts, and excitement and channel them into multimedia

work. Digital Storytelling allows students to use images and audio to detail ideas.

Maybe in addition to writing a sequence paper to making a peanut butter and jelly

sandwich, students can also include a digital version, showing and telling how to do so.

Or, for students researching a historical topic, digital storytelling allows them to create

mini-cinematic products to detail their findings. Try it—and include it in your class-

room!

3. Creating A Prezi: A Prezi presentation is similar to a PowerPoint presentation,

but definitely way cooler! For one, all project information is stored online, so students

won’t need to use USBs or discs to carry their work between home and school. Prezi al-

lows for visual stimulation to garner attention. One of the most important features im-

portant to classroom discussion is that it can be used as a mind map or graphic organ-

izer. It allows users to zoom into pictures and also present ideas in a non-linear fashion.

Creating a Prezi also involves critical thinking; it encourages presenters to focus on

combining elements of multimedia (text, image, audio) to express an idea.

19

InSTEP Fall Catalog

Documents

Transcript of InSTEP Fall Catalog