Blogush

It is the time of the year in which the staff in my system sign up for professional development that occurs during the first two days of the school year in August.  We have two choices.  We can sign-up for a town “sponsored” workshop.  There are 16 of those offered.  11 are for specific groups of teachers.  There is one that is only for k-1, another for high school social studies teachers, etc.  Then there are 28 collaboratives. These are workshops that small groups of teachers put together for themselves.  For example there is one for 6th grade teachers in one school on using a Smartboard in Math class.  So if you were not a part of a collaborative, and you are not going to a mandatory workshop, that leaves 5 choices:

211 – MICROSOFT OFFICE 2003

Audience: All Staff, PreK-12

Presenter(s): Information Technology Resource Teacher

Location: To be determined

This two-day workshop will cover the basics of four of most commonly used applications in the Microsoft Office 2003 suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. Participants will learn how to determine which application is best suited for the task they wish to accomplish and will be able to effectively utilize the basic and most commonly used abilities of each of these applications. Topics taught will cover the computer skills and competencies included in the Wallingford K-8 computer curriculum for these programs. Advance topics will be covered depending on time constraints and the interest of the participants. Methods for using these products when interacting with students with disabilities or requiring adaptive technology will also be covered.

212 – INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS

Audience: All Staff, PreK-12

Presenter(s): Information Technology Resource Teacher
Location: To be determined

Participants will learn the basic skills for using interactive whiteboards including how to set up and calibrate an interactive whiteboard such as a SmartBoard or Mimeo stick. They will also practice downloading, installing, and using corresponding software and updates, as well as using templates and creating their own lessons on the laptops.

213 – EXPLORING WEB TOOLS FOR THE CLASSROOM

Audience: All Staff, PreK-12

Presenter: Information Technology Resource Teacher

Location: To be determined

This workshop is designed to introduce participants to more advanced internet tools that can enhance current classroom activities and can launch or improve discussion in your classroom. These web tools are free downloads or web services that can be used to enhance creativity, information sharing, and most importantly, collaboration among your students.

214 – DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE CLASSROOM

Audience: All Staff, PreK-12

Presenter: Information Technology Resource Teacher

Location: To be determined

Participants will learn how to use digital cameras, change settings, download images, resize photos, and utilize programs such as Picture Manager, Photo Story, and other photo software.

215 – GOOGLE FOR EDUCATORS

Audience: All Staff, PreK-12

Presenter: Information Technology Resource Teacher

Location: To be determined

Limit: 23 participants

In this workshop, participants will learn how to use various Google tools and applications. Participants will learn more about Google Earth, Google Maps, Notebook, Google Docs, advanced Google searches, and other free Google resources that can enhance teaching and learning. Come learn how you can have all these resources available to you from any computer whether at home, school or anywhere you can log on.

It was a tough decision trying to figure out what to take.  I am google certified, and we are officially told that google docs is not something that the system supports, and google notebook is shutdown.  I can do everything they would cover in the digital photography. I have taken interactive smartboards twice.  Microsoft 2003?  I’ll pass. So that leaves “exploring web tools in the classroom.”

There was a survey given to staff on what workshops they would like to see offered.  There were some very interesting topics.  Then there was an email requesting presenters for some of the topics and I volunteered for several.  None made the list of offerings.  The last two years a workshop that had a similar title to “Exploring Webtools in the classroom” was offered and canceled due to lack of interest.  If it gets canceled again, I will end up in my second choice…. Microsoft 2003.