Session # 2B or B Lunch 12:20 – 1:20
A. Whiz Bang Geography
Leslie Pelch and Richard Kujawa
Join us for a whirlwind tour of the world of computer mapping.
From Google Earth and NASA's WorldWind to Vermont online mapping that allows you to upload your GPS data, you'll be amazed at what you can map with nothing more than a web browser and some knowledge.
B. A Forest and its Community Connect with Today’s Tech Tools
Nilah Cote, Marvin Bicknell
Engaging and energizing students with web 2.0 tools is their goal, the Sheldon community Forest is their focus, and wikis, podcasts, PowerPoints and other tech tools are their means for making forest connections with their students.~ Join two multi-age teachers from Sheldon Elementary School (grades 3-6) and hear how they are moving students toward 21st century skills.~ See their forest project wiki at www.sheldonforesters.wikispaces.com
C. "Who Killed Sam Science?" Keypads in the Classroom.
Eli Rosenberg
Help solve a crime using a keypad audience response system!~Audience response systems are handheld radio-frequency keypads that let audience members interact with presentations, just like in game shows. In this interactive presentation, we'll review forensic evidence, create logical inferences, and ultimately devise a robust theory that explains the crime.~Students love these things because they~display real-time audience responses-- and every student gets an equal opinion, not just the hand raisers. Come see how keypads allow you to quickly and accurately collect~data, assess~student understanding, and adjust your teaching accordingly. We'll discuss the pros and cons of different types of keypads and teaching uses as well.~
D. Creative Vision & Visual Literacy
Dr. Richard Schattman, Kay Marcelle
To meet the needs and expectations of learners, we need to consider their interests as well as the content to be learned. Students were inspired by these projects, developed a sense of ownership in them, and took pride in their learning. The assignments provided an outlet for creative expression, communication and collaboration. Presenters will share the process used, lesson plans, resources, assessments, and student feedback. Projects shared include "Splish Splash:" documentaries about water, "Big Blue Ocean:" cut paper animation, "Our Voices:" digital personal narratives, "Minding Our Media:" media awareness and production.
E. Collaborative Writing Meets Web 2.0
Tim Bourne, Ed Bianchi, Ellen Matthews, Charlie Wilson
Google Docs is a, easy way to store, share, and collaborate on documents. This free software has word processing, spread sheet and presentation applications. Only an Internet connection is needed. This workshop will give a quick overview, then demonstrate classroom and professional uses of Google Docs.
F. Students' Remotely Accessing Educational Experiences Beyond School Walls:
AKA Why the Learning Network of VT
Arlyn Bruccoli, Peter Drescher
The Learning Network of VT (LNV) is a video-conferencing system housed in schools around the state. Over the past year the focus has been on reconnecting schools. Connection is step one once you have it, what can you do with it? The VTDOE is working to facilitate LNV use for students and educators. This presentation includes an exploration of ways educators can use LNV, the opportunity to talk to other users, and information on connecting to eligible schools. Participants will be asked to provide input on how to make video-conferencing technology more relevant to their local educational contexts.
G. Emerging Media / Virtual Technologies - The Chance to Revolutionize Education
John Rogate
Demonstrating Second Life, the social, psychological, and pedagogical aspects of implementing virtual worlds to deliver the next generation of high-quality educational systems will be discussed. For the first time in history, technology can revolutionize education, but it will not be without pitfalls. Virtual worlds/reality will consume all of us within the next five years. What is it? What is needed to make this emerging media a virtual blessing rather than a virtual nightmare?
H. A Report on the Progress of GEOSS
~Bob Sargent
As part of VTcite, Phase II, a group of educators produced activities that support the technology Grade Expectations using Open Source Software, GEOSS activities. The GEOSS activities are posted as resources on VTcite with everything a teacher would need in the way of support materials and computer applications to implement the activities. Come see what GEOSS activities are available, and perhaps what you can do to contribute to GEOSS offerings on VTcite.
I. Building Networked Writing Communities to Improve Writing Skills through Reflective Collaboration. Part 1 of Double Hands-on session
Konrad Glogowski
This hands-on workshop is designed to assist elementary and secondary teachers in transforming their classrooms into a networked community of writers - a place where all journals, portfolios, and group discussions are linked, allowing every participant to view, comment on, and contribute to any number of individual journals. The participants will explore how to help their students become confident writers and critical thinkers. Assessment, evaluation, and curriculum delivery strategies will also be addressed.
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