1. Opening Activity: Think -- Pair -- Share
PowerRangers were asked to brainstorm, discuss and share information on 2 specific topics:
Results (similar ideas shared in "later" lunch hours are not repeated):
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Strategies to increase student attention, motivation or participation, and how might technology tools help? |
"Brick walls" or "Roadblocks" and strategies to help students move forward. Can technology help here? |
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4th hour: Visual clues for vocabulary, using a Slide Show to project words and images on a screen (Foreign Language). Using teacher web pages for assignments and grades. Students seem to be motivated when they can access grades online, they become more responsible. Encourage critical thinking using a guessing game. Providing review games such as "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" using PowerPoint -- teachers get immediate feedback on student knowledge. Research shows that 30% of students are visual learners. Students can process visual information 60,000 times faster. Using colored text helps students retain information 80% better. Provide "warm-up" activities or brain teasers on screen as students enter a classroom to get them engaged. Technology allows teachers to create a variety of learning strategies within the curriculum. Students are motivated by Internet-based projects. Use multi-media to show interesting science experiments that are too dangerous to "do" in class, or simulations projected on a larger screen. Using software to simulate and discover mathematical properties such as Geometer's Sketchpad. Guiding student career choices
using Internet resources.
Play music to engage students in activities (Physical Welfare). Using Internet resources to explore suicide information (Social Workers). Using games for review such as Jeopardy - several PowerPoint versions can be downloaded from the web. Using the "Random Student Generator" in the Making the Grade program to "Select a Student" or "Select a Group." (Keyboard shortcuts are "command + F" and "command + G") Provide "Quotes of the Day" or "Questions of the Day" on screen as students enter class. Using email as a vehicle for discussion in class. Use slide shows to review test material. Motivate students with a positive,
upbeat attitude.
Using PowerPoint to display musical signatures on screen. Explore career paths and complete student interest inventory using www.careerlocker.com (Counselors). Conducting scavenger hunts on the Internet Using a "Teacher Drop Box" for students projects, which are "time stamped" when dropped off. Playing music helps students stay on task. Use real life examples that students can relate to, such as current movies, music, etc. |
4th hour: Poor writing and reading skills -- Write Out Loud program helps. Poor research skills -- using a packet provided by the librarians, help students build skills in evaluating sources for quality information. Poor pronunciation in Foreign Language -- using the web to hear words pronounced by native language speakers. For those wishing to hear pronunciation of English words, the Miriam-Webster dictionary site will speak words. (www.m-w.com) MiBAC (www.mibac.com) software has been a great resource to help students learn Music Theory. College selection, a long difficult process -- college home pages helps narrow choices. Difficulty completing tasks -- tutorials online can help. Lack of time to digest information -- teacher provides web page with links for reinforcement in key subjects. Effective web searching -- ask leading questions to help students evaluate information. Technology itself can be a roadblock with computer errors, server malfunctions, etc. -- plan alternatives. Using proper verb tenses (Foreign Language) -- using the Internet to read native language newspapers. Learning vocabulary -- using Flash cards. Students not finishing assignments -- using the web to provide homework and assignments online. Speaking skills in front of class -- practicing with slide show programs. Organization information for essays
-- use Inspiration.
Students forgetting textbooks -- online resources. Students not taking accurate notes -- provide notes on the web: (www.schoolnotes.com) has easy to use interface for notes. Student ability levels are vast in range -- Assistive technology software tools can help students achieve success (Inspiration, Write OutLoud, Co-Writer). Some topics are particularly tough
in Biology -- students can independently use CD-ROM's to
review information and practice skills.
Poor handwriting -- use word processing for assignments. Comprehension in Foreign Language -- use PowerPoint to reinforce skills and vocabulary. Students cannot remember login passwords -- keep a database for the students so that passwords can be looked up at a moment's notice. Student have difficulty visualizing geometry concepts -- Sketchpad software allows simulation and exploration. ACT test anxiety -- use websites such as www.act.org. Student computer anxiety -- activities to provide skills and boost comfort level. Remaining focused -- interactive technology projects help students to stay on task for longer periods |
As PowerRangers continue to share information in the mentoring process, discussions such as these can be valuable resources for working with educational applications of technology. Successful use of technology is more than learning how to "create" a PowerPoint presentation, or "use" a particular program. All PowerRangers are encouraged to expand and explore these topics with their mentor/mentee/team members!
2. Staff Development Options
As PowerRangers seek to fulfill their 8-hour "training" commitment for this semester, the following options may be considered:
3. Technology and Learning Conference -- Report
Ratpack members Amy Inselberger and Wendy Custable traveled to Dallas, TX in November to attend the National School Board Association's annual Technology and Learning conference (http://nsba.org/T+L/). They briefly shared information they had collected about Grant Writing, Women in Technology, Digital Copyright and School web pages, Creating Effective PowerPoints and a Staff Development Training model. Several of these ideas will be incorporated into future PowerRanger luncheon meetings.Wendy related how the Staff Development Training model aligns with efforts here at Stevenson. This model proposes that teachers can successfully learn new information when it is presented using a three-tiered approach:
1) Large group awareness -- (monthly sharing at PowerRanger meetings).
2) Small group activities -- (University of Stevenson classes, Team Technology Workshop days)
3) Individual assistance -- one-on-one guidance with Charlene, a ratpack member, or member of your mentoring group.
4. Administrivia
Rick Nelson (in 4th hour) and Sam Ritchie (in 5th and 6th hours) encouraged all PowerRangers to order the free OSX program from Apple's "Education" website before the Dec. 31 deadline. When received, please do not attempt to install the new operating system on your iBook -- Information Services will collect the CDs as needed. As part of this update, Apple also provides a "training CD" to help teachers become familiar with the new environment. All PowerRangers are encouraged to investigate this interactive CD!!