MICCA Conference

Attending the conference actually made me feel like I am a beginner with this whole technology thing. I found the sessions on Day 1 to be great, but was disappointed with the ones I went to on Day 2. I attended Selena Ward's google session on Day 1 which was awesome. I also attended a VoiceThread session since I had missed our original training. That session really helped to clarify how to use the site and I came up with ideas for both my teacher and student projects. Thanks to STEP for letting us take part in the conference!!!

MICCA Conference

I was truly inspired by the information I gathered from this year's MICCA Conference. I attended several sessions, one of which included the Web 2.0 session led by Selena Ward of Benjamin Tasker Middle School. Ms. Ward presented some dynamic ideas from the world of Web 2.0 (which by the way, I was clueless about). I have now come to understand that Web 2.0 simply implies a new way of thinking about the internet, that involves this "second" generation of web development, design and publishing, with a strong focus on collaboration, communication and information sharing.

In addition to Ms. Ward's session, I was also able to attend a session led by Chris O'Neal on how school technology leaders could improve technology-centered professional development opportunities by encouraging teacher "buy in". Professional development sessions with a focus on technology would be more engaging if teachers were presented with samples of work utilizing various technologies, pedagological approaches and content expertise, to get teachers interested and motivated to use the technology.


While at the conference, I was also able to see a demonstration of a StarBoard (a brand of Smartboard). I was truly fascinated with this demo and am trying to get Ms. Johnson to purchase one for me :) Anywho, the Starboard operates as a touch screen. Using this piece of equipment would hook my students even further. In addition to the StarBoard demo, I also participated in an Interwrite demonstration. I currently have an Interwrite board, but have failed to use it as it has been quite difficult to set up and establish the bluetooth connection. I can understand the level of apprehension a teacher may have in approaching technology, as some of it can be very detailed and intimidating.

At any rate, I am appreciative for the experience of attending the MICCA conference. Thanks to Ronlyn, Tia and all the other STEP Team leaders. It was great seeing you all!

NECC

I just registered for the NECC Conference. Is PG county paying for some of this for use like they did MICCA? Can I get a refund for part of my registration? Is anyone else going or volunteering. I have never been to a NECC Conference. What should I expect?

MICCA Conference

I just wanted to say I had an exciting time looking and learning about the new technology that I can implement in my classroom that will benefit my student and help drive my instruction so that I can better serve my students needs. I especially love the paperless classroom where I will try to implement next year with my students. The game design program and the different software that can be used will keep me busy over the summer trying to see what will benefit the students at Parkdale.

MICCA

I attended MICCA and found the sessions I attended well done and information packed. I plan to write to the presenters who presentations I missed. Hopeful, they will give me their websites so I can read about what they covered. I received a four page handout about new Web 2.0 applications. I want to visit each website and try them out. But, that will take hours, days, weeks. I don't know what teachers are going to do who have not been keeping up with the latest technology developments. I am in the STEP program and read professional jounals ect, I feel so far behind. There is so much to learn and I wonder how we decide what information we want and need to share with our colleagues.

Voice Thread

I created a Voice Thread with an English teacher. It was about the book To Kill a Mockingbird. So with Voice Thread, you need to create a Power Point presentation and then you upload it. I spent a lot of time trying to make my Power Point presentation interactive. I wanted it to Hyperlink to websites I found. After uploading my Voice Thread, I noticed that you can not hyperlink in your Power Point presentation. I am so glad that I have a Blackboard Website. I up loaded my Voice Thread there and under it , I listed the websites I wanted the students to visit. I used my discussion board for the students to answer questions. The classroom teacher really liked it and the students had a great interest in using it.

Feeling Inspired

Hello Fellow Steppers,

IEP season has had me and my fellow Special Educators incredibly overwhelmed lately, as most of you probably know. However, I am now feeling quite inspired by all of your blog entries, and I look forward to more technology integration in my English classes upon our return from this much-needed Spring Break.

Meanwhile, technology integration is still very important to me and my students! We are thoroughly enjoying the ELMO, although I have not done very much with the digital camera just yet. I use the ELMO almost everyday. I did use the camera to have them complete a H.S.A. preparation activity on "TONE," with several pictures that I took. This required them to identify the tone in "non-print text," which they definitely seemed to enjoy more than the pictures we typically use in their textbook.

My Wikispace continues to be a work in progress, although I am learning a lot from creating it, and feel more and more technologically savvy everyday! Other than my overwhelming and exhausting workload, and lack of time to really delve into things as I might like, STEPPING has been a wonderful learning opportunity for me so far.

Hi Everyone

I just wanted to say Hello to everyone on the PHS-Step. I look forward to working with everyone on the team.