Vanguard Training- iWork

We just finished our first two-day Vanguard training.  The focus on the training was on iWork:  Pages, Keynote and Numbers.  I learned a lot and loved the time we spent actually making and doing various projects.  Please post one thing you learned regarding iWork and included what you plan to share with your staff.

The Super Book of Web Tools for Educators

Technology Integration..... this is a loaded topic.  I see technology integration everyday at work and yet I think that we (teachers) try to make it harder than it is.  What is technology integration?  To me, technology integration is the ability to incorporate some form of technology into a lesson.  That's it!  But then I look closer and I see that there are many layers or levels of integration.  Some teachers are using Powerpoints everyday as they lecture, some are assigning students to create a movie, some are using a document camera to show a text, while some teachers are learning how to send an attachment.  So in a perfect world this technology integration would mean that all teachers have the same knowledge base and are teaching students how to use technology while mastering the state standards. So much for living in a perfect world!  And that's okay. I mean, isn't that what education is all about?  Students learning at different levels and learning how to connect all the dots?  So I shouldn't expect all teachers to be teaching/using technology at the same level.  I think this is the best way to explain the Lakewood Technology Integration Plan or T.I.P. 

Really, we have a plan!  We even have a vision and a mission! Lakewood's technology vision is....."to offer access to technology designed to enhance learning and living." Our mission is... "to use technology as a tool to facilitate and enhance teaching and learning across the curriculum so that learners are equipped to participate in the ever-changing global environment."Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing.....what does that mean?  Access to technology?  Ever-changing global environment? Okay, maybe our group can develop a better vision and mission.  When I think of a vision and/or mission statement I think of the big picture. So, what is the big picture at Lakewood with technology?  I agree that technology is one tool in the tool box that we use everyday, so how are we going to "use" the tool...the technology?  Which brings me back to the plan....the Technology Integration Plan.  
It's a great resource of 'problem solvers' and ideas for technology integration, and might give you a couple things to play with over the upcoming break. Check it out!The-Super-Book-of-Web-Tools-for-Educators

Wordle

Make your own Wordle at http://www.wordle.net/

Technology Conference

MACUL- Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning

Have you ever heard of MACUL? (see link above).  It's a great opportunity for teachers in Michigan to learn more about technology and technology integration. There are awesome speakers as well as workshops and breakout sessions to attend.  Last year I attended workshops on using cell phones in the classroom.  (No, I don't mean to call home or text my BFF during class!).  Liz Klob, the author of  From Toys to Tools  provides practical uses for cell phones that will engage students in the learning process. One of the highlights of the 2010 conference was to hear Hall Davidson (http://www.halldavidson.net/).  Check out his site with videos and handouts....a  plethora of resources!

The conference for 2011 is March 16-18 in Detroit Michigan.  I'm really excited about the conference for a couple of reasons:

1. Kelly Shumway (LMS Science Teacher) and Michelle Endsley (LMS Technology Teacher) are presenting this year @ MACUL!  
2. The Viking Vanguard group may have the opportunity to attend the conference and then share the information with our teachers.  (Tim is working on funding for our group to attend)

So... save the date...March 16th-18th for the 2011 MACUL conference.  This is also an opportunity to receive SB-CEU's for your teacher certification.  

Vanguard Training Day 1

In case you didn't hear....Tod, our Apple Vanguard trainer is having knee surgery today.  He was disappointed that we have to reschedule our training but he could not delay the surgery....a twist of an ankle and overcompensating on the other leg for a week sent him to the emergency room. So......today was an unofficial day of training that was still productive.  Here's a synopsis of topics we discussed and explored:

Google Docs
We looked at google docs and explored how to collaborate on a presentation and/or document.  If you haven't already, create a google account with your "lakewoodps" email and I will invite you to join our group.  We were successful at creating a slide show of our lunch menu :)  An awesome feature of Google Docs is to see who is editing and/or creating the document.  As the owner of the document you can monitor what student is working on the assignment and the changes they have made.  It's easy to start a presentation with a title slide, assign the students to complete the slides with the specific requirements and rubrics, share the presentation via email or a link and like magic..... if you have Internet access you can work on the presentation anywhere!

iCal

We also looked at iCal on our Mac Book Pro's.  This calendar is a great feature that will color-code and organize your life.  You can add an event with time, location and category with a click of a button.  Another feature of iCal is to set an alarm 15, 20, 30 minutes or 2 days before the event begins. (open iCal > preferences > general information) I would highly recommend that if you print your calendar, use "medium" so that you can read all the info on the calendar.  When you do print, you can select all categories or just one category. One question that was asked of me by another teacher is "can I share my iCal events with someone else?" And the answer is.......yes!  Check out the Apple website for more information about how to do this.