Communication

It is important that Tonya and I know your concerns about the technology in your classrooms.  We are currently busy trying to get MLTI computers reimaged and assigned to students.  That means that we are spending nearly every second on that process.  I know that is frustrating for the schools that do not have MLTI computers because you are not seeing us to answer quick questions.  PLEASE do not leave us voicemail messages at Central Office.  I am rarely there because I do spend MOST of my time in the schools.  Email is the fastest way to get to both of the tech staffers because we always have our computers on and check our emails frequently.  Soon we will have a published schedule so you will know exactly where we are each day.  You are welcome to call me on my cellphone as well.  Your principals and secretaries have that number.  You can call me during the evenings at home.  My phone is listed in the local telephone directories.

Some teachers have already started to use Compass Learning and they are impressed.  What they have found is that the printed material Pam gave you is useful as you set up your first students.  This is particularly true for the middle school staffs who attended the first day.  If  you still have questions, please email me and I will see if I can find the answers for you. There is much information contained within the program including a users’ manual.  This is found under curriculum resources.

As the superintendent pointed out, communication is so important as we work to educate our students.  I know that sometimes when I am in a rush to get things done, I do not communicate as well as I should.  I am trying to make sure that all your concerns are attended to in a timely manner.  Please bear with me as the year begins.  I am sure that things will get better as the year progresses and before we know it we will be getting ready for summer again.

Here is an open source program for your advanced math students.  GeoGebra

Remember to please add comments about things your find that are helpful to other teachers.  There are many talented teachers in this district that have MUCH to share.

A New Year Begins

Can you believe it? Here we are about to start the 2008-2009 school year. A lot has changed since I’ve been in education and I’m sure you have also seen many changes. This year we are going to try to keep you updated with Web 2.0 technology. This is my blog. I initially started it two years ago but didn’t do anything with it. In April I took a Web 2.0 class from Barbara Greenstone, MLTI tech mentor. What an eye-opening experience! We were required to start and post to a blog. So I restarted mine and have decided that this is the way to efficiently communicate with the most people.

Here are some important tech announcements for our districts:

1. The MLTI computers have a new image. You can now automatically back up your files if you program the “Time Machine” to link to a specific removable hard drive. This is a really neat program. You can go into Time Machine and find files you may have deleted. What happens is that Time Machine copies your files at least once a day. If you know approximately when a file was saved you can look by date and find it, EVEN if you have deleted it in the meantime. There is a wonderful new science program on the MLTI computers which works with programming and simulations. It was piloted by Maine science teachers.

2. All MLTI teachers need to have their computers reimaged so that your computer will be like your students’. Other teachers may have their computers reimaged if they would like.

3. Repairs will be handled on a wiki this year. If your computer is not working you will need to take it to your tech lead first and they will troubleshoot the problem. They will then list it on the wiki for the tech staff to attend to. Your tech leads will be introduced either by your principal or at the opening day workshop.

4. Compass Learning has been installed in all four schools. This is a wonderful program which is very engaging to our students. It is one more way to differentiate curriculum for all students. Compass Learning will generate reports about your students’ learning and prescribe other modules for them to complete. There will be a trainer at the opening workshops to help you learn what Compass Learning is all about. If you need help after the training please ask us.

5. We are here to help you integrate technology into your classroom. If you are doing a unit and would like ideas about using technology, just ask and we’ll help you find ways to do just that. Below are links to some helpful resources that have been put together for you:

http://robertadoughty1.googlepages.com/home

http://computercamp2008.wikispaces.com/–Ask to become a member and you can edit these pages.

http://delicious.com/robertadoughty1 –Delicious.com is a social bookmarking site. I have bookmarked many wonderful educational sites here. You might want to get an account to collect bookmarks for your students.

Have a great year. Keep coming back here for ideas and announcements. Also add your own ideas and other information you’d like to share by commenting.  This makes the blog so much richer for all of us.  I learn from each of you every day.