Drum roll please....BrrrrrrrdahdahdahdahdahBAM!

Our TechnoTEAM's theme is:

I absolutely love it!

but wait... how in the world is this going to be possible? What can more confusing, muddy, and extraneous than technology in the classroom? There is so much to pick from yet so little time to learn it all. I find it easy to shut down from "Information Overload". I must say, if there is one thing that I'm excited about simplifying, clarifying, and prioritizing.... it's technology.

A few key things that come to mind from our back to school TEAM time meeting this week are:

It's all about the learning.
Technology is the HOW in education. It's a way to engage students in the What.
We are all part of a community of learners.
We can all do this through the 4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Critical Thinking

Click on the link below to watch a prezi illustrating 3 things teachers need to know to kick-off the 2011-2012 school year.

http://prezi.com/u64fiuyfnqqb/lets-4c-the-future-communicate-collaborate-create-think-critically/

What's happening in 2011-2012:Professional Development

Interactive Whiteboard: There is a wealth of opportunities for all of you IWB users! Check it out on our Grand Forks IWB wiki (Click on 2011-12 Professional Development on the sidebar). After checking out the Professional Development, navigate the side bar for wealth of independent support. My favorites are the IWB training videos, interactive game links, and troubleshooting flowcharts.

Social Networking in the Classroom with Edmodo. Look forward to learning more about this at the technology PD on either Sept. 26th or Oct. 19th.

Learn collaboratively with Google Docs. Google Docs provide a way to get students to interact with both the curriculum and each other. Every teacher and student in the Active Directory will now have a google account. Look forward to learning more about Google Docs and Google Apps at the technology PD either Sept. 26th or Oct. 19th.

New MacBookPros

If you haven't swapped out your computer yet, the Tech Team will be making their way to your school. The goal is to have them all distributed by the end of September. Check out the wiki to learn what you need to do BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER the swap. http://bit.ly/pKBIXz

Appleworks is gone. Use Libre Office, Word, or your google docs to word process.

Kidspiration is also gone. This is a great time to learn some web 2.0 tools that use graphic organizers.

When you get your new computer, you'll need to install your printer. Watch this screencast to learn how: http://screencast.com/t/nZ7TpwLxopD

You'll now log into your computer and Google Apps with your Active Directory/server login and password.

Elementary Curriculum Connections

Get familiar with your school website. You'll find trouble tickets and Curriculum Connections on the navigation bar. Check out the new livebinders in Elementary Curriculum Connections! Click on Math, Literacy, Social Studies, and Science to view a wealth of interactive sites to support and engage learners.

Netbooks are the 1:1 personal learning device for 6th grade. There will also be a small group of 5th grade classrooms selected for Project Based Learning. More information to come.iPads