EDUC+8Y34+–+Sec6Showcase

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Name: Vanessa Tomac Workshop: Assistive Technologies

I had the opportunity of attending the Assisitive Technologies workshop lead by Mary Ann Fenner. The presentation was based on ministry-licensed software for use in Ontario Schools. She discussed 3 programs that can be used to support and help students with learning and writing difficulties including Write:Out Loud, Co:Writer, and Clicker 5. Write:Out loud seems like a really neat program as it gives students immediate speech feedback when typing words, sentences, and paragraphs. Students become aware when they spell words incorrectly. This program also helps students to listen to what they have written and make any necessary changes to their work. Co:Writer is a program that predicts words for students helping with spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. Through the use of this program, students are able to create content rich sentences. It also helps students make appropriate word choices. Clicker 5 enables children to write with whole words, phrases, and pictures. It is a talking word processor that pronounces words before a student writes or after a student writes. Overall, I thought this workshop was very informative and I enjoyed the presentation made my Mary Ann Fenner. She is a very knowledgeable teacher and offered a lot of information on these 3 programs. I now feel more confident understanding how these programs work, because I am most sure that I will have students in my classroom that will be using these programs, as they would benefit from them.



Name: Kassandra Haslam
 * Workshop:** Getting Under Your Skin: Creative Projects across the Curriculum

I attended the **Getting Under Your Skin Workshop:Creative Projects Across the Curriculum**. The presentation was given by Kelly Janzen who is an Apple Distinguished Educator. I found the presenation to be extremely enteratining and engaging. She had several examples to show our workshop, my favourite was the young man in one of her classes who used Garage Band to edit the song "Hotel California" and use it to make a ghost story, it turned out so well. Unfortunately I found the workshop to not be too helpful for myself as a primary junior teacher. First off the workshop was with the use of MAC computers which most elementary schools that I have seen do not have. Secondly in an elementary school there is one period a week dedicated to computer time and it is usually only 40 minutes, so this project would end up taking probably close to one school year to complete. I also do not think that this would be an activity appropriate for students of the age group I am wanting to teach, I could possibly integrate it into grade 6. The workshop was interesting but not very relevant to primary teachers.


 * Name:** Shaun Persaud
 * Workshop: Whiteboards and the Document Camera in the classroom - Anh Le **



On Friday I attended the //Whiteboards and Document Camera in the classroom// workshop that was led by Anh Le. The presentation outlined creative applications using traditional whiteboards and a [|document camera].

Ms. Le used the document camera to exhibit scientific demonstrations, photograph students and to capture and save images. She also explained that students are much more willing to take risks and share their work with the class when they had the opportunity to use new tools such as the document camera in class.

I selected this presentation because I had heard from current teachers that the document camera could be a very powerful teaching tool in the classroom. Since I was unfamiliar with the tool, I decided to learn more by signing up for the workshop at the Tech Showcase.

As a web designer, document cameras could be tremendously useful to easily show work that is being completed in the classroom. With a few clicks the device can capture an image and save it to an SD card. These screenshots can show creative problem solving techniques and allow parents to have a firsthand look at student’s work.

After gaining a better insight to the benefits of document cameras I am convinced that these devices should definitely replace overhead projectors. One individual in the workshop noted that the two devices are very close in price, however the application of a document camera far outweighs the uses of ‘overhead technology’. This technology is definitely worthwhile and fascinating in a variety of ways. Funds permitting (document cameras without embedded LCD projectors require a projector in addition to the document camera) I would request these tools in my classroom to aid instruction. The main reason for this teaching tool would be to incorporate student work immediately without having to scan, upload or take time to digitally sample any of their work. Simply put it under the document camera and it is there for the class to appreciate and/or collaborate with. Instant winner!

If you missed Anh Le’s presentation you can visit her [|website] where she has links to exercises that incorporate the document camera and whiteboards.

__Laura Capel Whiteboards in an Interactive Classroom Featuring the Document Camera- Anh Le

This session was different from what I orginially thought it would be, but it was really great and very useful. She showed use how we could conduct our class using individual whiteboards. This is an idea that i never thought of before, but an idea that I really enjoy. I think it is a great way to save paper, especially when half the time you use a sheet for one question and then it finds itself in the paper an hour later.

I really like the idea of using the document camera in place of the overhead. She showed us how easy it was to use, as well as how it is a way for the student to see things better especially since it is projected up onto the way. This is a great tool to use when showing experiements as well, because it is hard to gather 25 students around a demonstration and expect that they will all see it.

I was really surprised at how easy the document camera is to use, and how many different ways you can use it.

Having said that I think that the idea of the whiteboards outshined the document camera. It is such a great way to get the students to answer simple questions, as well it allows for the students to easily and quickly fix their mistakes, since all it involves is clearly the board with a piece of felt. At first i was a little unsure of the idea but when she explained that she got the students to bring in their own marks i felt it made much more sense. I was nervous at the price but she explained that the boards are quite cheap, and she even sugested to big some big ones and if u can just get someone or yourself to cut them down for you.

This was a great presentation, and Anh was a great presenter. She was very lively and fun. The tech showcase was a great experience!:)__

Michelle Dodge Whiteboards in an Interactive Classroom Featuring the Document Camera - Anh Le This was a very informative presentation which outlined multiple ways in which whiteboards and document cameras can be integrated into a classroom. The focus was on Mathematics and Science, but additional forms of cross curricular integration was also addressed. The leader of the workshop started out be giving us a brief introduction of herself and her teaching history. Later, participants were invited to interact with the instructional tools through a series of group problem solving activities and scenarios. There was also a great deal of time allotted for questioning. We were encouraged to use the whiteboards for this process as well.

I selected this presentation because I was curious about how I might be able to integrate its use into my next block which is a Grade 6 Mathematics and Science rotary class. I will definitely adapt this tool so it can be utilized in my lesson instruction because of the great deal of freedom it can provide for students. It is very student and environmentally friendly, encourages active participation and is a fabulous way to model various methods or exemplars. I do see a real need for this type of tool for instruction because it is so user friendly and dynamic. It is a modified projector that allows for clear instruction which can be student or teacher directed.

In addition to problem solving, this tool can be used for brainstorming, activation of prior knowledge, review of student work, concept demonstration or making predictions. This technology also appeals to me on a personal level as my level of comfort and trust with other forms of computer technology is somewhat ailing. It is a simple effective way to motivate and stimulate student learning. In addition, students can easily assume the role of the teacher, helping to internalize concepts and ideas.

Lee Griffith

Anh Le – Ruth Thompson (PDSB)

This presentation showed us how to integrate whiteboards and the document camera into our classroom.

Whiteboards This presenter discussed the use of a class set of whiteboards and how they could be used as an alternative to paper. The size of the whiteboards can be used as a fast method of assessment where the teacher can quickly see the ideas of the student. As well peers can easily see what others are writing because with paper students tend to write smaller and are bound by the structure of the lines, and margin.

Classroom management also shifts because doodling can become tempting for students as the quick erase makes it easier to hide from teachers. Just as with any classroom tool, the ground rules must be set and abided by or students will face consequences set out by the class or teacher.

Document Camera For nearly the same price as an overhead projector this device is perfect for modelling tasks for students. Because it functions as a camera you can easily model any type of question under the camera for your students. It also helps for story books or viewing artwork as a class because of its zoom function. There is also a microscope adaptor that can eliminate the pricing of a class set of microscopes. It may be more important for students to see cells under a microscope to understand concepts than to actually learn how to use one itself.

There are multiple uses for a document camera and as Miss. Le discussed, the students often come up with new and innovative ways to use the camera in their learning. This and the whiteboards would be great classroom resources to have.

Krysta Geloso

The "Whiteboards in an Interactive Classroom Featuring the Document Camera" was presented by Anh Lee. She introduced me to the document camera for the first time. She always uses it in her grade 8 science and math classes. She mentioned the main compnents of the camera (auto focus, light, and zoom), but it does much more. You can use to for stills, to project as a video camera, it also reads SD cards, so you can take photos off of the memory card and turn them into slide shows. There are many benefit of the document camera and whiteboards. These include that students tend to take risk, encourage participation, meets different learning styles, provides for quick formative assessment, saves paper, and it takes advantage of teachable moments.

(showed picture with presenter to Candice in class- picture is on my phone) I attended the workshop for Support and Enhance the Writing Process Using Word Q and Inspiration. The presentation was regarding strategic transitions for young children and adults. In the workshop we had the opportunity to explore three tools that support and enhance the writing process such as Word Q, Speak Q and inspiration.
 * Name**: Nabeela Ayaz
 * Workshop**: Support and Enhance the Writing Process Using Word Q and Inspiration

Word Q helps build structure into writing. As a teacher we have to ensure that we provide students will tools that will meet individual student’s needs. Word Q can be used as a tool in the classroom to help students with their spellings, sentence writing and essay structure. Word Q is simple and easy to learn each student gets their own username file and the program keeps track of the student’s progress. A unique feature that Word Q offers is that the students can choose the prediction option. As the students begins to get his/her ideas down on the word document Word Q starts to predict what words. The student if not sure of the spelling can find the word s/he wants. Using Word Q with Microsoft is helpful because if the students make a mistake a red wiggly line will appear underneath the word. Once the student has finished writing a sentence the computer will read aloud what the student wrote. This program will help audio and visual learners as well as others.

Word Q will help students build on their vocabulary and learn new words as well as get their work completed. Word Q will also help reduce student frustration and enhance student learning. Another program that goes hand in hand with Word Q is the Speak Q. Very helpful of those beginning readers, English Language learners and students with disability. As a teacher we have to ensure that we help all of students learn and progress at their learning level. Usually in a school setting most students goes undiagnosed or need extra help so by all the students using Word Q and Speak Q will be help enhance student learning. As a teacher you want all the students to achieve and learn not just the one who need the program. Program access should be available to all students instead of some this way everyone will benefit from it. A unique feature of Speak Q is that with the students can highlight a paragraph and the computer will read it to them. As well as the student can speak out loud and the computer will write down what they are saying. The computer will also provide the students five choices that best match the sentences the students said.

The third tool that goes really with Word Q and Speak @ was inspiration. This program allows students to be creative and helps them to brainstorm idea, group ideas by themes and begin an essay structure. The classroom instructor was very enthusiastic about the three tools and highly recommended the programs for teachers to use. In the beginning of the school year the teachers would have to set up the program in the classroom and allow students opportunities to explore the program. Once all the students have their username created for Word Q and Speak Q the students will realize that they can actually get their work completed. The students will feel more confident about their spellings, sentence and paragraph structure. Word Q and Speak Q are will provide students with the extra assistance they need.

The reason why I selected this workshop was because I was really interested to learn how technology can help students with the writing process. Starting from younger grades in school there has been a lot emphasis place on student writing. I wanted to learn new ways to keep students engaged with the use of technology. I would like to adapt this tool in my own classroom in the future because I know it will help boost student confidence. At my practicum placement in the grade 2 classroom for language arts the students were working on their writer’s workshop folder. I saw how the students would get frustrated with spelling. Students would spend time on trying to figure out how to spell words, looking them up in the dictionary and trying to sound out the word. I felt that this was holding the students back from the time could have had spent writing. With the program Word Q and Speak Q I believe would help students explore and learn the spelling at the same time.

I had several light bulb moments during the workshop on how I could use the Word Q and Speak Q and Inspiration program in the classroom with young and older students. I really enjoyed learning about all three tools and had the opportunity to try them myself and explore! With the use of these three programs the students would have fun, learn and enjoy the writing process!!!

**Name:** Natasha Ramsarup
 * Workshop:** Assistive Technologies (Mary Ann Fenner)
 * Time:** 9:00-10:15 am



The assistive technologies workshop showcased a variety of word processing tools specifically addressing the needs of students with physical disabilities (from fine motor abilities to entire body impairments). The tools are to be used for individual students requiring assistance. This workshop outlined 3 commonly used, ministry licensed software: Write: OutLoad, Co: Writer, and Clicker 5. Features of all 3 programs include auditory feedback for writing, easy to follow instructions for writing, and adaptability for students to accommodate pace and physical limitations. The majority of the presentation was spent working with Clicker 5. Mary Ann demonstrated the various ways this tool could be used for children with full body impairments (i.e. Cerebral Palsy). Other assistive devices can be added to a computer to accommodate children in need of a switch or intellikeys keyboards. These one-touch devices provide more support and easy access for most children. One terrific feature of this particular program is that teachers can individually create their own activities to cater to the specific learning needs and abilities of their students. I chose this particular workshop as I am very interested in the special education field and have worked with certain resources as a preschool support facilitator. As our classrooms will need to be equipped for children of various needs and abilities, I found this session to be very informative and a great introduction to some of the tools available to teachers and students.

Name: Katie Fallis Workshop: Assistive Technology I went to the Assistive Technology session of the technology showcase. This session presented various types of computer programs, and clicker devices that children with special needs can use. They specifically discussed Clicker 5, Write: Out loud, and Co-writer. All of these programs are designed to help students with communication difficulties. They are specifically meant for students who struggle with typing, writing and communicating ideas, as well as students who have fine motor difficulties.

Our presenter Mary Ann did an excellent job showing us how to use the software, and explaining how it would be helpful when working with students. The fact that she concentrated on ministry licensed software was really helpful as they can be used across the province.

I choose this workshop because I have a lot of interest in working with students with special needs. I had previously heard a lot about assistive technology, but I felt that I had not seen how it worked. Knowing about this software will be very beneficial when working with reluctant or struggling students. They will be valuable in offering extra assistance. They also could be valuable for all students and could motivate them to become interested in writing.

Ashley Marion Workshop: BrainPop

On Friday I attended the Brainpop Workshop at the Tech Showcase. During this workshop we were introduced to BrainPop whihc is an innovative program for learning and teaching. You can access Brainpop online, once online you are able to type in a topic area and search. The lessons incorporated on BrainPop are built around animated movies that introduce new vocabulary and usage. BrainPop also includes quizzes, word walls, games, lesson plans, curriculum standards, KWL charts, graphic organizers and activity sheets. On this site you can also search through the different subject areas, grade and even language (There is an ESL and a French one as well!). Therefore, this is a great tool that I will definately modify for use within my own class in the future. I believe that this is a fascinating tool as the videos were kid friendly and also in the Junior BrainPop as you scrolled over the certain words it would read them right to you! I believe that this can be an extension to your lessons, and if the students have completed their work early they may have the chance to access this site and further their knowledge and understanding.




 * Workshop: Getting Under Your Skin Presented By Apple**



On Friday, I had the opportunity in participating in the Technology Showcase held at the campus. I went to three workshops: Getting Under Your Skin, Creating a Digital Playground and Experiencing a Smartboard Classroom. All three were fantastic and I learned a little more about technology and integrating it into the classroom. The one thing I took away from the entire showcase was that we aren’t teaching technology rather we are teaching WITH technology. It is not a separate entity. Getting Under Your Skin presented by Kelly Janzen involved looking at how Apple tools such as imovie and Garageband could be used in the classroom and integrated into the curriculum. Garageband was a really fascinating tool; I really enjoyed getting to use the Macs to explore the tool. Kelly gave us a lightening tutorial through the program as we created a sound clip. For someone like myself, who enjoys music but is musically challenged, this program would come in handy if and when your principal asks you teach the music curriculum. Though very interesting, I found the presentation more of an intermediate/senior focus; both tools could be easily used with a media and music class in high school. It makes me wonder how else Apple tools could be used in a primary/junior setting. Overall, I found the showcase very beneficial to my ongoing professional learning.
 * Name: Suzanne Shiu**

During the Technology Showcase I learned a lot about how technology can be used in the classroom in a variety of ways. I was opened up to a variety of programs and devices that I hadn't even heard of before. I was really interested in the Apple workshop where we learned about "GarageBand" and "iMovie." I thought that these programs were really neat and interactive for students allowing them to produce some amazing projects. However, I wonder about those schools that do not have Apple products and whether or not they will be at a disadvantage in comparison to those schools that do have higher levels of technology. I did learn about other ways technology can be used for students to create interactive projects, as well as simply learn about a topic or subject. I think that the workshops that I attended made me feel slightly more comfortable about using technology in my own classroom in the future.
 * Name: Kayla Sankey**

The first workshop that I attended was entitled “Getting Under your Skin: Creative Projects across the Curriculum”. I was very excited to attend this particular workshop because it had to deal with using technology as an avenue for integrating music and movie making into the classroom. The presenter was Kelly Janzen, an Apple Distinguished Educator and she was excellent! The tools that were highlighted in this workshop were two programs called Garage Band and IMovie. Although both programs were highlighted, we spent most of the time working directly with Garage Band. Garage Band is a program that provides students with the tools required to make stories using the computer. Ultimately, it is another way for students to create stories that make not like writing stories by hand or have trouble with it and for those students who are more visual and auditory learners. In this program, students use music to tell a story. In other words, students put together different pieces of instrumental music along with voice recordings to tell a story.
 * Name: Laurie McNamara**

Throughout the presentation, Kelly highlighted the tool during the instructional process by explaining briefly how the tool works both visually and orally and then spent a major part of the time providing examples of students own work using Garage Band. It was truly fascinating to both see and hear the stories that students came up with using this tool and how well you can understand the message of the story just by listening to the music and sound effects. Kelly then provided each and every one of us with a laptop where we were able to play around with the program to create our own pieces. We got to put different pieces of music together and record out own voices. From the amount of fun that I had doing it, I can see why students would love using this program and would benefit from its use.

I choose to attend this workshop because I have always been a strong promoter of integrating music into the classroom as a way of presenting information across different subject areas. Music can tell a lot; not only about a particular topic but about a student as well and I think that it is important to allow students the opportunity to work directly with the program to experience first hand the possibilities that music can have. I would definitely consider using this program in my classroom because it tailors directly the needs of our 21st century learners. It is fairly easy to use and I think that students would discover a new interest in making stories if they had the opportunity to try it in a different way. However I would not use this program in the primary grades because I do not think that they would be able to navigate through the tool and understand how to create a story using it. I think that students in the junior grades would truly benefit from using the program, not only personally but academically as well.

At the Technological Showcase, the one sessions I thought to be the most interesting and informative was a presentation by Kelly Janzen called Getting Under Your Skin: Creative Projects Across the Curriculum. I chose this sessions because of the cross curricular description. This presentation consisted of learning about two specific technology programs, Garage Band and iMovie. We were presented with the benefits and educational purpose of incorporating these computer programs into the classroom. Not only were the programs demonstrated but we also had the opportunity to see student made products using these programs. One of the student examples was the creation of a ghost story using lyrics of a song spoken over students generated audio tracks. Near the end of the presentation we had the opportunity to explore Garage Band and create our own songs. I think getting to use the program as well as see some student final products was beneficial to me, as I will be more likely to use this program in the future after getting to see how easy it was to use. Overall I thought the demonstration was informative and truly believe I could use the Garage Band program in my own classroom to integrate music with many other curriculum subjects.
 * Name: Heather DeBoer**



Experience a SMART Classroom**
 * Name: Natalie Panetta
 * This workshop showed us all of the different ways that we can use and incorporate SMART boards into our lessons. At the beginning of the workshop we were asked what we wanted to get out of the workshop and it was stated by one of the participants that they wanted to see how to SMART boards for other purposes than just a large touch computer screen, which I believe it is often commonly used as. This workshop was definitely showed us how a SMART board can be more than just a touch screen. We were shown how to create hands-on activities that can be used as whole class, small group, or individual lessons. We also saw how SMART boards can be used as a quick assessment, for either diagnostic or formative assessment with the remote clickers. When I originally signed up for the workshop I was thinking/hoping that we would learn how to work one, but it seems easy enough (sort of like Word) to figure out by just playing around with it for a little bit. I'm actually glad that the workshop took the route that it did, instead of showing us what buttons to use, but showing us how to teach WITH the tools/SMART board. I definitely cannot wait to get my hands on one of these!

Name: Leah Johnson Support and Enhance the Writing Process Using WordQ and Inspiration** The workshop focused on introducing three new tools, WordQ, SpeakQ, and Inspiration. John Deluca from Strategic Transitions not only showed us how to use these tools but also how the three tools can be used together. Throughout the entire workshop John demonstrated each program on a SMART board, taking breaks within his presentation to allow us to discover aspects of all of the programs on our own computer in the lab. I chose this workshop because it sounded very interesting. However, after attending the workshop, I was amazed! I would definately use these tools in my classroom. I think that WordQ and SpeakQ would be great for students with exceptionalities (although I also feel that these tools would be beneficial for any student), assisting with language by reading the sentence, predicting words, and correcting the spelling of words. These tools cater to students through audio and visual tools, creating an easy to follow application. The SpeakQ tool also considers students with speech impediments in it's speech recognition programming. These tools are also compatible with Inspiration. They can assist students with brainstorming, organizing text, and referencing. From a personal perspective, I believe these tools would be a truly awesome asset to any classroom! These tools make language accessible and supportive for any student!

Workshop: "Getting Under your Skin"**
 * Name: Sara Chadsey



On Friday, January 29th, 2010 I attended a workshop at the Technology Showcase, which took place at Brock’s Hamilton Campus. I attended the seminar called “Getting Under your Skin”. It was a workshop looking at how Mac programs, such as “Garage Band” and “I Movie” could be used by students in the classroom. We even got to test out Garage Band and make up our own songs…it was great! I think my next computer might have to be a Mac, as we learned that this program comes with it automatically. Our workshop facilitator was able to show us some examples of student work and different things you could do with these programs in the classroom. One idea she had was to take an existing song, or story and recite it in a different way, incorporating sound effects, music and voice alterations to make it unique. I think of “reader’s theatre” when I hear this and feel that it could be done in either a primary or junior class. It would be suitable for individual or group work as well. One way to get students acquainted with the features of this program is to recite a story and have the children find the appropriate sound effects that could go along with it. One other program, that we didn’t spend much time on was “I Movie”. This is a program where students can make a movie or take a movie clip from an existing movie (from websites, like Hand Brake) and manipulate, or add to it, using different effects or sounds. Teachers could give the students some guidelines for making a movie, like having to include certain components in their film, to make it more educational. We ended the workshop, being able to experiment with the various features of Garage Band, and create our own song. Overall, it was a great workshop and I learned a lot about how to incorporate these Mac programs into the classroom.

Workshop: QECO** I was unable to attend the technology showcase so I will be reporting on our February 4th professional development day. Ken from QECO discussed ways in which we can receive a student evaluation. This student evaluation informs us on our pay category once we complete our teacher education program. He provided us with helpful and useful information. It was an informative session because many students and current teachers are unaware of the pay evaluation one is entitled to and should get in order to receive the right category of pay. We were provided with the accurate website and encouragement to fill out and mail in our evaluation as soon as possible.
 * Name: Cristina Gualtieri

Name: Vicki Thompson Workshop: SMART Technologies

On Friday I attended the technologies workshop and found SMART Technologies very interesting. The presenter went through some of the programs using the Smart Board, which I found extremely helpful. One was using the 'controllers' so to speak to input your answers to a specific question - kind of like a game show. I would think the students would find the use of those to be interesting, fun, and a great way to learn the material. It could also be a great way to prep for an upcoming test. _

One of the most interesting workshops of the day was BrainPop. BrainPop is a dynamic computer program designed to integrate technology into the classroom. This program contains a range of resources including but not limited to comic strips, video clips, and quizzes. In the classrooms, teachers can select tools and resources to best meet the needs of their students in science, math, language arts and so on. This program can be used in one-on-one instruction or in groups, which speaks to its versatility. Notably, however, one drawback of this program is that it is based on an American Curriculum. Despite this, the presenter, a Canadian teacher in the Durham was able to easily incorporate this tool into his own classroom. I now have a trial subscription to BrainPop. This comes in timely as very soon I will be in my next block, and I can see how I can enhance student learning through this program.
 * Jelena Kikas: A Review of BrainPop Workshop in 2010 **




 * Nicole Staresina

**

Workshop: SMART technologies I attended the first session of the SMART technologies workshop where the group was introduded to th background behind the SMART board. I found out that as a teacher and as a student we have the capabilities to download the SMART notebook software from our own homes in order to go over any lessons used on the SMART from previous days. This workshop was interesting although I wish there was a hands on component to use the SMART board (apparently that happened during their last session because it was longer). There are so many things you can do with a smartboard for your class and as a teacher you cannot be afraid to let your students interact with the smartboard. Smart boards allow you as a teacher to either create and/or use interactive lessons that follow the Ontario curriculum and they are very easy to pull up from the SMART Notebook's pages of interactive resources. I only hope that in my second teaching block I will be able to have access to a Smartboard and to be able to make some of my lessons "come to life"! Overall, this presentation was interesting and engaging. Great day overall!

Jillian Groleau

SMART technologies workshop This was the first workshop of the day and the focus was on taking us through the notebook software and how to apply this to the SMART board. The presenter walked us though the different uses for the SMART board and different interactive ways we can use the notebook software to create dynamic lessons. The presentation also highlighted some of the other tools that can be used along with the SMART board such as the document camera, the SMART table and other useful tools. The program and presenter was very effective however, there was little participation and interaction with the SMART board. Another useful thing that we were introduced to were the response clickers that allowed the teacher to have questions on the board and students could pick the appropriate responses. This is a very effective tool that can provide the teacher with a diagnostic assessment of what students know. It also motivates student to participate as it provides an alternative and exciting way for students to use technology in the classroom as well. Overall, that SMART board is a fantastic tool and I look forward to gaining more hands on experience with the board so I can be able to effectively incorporate the technology into the classroom.

Jennifer Whaley Videoconferencing and all of the accompanying equipment is extremely expensive and not an option for most schools. The technology would be very beneficial for the 21st centruy learner. The presenter was very enthusiatic and gave us great examples of how she uses the systems. It would be ideal to have a classroom that could utilize these kinds of programs. It would be amazing to learn about other places in your own country as well as other regions (Alaska) and see the landscape and ecosystems first hand (on camera) and speak to an expert from there. ||
 * Topic: Global Connections ||  ||
 * Description- Karin Davidson-Taylor from Royal Botanical Gardens discussed videoconferencing and promoting global learning. Videoconferencing, along with other supportive technology, has enabled RBG to reach students and teachers in urban, rural and remote communities across Canada, the U.S. and Europe. These conferences engage students and teachers in learning experiences focusing on our unique ecosystems and collections, while other countries can teach us about ecosystems and animals that are unique to them.
 * Marlee Calligan

SMART Technologies Workshop I attended the SMART Technologies Workshop, where we were introduced to a variety of SMART products. The presenter focused on the SMART Board and various uses within the classroom, but we also go to see the SMART Clickers for multiple choice testing and the document camera. I was surprised at the number of technologies made by SMART, as I had only seen the SMART board in my placement. It would have been interesting to learn how to create a SMART lesson, integrating a variety of the technologies. My upcoming placement has several SMART technology tools in the classroom, which I am looking forward to using (especially the SMART board). The workshop was beneficial in discussing how technology is now being integrated into the 21st century classroom and the requirements on behalf of the classroom teacher to become trained in using these technologies.

(My picture is posted in the Wed 230-430 class wiki, with Jennifer Cumbo and Nicole Darlington) ||

Laura Bellon Brain POP

I attended the session in the afternoon on Brain POP, the resource site for elementry school children. The session was interesting and I am glad that I now know about this excellent resource. The presentation was not very interactive as the presenter had difficulty maintaining a connection in order to show us features of the site. What we were able to see was great. Teachers can guide their class to a particular subject (math, language, science, art etc) and look at particular topics that match the strands of the curriculum. The site gives access to videos, games, questions and answers that are submitted and answered for the students. There is also a Jr. Brain POP and a French version that has been created. We were able to view the science stream and watch a video on earth. This would be an excellent tool for parents too. There is a subscription, however there is a free month trial for people interested. Is is definetly a safe, secure and user friendly site. There is a navigation bar at the top that allows the user to see which sites that they have entered and which sites, much like a SharePoint site will show you if you are entering a file within a file. This was an excellent way of introducing technology in a way that educates the student in navigating the internet. It provides sounds and graphics that appeal to students and can help with teachers lesson plans. A decent 21 century technology.