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=** Training Teachers on Technology Integration **= Our students “were born into a digital world, rich with computers and digital devices such as digital cameras, cell phones, computers, Kindles, and iPods. Digital natives view technology as a foundation for the classroom, not a tool” (Sawmiller, 2010).


 * Technology we need to focus on utilizing in the classroom **
 * Online tools and resources || Hand held devices ||
 * Word Processors || Podcasts ||
 * Presentation software || Audio recording software ||

=** Why we need to integrate online technology in the classroom **= “The Internet is this generation’s defining technology for literacy. It is home to a continuously emerging set of new technologies for literacy such as search engines, e-mail, blogs, wi-kis, instant messenger, social networking tools, and many others yet to emerge. Each requires new skills and strategies. Schools need to prepare students for these new literacies by integrating them into the curriculum” (Zawilinski, 2009).

Blogging can be used for: Educators can use this powerful tool to: “Using a blog in the classroom can increase motivation, challenge critical thinking skills, aid in differentiated instruction, extend the classroom walls, and cash in on student interest in technology” (Sawmiller, 2010).
 * Why Blogs? **
 * any academic discipline
 * any age group
 * a connection to any content being focused on in class.
 * enhance student engagement
 * focus on student’s:
 * written communication skills
 * critical thinking skills
 * reading comprehension.


 * Training Topics **
 * How to set up a blog (physical set up and formatting/design selections)
 * How to use the blog with students
 * How to introduce a blog to the class
 * How to model effective blog use
 * What to expect from students
 * Effective teaching and learning strategies
 * Types of prompts and how to come up with them
 * Expectations of student use

By training teachers in these aspects, teachers will be better prepared and better equipped to develop effective teaching and learning strategies for students to truly benefit from the use of this technology.

“If we want our students to be confident, effective communicators in the coming decades, we must prepare them to communicate through digital media” (Dlott, 2007).
 * Final Thought **

Dlott, A. (2007). A (pod)cast for thousands. //Educational Leadership, 64//(7), 80-82.
 * References **

Sawmiller, S. (2010). Classroom blogging: What is the role in science learning? // Clearing House, // 83(2), 44-48. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete.

Zawilinski, L. (2009). HOT Blogging: A framework for blogging to promote higher order thinking. //Reading Teacher,// 62(8), 650-661. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete.

=___= =District Technology Training Plan=



Prince George’s County has 205 schools with approximately 18,000 employees serving over 125,000 students. Currently, classrooms are equipped with desktop computers and data projectors while all teachers are assigned laptops (PGCPS, 2008). Many schools are outfitted with mobile labs, classroom sets of mobile devices, digital cameras and SMART Boards. Educators currently access the curriculum framework and other instructional materials through an online learning management system where technology is embedded throughout. The district utilizes information systems to record and track assessment information allowing educators to use the data to make informed instructional decisions and facilitate communication. Teachers also maintain attendance and grade records through an online data management system in which parents and guardians can also view this information. “Students have the opportunity to use digital textbooks, other online resources, as well as participate in online classes both at school and at home” (PGCPS, 2008).
 * Our District**

While the teaching staff inPrince George’s County has sound expertise in the content areas, many are still learning how to integrate technology into the curriculum. “Teachers need to move from being comfortable with the hardware and expand their skills to include a variety of software applications that enhance and differentiate instruction. A challenge is that there is no mechanism in place to ensure that all staff continues their professional growth to develop necessary technology literacy skills, as well as skills in their content areas” (PGCPS, 2008).
 * Our Needs**

In order to assist the educators inPrince George’s County in learning to best meet the needs of their students while effectively and efficiently incorporating the hardware and software available in the classroom, there are several areas requiring training. For the 2012-2013 school year, these are the areas which training needs to be focused: The Technology Training Team currently has optional evening training sessions as well as sessions on designated Professional Development says on the calendar for the fall semester for the use of iPads: There are also several trainings on the use of Google: There are also training sessions for the use of Microsoft Office tools including Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word (PGCPS, 2011). All of these trainings will support the district goal of creating technology proficient educators to create technology proficient students. In addition to these optional training sessions, it would be prudent to introduce mandatory training sessions to ensure educators are gaining exposure and accurate information regarding the technology available in their classroom. One critical area with which many educators are currently unfamiliar but could have a considerable positive impact on student achievement in writing and communication skills is the creation and effective use of effective classroom blogs. “When they are focused on student writing growth, blogs can bring different dynamics into the classroom as writing becomes public, participatory, and continually developing” (McGrail, 2011).
 * The use of handheld, personal devices, such as iPods, iPads and other tablet devices)
 * The effective use of Microsoft Office tools in instruction
 * Teachers creating and using effective classroom websites
 * The use of class Blogs to support Literacy
 * The effective use of audio and video in instruction
 * The use of technology to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities
 * Teaching students to effectively and accurately use technology for research
 * iPad: Getting Started
 * iPad: Instructional Use
 * iPad: Professional Productivity
 * Appy Hour: iBooks
 * Appy Hour: Drop Box
 * iPad: iWorks for the iPad (PGCPS, 2011)
 * Google Mail, Calendar and Contacts
 * Google Groups Overview
 * Google Docs
 * Become a Gmail Ninja (PGCPS, 2011)

The design and use of a classroom blog will vary between grade levels. Trainings sessions will be conducted to meet the needs of two main groups: Primary Educators (K-5) and Secondary Educators (6-12). Within these two main groups, training will be provided for two subgroups: beginner and advanced.
 * Training Groups**


 * Training Goals**
 * 1) Increase educator understanding on what a Blog is and how it can be effectively used in e-learning
 * 2) Demonstrate effective techniques and strategies for student use
 * 3) Educators will set up a class blog
 * 4) Provide instruction on the effective use of blogs with open ended questioning


 * Primary Grade Level Workshops**
 * Introduction to Blogging:** Educators of primary grades (K-5) who are beginners to blogging will be introduced to Blogs. Participants will learn what blogs are, how they are used, types of blogs, view current blogs online, discuss how the use of blogs can impact student’s reading, writing and communication skills, the impact on student engagement, and begin a discussion on how this technology can be introduced into the classroom.
 * Blogging: Student Introduction:** Beginner users in K-5 classrooms will learn effective strategies to introduce blogging to elementary aged students. Topics to be discussed include introducing students to blogs, appropriate modeling by educators on appropriate and effective blog use and setting clear and high expectations for student use.
 * Blogging: Instructional Strategies:** Beginner users in the K-5 classrooms will learn effective instructional strategies. Topics will include frequency of blog use, the instructor’s role in blog facilitation, and possible topics and effective blogging styles to develop critical thinking skills of students. Training participants will be split into cooperative groups and select a content area to discuss in further detail and share.
 * Blogging: Effective Strategies for Teachers:** More advanced blog users in the K-5 classrooms will take this training session which is a combination of the Introduction of Blogs, Student Introduction and Instructional Strategies trainings for beginner users. Topics will include a brief discussion on introducing elementary aged students to blogging, appropriate modeling by educators on appropriate and effective blog use and setting clear and high expectations for student use, the instructor’s role in blog facilitation, and effective blogging styles to develop critical thinking skills of students. Training participants will be split into cooperative groups and select a content area to discuss in further detail and share.
 * Setting up Class Blogs:** Participants will include both beginner and advanced users in the K-5 classrooms. Presenters will demonstrate how to set up a class blog and discuss the appearance of blogs. Discussion topics will include the style of text and graphics, the use of audio and video on the blogs and setting up student accounts. Participants will create blog accounts and set up their class blog at this training.


 * Secondary Grade Level Workshops**
 * Introduction to Blogging:** Educators of secondary grades (6-12) who are beginners to blogging will be introduced to Blogs. Participants will learn what blogs are, how they are used, types of blogs, view current blogs online, discuss how the use of blogs can impact student’s reading, writing and communication skills, the impact on student engagement, and begin a discussion on how this technology can be used in the classroom.
 * Blogging: Student Introduction:** Beginner users in grade 6-12 classrooms will learn effective strategies to introduce blogging to students. Topics to be discussed include introducing students to blogs, appropriate modeling by educators on appropriate and effective blog use and setting clear and high expectations for student use.
 * Blogging: Instructional Strategies:** Beginner users in the grade 6-12 classrooms will learn effective instructional strategies. Topics will include frequency of blog use, the instructor’s role in blog facilitation, and possible topics and effective blogging styles to develop and challenge the critical thinking skills of students. Training participants will be split into cooperative groups according to content area to discuss in further detail and share.
 * Blogging: Effective Strategies for Teachers:** More advanced blog users in the grade 6-12 classrooms will take this training session which is a combination of the Introduction of Blogs, Student Introduction and Instructional Strategies trainings for beginner users. Topics will include a brief discussion on introducing students to blogging, e appropriate modeling by educators on appropriate and effective blog use and setting clear and high expectations for student use, the instructor’s role in blog facilitation, and effective blogging styles to develop critical thinking skills of students. Training participants will be split into cooperative groups according to content area to view current class blogs, discuss in further detail and share.
 * Setting up Class Blogs:** Participants will include both beginner and advanced users in the grade 6-12 classrooms. Presenters will demonstrate how to set up a class blog and discuss the appearance of blogs. Discussion topics will include the style of text and graphics, the use of audio and video on the blogs and setting up student accounts. Participants will create blog accounts and set up their class blog at this training.

The training session, //Blogging: Effective Strategies for Teachers// will be lead by a team of presenters from the Technology Team. While portions of the training will be informational and presenter led, many points in the training session will be interactive and cooperative to engage and challenge the participants.
 * Instructional Strategies and Materials**
 * Presentations:** Various types of presentation will be used in this training. The training will be kicked off with a PowerPoint presentation. Presenters will use this as a guide for the discussion, not as a script. This presentation is attached to this file (SDeMarco_WhyBlog.ppt).
 * Turn and Talk:** Throughout the training session, participants will be asked to Turn and Talk to share their thoughts, ideas and concerns with a neighbor. Providing this time to talk out what they are thinking, participants will better connect to the content while gaining insight from a peer.
 * Demonstration of each type of blog:** A presentation of each type of blog, as well as examples of these blogs will be projected onto a screen to visually demonstrate what blogs look like and how they are used. The links to example blogs will also be provided to participants to access from their seat on their laptop. A brief portion of this training can be seen at: []. This training was designed based off of the research of Lisa Zawilinski (2009).
 * Cooperative Groups:** Participants will split into cooperative groups where they will focus on one specific content area (Language Arts, Math, Science or Social Studies). Limiting focus to one content area will allow participants to review existing blogs, discuss possible topics at length and determine types/styles of questioning that will be most effective for blogging with young students. Each cooperative group will share their ideas to the whole group so each participant will gain exposure to possible uses and topics as well as examples for each content area.

Cooperative Group Work

Content Area:

Possible Blog Topics: 1) __2)__ 3) __4)__ 5)

__Sample Blog Prompts:__ __1)__ _ __2)__ _ __3)__


 * Create Blog rules and expectations:** Participants will have the opportunity to brainstorm with peers to create a document listing blog rules and expectations. Groups will post their work on large chart paper around the room so participants will be able to share ideas and create a final list of rules and expectations they feel meets their class needs. Each participant will leave the training with a complete list to post in their classroom and on their blog and guide their introduction of blogs to their students.
 * Review/Critique of Existing Blogs:** As a whole group, in small groups, and individually, participants will have the opportunity to review existing blogs online. Participants will be guided through their review/critique with the following suggestions, adapted from Ad Tracker (2007).

Blog Review As you review blogs throughout the presentation, as well as blogs you locate through searches, these are some main points to keep in mind as you navigate and read. Any information, ideas or features you would like to make note of for your blog: (Remember, you can note pitfalls you would like to avoid).
 * Purpose **
 * 1) What is it set up to accomplish?
 * 2) How well does it seem to focus on this purpose?
 * 3) Does the blog fulfill its expressed goal?
 * Layout / Usability **
 * 1) Is the look and feel of the site pleasing?
 * 2) How is the flow?
 * 3) Does the site seem organized or does it seem crowded and chaotic?
 * 4) Are common elements like the archives, about page and contact link easy to locate?
 * Content **
 * 1) Is the content relevant to the curriculum?
 * 2) Are the posts constructed with easy readability in mind?
 * 3) Are the posts written with proper grammar and spelling?
 * 4) Are the questions open ended and thought provoking?
 * Activity **
 * 1) How often are posts added?
 * 2) Are there many comments?
 * 3) Are comments actively encouraged or even allowed?
 * 4) Does the author respond to comments?
 * 5) Does the author facilitate discussion on posts?

Using this guide will assist participants in focusing on a set of consistent points on each blog reviewed. These points are topics throughout the training and therefore areas we would like participants to begin forming ideas for their own blog.
 * Reflection Writing:** During transitions between parts of the training session, participants will be asked to complete a short reflection. This reflection will provide them the opportunity to reflect on the information discussed and how they connect to the material. A guide to reflecting on the training:

What activities did I do during this portion of the training?
 * Training Topic:___

What have I learned in this portion of the training session?

How do I feel about what was discussed?

How can I use this in my classroom?

Any questions or concerns I would like addressed: ||


 * Support website:** Blogging is an ongoing activity. To support the needs of the educators engaging students in the use of class blogs, a support website will be created and added to the district’s technology webpage. This website will include a blog for educators to share information and ask questions. Also available will be example blogs and resources. As part of the training, the presenters will ask for feedback from participants: What would you like to see on this support site to best help you? The start of this website can be viewed at: []


 * Technology Workshop Syllabus**

The Blogging Workshops have been designed to introduce educators inPrince George’s County to the use of Blogs in the classroom.


 * Goal:** Each participating educator will set up a class blog and gain the knowledge and understanding to effectively use the blog throughout the 2012-2013 school year.


 * Objectives:**
 * 1) Educators will identify qualities of an effective academic blog
 * 2) Educators will demonstrate effective techniques and strategies using an academic blog
 * 3) Educators will create and design a class blog
 * 4) Educators will construct open ended, thought provoking questions for blog prompts

Please bring your county issued laptop; wifi will be available at the training location.
 * Materials:**


 * Schedule:**
 * Monday || Blogging: effective Strategies for Teachers || Advanced Users ||
 * Tuesday || Introduction to Blogging || Beginner Users ||
 * Wednesday || Blogging: Student Introduction || Beginner Users ||
 * Thursday || Blogging: Instructional Strategies || Beginner Users ||
 * Friday || Setting up a Class Blog || Beginner and Advanced Users ||


 * Technology Workshop Lesson Plan**
 * Presenter:** Stephanie DeMarco


 * Workshop Title:** Blogging: Effective Strategies for Teachers
 * Day #1**


 * Prerequisite Knowledge:** Familiarity with blogs, either through blogging personally or academically or following academic blogs.


 * Overview:** This training sessions is designed for K-5 teachers who are familiar with blogs. Participants will be briefly introduced to blogs and how they are used in the academic setting. Topics will include a discussion on introducing elementary aged students to blogging, appropriate modeling by educators on appropriate and effective blog use and setting clear and high expectations for student use, the instructor’s role in blog facilitation, and effective blogging styles to develop critical thinking skills and writing skills of students.

1. Educators will identify qualities of an effective academic blog 2. Educators will demonstrate effective techniques and strategies using an academic blog 3. Educators will construct open ended, thought provoking questions for blog prompts
 * Objectives:**


 * Plan:**
 * Why Blog? PowerPoint presentation: Introduce what a blog is and how blogs are used
 * Show examples of personal blogs and discuss the uses of personal blogs
 * Discuss how personal and academic blogs compare and how they differ
 * Discuss the four types of blogs commonly used in the elementary classroom
 * Provide an example of each type of blog
 * Small group discussion: Pros and Cons for each type of blog. Which type would be most effective in developing students critical thinking and writing skills?
 * Whole group discussion: How do we introduce blogging to our young students?
 * The importance of modeling appropriate and effective blog use. Critique 2 blogs, one with poor technique and one with excellent techniques
 * Small group discussion: Setting clear and high expectations. Groups will create a list of rules and expectations for students. Each group will post their list and share with the whole group. Each participant will create a list of rules and expectations they deem best for their class to post in their classroom and on their blog.
 * Discussion: How does the instructor act as a facilitator on a blog?
 * Collaborative Group Work: participants will split into collaborative groups and select a focus content area. Group will conducts reviews of existing blogs, discuss possible topics for their content area, and develop thought provoking questions as possible blog prompts. Each group will display their topics and prompts to share with the whole group.
 * Wrap up: Higher Order Thinking. How can blogging develop higher order thinking? How can educators use blogs to develop students writing skills?
 * Participants fill out evaluation form.

Each training session will be evaluated immediately with an evaluation form submitted by each participant. The evaluation form, adapted from sample forms provided by theUniversityofPennsylvania:
 * Materials:**
 * PowerPoint Presentation:
 * [[file:SDeMarco_WhyBlog.ppt]]
 * Presentation on types of blogs and examples: []
 * List of blog links for participant review
 * Examples of poor and excellent blogs to critique appropriate and effective modeling of use of blogs
 * Chart paper and markers for small group discussions
 * Guide for reviewing a blog
 * Evaluation form
 * Evaluation:**

Evaluation Form Training Session Title:

We appreciate your help in evaluating this program. Your feedback is important to us. Please indicate your rating of the presentation in the categories below by circling the number representing your evaluation using a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high). This program met the stated objectives. || 1 2 3 4 5 || 1. Were knowledgeable in content areas.
 * __ Objectives: __
 * __ Presenters __:

2. Content was consistent with stated objectives.

3. Helpful and appropriate responses to questions. || 1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 || 1. Appropriate for intended audience.
 * __ Content: __

2. Consistent with stated objectives. || 1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 || 1. Visual aids, presentations, handouts and oral presentations clarified the content.
 * __ Teaching Methods: __

2. Teaching methods were appropriate for subject matter. || 1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 ||

What I liked most about the training:

What I liked least about the training:

Any suggestions, comments or changes:

A more continuous evaluation will be ongoing as the technology team monitors use of the class blogs created during the training sessions. Points evaluated will include: Once the blogs are established and in use, further evaluation can be made to determine any impact on student writing by evaluating samples of student writing as well as interviewing teachers and students.
 * Is the blog used regularly?
 * Are students active participants, posting original responses and commenting on peer responses?
 * Are the discussions meaningful or superficial?
 * Does the instructor facilitate the student discussion to guide the discussion and probe students for more information?
 * Are the questions open ended and thought provoking?

Ad Tracker (2007). How to review a blog. //Adsense Tracker: A Blog About Blogging, The Blogospehere, Web 2.0 and Anything Else I Decide to Write About.// Retrieved from []
 * Resources**

McGrail, E. & Davis, A. (2011). The influence of classroom blogging on elementary student writing. //Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 25,// 415-437. Retrieved from Education Research Complete.

Prince George’s County Public Schools (2011). Training schedule. Division of Information Technology Training. Retrieved from []

Prince George’s County Public Schools (2008). Technology Plan 2008-2012. Retrieved from [|http://www1.pgcps.org]

Universityof Pennsylvania. Sample evaluation form. Retrieved from []

Zawilinski, L. (2009). HOTBlogging: A framework for blogging to promote higher order thinking. //The// //Reading// //Teacher, 62//(8), 650-661. Retrieved from Education Research Complete.