Technology+with+Shannon

Hi, English Department!

MB has scheduled me to come back for a few days this year to work with you on incorporating technology into your lessons and/or professional practice. Here is my schedule for the 2009-2010 school year:

October 13, 2009 October 27, 2009 November 10, 2009 December 15, 2009 January 12, 2010 February 11, 2010 February 24, 2010 April 6, 2010 May 3, 2010 (Reserved for Scoring) May 4, 2010

I had envisioned being able to talk to you all in the same format that we did last year (i.e. discuss ideas, concerns, plans as a whole group, and then I'd meet with you individually during planning periods), but I don't know if that's possible with this new schedule?

So, since I have no idea if the above days are "B" department days, I thought I would be a little proactive and offer a few suggestions.

Option 1: On non-B-Dept.-Days I just won't meet with you whole group, and we can schedule individual meetings via e-mail. If any of the days do fall on B Dept. Days, I can do a quick-and-dirty training on something technology-related that you are all interested in, and then meet with you individually/in small groups.

Option 2: I/Jeff can ask that you be allowed to switch a scheduled Department meeting for the days that I will be there, and I will plan 8 different quick trainings on various subjects (collaboration tools, communication tools, presentation tools, digital storytelling, active literacy, etc.). The rest of the day I can meet with you individually.

Option 3: I can come before school/stay after school for those of you who want to talk whole group, and meet with you individually during the day.

I'm sure there are other options, and I am open to suggestions. Jeff, can you get back to me before October 27 with the Department's decision?

As far as meeting individually/in small groups, remember that this is voluntary. I am happy to make a "standing date" if you know you have a project you want to work on (i.e. I will be meeting with Sesnie during her 11th period planning to talk about SMART Boards), but it's not necessary. On the periods that I am not scheduled to meet with someone, I would also be able to co-teach/support a technology-infused lesson with students.

Here are some ideas for things we could talk about:
 * "Top Tools for Teachers"
 * Crash course in Web 2.0 (blogs, wikis, Twitter, etc.)
 * Digital Storytelling (This could be a simple PhotoStory or a complicated movie. I have Flip Cameras, too, if you would like to learn about them)
 * VoiceThread: Beyond PowerPoint
 * Collaborative notetaking and peer editing with Etherpad
 * Online journals
 * Online graphic organizers
 * Games for learning
 * Digital Safety
 * Podcasting/Vodcasting
 * Connecting with classrooms around the world
 * Building a Personal Learning Network

If you want to meet on the 27th, please e-mail me the period and topic so that I can come prepared.

Also, please keep checking this wiki. I add things regularly, and even if scheduling conflicts prevent us from meeting, you still might be able to grab some useful information.

See you soon!

Shannon slogan@e1b.org 821-7313 (work)