WORKSHOP

TITLE

PRESENTER(S)

WORKSHOP

DESCRIPTION

SESSION(S)

Using Livebinders and Evernote to Organize Information and Transform Classroom Learning

Melissa Butler &
Elissa  Malespina

Learn how to use both Livebinders and Evernote and the many ways that both sites can be used in the classroom. From taking notes, to organizing websites, to eportfolios and text sets, both free websites have transformed the way that we teach students at South Orange Middle School. 

1

Mastering the iPad

Daniela Colabelli

Learn to master your iPad and other iOS devices This workshop will be an overview of the various methods of using your iPad and other iOS devices to enhance your classroom. Learn the tips and tricks to help you use your iPad to its fullest capabilities. Multi touch hand gestures, changing orientations of the iPad, copy, paste, select all, split keyboards, etc. This workshop will finish off by showing 3 productivity apps on the iPad that generate files than can be converted Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents.

1, 3

Aligning SMART Notebook Activities with the Common Core

Natalie Franzi

Learn to create and find lessons that align with Common Core State Standards. You will see sample activities used in classrooms to help engage students in meeting these new expectations.

1

Scan That:  Using QR Codes in the Classroom

Natalie Franzi

This workshop will introduce you to QR code basics.   What are QR codes? How do I read them? How do I create them? How can I use QR codes in my classroom?

3

Using Technology to Enhance Learning & Achievement in Students with ADHD & Executive Function Disorder

Brian S. Friedlander, Ph.D

Students today have grown up with the internet, laptops, iPads, and iPhones and rely on these devices and tools more and more as they navigate through the day. Students diagnosed with ADHD & Executive Function Disorder may not realize the potential for these tools to help them  be more successful in school and in life. Find out in this presentation how these tools can be utilized throughout the day to help students become more organized, sustain their attention, and begin to plan more effectively. You will be amazed to learn about new and exciting tools and services that can help children become more effective students and learners.

1

Using Digital Pens in Schools for Note-Taking, Instruction and  Document Work-flow

Brian S. Friedlander, Ph.D

Yes- even the pen has gone digital these days! Find out how you and your students can take advantage of digital pen technology for note- taking, capturing brainstorming sessions and delivering instruction in the classroom. Want to learn about an easy way to create engaging pencasts that you can share with your students over the web? Then stop by. Lastly, find out how you can use digital pens for completing all those paper forms that you routinely have to fill out and route them electronically without the need for a scanner. Find out how schools can use digital pens to complete forms, classroom observations and more. 

3

A Year in the Cloud

Patrick Higgins

Since November of 2011, my only computer has been a Chromebook. Making that switch required a complete reshaping of my habits, mindset, and priorities as a computer user. This session will illuminate that process and the freedom it allowed me.

1

The Lecture is Dead, Long Live the Lecture

Patrick Higgins

Regardless of how we try to avoid it, or what the leading thinkers say about lecture-based teaching, there are times when we need to be the one imparting information onto students.  However, teaching has become a visual profession, with great emphasis placed on the context within which you present the material to the students.  Using traditional methods of presentation such as PowerPoint can be augmented with several emerging technologies.  We’ll explore methods of presenting content to students that employ some basics of cognitive neuroscience to give both you and your students an advantage when they first encounter new information in lecture format.  We’ll also explore some alternative methods for student presentation of information using Pecha Kucha and some of the theories behind the Ignite series.

2

Multitasking Learning Environments

Patrick Higgins

In a day of high-tech multitasking (and the introduction of BYOT and BYOD), students and teachers both benefit from hearing the latest research regarding learning environments which allow students to freely multitask. The presenter will share past research on multitasking and literature from individuals such as Dave Crenshaw which lay out the negatives of multitasking. However, the human brain is changing, especially for our "digital natives"/millenials, This workshop will share more recent observations from researchers, academics and authors such as Michael Wesch, Daniel Pink, Nicholas Carr, Winifred Gallagher, John Medina, and others.  These aforementioned individuals lay out a claim that suggests multitasking holds promise in some learning environments. Finally, the presenter will outline his own research study performed in a suburban middle school in which a treatment group was compared to a control group in which benchmark scores, student engagement levels, and learning styles were studied, evaluated, and analyzed. The results of the study will fascinate the audience and will encourage current educators to re-think their approach to the classroom instruction and the way the 21st century classroom is managed.

3

Engineering is Elementary: Transforming a K-4 Computer Class into a STEM Course

Kevin Jarrett

Discover how the Museum of Science of Boston’s Engineering elementary curriculum and cloud-based computing (Google Apps & Chromebook laptops) are transforming a traditional K-4 Computer Lab into an inquiry-based experience that addresses the NJCCCS 8.1 and 8.2 teaching standards in fun, hands-on, creative ways. We will show how we efficiently and inexpensively built a learner-centered classroom environment, utilizing modern learning space design theory, drawing heavily upon the work of the Institute of Design at Stanford University and Chicago-based school design powerhouse OWP/P Cannon Design. Finally, check out several Google Chromebooks in person and learn how those devices fit into our evolving instructional solution.

1, 2

Best Practice: LiveBinders

Bonnie Jing

Since organization is key to successful implementation of our standards-driven curriculum, the online organizational tool  LiveBinders is an invaluable resource in the lesson planning, classroom instruction, professional development, and reflection stages of teaching. This best practice workshop will focus on preparing teachers to use LiveBinders to effectively manage the implementation of State Standards in the classroom. Additional applications will be introduced.

2, 3

Creativity in the Cloud - Multimedia Authoring Across Devices

Denise MacDevette

Wixie allows students to combine many of the best features of popular Web 2.0 tools to extend learning beyond the walls of the classroom. Bring your laptop, Android tablet, iPad, or other device to paint, add art, record your voice, and edit text in your own multimedia creation with Wixie all while meeting the Common Core Standards.

2

Animation and Digital Storytelling Across the Curriculum

Denise MacDevette

Animation and digital storytelling are engaging means of integrating technology into the classroom curriculum. Participants will become familiar with the elements of effective digital storytelling and animation techniques, as well as explore sample projects that help improve student's reading and writing skills, improve math, social studies, and science learning. Each attendee will receive a complimentary copy of the software.

3

Using Twitter and Pinterest to build your Personal Learning Network (PLN)

Elissa  Malespina

Learn the basics of both Twitter and Pinterest and how to use them to develop a personal learning network. Both social networking sites are a great way to gain valuable professional development and also a good way to promote the great things that you are doing in your classrooms to parents, administrators and the community. 

2

The Flipped Classroom

Samantha Morra

The flipped classroom "flips" traditional teaching methods by delivering instruction online outside of the classroom and "homework" becomes classwork. Now the teacher or content expert works with students to provide feedback and guidance. Every teacher should understand the power and impact video has and how to find or create video for the classroom. This workshop will focus on both and what it means to "flip" your class.

1

Scratch

Samantha Morra

What can you create with Scratch? Scratch http://scratch.mit.edu/ is a free cross-platform programming application from MIT that allows student to create games, animations and simulations. In this session we will discuss the core ideas underlying Scratch, guide participants through a set of introductory hands-on activities, and discuss strategies for integrating Scratch into classroom practice. 

3

iPads in the Math classroom

Stephen  Olsen

Learn how the iPad, and its rich library of apps, can be effectively used in a math classroom.

1, 2

Flourishing Environments
Suggested Audience - administration

Salim Patel

Working towards creating nourishing/flourishing/thriving environments within school districts 

2, 3

ROUND TABLE

21^st Century Administrators

Suggested Audience - administration

Sandra Paul

What does the 21st century school administrator looks like and what technology tools can be used to integrate technology in daily responsibilities/activities?   The use of technology by the leadership and administration of a school/district is vital to move forward in the 21st century. This presentation will include the use of Web 2.0 tools to enhance an administrators role in a school/district including Twitter and Facebook for PLNs, the need to use data to improve instruction in the classroom, the ability to collaborate with peers and staff within the school district for projects, the need to use mobile devices to have anytime/anywhere access and how to communicate with parents/BOE members using online services. Examples of 21^st century school administrators of what they are doing in their schools and districts will be presented.  Leaders hold the responsibility for being fiscally prudent and efficient in providing these services for staff, parents and BOE members. This presentation will also discuss how to use technology to reduce costs with a school/district.

2

Connected Generation vs Connected Educators

http://www.peteandc.org/

Sandra Paul

At present many of our students, parents, community members, etc. are connected via any number of devices and do communicate digitally. As this trend grows, there will be a need to “connect” to the stakeholders of your school and district. The change in education is happening but many teachers, administrators and board members see the “lawsuit” waiting to happen rather than the positive aspects of being connected to the students, parents and the community at large.  How is the present generation connected? What does it mean to be a Connected Educator? How is your community connected? Why is it necessary to be a connected educator?  If you want to be a connected educator, how do you start? In this workshop we will explore how teachers and students are connecting and radically changing education today. This presentation will focus on the why, when, what and how of becoming a connected educator and how education has radically changed for the 21st century instructor and learner.

3

Skype/Achieve 3000: “It’s a Small World After All”

Lisa Pengitore

In the Skype/Achieve 3000 “It’s a Small World After All” Workshop, we will explore the benefits of using Skype and Achieve 3000 in the classroom.  There will be a brief introduction of the technological components; however, the focus will address an array of educational applications.  Participants will have an opportunity to learn how students can have an authentic exchange with students from other countries and apply and develop skills in language arts and technology through virtual conferencing.  We will also discuss how reluctant readers can become facilitators as they teach reading comprehension strategies to students learning English as a second language.

2, 3

Building a Learning Community with Wordpress 

Michael Ritzius &
Matt Stagliano

Social Networking has been a hot button issue in schools for a while now. How do we maintain focus? How do we keep students safe? How do wedeal with TOS? How do we assure parents? For all of these questions, Wordpress may be the answer. A self-hosted Wordpress site can be fully customized from being a blog, a project management tool, a custom LMS, to a full blown Social Network controlled exclusively by the teacher, school, or district. Come explore the possibilities for building your community of learners.

1

Scheduling for Learning

Michael Ritzius &
Matt Stagliano

While seldom acknowledged, the master schedule has a major impact upon student learning. In this session, we will discuss how the CCTS Small Learning Community leverages technology to radically alter the traditional schedule to create novel learning opportunities and more effectively meet the needs of each student. We will have a special focus upon meeting the needs of students with IEPs and creating opportunities for them that do not exist in traditional special education programs.

2

Rethinking Leadership Through Social Media

Suggested Audience - administration

Scott Rocco

Social Media is being infused into all aspects of education. Yet many educational leaders and teachers are reluctant to engage in its use because they are unsure how to start using it or its educational benefits. This session will discuss how to get started with social media, examples of its use, and how to incorporate it into the educational environment to increase student, staff and community engagement. 

1

Social Media for Development and Sharing

Suggested Audience - administration

William Stites

We learn best in a participatory culture and we are no longer bound to the building and regions in which we work. Social media and other social channels provide an opportunity for professional development for yourself, your staff and for giving back to others.  Explore how you and your staff can use Twitter, blogs, LinkedIn, Facebook and other tools to build a professional learning network to fit everyone’s needs.

2, 3

Edmodo for the Advanced User: Take it to a Higher Level

Tynia Thomassie

Ever look at teachers to your left and right who are using Edmodo in a much more advanced capacity than you are? Come learn some advanced tricks of the trade. Learn more about the architecture of Edmodo. See some examples of how other teachers have used Edmodo in a dynamic way. Learn how to give an online quiz. Learn how to tag your assignments and student responses so that searching and finding the information you want when you want it is more streamlined. Learn how to utilize the parent log-on should you desire it in your classroom. Learn how to use Edmodo in more interactive ways. This class is for the user who is comfortable with basics but longs to use this tool in a more sophisticated way. Come with ideas and questions about how to execute a class assignment you’ve wanted to try. Please assess your abilities accurately. If you are really a beginner with Edmodo this may be a slightly faster class than you need.

1

Using Twitter without a Twitter Account

Lisa Thumann

So you don’t want to sign up for an account and you really have no plans of ever typing a Tweet, but you want to use Twitter. Have no fear. Join me to learn how to use the search and subscribe features of Twitter to get to the good stuff. In this session you will learn not only the mechanics of getting to the info, but who to follow and how to find them.

1

Digital Citizenship in Action: Tips and Best Practices

Lisa Thumann

Many schools are now integrating digital citizenship into their curriculum in order to teach students to use digital media safely, responsibly, and respectfully. But how are schools integrating digital citizenship, and what are examples from the classroom? Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that offers a comprehensive digital citizenship curriculum and resources (at no cost to schools), has worked with schools across the country to address digital citizenship. They have trained teachers and administrators, helped schools and districts with implementation plans, and offer tons of resources to make parent engagement easy. Join Lisa, a Common Sense Certified Trainer, to see tips and best practices of digital citizenship in action. Participants will see quick lesson examples, learn about different implementation models, see ways to educate and engage parents, and how to create a positive school climate around digital media.

3