CPP Technology Today
A Communication of the CPP Technology Committee - Vol 1.1
In This Issue
- Welcome
- Technology Committee Members
- What's New on the CPP Technology Website
- Instructional Technology in Action - Putting the 'Pow!' in PowToon
- Resource Spotlight - PowToon and EasyBib
- Instructional Technology Support Staff
- Library Media Tech Connections - Spooky Reads
- Technology Master Plan Goals - Year 1
- Smart Schools Bond Public Hearing and Update
- Updates from Tech Services
- Newsletter Suggestions and Ideas
Friday, Dec 11, 2015, 03:00 PM
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Welcome
CPP Technology Today is a communication from the CPP Technology committee. The individuals listed below are members of that committee, and you should feel free to contact them if you have questions or ideas about technologies that are (or should be) used in the District.
Technology Committee Membership
What's New on the CPP Technology Website?
- Access the CPP Technology Newsletter - new issues and archives!
- Open presentations, handouts and resources from many of the technology-related workshops offered at August Days 2015
- Find tutorials for using EasyBib
- Find information and tutorials on using Google Apps
- Access tips and tricks for teaching in a 1:1 environment
Email: bcameron@cppmail.com
Website: cpptechnology.weebly.com
Instructional Technology in Action
Put the POW into Powtoons
by Carrie Howe, featuring a project with Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Walsh & Mrs. Wheaton
Only four steps were taught to students as the project unfolded. Students began by writing a script, then record their script, followed by management of resources including citing sources through EasyBib and finishing with setting the scripts scenes. The 1:1 6th grade computers helped with consistent, reliable and mobile devices so students were able to move about the classroom and hallways to record and edit their recordings. Watching students invest in the content and want to have their scripts perfectly recording was enjoyable to watch. Each recording students improved their articulation, voice inflection and pacing.
Once the scripts were recorded and uploaded to the group's timeline scenes needed to be set. To set a scene students would listen to the recording, move an arrow across the project's timeline and place content pictures to come in and move out according to the recording. Once the groups’ voice recordings were completed, the timeline was set and the scenes were all complete a final review took place before turning the project in.
Students in many classes were given time to present their projects as a classroom walk through. The steps of creating a Powtoons are carefully monitored by their teachers to ensure overall success of the end product. The collaboration by the teachers and students provided an overall positive experience.
The future is bright for Powtoons in the 6th grade! Students loved the application and wanted to use Powtoons more. It is my belief that students will see Powtoons again this year.
Resources To Utilize PowToons
PowToon
EasyBib
Be sure to create an account from school to get pro features.
EasyBib Resources from CPP
Instructional Technology Support Staff
There is help available with all of these tasks, though. There are instructional technology staff members available at all grade levels (HS - Lori Pruyne, MS - Carrie Howe, Ele - Dave Mayotte) to assist teachers with these tasks and more, including:
- suggesting appropriate technologies and programs based on learning goals
- helping to plan how to integrate the technologies and programs authentically into the curriculum
- providing training and/or training materials
- helping to create and set-up technologies, programs and curriculum materials
- providing direct instruction to students during class time to help them utilize programs
Please don't hesitate to contact the instructional technology support staff with any questions, ideas or needs! Our contact information is below - please grab us any time!
High School - Lori Pruyne
Extension: x3503
Email: lpruyne@cppmail.com
Middle School - Carrie Howe
Extension: x3145
Email: chowe@cppmail.com
Elementary - Dave Mayotte
Extension: 1064
Email: dmayotte@gstboces.org
Library Media Tech Connections
Spooky Reads
On Thursday October 29th and Friday October 30th the CPPMS Library held it's second annual Spooky Reads! This activity, which pairs reading appreciation with technology skills building, encourages engagement in both areas, as well as between students and staff.
Students were invited to come to the library during their recess to listen to a scary story. The students all watched the trailers to the books selected at the beginning and end of Spooky Reads activity. Many selections put the students right on the edge of their chairs! Mrs. Cornell marked selected areas of the book for staff to read to students. The end of this activity is where the technology grabbed students and left them scared and fearful! The story ended was shown in video format to the students. The teachers typed in a code which brought up the video ending. The images, the voices and the settings all worked together to create the mood felt by all in attendance. It was not uncommon to witness students jumping with fright, holding hands with the student next to them or using friends as a place to hide behind! We had several teachers volunteer their lunch hour to read to the students which students enjoyed!
A special thank you to our spooky readers: Kyle Colunio, Brian Ellison, Rick Kimble, Elisabeth Hanley, Robin Robarge, Tommy Shilke, Joann Reif, Laurie Virkus, Patty B-D, Caitlyn Hatcher and Melissa Hunkele!
If you would like more information on the Spooky Reads activity the book is 3:15 Season One: Things That Go Bump in the Night by Patrick Carman. The book is filled with multiple stories. Each story has a video introduction, a paper copy to read in the book and a video ending. You must have the book to access the videos on the website. Check this book out at:www.315stories.com.
District Technology Updates
Technology-Related Master Plan Goals
There are eight Technology Goals included in the Master Plan. In future issues, we will explore each of the goals, and will provide periodic updates on progress toward the goals.
Technology Master Plan Goals:
Goal 1: Technology Committee: Develop the role of the committee in regards to decision-making, communication and implementation of current Master Plan
Goal 2: K-12 Skills Implementation: Develop a K-12 curriculum of authentically integrated technology literacy skills
Goal 3: Assessment of Skills: Create and implement a process to assess student progress toward developing technology skills
Goal 4: 1:1 Implementation: Develop a 1:1 approach across all grade levels to provide adequate access for the full integration of instructional technology for teaching and learning
Goal 5: Request Process: Create a uniform process for requesting technology devices and programs
Goal 6: Daily Operations: Acquire and maintain technologies to support daily administrative operations for all stakeholders.
Goal 7: Professional Development: Provide necessary professional development (PD) for staff and students to ensure successful implementation of technology goals
Goal 8: Smart Schools Bond: Create a sub-committee to investigate the appropriate use of monies acquired through the SSB
Smart Schools Bond Update
Creating a committee to investigate and determine how best to allocate these funds was Goal 8 of the Technology Master Plan Goals. This committee, comprised of administrators, teachers, board members, parents and other stakeholders, began meeting in August and met several times before completing a proposal in November.
Currently, the plan devised by that committee is under public review and will be discussed by the Board of Education at the December 16 meeting. This plan contains exciting new initiatives and equipment for all schools in the district.
Learn more about the plan and how to comment on it by following the links below. These links are also available on the District website.
Updates From Tech Services
FAX It - From Your Email!
Users can send faxes using their email by sending a scanned PDF or other graphic file to the "fax number#@gstfax.local."
For example, enter 6076542745@gstfax.local as the email address in the "To:" box of the message. Attach the scanned PDF or graphic file to the message.
This can even be done from home through web mail
Internet Explorer Woes
Anyone having trouble using Internet Explorer can use Google Chrome by clicking START / Programs / Google Chrome on the Start Menu.
Newletter Information
Email: lpruyne@cppmail.com
Website: cpptechnology.weebly.com
Location: CPPHS B215
Phone: 3503