Journal # 10

Journal #10
Fitting the Pieces Together
Patricia A. Yost
L & L with Technology-Nov.

Two and a half years ago, Pennsylvania embarked on a pilot program to develop a model for successful integration of technology into the classroom. Their main objective was to help teachers and students to incorporate technology into their studies so that it would inspire higher–order thinking and learning. The teachers were provided with the appropriate support and time to learn and implement this new tool.
Each teacher was supplied with a laptop computer, and shared a video projector with another. They were taught how to create a three-minute video segment and slideshow. They were shown websites, rubric makers and online quiz generators.
What started out as an unknown pilot adventure, has turned out very successful. It has succeeded in building confidence in teacher’s use of technology, and helped teachers to try new things and incorporate them into their teaching.

1. Would I be interested in a shared database on my districts File Maker server where teachers share lessons, tips, strategies and documents?
Absolutely! I love to collaborate with my peers on new ideas or lessons that worked well for them. We can all learn from each other, and by having a database would only make it more efficient and more accessible to everyone.

2. Would be interested in being in this 3 year program for teachers?
Yes, I would love to be exposed to professional strategies for using a laptop and video projector in my class. By being shown examples of 3 minute video segments and slideshows, I would be able to replicate these “hooks” for getting my students excited about the lesson. I would also learn about interactive websites, rubric makers and online quizzes that would greatly support my classroom teaching.