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Summer_Fall Catalog

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Data Literacy with InspireData™            

Make sure your students have data literacy. InspireData™ builds critical data literacy skills and engages students. As students organize and analyze data they ask meaningful questions and dig deeper to solve problems. They move beyond simply memorizing facts and start acquiring the skills of reasoning, inquiry and communication. They actively explore and analyze data using dynamic Venn, bar, stack, pie and axis plots to interpret information and draw conclusions. This process builds data literacy and makes learning a richer, more meaningful experience. Participants will receive a free trial version of Inspire data so they can begin building data literacy, developing analytical skills, and strengthening critical thinking as soon as they return to the classroom.  Recommended for: Math teachers, elementary school teachers, science teachers and special education teachers.

Interactive Curriculum           

Enhance your curriculum with a collection of interactive webpages made by you using a Word template.  Participants will develop Bloom-style questions focused on quality Internet resources for students to explore, respond, and then submit to you with the click of a button! Recommended for:  Teachers of Grades K-8 

Using Technology to support Differentiated Instruction and Critical Thinking
Come use a technology integration matrix created for teachers to use in implementing differentiated instruction while addressing multiple intelligences. See how technology serves the needs of our students’ diverse learning styles while enriching teaching across the curriculum.
Recommended for: Middle through high school teachers 

Differentiating Instruction with Technology               
Participants will learn about and explore technology resources, tools, and activities available that vary approaches to content, process, and product.  Bring a colleague to help plan!  Recommended for: All educators

Thinkfinity: Free Resources for Your Classroom

Thinkfinity, Verizon's education portal, provides the highest quality educational resources to teachers and students. Developed by world-renowned organizations who are experts in their fields, these standards-based resources include lessons plans, student materials, reviewed Web resources and interactives. Learn more about Thinkfinity's free teacher resources and how to effectively integrate online educational resources into your curriculum to increase student achievement. Receive a small technology gift, too. Recommended for: All Teacher

Raise Language Arts Literacy State Test Scores with Software You Already Have
Did you ever think of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Kidspiration/Inspiration as test prep software? If you are looking for activities to improve student performance on state tests and have computer access for your students look no further. Invest a day to learn about technology enriched lessons correlated to specific tasks from New Jersey’s Language Arts Literacy tests using Microsoft Word, Kidspiration, Inspiration and PowerPoint.  Learn to make the most of the software you already have.
Recommended for: Classroom, Basic Skills, ESL and computer teachers

Talking Books

Here’s a simple technology project for the classroom. Using Microsoft PowerPoint students can make interactive talking books that can be used in the classroom or uploaded to the Internet to be shared by all. In this workshop, you will learn how to make a PowerPoint book with sounds, animated graphics and hyperlinks. Recommended for: Teachers of grades k-8, special education teachers

SMART board for Beginners
Get the most out of your SMART interactive whiteboard? Learn know how to use the great features in the latest version of SMART software? Be able to use a SMART board with confidence by attending this workshop. Learn how you can create interactive lessons that will make teaching and learning more engaging for you and your students. Recommended for: Anyone interested in using a SMART board.

SMART board Across the Curriculum : A First Course
Make the most of your SMARTboard and watch class participation and engagement soar. First you will master SMARTboard basics. Then you will learn how to plan and prepare your SMART lessons on any computer using SMART notebook software. Come and take back interactive enhanced lessons to use with your SMARTboard. We will provide a list of websites that are particularly SMARTboard “friendly.” No more fumbling for transparencies, hyperlinks, diagrams, or files. Your lesson will flow seamlessly and learning will increase as students participate as active learners. Please bring your curriculum materials.

Note: Smart Board software is free to Smart Board users and can be purchased for use on other boards Recommended for: Anyone interested in using a SMART board

Advanced SMARTboard Users: Creating Interactive Lessons
You’ve been using your SMART board for a while and you and your students really like it.  Now thanks to the latest upgrades in the SMART notebook software there is more for you to learn.  And thanks to the growing community of SMART board users you will access terrific Internet sources for ready-made Smart notebook lessons.  Use the downloaded lessons as is or modify.  During this workshop you will learn to use action buttons, insert video clips, and create your own interactive manipulatives for the content area and grade that you teach.  After learning advanced skills and examining Internet resources in the morning the afternoon will be a SMART notebook lesson studio, providing time for you to prepare a dynamite lesson that will inspire your students, your colleagues, and you. If you like bring SMART notebook files you’ve created and raise the lesson to new levels.
Recommended for: Participants who took SMART board for beginners or SMART board Across the Curriculum or who can create SMART notebook lessons and use a SMART board. This class is not for beginners.

Internet Resources to Support State Math Testing

How can you make sure your students are prepared for New Jersey’s standardized math tests?  Where can you find practice materials that meet your needs?  How can you establish a successful test-prep program for your class?  Answers await you at this ETTC workshop.  We will analyze the structure of New Jersey’s testing program (NJ ASK, NJ ASK 8, and HSPA). Then we will explore the excellent interactive Internet activities and practice test materials.  All these activities and materials are free!  Other states have kindly posted banks of sample questions that correlate with New Jersey’s test. You will leave with all the tools you need to build test taking confidence and success, yours and your students.  Recommended for: Math Teachers of Grades 3 – 8 and High School Basic Skills.

Intermediate Microsoft Word
Move beyond the basics of Microsoft Word. In this workshop you will learn how to import pictures and other objects, create and customize tables, generate personalized letters to replace form letters, and create and use templates. Recommended for: Users comfortable working in MS Word.

Intermediate Adobe Photoshop

Photoshop is a very powerful and prolific program for the web enthusiast and designer alike.  There are many layers to this program and this workshop goes ever deeper to tap into all the resources available.  Bring your curriculum ideas and leave with graphics fit for a virtually art gallery.  Specific questions will be encouraged and addressed.  Recommended for:  Participants who have completed Introduction to Photoshop

Digital Portfolios Using PowerPoint and PhotoStory
See the possibilities offered by digital portfolios in capturing what your students have learned. Use a microphone to capture a singer’s talent or a new reader's abilities, use a digital camera to record a sculpture or science project, use a scanner to bring in a finger-painting or watercolor piece. Then pull it all together with software and produce a CD-ROM that brings that student's accomplishments to life in a way that a letter grade never can.  Participants will choose either PowerPoint or PhotoStory to produce a finished digital Portfolio.  Recommended for: Participants familiar with digital media file creation.

Podcasts in the Elementary Classroom

All you need is a computer, a microphone, a free sound editing program, some ideas and you are ready to turn your students into newscasters, literary critics, learning consultants and problem solvers. Your students will record radio-like programs to be shared with your school or the world via the Internet.  Podcasting is a motivating tool which strengthens language arts skills while deepening knowledge in any curricular area. This workshop will show you how to get the software you need and how to get started. Bring the excitement of podcasts to your classroom.  Recommended for:  Elementary teachers

Classroom WebPage using Microsoft FrontPage

Want to create your own web site? Not sure where to begin? This workshop will take you step-by-step through the web site creation process using Microsoft FrontPage. Begin with a simple page. Add links, color, images, a background, sound, animation, and a message banner. Create a professional layout using tables.  We will search and evaluate free background, graphic and sound sites, free web server space, and a free web-based e-mail address to help fill out our web site.  Recommended for:  Participants familiar with word processing

Design a Treasure Hunt on the Internet
Learn to design an Internet treasure hunt loaded with activities that will get your students searching for specific information. Your students can have fun while they are learning some critical thinking skills. In this workshop you will surf the Internet for appropriate sites, download pictures, generate questions/clues and put it all together using Microsoft Word.  Recommended for: Anyone experienced with Internet surfing and word processing software.

Digital Storytelling with Photo Story 3

Use your digital photos and Photo Story 3 to tell your stories.  Photo Story 3, a free program from Microsoft, makes it easy to add music, narration, titles, and special effects to turn your photos and images into movies. Come see how you can promote literacy skills across grade levels and content areas by becoming a digital story teller. It is easy and it is fun. Bring your own digital photos or you can work with sample files that will be provided.  Take home your digital story on a CD and start checking submission deadlines for the Sundance Film Festival.  Recommended for:  Participants who have basic computer skills

Version 10: Upgrade your SMART notebook software skills

Version 10 is a major upgrade and whole new look for SMART notebook software and you are going to love it! Create tables, use the new Magic Pen, animate objects, customize themes, and everything you were waiting for. Create new lessons that will WOW your students and make your existing lessons even better with Version 10, 

Video Content in Your Classroom:  Unitedstreaming, PowerPoint, and Google Earth         

Learn how to make the most of Unitedstreaming.  Discover the features of Unitedstreaming that you haven't had time to investigate like themed lessons, lesson plans, interactive quizzes, and calendar of events.  After you have had a chance to identify video resources that relate to your curriculum we'll show you how to insert Unitedstreaming clips into your PowerPoint presentations. You'll also learn how to use the free, interactive program, Google Earth, and see how you can add Unitedstreaming videos to your own Google Earth trips.  Make your multimedia lessons visual. If you do not have a Unitedstreaming supscription you can use  a 30-day trial account.  Recommended for: All Teachers

Microsoft Access for Absolute Beginners    

Microsoft Access is a wonderful database tool but you just never got around to learning it or found it too confusing and frustrating.  You are not alone and that is why we are offering this workshop that will start from the very beginning and establish a strong foundation of basic skills so that you will be ready for more complex tasks.  Learn how to create a database, how to use the database to answer questions, and how to create reports - just the basics.  See how Microsoft Access can help you get the most out of all that data that you have been collecting.  No advanced topics will be covered.  Recommended for:  Anyone interested in learning Microsoft Access

From Excel to Access and Back    
Do you have lists of information in an Excel spreadsheet?  Do you have to download NJDOE reports using Excel?  Are you limited in how you can extract specifics within Excel?  Then this workshop is for you.  We will show how to import Excel worksheets into Access, design simple select queries and reports, and then export back to Excel for analysis.  Bring your spreadsheets with you and leave with the reports you need. Recommended for:  Participants familiar with Excel and basic database design.

Intermediate Microsoft PowerPoint: Movies, Sound and Hyperlinks
Come and expand your PowerPoint skills. You will learn how to add hyperlinks, sound, and action buttons. Bring your own curriculum materials and/or an existing PowerPoint presentation and you'll take back an amazing classroom-ready slide show. Recommended for: Participants who have completed Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint.

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop
This workshop is for anyone who needs to learn the basics of correcting digital picture faux pas and has an interest in learning techniques to embellish reports, plans, documents and letters.  Learn how to use color correction and image enhancement tools.  Create an original work of art and save a copy for the Internet.   We will learn red eye correction and scanned picture restoration procedures.   Participants are urged to bring images to scan and/or their own digital pictures to work on. 
Recommended for:  K-12 teachers and digital camera enthusiasts.

Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Elements

This workshop is for anyone who needs to learn the basics of correcting digital and scanned picture files using Photoshop Elements, the less complex photo editing program from Adobe.  Learn how to use automatic color correction and image enhancement and dabble with the panoramic feature included with the software. Create an original work of art and save a copy for the Internet.   We will have fun with picture filters creating several images from just one photo .   Participants are urged to bring images to scan and/or their own digital pictures to work on.  Recommended for:  K-12 teachers and digital camera enthusiasts.

Getting Started with Moodle: Your Online Classroom  

As explained on moodle.org, “Moodle is a course management system (CMS) - a free, Open Source software package designed using sound pedagogical principles, to help educators create effective online learning communities.” This hands-on workshop will allow users to take Moodle for a test drive. Experience an existing Moodle classroom and then learn how to get started on creating your own Moodle site.  You will learn how to create an online classroom, upload files, setup calendars, include podcasts and video, and assorted other features built into a Moodle site. Come prepared with files (Word, Excel, etc) to upload to Moodle.  Each attendee will walk away with a CD with all the necessary files and programs to setup Moodle on a stand-alone computer.  Recommended for Participants comfortable using email attachments

Blogs, Podcasts and the Classroom
Blogs and  podcasts form a new partnership in communications media. Students and teachers can become personal publishers and broadcasters in ways that connect the subject area with writing and speaking skills. In the morning we will explore the world of blogs and how a blog can relate to your instructional goals. You will establish a blog on the Internet for future use.  The afternoon will be devoted to the world of podcasting.  You will learn the vocabulary, the tools and the process used to locate, download, create and publicize your own podcasts. Find out what all the buzz is about and learn how these new tools can amplify student projects as well as your own listening interests.  Recommended For: K-12 teachers, all subjects

The del.icio.us Elementary Classroom (Super sites simply saved with this super tool)         

Are you looking for the very best in free interactive sites that correlate to specific content? Are you looking for a way to save/publish these links so that they are easily accessible from any internet connected classroom or home?  Do you want to harness the natural interest your student’s have for technology?  Spend an exciting day with us and leave with a wealth of resources to use throughout the year with one or more computers in your classroom. Recommended for: For elementary teachers grades 2-5 No special computer skills needed.

SKYPE: Free videoconferencing        

Videoconference and break through the four walls of your classroom. Join us and learn how to use this FREE download and we'll have you making video calls from your computer to other people on Skype in no time.  Skype works seamlessly with an internet connection, webcam (we'll teach you how to install it), and microphone.  Videoconference for free with anyone else who is on SKYPE no matter where they are in the world. Recommended for:  Teachers and parents interested in videoconferencing

What’s a wiki?

What is all this talk about wikis?  What are they?  Do they have a role in education?  Wikis are websites where people can collaborate, establish virtual communities, and participate in the creation of knowledge. The most famous wiki is Wikipedia.  Meet the needs of the digital natives in your class by creating a free wiki.  We will visit several free Wiki sites and everyone will have the opportunity to create their ownWiki.  The PBwiki site, as in peanut butter says, “A PBwiki is an easy-to-use web page that multiple people can edit.  It’s as easy to make as a peanut butter sandwich.” Join us and you are sure to agree.  Be brave.  Establish a wiki.  Cross the threshold of a new era of Internet use. 
Recommended for:  Educators who want to find out about and/or create their own Internet collaborative classroom

Intermediate Microsoft FrontPage
Go beyond the basics with Microsoft FrontPage. Participants will learn tips and tricks to enhance a Web site, including how to add background sound to a page; make text change colors when a user’s mouse is moved over it; create custom hit counters; perform basic image editing; create a scrolling script; and add meta tags to have pages indexed by search engines. Recommended for: Participants who have completed classroom webpage using FrontPage.