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Winter/Spring 2009 catalog
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Technology Supports for Writing
NEW
ONLINE
Students with special learning needs can be found in most school classrooms.
It is critical for all teachers, tutors, special educators, administrators and
families to understand the many ways challenges involving written expression may
impact student learning and how state-of-the-art resources can provide support
at school and in the home.
In this online course you will learn about:
Features of text and picture based word processors and assistive writing
technology Graphic organizers Technology to help with the physical aspect of
writing Speech-to-text and voice recognition Information for more than 50
helpful products and other resources which can be used to support the writing
process Free and open source tools to help support your students in the
classroom
This 10-hour professional development course includes a51 page
state-of-the-art eBook filled with information about software and hardware tools
to improve the writing process. It includes one video describing how to take
advantage of this new "just in time" type of multi-media interactive learning
tool and 11 integrated videos showing examples of how to use the built-in
supports in some of the highlighted software products. Take this course from any
computer connected to the Internet at any time of the day or night and learn how
to eliminate barriers to successful written expression
Recommended for: Regular and Special education teachers, child study team
members, and parents.
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I Can't Believe it's Free: Software for School and Home
Which suite of applications has a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation
program, and database…and it is free? You were sure you knew the answer until
you read the ‘free’ part. Yes, Open Office, is an example of Free Open Source
Software (FOSS). It can be downloaded for PC’s and Mac’s and is a viable
solution for the basic software almost everyone needs. Files created in Open
Office open seamlessly in Microsoft Office and vice versa. Come and use Open
Office and TuxPaint, a free variation of KidPix. Now you can legally install
software on your computer with a ZERO DOLLARS BUDGET.
Recommended for: Anyone interested in using free software.
Authentic Assessment in Curriculum: Designing Performance-Based Tasks
Design lesson plans that will guide your students toward important learning
outcomes. Discover ways to plan and evaluate activities that will improve
instructional practice. Learn to use technology to create assessment tasks that
resemble "real world" activities. The goal is to have you leave with a lesson
plan/unit and rubric so that you can get started right away.
Recommended for: Regular and special education teachers
Collaborative Internet Projects
Collaborative Internet projects are
opportunities for schools to join in curriculum enhancing activities that are interdisciplinary
by nature. Collaborative Internet projects use the Internet to its fullest
potential - to communicate with students around the planet on commonalties and differences in a variety
of subject areas. These inquiry-oriented, problem-based projects allow for true
technology integration as opposed to mere technology usage. This powerful
communication connects schools around the world and develops a global community. Participants will view examples of
collaborative Internet projects, find collaborative Internet projects they can
join, learn tips for participation, and learn the steps for developing an
original problem-based project (come with ideas!).
Recommended for: Teachers of Grades K-8
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CSI
NEW
Would you like to develop your students’ critical thinking skills in science
in a whole new way? How about through the eyes of the crime scene investigator
just like the popular television show! We’ll look at some activities designed to
actively engage your students and challenge them to find out who dunnit! From a
deadly picnic to fibers don’t fib to solving the mystery white powder we’ll
explore how to inject some fun and excitement into your science curriculum while
teaching science strategies, skills and techniques. Warning – fingerprints will
be checked at the door! Recommended for grades 5-9
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
Learning through Learning Centers
Whether you have one computer or four computers in your classroom, learning
centers can be an integral part of the learning environment. Come explore
a collection of learning center ideas and learn to create some of your own.
Recommended for: K-6 Teachers.
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
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Developing Early Learning Foundations
Explore strategies for building early learning foundations with engaging
activities and challenging projects. Participants will learn how to create Pixie
Activities students can use to explore early literacy topics, math concepts,
science processes, and social studies themes. They will also explore open-ended
paint and storytelling projects that expand writing and critical thinking
skills. A complimentary copy of Tech 4 Learning’s Pixie will be given to each
participant. You will be able to practice and use what you have learned
immediately. ‘vendor presentation’
Recommended for: Educators working with students in grades K-5.
Quia in the Classroom: Interactive Quizzes
Would you like to be able to EASILY create online games and learning activities
(such as Jeopardy and Millionaire), quizzes that can be graded online and
recorded online, setup a class web page with calendar and schedule and have
access to two million activities already done by other teachers? Spend the day
with us and you will learn how to use all the features of this SUPER site. Bring
your class lists so that you can set your QUIA Class. Participants will use a
free 30-day trial registration. Recommended for: Teachers grades 3 – 12 all subjects
(Attn. World Language teachers: There are foreign language keyboards included
so that you can access and create activities in your target language)
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Incorporating Technology into Physical Education
Looking to spice up your PE program? Why not add some technology to it. In
this workshop learn from a master technology-using physical education teacher
how to enhance your current PE program through the use of programs including:
Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Movie Maker, and podcasts.
Recommended for: Physical Education teachers
Centers From Heaven
NEW
Are you stuck trying to develop centers for your classroom. Do you have at
least one computer center? Then this is the class for you. Using the FREE (yes,
FREE) site, Thinkfinity, you will leave this workshop with more interactive
sites, lesson plans and ideas than you ever have at any workshop. This is a must
for the first year teacher to the very seasoned teacher.
Recommended for: K- 5 teachers.
Preschool, Kindergarten, and First Grade Teachers: PowerPoint and the
Internet Would you like to learn how to make PowerPoint lessons to enhance
your teaching? Would you like to use websites that are designed for your
classroom curriculum? Are you interested in viewing software that will address
just the needs of your fist grade students? Then this is the workshop for you.
We will begin by making PowerPoint presentations designed to use immediately
with your students. Next, we will look at the wonderful Internet resources for
Preschool-1st grade including free worksheets and motivating classroom
activities. We’ll conclude with a review of "must have" grade appropriate
software. In one afternoon you’ll make important additions to your Technology
Toolbox.
Recommended for: Pre K to First grade teachers who are beginning or
intermediate PowerPoint user.
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Grant Writing for Educators
Never wrote a grant? Don’t know where to find grants? Don’t know where to
begin? This full day workshop will help you locate Internet grant sources,
identify fundable requests, and create a timetable for the grant writing and
submission process. Find ways to fund the projects of your dreams.
Recommended for: All teachers
Audio For the Classroom – Music, Podcasting and More
Powerful FREE software and web-hosting can bring you and your students some
powerful new tools. From meeting the needs of auditory learners, to
student-produced projects and classroom radio, we’ll look at how you can use
audio & podcasts simply and effectively to create excitement about your subject
in and out of school. Using free software and web-hosting, you will leave
knowing how to load all of the software and gear, and produce/post your own
podcasts and audio projects.
Recommended for: K-12 teachers, all subjects
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
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Using Cooperative Learning in the Technology-Infused Classroom
Learn to differentiate instruction using a variety of cooperative learning
activities. In the technology-infused classroom, students need to learn to
work collaboratively as a team, while at the same time be individually
accountable. Strategies for balancing these key features of cooperative
learning as a method of integrating technology will be highlighted.
Recommended for: Teachers of Grades K-8
Geometer’s Sketchpad
NEW
Geometer’s Sketchpad is a terrific, easy to use construction and exploration
tool. It can make an enormous difference in how effectively students learn about
Geometry. With it, they can take ownership of their learning when allowed to
make their own discoveries. Come to this workshop and experience Sketchpad for yourself. All activities will be correlated to the geometry
standards grades 4 – 8 and you will leave with a set of excellent lessons ready
to be used with your students.
Recommended for: Middle school math teachers
Real World Math: Credit, Coupons, and Money Management
NEW
Show your students the real-world value of knowing math; how to manage their
personal finances to get the most for their money. This workshop will provide
you with activities involving banking and compound interest, comparison
shopping, use of coupons, credit cards, check books and much more. All
activities are correlated to middle school math content. You will leave this
workshop with lessons your students will profit from for the rest of their
lives. You may learn some things yourself. Now that's a good return on your
investment.
Recommended for: Teachers of math, consumer education, middle school
economics
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The NEW Dynamic Classroom: Teaching & Learning Math with Dynamic Software and
Web 2.0 NEW
Come and experience a series of unique & compelling activities that
incorporate significant software environments (Spreadsheets, Microworlds, and
Sketchpad) that will help a teacher to engage their students in gaining a deeper
understanding of powerful mathematical ideas. For more details go to
http://DMCpress.org
and click on Workshops.
Recommended for: Math teachers & coaches of grades 6-10
Inspiration Across the Curriculum
Inspiration is a powerful visual learning tool that inspires students to
develop ideas and organize their thinking. In this session you will learn how to
create visual outlines and dynamic graphic organizers. You will also learn
practical methods for integrating Inspiration into your grade appropriate
language arts, science, and social studies classes. Come and see the added
features and accompanying web resources of the newest version, Inspiration 8.
All participants will receive a free demonstration copy of Inspiration.
Recommended for: All teachers and parents of grade 5-12.
Kidspiration in the K-5 Classroom
Kidspiration is a visual learning tool especially for K-5 students. Designed for
emerging readers and writers, Kidspiration helps students develop confidence as
they learn to organize information, understand concepts and connections, create
stories, and express and share their thoughts. In this session you will learn
how to create visual outlines and dynamic graphic organizers. You will also
learn practical methods for integrating Kidspiration into your language arts,
science, and social studies lessons. All participants will receive a free
demonstration copy of Kidspiration.
Recommended for: All Teachers and parents of grade K-5 students.
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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 subscription you
can use a 30-day trial account.
Recommended for: All Teachers
Puzzlemaker
Create, print and save customized word search, crossword, and math puzzles
using your own word lists. In this workshop, teachers will make Word Search
puzzles, Criss-Cross puzzles, Mazes, Hidden Messages, Number Blocks, Math
Squares, Double Puzzles, Cryptograms, Letter Tiles, or Fallen Phrases. You bring
the content and together we will create puzzles for student practice.
Recommended for: Anyone who needs puzzles for student use.
FUN AND GAMES IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH CLASS
NEW
Games are a great tool to help students grasp and practice mathematical
concepts. Join us for a day full of fun and games correlated to the middle
school math standards. Participants will explore a set of hands-on games using readily available materials such as cards, pattern blocks, number
cubes, etc. and that are easily adapted to any classroom. Online game resources
will be investigated in the afternoon.
Recommended for: Middle school math teachers
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Organizing Your Computer Files
You know you saved that file … somewhere. How can you find it? This workshop
will teach you how to organize your computer desktop and hard drive to make
locating files quick and easy. You will learn how to make electronic folders,
remove unwanted files, use the Search feature to find missing documents, and
even change the look of your desktop.
Recommended for: Anyone who wants a less chaotic electronic filing system
Making Changes to Microsoft Office 2007
This workshop will cover various changes from Office 2003 to Office 2007,
such as gallerys, ribbons and the new Office button. We will see the new
locations for commonly used features such as inserting tables, formatting text,
working with indents, tabs, and outlines, as well as explore the new 3d
graphics. This is a hands on course that will leave you feeling comfortable and
confident with MS Office 2007.
Recommended for: All users of previous versions of Microsoft Office
Introduction to Microsoft Word
After this full-day workshop, you won't be able to imagine how you existed
without Microsoft Word. You will learn to create, save and open documents;
change the style and color of text; add borders and shading; and use the spell
checker and thesaurus. This course fulfills the "Word Processing" requirement
for NJDOE's Beginner Technology Proficiency Level Certificate.
Recommended for: Anyone who wants to learn word processing. Some experience
using a mouse and Windows is suggested, but not necessary. No experience with
Word is expected.
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PowerPoint -- Tips and Tricks with Music
Stretch your PowerPoint presentations to the max with music … learn how to
add music to enhance your presentations … learn how to time musical selections
so that you can add more than one musical selection to a longer presentation or
loop the same musical selection throughout your presentation … Fun and easy!
Recommended for: Those comfortable with basic PowerPoint & interested in
adding Pizzazz to their presentations.
PowerPoint – Tips and Tricks with your Digital Camera
Stretch your PowerPoint presentations to the max with digital photos …
fascinate your audience by layering your photos and timing them just right …
learn how to frame your photos into different shapes to add a special artistic
touch to your presentation … feel free to bring your own camera (don’t forget
the wires needed to transfer into the computer) or use one of ours … Fun and
easy!
Recommended for: Those comfortable with basic PowerPoint & interested in
adding Pizzazz to their presentations.
Using Powerpoint to Play Jeopardy
Want to play Jeopardy so that your students can review for a test or exam?
Bring your review content. At this workshop you will receive a Jeopardy template
and prepare it for use with your students. You can use your template to create
games for different concepts.
Recommended for: All teachers
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Intermediate Adobe Photoshop Elements
This workshop picks up where the introductory course ends. Looking at the
tools provided in the program, web designers, presentation and digital portfolio
enthusiasts alike will export original works of art for any and all multimedia
K-12 requirements. We’ll look at creating type face graphics, shaping buttons,
color gradients’ and photo masking to name a few. Participants will leave this
workshop with a cache of graphics to use in their classrooms.
Recommended for: Participants who have completed Introduction to Photoshop
Elements.
AuthorSTREAM: Upload and Share PowerPoints Anywhere
Add narration to your PowerPoint presentation, upload it to AuthorSTREAM, and
you and your students will be able to access it from any computer connected to
the Internet. Bring your PowerPoint presentations with you and post to
AuthorSTREAM. It is free. It is easy. And it is powerful.
Recommended for: Experienced PowerPoint
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
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Five Great Web 2.0 Tools for Elementary Grades
NEW
Learn how to integrate five free great Web 2.0 tools into your elementary
curriculum. We will create and share animated and share animated scenes with
Kerpoof. We will turn images into web based movies with Animoto. See how much
fun it is to use Glogster, Voki, Create-A-Graph and the JingProject. Turn the Internet into a two-way
street and your students into twenty-first century learners. Add excitement to
your curriculum.
Recommended for: Elementary teachers
Google Rocks!
When it comes to searching the Internet most people turn to Google. Now look
to Google for great teacher tools, too. There is Google Books, Google Earth,
Google Maps and Google Notebook. All of these wonderful Google Tools are yours
for free. Bring something new and exciting to your math, language arts, world
language, or social studies lessons.
Recommended for: All teachers and anyone searching the Internet
Web 2.0 in the Classroom
There is no doubt that Web 2.0 is transforming the way we teach and learn!
Webinars, screen casts, and Skype now make it easier than ever to communicate
and collaborate on a local, national and international level. Online word
processors, graphic organizers, spreadsheets, and video conferencing are now
accessible right within your browser and many are free! Come to this workshop
and find out how these tools can transform your classroom into an online
community of learners. This will be a fast paced workshop showing you how to use
various applications that are on the web. With limited school budgets this can
be an ideal way to bring these exciting applications into your classroom.
Recommended for: All educators and parents
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"Free Wikis for Everyone"
You can launch a totally free, password-protected, no-advertising WikiSpace
for your class today! An educational WikiSpace can replace or supplement your
existing Teacher Web, Blog, or Podcast site, or become a new forum for school
collaboration. You can post documents, homework, hand-outs, pictures, audio &
video all in one place, for free. Your students will be able to create and post
or respond to material, depending on the level of access you provide them.
Recommended for: Educators who want to find out about and/or create their own
Internet collaborative classroom
Jumping Joomla!: A Collaborative Web 2.0 Approach to Building A Website
In keeping with the growing trend in Web 2.0 tools, Joomla allows you to
create a collaborative website. You’ll learn how to use Joomla!, a Free Open
Source Software web content management program, to create a website in just a
few steps. This hands-on workshop will walk you through the entire process.
First, you will learn how to setup the website. Next spend time tweaking and
adding information to your site. You’ll be amazed how quickly you can put your
website together using Joomla!. Find modules on the Internet such as adding
forms, calendars, and podcasts, and learn how to install them.
Don’t be overwhelmed. It’s not as scary as it sounds! If you know how to
download/upload an email attachment you can add modules to your site! Find out
how to establish a website for your school, create a collaborative website with
multiple authors, or even if you want to establish your own web presence. No
special software needed. You’ll leave this workshop with knowing how to create a
great website!
Recommended for: Experienced computer users.
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