Highland+Park



=Highland Park Elementary School =



=__Teacher Portfolios__ =

Darice Holmes

James Richardson

Charles Silberman

Miya Thomas

=__Participating Administrator's Project__ =

Lori Ellis media type="custom" key="3922935" media type="file" key="Read_Across_America_EventEllis.wmv" Reflection: Lori Ellis, Principal Highland Park Elementary School In August 2008, teachers had an opportunity to discuss how various items have evolved over time: cars, computers, telephones, classrooms etc. The activity continued with staff making predictions about the future use of these objects and continued with staff observing current technology: digital camera, digital camcorder, Intel key, blue tooth, cell phone, etc., which led to a conversation about what the students’ world has been for the past 12 years. It also allowed for dialogue regarding how we have to adjust our teaching methods to teach the future students. Applying for the STEP Grant was an opportunity to train staff and to meet this goal and vision of the school. Through the Sharing Technology with Educators Program, I’ve learned how to use various technology tools to enhance instruction. As an Instructional Leader, I was able to use and introduce the Document Camera, Digital Camera, Podcasting/ VoiceThread and Blog in various ways with the staff this year. The Document Camera was used during Pacing and Planning and staff meetings as a way to display information from the computer, internet or document device. Teachers viewed websites, Tech Tips that were shared weekly, data from Performance Matters and other topics of discussion. The Digital Camera was used to take pictures of events throughout the school year as well as take pictures of staff that was used for a Podcasting Activity. I created a movie clip from Photo Story related to the Read Across America event that took place at the school. Teachers viewed the movie and discussed ways in which they would be able to create a similar project with students in the Fall. Having attended training for Movie Maker, this was an easier way to drop photos, transition, add voice and text. There were also some effects that changed the picture color that was utilized. After participating in the Podcasting training and observing how other teachers used this tool for instruction, I wanted to share it with staff. I created an activity to allow teachers to see how others were using Podcasting as an introduction and had them to respond. Teachers were able to observe how I used their pictures. A mistake was made in the initial set-up, though; recognized and corrected which some staff members witnessed. When administrators were told to Blog monthly, I thought this was a great way to have teachers respond to how the Tech Tip of the Week was being used to share ideas. Since the teachers could not respond to the STEP team Blog. Another Blog was created for this purpose. Teacher’s were sent an invite, and responded. This year at Highland Park the focus was modeling technology for teachers and leading by example. Smartboards, Interwrite boards, digital cameras/camcorders, scandisk, USB, CD/DVD’s and other items had been purchased or requested from the Refresh Program for teachers use; however, initial and continued training had not occurred for proficient use. I will utilize the information that was received at MICCA, MAESP and NAESP conferences this year to continue my growth in this area. As a staff, we are having conversations about how we have done things in the past, what technology can be used to accomplish the task and what transition steps are needed to make it happen. Participating in the STEP program has impacted the use of technology because the STEP members don’t want to be out done by the principal. We are sharing projects with students and staff who are excited about the new ideas for technology integration at another level. In August 2009, teachers know that they will have training on various technology tools. Interwrite training will be ongoing, as different functions are introduced throughout the year. Professional Development will occur monthly with a different type of technology and planning will include inclusion of training into a lesson.

In completing these activities I feel that most of the Maryland Technology Standards for School Administrators were addressed.

Trainers
Joy Claud Meghen Ehrich