- Offered on inservice days and after school.

Innovative Classroom Ideas
1. Using Digital Video to help

- Lab reports (Science)
- Explaining procedures (Math)
- Reenactments (Social studies)
- Debating (English)
- Sharing and Caring (Values)
- Movement (PE)
- Expression (Fine Arts)
- Communicating (ESL & Foreign Languages)

* Workshops in this series emphasize the use of digital video in various classroom settings. Example are provided to help teachers generate innovative ideas.
* Some technical training will be provided in these workshops to highlight particular features. Basic and advanced training will be provided on other occasions.

2. Using webpage, design and multimedia applications to develop

- Student learning resources
- Illustrations
- Official information
- Communication with concerned people
- Assessment opportunities
- Classroom projects

*Workshops in this series emphasize innovative ideas for teacher use of web authoring software and multimedia production software to help teaching, classroom management, and/or student tracking.
* Some technical training will be provided in these workshops to highlight particular features. Basic and advanced training will be provided on other occasions.

3. Using the Network to help

- Students work collaboratively
- Teachers assist students with learning
- Teachers and students communicate regularly so as to improve student learning
- Develop student portfolios
- Track student progress

* Workshops in this series emphasize using the school’s network resources to help work efficiency, communication and the tracking/analysis of student achievement.
* Some technical training for particular skills will be highlighted.

4. Other technology related workshops

- The writing process
- Graphic analysis
- Finding music, videos and other resources in the Internet

Topics:

The basics of Apple computers
The basics of Windows computers
Making simple webpages
Using AppleWorks/ClarisWorks
Using the Classes and Faculty Server
RIS email
Making custom email address lists
Printing fundamentals
Searching the Internet
Inspiration: brainstorming & outlining
Powerpoint
HyperStudio
Making digital videos
Using a digital camera & scanner
Using spreadsheets
EClass skills (basic)
EClass skills (advanced)
Using Mapmaker Toolkit
Creating PDF files
Using different CDs in the school


Time and Schedule
- Most workshops will run after school from 2:50 to 3:50 or 2:50 to 4:20.
- Check the daily bulletins for more details.

1. Each course lasts for a minimum of 15 hours and is worth 1 RIS credit (or university credit if desired).

- Time can be split so that there is 12 hours of class time and 5 hours of research and/or classroom observations
- Workshops will be after school or on weekends, depending on the particular needs and situation.

2. A lesson or activity that integrates technology based on the standards set in the workshop.

3. Each participant successfully completes the work expected by the instructor.

Tech majors function to provide an avenue for teachers to try new software and explore particular software titles in great detail and to provide a forum for teachers to discuss new ways to use and plan for technology in their classrooms.

Technology Majors require a fee. This may be provided through the school’s professional development growth allowance.

Examples:

Practical Ways for Teachers to Use Computers in the Classroom.
Explore the school’s vast technology resources. Examine CDs and Internet resources. Get some tips on how to use PowerPoint, web design and other multimedia software. See how networks and email can be used to increase productivity. Create plans for using different technology in classes.

Web Page Design for the Classroom (basic)
Participants in this major will learn the basics of how to construct and implement a website for their class. The emphasis will be on using a webpage for communication and interaction with students and/or parents

Web Page Design for the Classroom (advanced)
Participants in this major will learn advanced website design features to add interactivity, animation and other useful features. The emphasis will be on using a classroom website as a place for student learning and to help the teacher better manage and track student work.

The Internet as a Teacher Resource
This class shows how to use the Internet as a teaching resource. Teachers will use a browser to search and select valuable World Wide Web sites and resources useful for their subject and grade level. In addition to collecting and assessing resources, teachers will learn how to use several search engines, use e-mail to extend class discussions, and design one Internet lesson that can be used with students (models presented). Much discussion will also focus on how to utilize the school Intranet.

HyperStudio for Classroom Multi-Media Projects
Participants in this major will create learning projects that utilize the simple, yet powerful multi-media program HyperStudio. Participants will learn basic to advanced features of the program, brainstorm ideas how to incorporate HyperStudio in their lesson plans, and create plans to integrate projects into their lessons.

Planning Classroom Slide Show Projects
Participants in this major will learn how to plan slide show projects for their lessons and units. The presentation software that will be used will be PowerPoint and AppleWorks (ClarisWorks). Other presentation software may be used if necessary. Actual classroom projects will be planned and carried out during the year.

Lesson Planning Ideas for Integrating Technology
Teachers can explore ideas for creating lesson plans for math, science, social studies, and English, foreign languages and other subjects. To enhance their units and lessons, they will use the various software titles, CD ROMs and Internet resources available to teachers at RIS. They will also discuss different ways to set-up existing classrooms for student use.

Moviemaking for Teachers
Teachers learn to edit and direct their own movies for classroom use. With a digital video camera and a desktop computer, teachers can complete their own movie project. Teachers will share ideas and plan lessons that utilize this technology.