About the Tech Titans: Bulletpoints

• Troubleshoot student devices and teacher presentation technology
• Students come down to media center
• Collaborate with teachers to create student-centered lessons using Google Apps for Education
• Assist other students creating, communicating, and collaborating in a digital learning environment

Instruction Philosophy for Tech Titans

	Mr. Wolfe, Oct. 2016

The philosophy of the Tech Titans class is centered around the student gaining experience that will directly translate to their post-high school careers, whether that be college or entering the workplace. Instead of the teacher-centered traditional classroom where there is a lecture, followed by a worksheet, and then a test, I communicate my standards and expectations and then it's up to the student to find the tools and information they need.

On new tasks, I have students evaluate and experiment first while I supervise. I don't want to to think for them. I aim to create an environment where students are not afraid to fail, but instead see their shortcomings as opportunities. They are also encouraged to use each other as resources, to collaborate. Throughout the year, I'll coach my students to organize themselves as a team to execute complex task and to communicate what has been done and what needs to be done across on only their period but across the entire Tech Titan team.

Overview
The initial impact of switching to a digital learning environment will look similar to the traditional teacher-centered model, and it will certainly come with growing pains. As teacher learn to use the new digital tools, their lessons will look largely the same, simply presented in a digital space. The initial benefits will be small: less copies made, easier communication between teacher and student.

Benefits
The real benefits of transforming Olympia into a digital learning environment will come as teacher begin to reimagine their lessons with digital tools in mind. There is no great benefit to digitizing a worksheet in an "eheet." The benefit comes from lessons becoming adaptive to the student as an individual. A teacher's lecture can become a playlist on YouTube, for example. This isn't meant to replace the teacher, but allow to be more effective with their attention. Some students succeed with only listening; they can watch the lecture and move on to the task. Other small groups will need a more visual demonstration. Other students still will need a hand-on experience. Since teacher don't have to make copies for each of these instances, they can allow options and determine where their attention and expertise is needed. An auto-graded quiz can help students diagnose where their gaps of knowledge are, so then they know where to focus their attention in their own learning.

All in all, the greatest benefit will come with student gaining more ownership in their education, and teacher having the tools and time to tailor lessons to all learners.

Digital learning is a transformation in the way educational experiences are now being provided to students. The days of 'going to the library' to do research have been replaced by a quick Google search on a Smartphone, on an iPad, or other personal electronic device, etc. So have libraries become obsolete? Not at all!

Much as the traditional classroom is evolving, so are high school media centers. Olympia's Media Center, under the direction of Nancy Bardoe and Bill Connell, strives to set the standard as the phase of education's maturation into the digital age continues.

Installation of new furnishings in  the Media Center began in October. The new pieces are designed to not only facilitate but to enhance the digital curriculum experience for our students.

Collaboration stations allow students to work together on projects with a large monitor to facilitate group presentation work.	Throughout Media Center, digital 'roundtables' can be found. Work stations such as these allow collaboration and discussion groups for projects.
For class and large group presentations, mobile seating has been provided. In addition to the mobile aspect, these chairs have underseat storage and a moveable desk arm for digital  devices.	There are also multiple dual desk set-ups with power strips allowing for device charging and a work surface for laptops and notebooks.

SENIOR PICTURES:

• Dean Stewart Photography is the school's yearbook photographer.
• Senior pictures must be taken by DSP to be included in the yearbook and on the Jumbotron at graduation.
• There is no cost to take a senior picture.
• The deadline is: Monday, November 21, 2016.
• You will not be included in the senior section if you miss the deadline.
• Visit https://www.dsp-photo.com to make an appointment.
• DSP provides the yearbook with the pictures. You don't have to do anything except make an appointment and have your picture taken by November 21, 2016.
• The deadline will not be extended.
• Schedule an appointment at http://www.dsp-photo.com 

SENIOR ADS:

• The deadline is: Friday, January 13, 2017
• The pictures, contract and payment must be turned in.
• Payment plans are available.
• Order and pay at www.smart-pay.com or in Room 427.
• Contracts and other information regarding senior ads can be found on the OHS website 

If you are interested in purchasing a senior ad for your Class of 2017 graduate, please contact Mr. Cacciatore at michael.cacciatore@ocps.net
 
Parents can schedule appointments to work with a yearbook staff member on the following dates: November 8, December 6, and January 10. Appointments are available from 2:30 pm to 5:20 pm.
 
Contracts and other information regarding senior ads can be found on the high school's website.

YEARBOOKS:
SENIOR CAP AND GOWNS:     

Cap and Gown Price

• Cap and Gown Unit with Facility Fee $66.00*

If you are borrowing a Cap and Gown from someone who previously graduated the fee will be $46.00 which includes your tassel, Olympia Medallion and the Facility Fee
* The price will go up to $86.00 on January 1, 2017.

Contact Herff Jones at 407-647-4373 or www.herfforlando.com