The Instructional Technology Professional Interest Community works to bridge the gap between technology integration and 21st century learning.  This group works to not only promote the student use of  instructional technology, but also the teacher use of technology to grow professionally.  Finally, this groups works to share ideas and resources from educators around the world to advance technology integration.  Iowa ASCD member and ASCD Emerging Leader Stefanie Rosenberg-Wager facilitates this professional interest community.  Join now!

Eutopia has shared several great resources for digital learning.

• An Introduction to Technology Integration (2012)   Integrating technology with classroom practice can be a great way to strengthen engagement by linking students to a global audience, turning them into creators of digital media, and helping them practice collaboration skills that will prepare them for the future.
• Tech2Learn Video Series: Success Stories of Technology Integration in the Classroom (2012) This video series goes inside the classrooms of educators who use technology tools in their lessons every day. Learn from their challenges, celebrate their successes, and share their resources in every episode.  Explore blended learning, collaborative digital presentations, technology tools, video games and more.
• Mobile Learning - Resources Roundup!  From smartphones and tablets, to MP3 players and e-readers, today's students have a variety of mobile technologies at their fingertips. Here's a look at some mobile learning resources from Edutopia and around the Web.
• Technology Integration for Elementary Schools!  Grace Rubenstein shares high-tech teaching tips for the younger learner.  This includes a guide for using interactive whiteboards and sample rubrics.   

 

 

Intel� Teach helps K-12 teachers of all subjects learn to engage students with digital learning, including digital content, Web 2.0, social networking, and online tools and resources. Intel Teach professional development empowers teachers to integrate technology effectively into their existing curriculum, focusing on their students' problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration, which are precisely the skills required in the high tech, networked society in which we live.

 

Intel� Teach Elements are free, just-in-time professional development courses that you can experience now, anytime, anywhere. This series of compelling courses provides deeper exploration of 21st century learning concepts.

 

The courses available include the following: 

• Project-Based Approaches helps teachers improve their understanding and application of project-based approaches in the 21st century classroom.
• Assessment in 21st Century Classrooms shows teachers ways to improve assessment of 21st century skills with new assessment strategies and tools for assessing 21st century skills.   
• Collaboration in the Digital Classroom provides teachers with strategies for building collaborative activities using online tools that support connection and sharing in and beyond the classroom.
• Educational Leadership for the 21st Century helps school principals and district administrators support teacher effectiveness for student achievement through technology integration.  This is MUST course for assuring quality access to digital learning.  Every principal should explore it! 
• Thinking Critically with Data helps teachers support thinking critically with data quality, display, and interpretation in students' rapidly changing and busy world of information access.
• Inquiry in the Science Classroom is an e-learning course for teachers of students in 3rd to 8th grades (ages 9 to 13) designed to explain and demonstrate the inquiry process in depth with interactive activities and locally relevant classroom examples.   
• Designing Blended Learning:  Transition your teaching to blended learning experiences where some portion of learning occurs online and outside of a traditional classroom setting. Prepare your students for self-directed and independent learning.  

And the resources available through these courses are unbelievable!  Even if you don't complete a course, be sure to explore the resources available in the course.  They are all free! 

Andrew Marcinek, Instructional Technology Specialist in Boston, MA, shares five steps to a quality 1:1 Learning Environment.

1. 1. Define the goals of your 1:1 Program.  Marcinek reminds us that it is not about devices; it's about access to to the most current, scholarly information available.
2. Define the role of the device in your classroom.  Marcinek shares, "Teachers must welcome the device like their predecessors welcomed the chalk board, the calculator and the CD-ROM. They must understand that this device will give their students a better opportunity to share, connect, and seek out information. This device will not be a distraction, but another arm of the classroom."  
3. Model how to harness the device's power.  Access students or instructional technology coaches to help educators use the device appropriately. Differentiate the professional development, assuring tiers of learning opportunities to assure buy-in and implementation.  
4. Put it away when appropriate. There will be times when the teacher's best lesson is done in the absence of technology.  Marcinek sums this up with, "The goal should never be to rush technology integration, but segue, creating clear objectives and goals for each teacher."     
5. Teach, model, and support information literacy.  Students should understand that a device is an avenue for learning and discovery, but it cannot replace their own ability to think critically and question.  

Marcinek reminds us that a 1:1 learning environment "should be our ally in the daily task to provide our students with the best access to information and promote learning." 

Twitter (@iowaascd) 

• What is it? Twitter is an online social networking service that enables its users to send and read text-based messages known as "tweets."
• How to use it? Log onto Twitter at www.twitter.com. If you don't already have an account, you will need to create one. Then follow @iowaascd.
• Why does it matter? Iowa ASCD uses Twitter to announce upcoming events, shares important links to valuable education resources, and makes conference participation exciting by using the backchannel #iaascd. Iowa ASCD also offers post-conference conversations on Twitter to allow members to continue thinking about implementation and application.

 

Pinterest (Iowa ASCD)

• What is it? Pinterest is a social photo sharing website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections such as events, interests, hobbies, and more.  It's a digital bulletin board. 
• How to use it? Log onto Pinterest at www.pinterest.com. If you don't already have an account, you will need to create one. Then search for "Iowa ASCD."
• Why does it matter? In a world with billions of resources scattered everywhere, Iowa ASCD uses Pinterest to highlight resources that may be beneficial to educators and to connect with our members. If you are following Iowa ASCD on Pinterest, each time we "pin" something important, you'll be notified and be able to read and use at your discretion.  

LinkedIn (Iowa ASCD)

• What is it? LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals.
• How to use it? Log onto LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com. If you don't already have an account, you will need to create one. Once logged in, go to the tab "Groups" at the top of the page, then type "Iowa ASCD" into the search box. When you see the Iowa ASCD logo, click on "Join Group," and you will become a member.
• Why does it matter? Professional networking is important, so is staying connected. LinkedIn is a vital Web tool for connectedness, information dissemination, and networking. Iowa ASCD remains committed to being a strong professional presence and informational source.
     

Facebook (Iowa ASCD)

• What is it? Facebook is one of the most popular social networking services.
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• How to use it? Log onto www.facebook.com. If you don't already have an account you will need to create one. In the search box, type "Iowa ASCD." Then, add Iowa ASCD as a "friend."
• Why does it matter? So many are already using Facebook, it's a terrific place for members and non-members to go for information and quick communication from Iowa ASCD.

Don't Forget!  All of these social media links have Apps for your Android and Apple devices. Download them today for quick access to the latest from Iowa ASCD. 

You know that the Iowa legislators are back in session,  and there is also much going on in education at the national level.  We have a responsibility of keeping our legislators informed about what's happening in our district, in our building, in my classroom, with my kids! 

Not sure how to go about that?  Consider joining us February 6 (social the evening of February 5) in Des Moines with ASCD's Public Policy Director David Griffith.  He will teach us how to advocate politically and impact student learning in Iowa.  He will also share with us what is happening with education at the national level.

Please join us for the training and get a $50 coupon toward a future workshop or conference of Iowa ASCD.

Workshop: February 6 (8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.)

Networking Social: February 5 (5:30 - 7:30 P.M.)

Register today for a special workshop just for you - Advocating on the Hill with Your Stories! The Iowa ASCD Board and the first 50 registrants for this professional opportunity on February 6 will learn how to leverage change with legislators. ASCD Director of Public Policy, David Griffith, will be leading our preparation for quality conversations with legislators!

Registration is $50 for members of Iowa ASCD and $90 for non-members. Upon registration you will receive access to tools for advocacy and influence, including talking points for major issues (e.g., competency- based instruction, readers by third grade, kindergarten readiness, instructional time, teacher and principal evaluation), sample letter and telephone script for contacting your legislators, and a rubric to evaluate your skills in advocacy. Iowa ASCD will also provide you with contact information about your legislators so that you may schedule visits "on the hill" as part of this opportunity.  You will also receive a $50 coupon for future event of your choice at Iowa ASCD. 

A block of rooms has been reserved for February 5^th at the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel [(515) 244-2151]. Be sure to ask for the Iowa ASCD block of rooms.   

Agenda

 

February 5, 2013  -  5:30 - 7:30 P.M. (optional) 

 

Informal reception at the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, 401 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa.  Talk with ASCD Director of Public Policy David Griffith and network with your colleagues around advocacy and influence.  Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.

February 6, 2013 8:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. 

Iowa Historical Building, 600 East Locust            

Continental breakfast and Working Lunch

Professional Learning with David Griffith

February 6, 2013, 1:00 - 3:00 P.M.             

Visits "on the hill" (Capitol - East 12^th and Grand)

February 6, 2013, 3:00 - 4:00 P.M.             

Informal (and optional) meeting at the Capitol for interested participants to debrief their visits with legislators and share possible next steps for Iowa ASCD and our members around advocacy and influence.

To register - Contact Bridget Arrasmith with name(s) of registrant(s), district and mailing address, e-mail address(es), phone number as well as check or purchase order. She can be reached at the following address: 

• Iowa ASCD, Drake University, School of Education, Room 123, 3206 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA  50311  
• Phone: 515.271.1872
• FAX: 515.271.2233
• E-mail: Bridget.Arrasmith@drake.edu

 

You may register online as well with a credit card at the following URL on the Iowa ASCD website: https://iowaascd.org/index.php/events/event-registration/ 

 

Register Now! Limited Space!

 

The participants will receive $50 coupon toward attendance at an upcoming conference in 2013!

• Teaching for Understanding - Curriculum Strand:
  What do all students need to learn, know, and be able to do?  How do we in our building/grade level connect our teaching with the students' learning expectations identified in the Core?
• Assessment for Learning - Assessment Strand: 
  How do we know that students have learned?  How do we use assessments to assess and diagnose our students' progress in learning?  How do we adjust our instruction based on the results of the formative assessments?
• Teaching for Learner Differences - Instruction Strand:
  How do we plan and deliver instruction so that we meet the needs of all learners in our classroom?  How do we respond if students struggle or don't learn and how do we respond when students have already learned?

Cost:

• $90 if ISEA or Iowa ASCD member
• $150 for non-members
• If a school sends 4 or more teachers to the conference, the administrator comes free!
• Includes opportunities for follow-up webinars and tweet chats as well as Grade 4 and Grade 5 website of resources

Registration - Use One of the Following Methods:

• Register online with a credit card.
• Iowa ASCD members and non-members of either organization may register here.
• ISEA members should contact Lou Howell at L1313@mchsi.com for special code to register on Iowa ASCD website. 
• Mail a check/purchase order with date/name of conference and names of participants with grade level/role identified to Bridget A. Arrasmith, Drake University School of Education, 3206 University, Des Moines, IA  50311
• E-mail a purchase order with name/date of conference and names of participants and grade level/role to Bridget A. Arrasmith at bridget.arrasmith@drake.edu. 
• FAX purchase order with name/date of conference names of participants and grade level/role to Bridget A. Arrasmith at 515.271.2233.  

Location:  AEA 267 Cedar Falls Conference Center, 3712 Cedar Heights Drive, Cedar Falls, IA  50613 

 

Dates:

• April 25, 2013 (8:00 - 4:00)  Grade 4: Impacting Learning in My Fourth-Grade Classroom
• April 26, 2013 (8:00 - 4:00)  Grade 5:  Impacting Learning in My Fifth-Grade Classroom

Download flyer on the Iowa ASCD website! 

•  
  Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works 
  One of the most effective ways to implement the research-based instructional strategies from Classroom Instruction That Works is to use them with educational technologies, such as multimedia, data collection tools, communication software, and the Internet. Check out this book to increase your understanding, use, and impact of technology on learning.  This is also available as an e-book. 
• Brain-Based Teaching in the Digital Age is a great resource to explore the why, why, and how to use technology with our students. In the digital age, your students have the ways, means, and speed to gather any information they want. But they need your guidance more than ever.
• The Iowa Reading Research Center Advisory Committee met on January 22, 2013, with Jason Ellingson serving as a representative for Iowa ASCD. Sara McInerny, former director of educational services at AEA 267, has been hired as the Center's interim director through June 30^th. The committee reviewed job qualification and a timeline for the selection of the Center's permanent director, to be hired by July 1^st.  The committee also reviewed and established priorities for the Center in the next six months including 1) hiring the full-time director; 2) establishing criteria for intensive summer reading programs; 3) developing a needs assessment on the condition of literacy instruction in Iowa; and 4) aligning collaborative initiatives to avoid overlaps or gaps in work. The committee is excited for the Center to begin operation and support the work of teachers across the state to improve literacy. 
• You can connect with Iowa ASCD group on LinkedIn and/or follow Iowa ASCD on Facebook.  
• Iowa ASCD really appreciates your membership.  Let us know how we can best serve you! 

 

• The United States Department of Education is in search of tech ideas that reimagine learning.  This may be the article to spark your interest, your ideas, and your entrepreneurships.
• #ETMOOC is a massive open online course around educational technology and media.  Join the conversation!  Join the learning.  
• Are you wanting to learn to code?  Then Mas-Wired is the site for you!
• Are you wanting an evidence-based performance and evaluation system that is in the digital world?  Check out ShowEvidence! 
• If you are looking for open-source textbooks, you might want to start looking here!  

Mark your calendars for a 3-day workshop, February 28 - March 2, when teacher leaders will acquire the knowledge, skill set, and practice to effectively lead authentic PLCs by grappling with the issues, content, and processes that develop social capital in their schools.

Participants will  . . .

• gain understanding, insights, and practice in effectively leading PLCs.
• learn how to identify, address, and mitigate obstacles that are common, including dealing with challenging interpersonal dynamics.
• practice using and facilitating protocols for looking at teacher and student work, leading text-based discussions, problem-solving issues and dilemmas, setting useful group norms, giving and receiving warm and cool feedback, and unpacking standards.
• gain a clear sense of what they need to do next in their schools.

The content for the three-day institute is based on The Practice of Authentic PLCs by Daniel R. Venables.

 

How to Register!   

 

Visit authenticPLCS.com or call 803.206.3578. 

 

The fee for the 3-day institute is $479 per person.