Darien Schools Instructional Technology Blog

Welcome to the April 9th PD Session on “Using Technology in the Learner-Centered Classroom (LCC)”.  Below you will find links to all the resources we covered today.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at chefele@darienps.org.

Presentation on Technology in the Learner-Centered Classroom: April9th_PD_Technology_LCC

Online Sticky Notes at linoit.com:  http://linoit.com

SMARTBoard Online Video Tutorials (available for a limited time): http://www.atomiclearning.com/k12/smrt_nb10pc

Username: DarienPublic

Password: atomic

Kidspiration Online Video Tutorials (available for a limited time): http://www.atomiclearning.com/k12/freekidspc2x.shtml

Username: DarienPublic

Password: atomic

Installing Aegom SMART Notebook Software: AEGOM Software Install Instructions

This month I have been working with different grade level teams at both Royle and Hindley on using blogs in the classroom.  We have selected a district wide blogging tool to assist teachers to get and running with their blogs quickly.  The first meeting will focus on general settings, pages, and posts.

You can find more information about working with your blog from the Edublogs website at http://help.edublogs.org/user-guide/.  Please feel free to contact me anytime with your questions at chefele@darienps.org.

Today I have had the opportunity to work with the IDEA elementary teachers to set-up their new laptops and digital cameras for use with their students.  What a wonderful gift!  Below you will find some links that will help you get around the MAC operating system.

Features MAC vs Windows: A great resoure that guides users through typical windows functions and explains how to accomplish the same task with your MAC.  http://www.laptopmag.com/advice/tips/mac-os-x-beginner-tips.aspx

Navigating your MAC:  A comprehensive video by the University Delaware intended as a walk-through of all the common desktops tasks.

In October and November I have been working with the teachers at both Royle and Hindley Elementary Schools to pilot a private label blog product for the Darien Schools.

I have included some resource materials that were covered in both the Royle Faculty meeting in October and the Hindley PD workshop in November.  You will also find the edublog user guide, if you want to get started on your own prior to our meetings during your CPT grade level meetings.

I look forward to working with all of you!

Intro to Blogs for Teachers Presentation: TeacherBlog_Intro

Edublogs User Guide: http://help.edublogs.org/getting-started-with-edublogs/

In early October, we rolled out online enrollment for all Darien profesional development via our Aspen information system.  This service is available to all professional/certified staff.  Please remember to sign-up for all PD at least 24-hours prior to your event.

Attached is the user guide for all staff members to enroll in our course and to preview their CEU credits to date.  Enrolling in a PD Course in Aspen Staff Instructions.

All course facilitators will be required to take attendance via Aspen and enroll any attendee not pre-registered before the event.  The following guide is available as a reference guide Facilitator Instructions for PD Courses in Aspen.