Teacher+Technology+Course

//*Download as a Word Doc // 18 weeks
 * Integrating Technology into the Classroom **


 * //Overview//**: This class will explore the various ways students and teachers can lead a safe and productive life online, while personalizing technology to suit their needs. The emphasis is not on learning specific software, but rather on consuming, creating, collaborating and contributing online content through the use of digital tools (this includes online web tools, software, and digital devices). The class will explore categories of digital tools and some specific examples of those tools that can be used for these purposes.

The goals of the class are that students will come away with;
 * An understanding of what it means to be a good digital citizen
 * A clear idea of digital literacy
 * Personal criteria for selecting various tools to meet their needs for consuming, creating, contributing, and collaborating
 * Critical thinking skills that will enable them to use digital tools to learn and solve problems
 * Teachers will be able to facilitate learning activities through their curriculum where students can use these skills to explore ideas and learn and create content

// *from the 21st Century Fluencies Project //
 * Ultimately, a long-range goal for teachers and students is not as much about developing technical prowess, as it is about becoming //fluent// in critical thinking skills essential to living in a multimedia world. To be literate means to have knowledge or competence. To be //fluent// is to demonstrate mastery and to do so unconsciously and smoothly. The use of the tool is transparent. This is the level of proficiency we will need to thrive in this digital landscape and is what we strive to develop in today's learners.


 * __Unit 1: Internet Safety/Internet Savvy and Digital Citizenship__** [3 weeks]

// *Teachers – Awareness of these dangers will help you to set boundaries and monitor student online safety in the classroom. //
 * //Dangers online//:** Online predators, viruses, hacking, gambling, fraud, identity theft, inappropriate material, illegal copy of software or other copy righted material, and spyware. Students will learn what forms these dangers can take, and how to take steps to avoid them.

// *Teachers – Awareness of privacy issues will help you to set basic policies regarding online activities in the classroom. //
 * //Privacy//**: Students will learn what is ok to share, what is worth sharing, and what not to share online, and why. Learn to look for privacy settings on any social networking site, or any site you visit or contribute to online. Respecting the privacy of others – your friends and family - is also an important consideration when sharing online.

// *Teachers – Awareness of cyber bullying will help you take steps to assist students who are being victimized, and to reinforce anti-bullying policies in general. //
 * //Cyberbullying//**: Students will learn what forms cyber bullying can take, and how to avoid it, or stop it.

// *Teachers – Awareness of online etiquette will help you to set expectations for your students in their online communications, and to reinforce appropriate behaviors. //
 * //Online Etiquette://** Students will learn criteria for communicating and sharing in an appropriate manner through email, text, chat, social networking. Students will learn to discern which medium is most appropriate for communicating their message or idea in order to get what they want from the exchange.

// *Teachers – Awareness of password safety will help you in keeping your online life secure, and will help you to assist students in doing the same. //
 * //Password Safety//**//:// Students will learn the importance of passwords, how to generate new passwords, and how to manage their passwords.

// *Teachers – Awareness of how students use social networking can help you reinforce standards with students. Teachers may want to explore the idea of creating separate Facebook groups, a Ning, or other social network to communicate/interact with students. //
 * //Social Networking//:** Students will learn how to use FB, and other social sites properly/appropriately.

// *Teachers – Awareness of your digital footprint will help you to monitor your own activities online, set parameters in the classroom, and reinforce these standards with your students. //
 * //Digital Footprint//:** Students will understand ways they need to be conscientious of the online persona they are building every time they contribute or receive material online. Look forward to understand the immediate and far-reaching ramifications of their actions online.

// *Teachers – Awareness of how to determine the validity of digital content will help you in managing your own digital consumption. Understanding how to make these determinations will help you to teach crucial digital literacy skills to your students. //
 * //Determining validity of websites, emails, and other digital content://** Students will learn tips for how to spot invalid or non-scholarly websites through the use of new web 2.0 tools, and through a set of criteria. Students will understand skills they need to be digitally literate so that they can use the internet, and the internet does not use them.


 * __Unit 2: Managing a Digital Life__** [2 weeks]

// *Teachers – Understanding how to make the most of bookmarking will be immensely helpful to you as you continue to develop your curriculum (and personal life) using online resources. //
 * //Bookmarking//**: Students will learn the importance of bookmarking to manage information in both their personal and school/work lives. Students will learn how to manage and save bookmarks within browsers (Firefox, Safari), and on the web (Delicious, Diigo, etc.).

// *Teachers – Understanding how tagging works will help you to manage massive amounts of professional and personal materials and data. It will also help you to make sure your students are organizing their material and data in a way that helps them to get the most out of your class. //
 * //Tagging//**: Students will understand how tagging is an effective and efficient way to manage the massive amounts of material and information that they create, contribute, and receive online.

// *Teachers – Understanding how Gmail accounts work will help you to organize your communications with students, and will help you make sure your students are keeping their email communications organized in a way that will help them to be more efficient. //
 * //Managing Gmail Accounts://** Students will learn how to manage contact lists, and how to set up folders and smart folders for easy management of the information they send and receive from their account. Students will also learn how Gmail can interact with Google calendar.

// *Teachers – RSS feeds and readers can help a teacher stay on top of their professional reading in an efficient and organized manner. You can also assign specific RSS feeds to students as part of your curriculum. //
 * //RSS/Readers//**: Students will learn how to use RSS feeds and various readers to manage subscriptions and stay current with items of interest.

// *Teachers – Understanding how advanced searches and the semantic web work will help you quickly find the most appropriate material and information to bring to your class. By making sure your students understand how to perform these types of searches, you can help them save a lot of time, confusion, and frustration by getting to exactly the information they need. //
 * //Advanced Searches/Semantic Web://** Students will learn methods for making the most of Google search options, as well as how to perform Boolyen searches. Students will understand how the semantic web is evolving, and how to make use of it.


 * __Unit 3: Mobile Devices__** [1week]

// *Teachers – Understanding your own cell phone/smart phone can help you to be more productive in your classroom. You can help your students to be more organized and productive as well. Understanding the tremendous capabilities of these devices will help you to find ways to incorporate the devices into your class to help students learn. //
 * //Optimizing Cell Phones and Smart Phones://** Students will explore their own mobile devices (cell phones/smart phones) to determine what features are available to them under their current plan (calendars, planners, alarms, contact lists, internet, camera, calculator, etc). Students will learn how to use those features, and how those features can interact with other devices.

// *Teachers – More and more of your students are using mobile devices outside of school. Understanding how they can use these devices to consume, create, contribute and collaborate will help you incorporate them into your classroom. //
 * //Using the iPod and iPod Touch, and iPad://** A brief exploration of these devices, and how they can be used for learning. Students will understand how these interact with a computer.


 * __Unit 4: Web 2.0 Tools for Creation and Collaboration__** [4 weeks]

// *Teachers – Understanding the functionality and potential of a web browser will help you to keep current with the technology, and take advantage of various features that suit your needs. You can also help students learn to critique and choose browsers based on their personal preferences. //
 * //Critiquing Browsers://** Students will explore Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome browsers, and be able to understand the features of each. Students will be able to critique the pros and cons of each browser with regard to speed, functionality, safety, and personalization.

// *Teachers – Learn how keeping a classroom blog can serve multiple functions for communication, learning, and organization. Understand how to help students utilize blogs for learning and sharing. //
 * //Blogging//**: Students will understand how blogging can be presentation of information, and part of a conversation. Students will explore blogging platforms of Blogger and Wordpress. Students will understand how to interact/comment to blogs in a way that is appropriate and contributes to the conversation.

// *Teachers – Learn how using links in blogs, wikis, email, and other digital communications can deepen learning and understanding. Guide students in understanding how the subtlties of a well-chosen link can add depth and impact to their communications and the content they create. //
 * //Links//**: Students will understand the vital importance of using and creating links in their online contributions. Students will be able to explain how links deepen a conversation or give depth or bring a particular perspective to a topic.

// *Teachers – Learn how keeping a class wiki can serve multiple functions for communication, learning, and collaboration. Understand the various ways that the flexibility of a wiki can help you organize class information. Understand how to help students utilize wikis for collaboration and sharing. //
 * //Wikis//**: Students will understand the flexible functions of wikis both as tools of collaboration, and as a more flowing, organic webpage. Students will explore wiki platform Wikispaces.

// *Teachers – Facilitate projects in which students can use slide shows to create content, explore ideas, and show learning. Help guide students in creating impactful slide shows. //
 * //Slide Shows//:** Students will understand how slideshows can enhance any conversation or topic through visual impact. Being able to get a message or idea across visually is a vital online communications skill, and students will understand the skills necessary for making the most of a slideshow. Students will explore various online slideshow creators (VoiceThread, Google Presentations, Prezi, etc.) and online slideshow converters (Slideshare, Quicktime, etc.). Students will be able to come up with criteria to select the appropriate slideshow tool to fit their needs.

// *Teachers – Create screen casts as tutorials to assist students in learning or as a guide within an area of study. Screen casts can be used as a visual online textbook that a teacher can personalize for his/her own classes. Screen casts can enhance a slide show or video. Help students create screen casts that express an idea or a concept, or that will teach other students. //
 * //Screen Casting//**: Students will understand the basic concept of screen casting, and the purposes of screen casting. Students will explore screen casting through online tools such as Jing, and ScreenCastoMatic. Students will be able to come up with criteria to select the appropriate screen casting tool to fit their needs.

// *Teachers – Use mind mapping tools to plan lessons or units of study. Help students use these tools to brainstorm, plan projects, collaborate, or break down a large concept into smaller, more understandable parts. //
 * //Mind Mapping//:** Students will learn how to organize thoughts, ideas, and themes visually using online graphic organizing tools such as MyWebspiration, and Bubbl. Students will understand how to work collaboratively with these tools.

// *Teachers – Use photo sharing tools to collaborate with an online community of people for ideas about teaching and learning. Understand how to access the wide array of photos to bring visual impact or meaning to material you present to students. Help students to search out images that help them get an idea across. Reinforce with students the idea of crediting photos they did not take themselves. //
 * //Photo Sharing Tools://** Students will explore online photosharing communities such as Photobucket, Picassa, and Flickr. Students will understand how to use these tools to save and share their own photos, contribute photos to groups in order to participate in the growth of ideas or memes, and select, use and attribute credit to the photos of others that they want to use.

// *Teachers – Use these tools to collaborate with peers you know, and perhaps those in a larger PLN. These tools are ideal for committees, work groups, or planning units of study with other teachers. Use these tools with students and help students use them with each other to collaborate on projects. Help students use them to collaborate with students in other classrooms on shared projects. //
 * //Collaboration Tools://** Students will explore tools such as Google Docs, Evernote, and Wikispaces as platforms for collaboration and historical documentation of ideas. Students will understand skills for being a valuable collaborator. Students will understand the value of both real-time and off-time collaboration using these platforms.

// *Teachers – Use these valuable tools to make your busy professional life more efficient and productive. Help your students use these tools to do the same, and to help them be more productive within the parameters of your class. //
 * //Time Management Tools://** Students will explore tools such as Google Calendar, Evernote, Remember the Milk, and Track Class to manage their daily obligations, responsibilities, and flow of information. Students will understand the benefit of using tools that can share among users and devices.


 * __Unit 5: Google__** [1 week]

Students will explore the Google suite of applications and labs. Students will be able to explain how the tools are beneficial individually, and how they can work together. // *Teachers – Understand how students and teachers can utilize the wide range of Google apps. //


 * __Unit 6: Apple Suite__** [4 weeks]

// *Teachers – Creating video for your students is a helpful and personal way to teach a concept. Guide your students to understanding which genre will most appropriately and creatively suit the purposes of a particular learning activity. //
 * //Filming//**: Students will understand that being able to communicate a message visually is a crucial digital skill. There is a lot of information on the internet, and in order to get their idea or message across visually, it needs to be clear and impactful. This section will begin with a how-to section so that students will understand the types of things they may want or need to film (a current happening, a news report, a skit, a tutorial, a montage, a music video, stop motion, etc.). Students will learn filming techniques for various genres, and why those particular techniques make a difference to the message. Students will learn how to use a basic flip camera and a web cam for filming.

// *Teachers – Use iMovie to create impactful movies that will help your students learn, or communicate an idea to parents, other professionals, administrators, or board members. Help students understand how various features in iMovie can enhance their message. //
 * //iMovie//**: Students will learn how to put their filmed images on iMovie, and how editing techniques and the features of iMovie can help create an impactful and entertaining visual message or idea.

// *Teachers – Add video to your class blog, wiki or website for students and parents to view. Help guide students to finding the best outlet for their video creations. //
 * //Sharing Video://** Students will learn various ways to share video online through blogs, wikis, websites, etc. Students will learn how to upload and embed video using various web tools. Students will learn how to use video to contribute to a conversation, idea, or meme on social video sites such as YouTube and Vimeo.

// *Teachers – Create podcasts to personalize learning in various ways for your students (directions, explanations, literature centers, etc). Phone casting allows you to do this on-the-fly, even when you can’t be in your classroom. Learn what platforms will give your podcasts the most impact and be the most flexible. Help your students use podcasting to create content as well as for teaching crucial literacy and fluency skills. //
 * //Garage Band- Podcasting://** Students will get an overall view of the features of Garage Band, with a specific focus on podcasting. Students will understand the various ways in which podcasts can be used effectively to communicate or to create in a way that is impactful. Students will learn the various platforms that can utilize podcasting such as blogs, wikis, and websites. Students will also understand how to utilize some phone-casting tools on the web for more flexibility.

// *Teachers – Learn how certain features within this suite of tools can help you deliver content to students easily and effectively. Help students understand how using productivity software is an essential, real-life skill. //
 * //iWork//**: Students will learn the basics of how to utilize the iWork suite of tools including Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. Students will be able to compare and critique these tools with other similar tools, and develop personal selection criteria for their own use of these types of tools.


 * __Unit 7: Programming__** [1 week]

// *Teachers – Helping students find ways to be creative with Scratch will not only add a whole new depth and dimension to the content they create, it will teach valuable logic and problem solving skills. //
 * //Scratch//**: Students will explore Logo programming language through Scratch – a system developed at MIT to easily utilize Logo. Students will learn to use and combine various functions and commands to write games, quizzes, and other interactives that support their ideas or message they are communicating. Students will learn how to utilize the online Scratch programming community for ideas and help. Students will learn how to contribute to the online Scratch programming community, and how to post their interactives online to their own blogs, wikis, or websites.

// *Teachers – Being able to write apps can help you personalize Google functionality for your own needs in your own classroom. It is one more way you can personalize learning for your students. Having your students write apps that solve real problems is a great way to teach problem solving skills. //
 * //GoogleApps//:** Students will utilize the Google App Writer to learn how to write their own Google Apps. Students will understand how to use and contribute to the Apps written in Google Labs.


 * __Unit 8: Video Communication__** [1 week]

// *Teachers – Use Skype and Google video chat to bring the outside world into your classroom. Video chats can help your class collaborate on a project with another classroom across the globe, or down the road. It can instantly bring experts into your classroom for a quality personal learning experience. Video chats are also useful for communicating with your students when you are out of the classroom, or outside of school hours. When students have that kind of personal access to you outside of class, relationships and trust deepen. //
 * //Video Chats://** Students will understand the types of situations in which the most effective and appropriate communication would be via video chat. Students will learn how to use Skype and Google video chat. Students will learn how to interact effectively with people they don’t know personally on a video chat. Students will be able to explain why a video chat is an impactful and useful way to get information and communicate ideas.

// *Teachers – Help students stream video from your class for student created broadcasts related to our curriculum. Help them develop an immediate sense of audience and purpose in their communications. //
 * //Streaming Video://** Students will learn how creating streaming video can be a useful and effective way to communicate to a wider audience. Students will learn about the situations that would be most effectively broadcast via a video stream (sporting events, assemblies, speeches, interviews, regular programming such as a web programming, newscasts, interviews, etc.). Students will learn how to stream video using UStream, a free web-based streaming tool.


 * __Unit 9: Basics of Productivity Tools__** [1 weeks]

// *Teachers – Make sure your students are aware of basic toolbar features and understand how and when to use them. Encourage students to develop a personal list of criteria for choosing certain tools for certain purposes. //
 * //Word Processing//**//:// Students learn the basic features of word processing tools such as Word, Pages, and GoogleDocs. Students will be able to describe their personal criteria for choosing a particular tool for various purposes.

// *Teachers – Utilize spreadsheets to track and understand student data or classroom-based research data you collect. Help students manage data within areas of content study, and learn how to see and analyze data in different ways using spreadsheets. //
 * //Spreadsheets//**: Students learn the basic features of spreadsheet tools such as Excel, Numbers, and Google Spreadsheets. Students will understand the capabilities of a spreadsheet to organize and display data. Students will learn how to write basic formulas to perform various functions within a spreadsheet and make use of data.