GLOBAL AND SCHOOL BASED TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

Imagine the Possibilities: Transforming Teacher Practice and Student Achievement with Innovative Technologies

Tuesday, January 27, 2009
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Administrators are challenged to embrace the technologies that connect and engage students in their learning. What does the world of ICT [Information Communication Technology] look like? Engage with practitioners in the field who will demonstrate Global Community Projects, Interactive Smartboards, Academic Workspace and publishing applications such as Blogs and Wikis. Learn how these technologies enhance teacher practice, improves student achievement and fosters the development of professional learning communities. Hear for yourself how such innovations have affected powerful learning. These technologies make good teachers even better and widen administrators’ capacity to influence student and staff development.

Keynote Team

Jim Carleton is presently an ICT Consultant (K-12) for the Simcoe County District School Board. Jim is the Country Coordinator for iEARN Canada and has a passion to integrate ICT and Global Collaborative projects into Canadian classrooms. Jim has won several prestigious national awards for his work in Global Education. jim@iearn-canada.org

Mali Bickley is a classroom teacher with the Simcoe County District School Board. Mali is part of the administration team of iEARN Canada and believes in the power of connections and collaborations between students and teachers throughout the world. Mali supports iEARN members through her role as project designer and facilitator of several iEARN projects. mali@iearn-canada.org

Anita Townsend is the Principal of Curriculum at the Simcoe County District School Board. In 2007, she was named by the Learning Partnership as one of Canada's Outstanding Principals.Anita is part of the administration team for iEARN Canada. anita@iearn-canada.org

The Power of Global Collaborative Learning focuses on how technology is integrated into classroom practice as a means to connect students locally and globally. Students work collaboratively on meaningful projects that make a difference in the world. Students are engaged, motivated and passionate about such topics as peace initiatives, carbon footprint reduction, expression through art and heroes in their lives. Using technology to build these relationships, students truly learn WITH the world, rather than just about it!

Demonstration Carousel

Interactive Whiteboard Technology in the Classroom and its Impact-Improving Achievement in Math

Join Cheryl Paige, Principal of Joyce P.S. (K-5), winner of Canada's Outstanding Principal's Award (Learning Partnership) and the Claude Watson Award for Innovation. Her school was selected by the Province as a Demonstration Site (2001) to explore the potential of ICT in elementary education. Her staff have been awarded the Network for Innovation Schools award, the National Technology award, and her school recognized as a Smart Showcase School. Joyce teachers have been awarded the Prime Ministers Award for Teaching Excellence, the Premier's Award for Teaching Excellence, the Claude Watson Award for Innovation and Creativity, and the York University Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence. The school has secured major research grants (Social Science and Humanities) and business partnerships with Front Row Technology (surround sound), Smart Technologies, and MindShare Technologies.

Cheryl and her staff will demonstrate how an electronic whiteboard model has transformed teacher practices and significantly improved math achievement in the context of low socio-economics.

Academic Workspace for School-Wide Communication & a Work Environment

Join David Freedman, Principal at Parkdale C.I. and Marlena Rivett - teacher librarian on building community through inter-connectivity.

Publishing to Motivate Student Engagement

Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts! Review a range of publishing tools that give students a voice. Katina Papulkas, IL of ICT, TDSB.

ICT Resources and Training

Review support at the Ministry & TDSB level addressing online resources, videos, training, and f2f workshops. The focus will be OSAPCA - Ministry licensed software, OERB - Ontario Educational Resource Bank, TDSB Web, and TACIT - Technology & Curricular Integration Team workshops. Delivered by: Karen Beutler & Cresencia Fong, ILs, K-12, ICT, e-Learning (and Computer Studies)

Panel Discussion-Leadership Strategies

Listen in and contribute as Anita Townsend, Cheryl Paige, David Freedman, and Virginia Pang, Centrally Assigned Vice-Principal Program Dept.--ICT, e-learning, converse about the processes, problem-solving and discoveries with respect to: staff training, resource acquisition and distribution, school re-culturing, funding strategies, and student engagement.

Team Action Planning

The day will close with an opportunity for school teams to review the day's learning and plan the path forward for school-based initiatives.

Download the PDF brochure