New School Year

Well, a new school year is here! One fun thing about teaching is the hope that each new school year brings. We have new ideas and energy and hope to reach all our students like never before. The PDA has several courses planned, so be sure to log on to PDExpress frequently to see what's being offered. Also, we send a flyer to each school site when we create a class, so you can check bulletin boards on your campus for information. As for technology, this year we'd like to emphasize integrating the lessons and standards you already do with appropriate technology. We'll offer digital camera classes, and we have some Palm Handhelds left. Podcasting will be an emphasis, as you can use this at any grade or subject. And, EdWeb, our district software program for teacher web pages, is newly redesigned with amazing new features.
So, here's to a great year for all of us, and let's help students achieve like never before!

Picasa in PYLUSD

Picasa, the photo imaging organizer, was the subject of class today. Eddie Tabata led a group of teachers through the features and uses of Picasa. If you haven't tried it, you should download (free) and see what you think.

Kids could easily use this program to edit images they've taken. Have you used this program with kids in class? If so, let us know how it worked!

LCD Class Begins

We have begun our LCD series for teachers. Teachers were selected by the site principal to attend. They agreed to attend 6 classes with various topics. We'll cover how to connect to various devices, as well as instructional uses, such as United Streaming, PowerPoint, and Google Earth. Other classes include podcasting and blogging! Teachers will receive an LCD projector, cables, remote presenters, microphones, and other supplies as needed. Do you have an LCD you use in class? If so, please tell us how you use it to enhance instruction. If you don't have one, what would you like to do if one was available? It's our hope that this is the "tipping point" and we will see many more projectors in classrooms soon.

United Streaming comes to PYLUSD

Great news! PYLUSD has acquired a district license for United Streaming through KOCE so all teachers can access this service. We've been training teachers almost weekly. Some schools have invited trainers to their staff meetings, and some teachers have signed up through PDExpress. Jose Cabrera, Bob Schaal, Brendan Newberry, Eddie Tabata, and David Watts have done some trainings so far. Also, some schools have asked their tech coach to help the staff establish accounts. It seems like a tool that is applicable to all teachers, regardless of grade or content they teach. Interested? Contact the PDA or look for classes on PDExpress. Also, ask your site administrator if they'd like to have a staff meeting in the computer lab.
Do you use United Streaming videos in your class? Please share how you use them and how they have impacted your teaching.

The Guerrilla Season Book Blog

Here's a great example of what a blog can do for your students. Have an online discussion. Ask the question you didn't have time for during the lesson. Allow your 'quiet students' the chance to share their awesome insights.

The Guerrilla Season Book Blog

There are also examples in our own district. Keith Carmona uses this site for his class to share thoughts.

http://ylmshonorsla8.blogspot.com

Dan Eliot is offering another beginning blog class on Feb. 7. You can register on PDExpress now for this great opportunity.

Integrating Tech into Language and Social Science

Welcome back! Today, we'll look at Google Earth, blogging, wikis, flickr, furl, and other options for both teacher and student.

Is Integration Hard?

I found this link when reading one of my favorite blogs (edtechlife). This is written by a teacher in Orange County. She has some valid points and questions.

What is it that makes it so hard? (Via Technology Integration in Education.)

Oh, I’ve heard the excuses. I only have one computer and 20 kids. It never
works right. I don’t trust the kids on it by themselves. The Internet is always
down. I just don’t have time. Valid excuses? Debatable. Pencils break; kids have
to share glue; they cut their hair with their scissors. But nobody ever gives up
on those tools. I’ve never heard a teacher say, “We’re not using scissors, due
to fact that they can be very dangerous for a 5 year old, we will tear
everything by hand this year.” Yes, we’ve learned to work around the negatives
of these tools; we know how to train children to use them; we make them a
priority in our budget; we take the time to teach the kids to use them; they
cannot and will not be replaced.

What do you think? Is it hard to integrate technology? Why?