TWTW Teaching with the Web	The Instructional Technology Journal of Greenwood School District 50 http://www2.gwd50.org Volume 2, Number 6 September 15, 2006
Technology as a Tool 9/15/06 We now have more technology at our fingertips than we ever dreamed possible; however, this means nothing if teachers are not using that technology to improve teaching and learning. At first, we used technology to support traditional passive instruction. Today, we must see technology's potential for engaging students in an active learning environment. Using technology, a student can explore a vast amount of information; discover facts, principles, and concepts; absorb information and derive personal meaning; and organize and convey that information to others. Through technology, students who are not engaged by text-based information may become fully engaged with audio, visual, and/or tactile information. Technology makes content accessible to all students. So, if technology as a tool engages students and supports teaching and learning (it does), and if there is research to support the use of technology to improve students’ learning (there is), and if the state mandates that teachers demonstrate certain technology proficiencies (it does), then one can expect to witness technology integration in every classroom, in every subject area, every day. There are some excellent examples of technology use in our classrooms. There are entire schools where no one is making use of the available technology. Part of the problem is the old mindset that we must have a “technology lesson.” For the sake of your students, you should move away from this mindset. Technology is not a “stand-alone” subject. Our state has already recommended that the NETS standards (see links at right) be adopted for our students. These will not be assessed on a multiple choice test; our students will be expected to demonstrate technology proficiency in all subject areas. The best way for our students to master these proficiencies is to experience technology as a tool modeled by their teachers. In the coming weeks, I will be visiting schools every day. My purpose is two-fold: to see what is needed to help teachers integrate their technology into their lessons and to seek out ways to help through staff development and in-service. Please email me your successes and your problem areas. Together we can do it…Cindy	Important Teacher Notes Sample Teacher/Cluster/Grade Level Web Pages for Inspiration Greenwood District 50 · Fourth Grade – Lakeview Elementary http://www.gwd50.k12.sc.us/lak-web/carver%20web%20page/fourth%20grade%20web%20site.htm · Mary Ann Burke – K-5 http://www.gwd50.k12.sc.us/pin-web/BurkeM/burkem.htm · Greg Brewer – 7^th Grade Science http://www2.gwd50.org/WST-Web/WST_Teachers/BrewerGreg/Brewer%20web/Brewers%20page.htm · Katie Bradley – English http://www.gwd50.k12.sc.us/GHS-Web/K_Bradley%20Home%20Page.htm Other School Districts · Welcome to Mrs. Barkhouse's Grade 4 Virtual Classroom! http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/nbarkhou/class/index.html · Mrs. Gray’s Second Grade Classroom http://www.genevaschools.org/austinbg/class/gray/index.htm · Gunn Auto Tech – Henry M. Gunn Senior High School http://www.gunnautotech.com/ · Neville High School Math Not updated for 2006-2007 – good example of informative page http://www.monroe.k12.la.us/~dlewis/ · NETS Standards for Students http://cnets.iste.org/students/s_stands.html · NETS Standards for Teachers http://cnets.iste.org/teachers/t_stands.html · NETS Standards for Administrators http://cnets.iste.org/administrators/a_stands.html
	Site Survey: Websites that Educate, Enlighten, Entertain, and Engage · Neuroscience for kids http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/introb.html Discover the exciting world of the brain, spinal cord, neurons and the senses. Use the experiments, activities and games to help learn about the nervous system. There are also links to other web sites to explore. · Read Works Written by Other Children MY HERO http://myhero.com/home.asp Discover real live heroes from around the world.  These true stories about heroes have been written by children. · American Kennel Club http://www.akc.org/ Everything you ever wanted to know about those loveable pups! Click on the Kids/Juniors tab. Here students can read about young people who show dogs and good sportsmanship. The site also includes kids’ activities and resources for teachers.
	The Laptop-and-Projector Project Website Tech Project: http://www2.gwd50.org/TechPlans/TechPlan2006.htm Instr. Resources: http://www2.gwd50.org/TechPlans/StaffDevResources.htm Previous TWTW Issues: http://www2.gwd50.org/techplans/TWTW-Index.htm