TWTW Teaching with the Web	The Instructional Technology Journal of Greenwood School District 50 http://www.gwd50.org Volume 5, Number 1 August 15, 2009
Welcome Back! 8/15/09 As you settle into this year’s routine, don’t forget some of the wonderful resources the district makes available to you. Here are a few: 8 BrainPOP – excellent animated, curriculum-based content that is aligned to SC State Standards. The district license includes BrainPOP, BrainPOP, Jr., and BrainPOP Español. Contact your School Technology Leader or email hughesc@gwd50.org for log in information. 8 Safari Montage – (Also under Staff>Other Resources on the district website.) SM provides educational video on demand (aligned to the SC State Standards) and digital media management. To log in, follow the prompts for your school; user name and password are the same as Novell. 8 Discovery Education (United Streaming or Streamline SC) – Sponsored by SCETV, DE provides digital, video-based resources teachers can upload and edit as needed; and it is aligned to the State Standards. If you are new to the district, get a code from your media specialist, and follow the directions on the site to create your account.	Important Teacher Notes Back to School Tips: · Scanner: Every day, you're aware of the amazing things students create - the trick is to document them. Your scanner helps with the documentation. At the start of the year, create folders on your computer for each student in order to keep things organized. (The computer dates each file for you, which is very handy!) You can print out what you need for parent conferences. · During the first week of school, collect email addresses for all parents and create an email group to which you can send information, assignments, and web resources. Use addresses to let parents know specific information about their student. Be sure to include your class webpage address on the email (this address could be part of your email signature.) · Prepare a PowerPoint, Windows Movie Video, or PhotoStory Video to be playing continuously when students and parents come into your room. Your presentation could include pictures of important locations around the school for new students; pictures of student activities from previous years; student expectations and class rules; and much, much more! Don’t forget that the District has a license for Soundzabound and you can add music to your presentation. · Plan lessons for the students’ first day back that integrate technology. Use your projector, laptop, interactive whiteboard (if available), and any other technology at your fingertips.
Back to School Activities, Ideas, & Resources · America Goes Back to School: Innovative and Exciting Ideas Here is a list of possible ideas to help you start thinking about what could engage your parents, students and community. This site is an old one, but the ideas are still appropriate. · Back-to-School Ideas and Lessons Ideas & lessons from The Teacher's Corner. · Education World ® - Fourteen Great Activities for the First Days of School! Teachers around the world sent in their favorite first-day-of-school activities. · TeachingTips: First Day of School This site offers several first day tips, mostly in the area of classroom management. For grades K-6. · They're baaaaaaack! Tips to getting them off to a great start Success in dealing with those first days of school depends on planning and organizing now, and a number of Teachnet readers have shared ideas for doing so.	Site Survey: Websites that Educate, Enlighten, Entertain, and Engage · Learning Science http://www.learningscience.org/index.htm A wealth of science-based learning tools including simulations, interactive Web lessons, micro-worlds, and more. This is a site that science teachers will not want to miss; it can help make teaching and learning science exciting and engaging! · Dig It! The Secrets of Soil http://forces.si.edu/soils/ Part of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s Forces of Change series, this site explores the importance of soils and how they surround and support people everyday in both obvious and hidden ways. · Internet Special Education Resources http://www.iser.com/ A directory of resources for parents of children with special needs. The directory includes psychologists, therapists, special needs schools and programs, tutors, specialized caregivers, and more. · Horizon Magic Portal http://www.magicporthole.org/ This site is a collaborative effort of Horizon’s Magic Porthole project, and museums, aquariums, universities and various other organizations take you on a virtual tour of the fascinating world of coral reefs. Activities include online and offline multimedia experiences.
	The Laptop-and-Projector Project Website Tech Project: http://www2.gwd50.org/TechPlans/TechPlan2006.htm Resources: http://gwd50.schoolwires.net/16891058111442710/site/default.asp? Previous TWTW Issues: http://www2.gwd50.org/techplans/TWTW-Index.htm Instruct. Tech. Specialist:http://www.gwd50.org/1689105110365557/site/default.asp