2+-+The+Need

Through a survey of parents, teachers, and students I have found that although we have technology to use, there is no consistency with how and when it is used in the classroom. Many of the teachers feel that this is due to issues such as: not enough time to take courses, plan lessons, and implement technology during the course of a school day, semester, or year. Many teachers felt that even though some of the training given was useful, there was no follow-up and the time in-between trainings was too long. Some suggested more training during in-service days, while others suggested multi-day workshops throughout the year. Others felt that all teachers should be evaluated on their use of technology in the classroom so that there is a way for them to assess themselves and continually improve their method of instruction when using technology. Teachers also want more choice in what devices they use, some saying they feel pressured to use a laptop, when they would rather use a tablet or interactive whiteboard. ====As for parents and students, most of the feedback mentioned that there was a need for a consistent method or methods for how the teachers taught with technology. Especially at the high school level, too many of the teachers are using technology as just a presentation tool and expecting the students to just use a laptop or mobile device as a note-taking tool. Students, like the teachers, would like more options as to what they use in the classroom and both parents and students found the idea of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) appealing. Parents liked it because of cost and not having to buy new hardware just to attend a school, and students liked it because it allows them to use hardware that they are familiar with. Teachers also found the BYOD appealing because it can theoretically create more learning time and less troubleshooting time, since the student will more than likely be able to fix most issues themselves. ====

What AIMS can Provide
==== With all of these thoughts and feedback in mind, it seems that we could use several types of workshops. I feel it would be an excellent idea to have workshops for not just teachers and administrators, but for parents and students as well. This is something that we should address in the near future as I think it could be beneficial to all of the parties involved. ==== ====For teacher workshops, we already offer a few geared towards technology. Here is a list of current technology workshops that we currently offer: ====
 * 1) ====Cool New Web Tools and Time to Try Them! ====
 * 2) ====TECgather: Who Helps the Help Desk? ====
 * 3) ====Photoshop and InDesign - Digital Media in Classrooms ====
 * 4) ====Top Technology Tips for Social Studies Teachers ====
 * 5) ====Technology Retreat 2012 ====

====While this is a start, only three of these are really geared towards classroom teachers. The teachers are in need of more professional development that is geared towards them and their content area. There is also a need for professional development that helps teachers understand the basics of how to use technology in the classroom, what to avoid, best practices, and an understanding of digital citizenship and internet etiquette, or netiquette. We have teachers that are on different levels of technological ability, so that needs to be addressed as well. Some are novices who know how to check e-mail, use a word processor, and Google something on the web. Others are experienced users who understand the basics as well as how to use a blog or a wiki, create a good presentation, use the web for research, hook up to a projector, etc. and they understand why they should use technology in the classroom but not necessarily how to apply it. Advanced users are ones who can do all of the above, are able to create student-centered lessons that use technology, are able to use various types of hardware, software, and web applications with ease and are mentors to colleagues. They are able to apply technology use in their classroom that creates an advanced learning environment for the students. ====

There are several goals we hope to obtain in providing more training:
====The teachers liked the idea of multi-level, multi-day workshops to go along with our single-day workshops and felt this type of workshop would help them have a higher level of success at applying technology in their classrooms. For the workshops to be successful they will be taught based on teachers’ technology skill level. Most of the time they will be grouped by grade levels and content area as well. This helps open up discussion by providing a common ground and usually results in a much more meaningful experience with lots of ideas generated that the teachers can take back to school with them. It also helps create a community amongst those teachers and opens up communication between schools even more. We can accomplish this by sending out a survey that will ask them some basic questions about computers, commands, and familiarity with hardware such as projectors and interactive whiteboards. I provided a list of what workshops are recommended and what content will be covered. Most of these workshops would be two-weeks long, with the exception of the one titled “The Basics,” which I would like to provide online and in a face-to-face class so that teachers have the choice of how they want to learn. Each of these workshops will be set up as if it were a class during a regular school day so the teachers will be able to learn about how a classroom operates when using technology and to give them experience in this setting. ====
 * 1) ====Teachers understand that technology is an important tool that their students need to learn to utilize effectively and efficiently. ====
 * 2) ====Teachers are able to solve basic technology issues in the classroom with minimum loss of teaching time. ====
 * 3) ====Teachers all have the same basic skillset when using technology. ====
 * 4) ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Teachers understand that teaching with technology is a collaborative effort and they do not have to “go it alone.” ====
 * 5) ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Administration is aware of the importance of technology in education and supports teachers as well as evaluates and reinforces effective educational technology use. ====


 * == **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif';">Tech level ** == || == **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif';">What Needs to be Taught ** == ||
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Novice ====

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;"> grades K-12
|| ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">The Basics **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop introduces file management, cut, copy, paste, and the basic computer skills to get you through the day. || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades K-12 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Troubleshooting **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop introduces basic troubleshooting for issues that may arise while using technology in the classroom and also goes over preventive measures that help avoid these issues. || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades K-12 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Introduction to Web 2.0 Tools **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop introduces the most commonly used Web 2.0 tools – wikis, blogs, social media, etc. and teach users how to implement it into their curriculum. || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades K-3 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Technology In Your Classroom – What’s Available and How to Use It: General **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop introduces some of the hardware and software that’s available for Kindergarten through 3rd grades and how to apply them in class. || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades 4-6 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Technology In Your Classroom – What’s Available and How to Use It: General **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop introduces some of the hardware and software that’s available for 4th through 6th grades and how to apply them in class. || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades 7-9 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Technology In Your Classroom – What’s Available and How to Use It: General **==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;"> This workshop introduces some of the hardware and software that’s available for 7th through 9th grades and how to apply them in class. ==== || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades 10-12 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Technology In Your Classroom – What’s Available and How to Use It: General **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop introduces some of the hardware and software that’s available for 10th through 12th grades and how to apply them in class. ||
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Novice ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Novice ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Novice ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Novice ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Novice ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Novice ====

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades K-5 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Classroom Technology for Your Content Area/Grade Level: Specific **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop builds on the skills learned in either the Novice workshops or personal experience. Teachers are broken into groups based on grade level and will work in stations based on content area (science, math, art, etc.) || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades 6-8 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Classroom Technology for Your Content Area/Grade Level: Specific **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop builds on the skills learned in either the Novice workshops or personal experience. Teachers are broken into groups based on grade level and will work in stations based on content area (science, math, art, etc.) || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades 9-12 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Classroom Technology for Your Content Area/Grade Level: Specific **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop builds on the skills learned in either the Novice workshops or personal experience. Teachers are broken into groups based on content area they teach in and work in stations based on that content area (science, math, art, etc.) There will be opportunities for teachers to work with multiple content areas at the high school level. || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades K-5 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Project-Based Learning with Technology **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Teachers will go through multiple stations in various content areas working with various project-based learning lessons at their grade level. || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades 6-12 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Project-Based Learning with Technology **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Teachers will go through multiple stations in various content areas working with various project-based learning lessons in their content area(s). || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades K-12 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Research **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Teachers learn how to “drill down” when searching, how to guide the student’s research process, and how to teach the students good research habits and narrow results. ||
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Intermediate ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Intermediate ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Intermediate ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Intermediate ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Intermediate ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Intermediate ====

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades K-3 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">So Now What? **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop would be a summative discussion as well as a hands-on session that allows the teachers to bring what they have learned and used over the school year and present, share, and discuss. || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades 4-6 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">So Now What? **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop would be a summative discussion as well as a hands-on session that allows the teachers to bring what they have learned and used over the school year to present, share, and discuss. || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades 7-9 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">So Now What? **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop would be a summative discussion as well as a hands-on session that allows the teachers to bring what they have learned and used over the school year and present, share, and discuss. || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">grades 10-12 || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">So Now What? **==== <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop would be a summative discussion as well as a hands-on session that allows the teachers to bring what they have learned and used over the school year and present, share, and discuss. ||
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Advanced ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Advanced ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Advanced ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Advanced ====

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">This workshop would bring Principals, Vice-Principals and other administration up to date as to what technology is available to use in their schools and how to make the best use of technology already in their schools. Teachers from various schools would be on hand to demonstrate and it would be a follow up to the advanced workshops. || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">More of a discussion than a workshop, this would be a session in which administrators would have the opportunity to discuss what has worked and hasn’t worked for them and create a collaborative atmosphere so that these discussions can continue through an online format. ||
 * || ==**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif';">Administrative Workshops **== ||
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Administration ==== || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">What’s being used in Your School Part 1: Intro to Technology in the Classroom **====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Administration ==== || ====**<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">What’s Being Used In Your School Part 2: Open Forum/Discussion **====