Show Me the Money!

Wow!  Who knew there were so many resources and funding available out there for teachers!

First, I got the opportunity to learn a little more information about developing partnerships with businesses and corporations in the community.  I never really thought about the process that it takes to set up a partnership.  I always assumed that the businesses reached out to the schools to develop a partnership plan, but I've learned that it is important for the teachers and administrators in a school to really research the best partner choices in the area and come up with a plan prior to contacting the business.  There are several key strategies that I read about from the website: http://www.danielsfund.org/sevenstrategies/strategies/.  These strategies include:

• Focus on student learning/achievement
• The partnership should be well-defined and well-managed
• Make strategic goals
• Set clear expectations
• Provide training
• Set up a communication plan and a system for recognizing the partnership
• Monitor and evalute the partnership and the program as time progresses to determine if the partnership is effective.

I thought that these were all really important points and probably things I would have never thought of on my own.  For some reason, I always thought of partnerships as very laidback, but I now see how important it is to have laid out plans and goals that benefit both the school and the partner.  I think a well made plan will help the school and the partner get the most bang for their buck out of the partnership.  Also, I found a great resource for finding partnerships - reviewing the Chamber of Commerce.  I know that sounds obvious, but it was really great to see all the businesses and corporations located in our city listed in one place.

When I look at the partnerships currently set up at my school, I wonder if there are plans in place with these businesses because I'm not convinced that we are really focusing on the improvement of student achievement.  I know the businesses enjoy the positive press and the school enjoys the coupons and incentives, but a good partners should provide so much more than that!

I also got the opportunity to review different grants online.  In the past, I always thought of grants as a long, complicated paperwork process that doesn't even guarantee that you will get the funding that you need.  I was definitely proven wrong!  I discovered that there are grants available for all grades and all subject matters out there!  There really is no limit.  Also, grant applications are really not as complicated as I thought.  Most grant applications could be completed in a matter of hours if not even less.  For the benefits, it seems silly not to at least apply!

I was really excited because I found a particular grant that would be great for the engaged learning project.  The thought of having up to $1,000 to implement that project sounds amazing and I can't believe that it is available right at the tips of my fingers.

Overall, once again, I have been exposed to new things that I really new nothing about before.  I'm excited to share the information I learned about partnerships and grants with my colleagues, and I can't wait to see how we can benefit our students!

Legal and Ethical Technology Use Presentation

Description: This field experience consisted of using the information and research from an assignment in class to present legal and ethical technology use practices to the fourth grade team.  The presentation focused on information that was unknown or not correctly followed in the classrooms.  Also, I facilitated a decision on how the best practice technology use in the classroom.

Standards: TF-VI.A

Hours: 0.5 Hours

Population: 4^th Grade Team Teachers (General Ed. and Special Ed. Teachers)

Reflection: This field experience is a reflection of wanting to share information that I just recently had learned myself.  I had completed an assignment for class about legal and ethical technology use, and I was quite surprised about the information that I had learned.  The information presented included the county’s acceptable use policy, information in regards to the Copyright Act, and Internet safety.  I think some of my team members were also surprised by the information.  Overall, I think I increased my knowledge and my colleague’s knowledge.  Now, as a technology leader, I am given the opportunity to model how to follow these acceptable use policies.  I am also going to spend more time teaching my students appropriate Internet and computer behavior, because I am realizing that my students are probably not receiving this information from home.

Following the Rules...

Who knew there was so much to know?  Copyright laws, internet safety, board administrative ruling, acceptable use, cyberbullying.  The list could go on and on.  I do have to say that I feel so much more informed that a I did a week ago.

Let's start from the beginning: the Copyright Act!  The Copyright Act is something that all teachers should really know and be familiar with.  As many copies and resources as we use on a regular basis, it is important that we are staying within the legal limits.  A few things stood out to me as I was reviewing all the ins and outs.  First, videos and DVDs can only be viewed for educational purposes related to content matter that has been taught (not for entertainment or as a reward).  This doesn't seem like a big deal, because, honestly, who has time to watch a bunch of movies for entertainment during the school day?  Then, I started thinking about those inside recess times on rainy days or when my students have earned a special reward at lunchtime so they get to eat in the classroom with a movie.  Who knew that I could be doing something wrong?  Also, consummables can NOT be copied.  This doesn't seem like rocket science, but, again, I can't tell you how many times I've seen a teacher copying from a consumable (especially if a student has lost their workbook).  Overall, it is important that teachers are aware of the dos and don'ts.  I found a really easy to read chart that I thought would be a great print out for future use.  Check it out here:  Teacher Copyright Chart

I also got a chance to look at the District Board Administrative Rule.  This was my first time perusing this document, and it was definitely an eye-opener.  The county has already layed out quite a bit of information in regards to technology use including a rationale, safety risks, copyright, e-mail, acceptable use, prohibited use, blogs, and a list of definitions of important technology terms.  I found this information to be really helpful.  Some information surprise me, and some information was a good reminder.  Some things that stood out were that it is prohibited to leave workstation without logging out.  I often leave my computer (especially the computer connect to my SmartBoard) logged in all day and sometimes overnight.  It makes sense that this could be a risk, but it isn't something that I really thought about before.  I will definitely log out from now on...no matter how annoying it is to log back in!  The district also made some good points about e-mail use.  That includes leaving full names, school addresses, and phone numbers off all sent e-mails.  Most teachers have a signature that includes their full name and job title.  Some even include addresses and phone numbers.  Sometimes, I forget that once an e-mail is sent, it is out there for really anyone to get a hold of so it probably isn't the smartest choice to put my personal information on an e-mail.

I found a lot of information on internet safety and cyberbullying.  In our current society, both of these things are big issues.  More and more children are using facebook, youtube, and instant messaging.  Not to mention, that many kids have cell phones with internet access that they use constantly through out the day. Students need to be aware of the risks and consequences of making bad choices when using the internet or other technological devices.  The biggest way we can spread information about internet safety and the prevention of cyberbullying is to educate our students and parents.  Zero tolerance policies need to be maintained and used consistly to ensure a safe technology experience in schools.

Copyright, internet safety, and acceptable use are very important elements of technology use in the classroom.  As teachers, it is our responsibility to not only educate our students about these subjects, but also commit to following these standards and rules ourselves.