If you need reimbursements, here is the form to fax or mail...Reimbursement FormReimbursement Form.

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Take a moment and offer your feedback for this May Cadre Meeing. A random drawing will be done for a small gift certificate.

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These meetings are always so great to learn what everybody else is doing and to inspire me to go back and do things that I aready knew about but have not persued. I have done some geoccaching, but Dean put it on a whole new level. This has been a great motivator. Thanks to Everyone!!!

This was my first experience with the MT Cadre and it was absolutely fun and positive. I love to listen to what all of the members are achieving and exploring!!

Thanks for always introducing something new! I loved the geocaching and it taught me a new way to do geocaching with my students. Also, enjoyed the work time on Friday and the presentations of everyone's work.

One thing I learned today that I did not know....
How I have used one or some of these skills in my job....

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Using movie maker to make my first movie...a learning process but a powerful tool. Like the writely idea and the instant collaboration and modification of a document. Photo story will be downloaded.

I learned how to use the stamp tool in photo editing software. I also gathered more knowledge on hosting a blogging site, new media content websites, and icebreaker activities to bring back to my staff.

I like the hyperlinks in the master slide, this saves time and energy trying to remember each time where it goes.
I have done a real basic all about me with 4 and 5 graders during summer school. I don't think I would get this indepth with the photoshop with them, but I think high schoolers could do it.

I saw Writely for the first time. I used Photoshop for the second time. I realized that I need to learn that program. It is passing me by. I saw and used Photo Story for the first time. And I met some people from around the state who are much more knowledgable than I am. It was a great opportunity for me to come today.

One thing I learned today is that there are many different ways to accomplish the same task in technology.

This was evident in the video showcase and in the creation of the "All About Me" powerpoints.

I like being able to see how people use different hardware and software to accomplish the same projects.

Cheers to variety!!

I learned a more effective way of presenting our showcases. Presenting more presentations at a time in small groups, with time to process, would be much more effective then showing each individual presentation to a single audience.

One thing that I learned today is that I can get old movies, pictures and files from Archives.org. I thing that will be quite interesting when looking for samples for my students to work on. I learned that Kristen is going wild using PDA's in her classroom. That should be a motivator for me.

I had not ever worked in making a movie using stills or movie clips. I was excited to learn about Photo Story and to have some time to work with it to see what its capabilities are. I feel this will be a great tool to use with my 4th/5th graders when I get back as we just returned from a week at Camp Corvid (Ravenwood) and would like to put together a movie to show parents, peers, superintendent, and school board members what we did and learned during this experience. Thanks for the support, knowledge and ideas!

I was happy to get the review on using the master slide in powerpoint. Nice use of hyperlinks in the slides.

I liked seeing the photo editing in photoshop elements. I now believe that out of Fireworks, Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and Digital Imaging Suite I would recommend Digital Imaging Suite as the easiest to teach for beginners. The built in wizards in this software are very easy to follow.

I continue to marvel at how easy it is to maintain a blog for training. This is a wonderful way to have real time resources for the workshop participants. Thanks Jennifer

It's been great this weekend. I have learned some little tricks and tips. Doug was great in showing us the stamp tool. I also love the Writely website. I really want to use it next year. Coming to this meeting is so invigorating that I hope the project continues for at least a few more years.

One thing I learned today that I didn't know anything about was Photoshop. I may only have a quick view, but the contact was made and I know who, DOUG, will be a great resource. Yesterday, making the movie was great fun and a new idea to share with my staff.

I have never used a "master slide" in PowerPoint, nor had I used the blur tool in a photo editing program. This is good information for me.

I have a question as to whether or not our "All About Me" projects will be applied to Writely.

I enjoyed watching other participant's movies. I learned about new applications that I've not heard of before. I'm curious about Mozilla Composer and what it does. I appreciate having the opportunity to see what other grants across the state are doing. Thanks!

http://www.sounddogs.com/default.asp
Sound FX and Loops

http://www.flashkit.com/loops/

Sound Loops

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Hi all,

We were supposed to write something about what we will take home and use from the cadre. It is always great to be able to share technology ideas with other teachers. I guess one advantage of talking with teachers personally is that you get real ideas used by real teachers like you and I. There are all kinds of ideas and software out there. It is just that I feel as though some high tech junkie uses it and promotes it and it is way out of my league. Anyway, it was a pleasure. I am investigating Syncronize. Later, Doug

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Thanks for the opportunity to attend the Cadre in Helena. I learned a great deal and have shared a number of ideas, web addresses, and general information with my fellow teachers. My students were excited to see the photos on the web showing exactly where I was and what I did while I was absent from them. Thanks again

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A respons to Jere's question:

Yes indeed it is. The Technology Depreciation Fund is also known, in some circles -smile, as the "Clear Cutting For Kids" technology fund.

-michael

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Wow, I've learned so much. I love what is going on in the state of Montana. The Palm is a great classroom tool. I didn't realize how much could be done with it. I was interested in blogging before; now I'm excited about it and intend to make use of it in the classroom. The teachers from Superior have inspired me to once again try to learn Flash. I am going to try to create a Flash movie for my Intel assignment. Check out the EMTEC website in March to see if I was successful.

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This is me audioblogging right to my computer and uploading it via www.audioblog.com. It then automatically uploads into my blog.

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Here is the form needed to submit for reimbursement. Please attach receipts. You may email it to me at jena@oetc.org, mail or fax it to our office.

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Our thoughts

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powered by Audioblog.com

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Be sure to wear your JAM (jewelry and makeup)

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Try this out, it is so cool, right from my phone.

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To checkout the level of funding your district received from the State of Montana Technology Entitlement -Timber Harvest Fund program for 2005-2006, go to:

PDF: http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/SchoolFinance/TechFundEntitlements.pdf

The list is organized by county order.

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Is this *Clear Cutting for Kids* $$?

Directions:
1. In your groups use this document or the list from your handheld, Want to Know
2. Categorize the list into four or more categories
3. Post those categories to this blog post as a comment

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One of the websites that I was passed last night was onlineschoolreports.com. I really did not have time to go out and check out the sites last night. When I left I went and started reading my homework for next weekend. I did go on this morning and took a quick look. It seems like something I could use.

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Kidsclick.org looks like a great place for students to do an easy web search.

Kidsclick.org looks like a great place for students to do an easy web search.

Kidsclick.org looks like a great place for students to do an easy web search.

Here is a website that was beamed to me! StarFall.com

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Share one of the URLs you "GOT" last night here in the comment section.

When you are done upload a picture of the group. Make sure it is NOT wider than 175 pixels and choose Photo Gallery as the category.

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www.tekmom.com

Good morning,
Here is a great site for all teachers. This site has great links for all subjects.
http://www.jimmoulton.org

http://www.iknowthat.com

www.eoscenter.com

Great site with lots of technology...
Download the terraexplorer program and you can do a virtual flight of the path of Lewis and Clark through Montana. Fun and interesting,

http://www.imdb.com

This site is full of information that I will be able to use in my classroom.

enchantedlearning.com

I liked all the different ways to reinforce math facts.

A website I was given yesterday that I thought was supercool: http://medtropolis.com/VBody.asp

This is a great website for sharing student work. I'm not sure who I got it from, but THANKS!

I received http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/from Amanda Tunby of Plevna. This website's catch phrase is "using technolgy to enhance teaching and learning". Looks like a great resoure for history teachers!! SHARA :)

http:/www.multiplication.com THIS is the site with the great math fact reinforcement. Sorry, forgot the website.

www.kidsclick.org
A super search engine.

www.essaypunch.com

This site was given to me for math computation practice. Elementary teachers on staff in my district have been looking for such sites. If anyone knows any others please let me know.

www.aaamath.com

One site that I received from someone that would be a good alternative to building an entire website is http://www.schoolnotes.com. It's very user friendly for teachers, students, and parents.

I use the images on google for powerpoint enhancement and many times there are awesome web sites attached. I hyperlink these while showing my students. cool stuff

Click here to take survey

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This is to find out what you want more time learning about!

Write down your favorite educational websites on your handheld, or on the Give One Get One worksheet.
2. When the music plays walk around the room.
3. When the music stops, find someone near you.
4. Share one from your Give One column.
5. Get One from there column.
6. Repeat
7. Go back and search out your new resources, Furl the important ones.

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I was talking to my seniors about blogging for our Literature class. They didn't seem too excited about it though. I think they're afraid that the whole world will be able to view what they write.

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How are kids today communicating? Check it out, you too can learn T9. Reflect: Am I meeting the interests and needs of the students I serve? How could I integrate technologies that the students are already using, into my instruction?
Record your thoughts in this box.

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I received this email, and was wondering if anyone could respond....

From: JANICE SCHIEDLER Email Janice
Subject: wired classrooms

I'm looking to make contact with a teacher or staff of teachers at the elementary level that are really integrating technology into most of their lessons. Is there anyone that you can recommend?

Sincerely,

Janice Schiedler
Media Specialist/STC
Eyre Elementary
Salem, OR

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We have just started a blog for our Grant group in North East Montana. We are hoping that it will help spread ideas amonst teachers involved in the grant. NEEDITT We are just getting started, but I think it has promise !

Instructional Technology Resources

Things people asked about can be found online from the above link:

• Cool stuff for teachers! Includes lesson plans, curriculum resources, and more. In particular see the KidsClick site as well as the integration ideas.
  


• Free Tools for Teachers Includes tools for making timelines, crosswords, worksheets, puzzles, etc.


• Virtual Training Center For the Thumbnail software mentioned in the wrap up, see Digital Images and ThumbHTML.

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We had a great time learning to geocach. This was one of many I have done but the first in Helena.

Here is a picture of the group at the cache.

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We just found our first Geocache. This is an amazing technology that apparently has been around for quite a while. It is about time I found out how it works. I will start using and promoting it immediately

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I just survived my first Geocaching adventure!!! I LOVED it and Can't wait to do this with my 5th-6th library kids. I found out there is a couple in our area that are geocachers!! So they are willing to come in and set up a little cache with my class! I cant wait to do this it sounds like soo much fun and my mind is going crazy with ideas!!! Thanks Lyn!!!!

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Geocaching Web Site References

• Hiding/Seeking Caches


• Reporting A New Cache


• Miscellaneous GPS software; a good one that works on both Windows/Macintosh is GPSBabel.
  

PowerPoint: MT 2004 Presentation (PowerPoint file; 6.96 Mb)

See the Ed PD Cadre Moodle for an article on integrating Geocaching into instruction.

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We out east could use some help getting a new school!

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I found this really cool kid safe blogging site that I am going to use with my library classes!

www.blogger.com

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Here is a link to the GTCC
www.gtccmt.org
Cooperate and Graduate!

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There are many free blogs that are available. Personally, I like Motime because of the adjustments that you can make. For instance, you can have people comment (anyone or just specific people), select a template that looks pretty nice, and there is fairly limited advertising.

But, be warned...you can access other people's blogs and this is something that you would want to talk to your students about (ie: this is our class blog, here is where it is appropriate to go, repercussions for wandering).

If you prefer, you can also pay for a blog account. The advantage of a for pay blog is that there are no ads and no links to other blogs. One option, for the more technically inclined is TeachingHosting--here is an example of my friend's blog--My Two Cents. The difference between this and motime, aside from the $ and ads, is that there are no templates, so you kind of have to know what you are doing (technically) to make it look nice.

For more info on blogs, see my blog page.

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Blogging could be used as a communication tool for a class project.

It could be used by teachers to share experiences, frustrations, successes and tips on a project of common interest. Posting a frustration might bring a suggestion from a colleague who had a similar experience and had solved the problem.

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I ask students to report on ongoing research as well as respond to other student's comments. I have an example Heritage Blog where students have commented on the research they did on a family heirloom.

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After reading a whole-class novel, students could use a blog to review the book; something like the reviews on Amazon.com. The teacher could also post questions on individual chapters for students to respond to. It would eliminate paperwork, and the students would be improving their keyboarding skills as well.

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teachers could share thoughts about new technology that the school is currently introducing. I don't know that they wouldn't just view it as something else to do. I think that the students at junior high and high school would enjoy using this to share thoughts they have about reading assignments, editorials they read in history for current events, a painting they have studied in art, problem solving, or journaling about what went right or wrong in the science lab.

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Blogging will encourage communication, writing skills, and spelling. It will get kids reading. It will broaden there thinking. They may become interested in other things.

I really like the teddy bear talking to the class, asking questions, and encouraging responses.

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Sharing ideas for a group project where learners are at different sites.
Brainstorming ideas.
Group discussion

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Utilize it to work collaboratively in groups.
Pen pal communication.
Grant communication....and communication between grant

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Students could help each other with their homework.
Problem of the week opportunities.
Links to helpful web sites.
Study Groups.
Multi school, multi-grade. or cross curriculum projects.
Communicating with students who are home sick.

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Students could use a blog for trouble shooting technical problems, or one could present a problem and then others could share solutions.

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-Creating student FAQ's for frustrations with particular classroom projects
-Posting ideas of integrating technology in the classroom
-Journaling about success and failure in the use of technology
-Sharing ideas for classroom projects for the "Jason Project"
-Creating an "ask the expert" environment between elementary students and high school students
-Posting ideas on the use of the "smart board and synchroneyes software in the classroom"

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I have a hard time to consistantly get my students to journal on their novels. I think they would blog their journals and find it much more fun. Several teachers are involved in the Jason Project in our school. We are all reading novels 4th through 9th grades. Using a blog to have the students interact about their novels would be a unique experience for our students. Any ideas?

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As a second grade teacher, I can see many uses for blogging. I do a morning message each morning on large chart paper. I could start doing my morning message through blogging and then display it on the Smart Board. Then my students could blog back to me.
I also think it would be a great way to reflect on the day. Especially with behavior! My students and I could blog on how well we thought the day went.
I am in a small school, where there's only of one or less than one of each grade level. Finding a grade level blog would be great for exchanging ideas with other 2nd grade teachers.

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Blogging!!!!! Hmmmm Maybe blogging could be used to connect two schools in two different countries. The world is becoming smaller everyday and with the comunication we have today, I think it would be cool to connect two schools that speak different languages. It would be a great way to practice learning a foreign language. Maybe by typing to a student in another country kids would take a great interest in the practical side of speaking and writing another language. Kan du hav it godt, jeg hop den kan forstove hvis jeg se. COOL

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I could see using blogging to hold discussion on various subjects. The students may feel less inhibited if they did not have anyone else listening to their answers.

You could post a question for extra credit. Interested students could blog their answers.

Students could review for tests with each other. They could take turns asking and answering.

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Blogs can be used in the Social Studies classrooms for compilation of research.
I can see where posing a question such as "What are the effects of the Presidential Election on our future?", would really inspire students to thing and investigate policies of our current administration.

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It allows for a teacher to take a field trip via internet and then discuss what they found. Example visit the Louvre and look at the Mona Lisa. Then post in a blog the importance or emotion that the picture conveys.

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My first use of a blog will be to use it as a communication tool for teachers who are in schools involved in the group.

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I thought this would work great with my library kids after we use geocaching for a scavenger hunt in Library class. That way I can get responses from the kids and how they liked or didn't like the geocaching. I can also get ideas from them for another geocaching lesson.

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My first use of a blog will be to use it as a communication tool for teachers who are in schools involved in the group.

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I think that I could use blogs for the kids to write their original work, and then everyone can respond to it in a nonthreatening manner.

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What are your favorite blog tips for new users?

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Brainstorm some of the educational uses of blogs in the classroom

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I think it is great to hear about what others are doing! I will take ideas back to my university and hopefully change will happen..in this decade!

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Goal: Provide a model classroom environment for integrating technology.

Trainings occur in the model classrooms (mostly on Saturdays). Generally there is a practice day that is set up for a couple of weeks after the training so people can come back and get help.

Using a variety of software/hardware: MS Office, Dreamweaver, Inspiration, Smartboard, Fireworks, Synchroneyes,...

Student projects: lampshades, lightswitch plates
TechCamp in the summer for teachers to prep them for the next school year.
TechNight: kind of like a science fair...almost all teachers participate.

Technology Integrated Classrooms that Optimize Curriculum

Group #4: NOCENTC; Group #5: NE-TEC (02:28PM)

NE-TEC Grant
NOCENTC Grant

Goals: Increase student acievement through technology integration.

Four PD Phases:
*Summer Outreach (two days) for integration specialists
*Regional Outreach at school sites. Teachers model classroom tech use.
*Onsite Outreach--partners visit schools to see what teachers need and train them on what they want/need
*Online Outreach--networking component for participants (Microsoft LiveMeeting, listservs, email, website sharing)

They also use Classroom Performance System for tracking classroom assessments and data.

Great resources:
High Plains Regional Tech Consortium
TechWorks Curriculum

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Goal: To improve student scores through the use of technology.

More teachers use tech in the classroom, attend afterschool training, share ideas, etc.

One difficulty was the underuse of the mentors; they reconfigured how the mentors operated and it has been much better.

They also have an "infusion" specialist who goes to each school once a week. During the day, he helps out in classrooms; after school he does trainings (anyone can attend).

Second year they have integrated the Intel TTTF program (just started this).

Really need more than a year to be comfortable being a mentor. One other item--some districts paid their teachers, some didn't.

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Eastern Montana Technology Education Consortium

Goal: Intel TTTF implementation to improve tech skills of teachers and students.

Main Strength: Due to the distances between schools, the ability to get together has been a great thing!

Intel Training Project

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Year 1: Mentor teachers in a safe atmosphere; learned productivity tools (MS Office)
Year 2: Using Intel Teach to the Future to integrate into the classroom.

Professional Dev't: Pay teachers to go through Intel TTTF program; bring in outside presenters as needed

Basic skills are really important to have prior to integration.

More information (PDF)

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Wow, this afternoon was hectic...lots of problems getting people's Windows wireless connections up and running. Macs, no problem!

Connecting Wireless
1. Look for the button on your computer to turn on the wireless
2. Check the settings in Internet Explorer and turn off any proxy settings (**be sure to turn them back on when you return to school or you won't be able to connect to the interent!)

See if the wireless works. If not...

If you are running Windows XP:
1. Right click on the wireless icon in your task bar (if you are not sure which icon, it looks like two computers with a little red x--just hover your mouse over it and wait for it's name to show up)
2. Select View Available Networks
3. Select the network that you want to use
4. Check the little box that says "allow connection" or something to that effect.

If you are running Windows 98:
1. Open the Control Panels and open the Wireless Network control panel
2. Create a new profile--click edit profile and enter the name of the wireless network in both the profile name and the Network name.
3. Click OK
4. To check for your wireless connection, go to your Network Connections (Start Menu/Settings...) and right click on the local area connection; select Properties. This will show you the rate at which you are connected.

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G o o d Morning Montana! Oh what a beautiful day we are experiencing. Sun, sun and more sun. Oregonians love this stuff especially in the fall.

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Welcome Montana Cadre! This is our very own blog! Check out this link for our

November Agenda.

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