Finding time to learn to use new technologies can be a challenge, here are three simple things you can do this month to learn new technologies quickly.
Learn to Use Skype- it’s FREE!
Skype is free video conferencing software that can be downloaded to any Internet-connected computer. Teachers all over the world are finding creative ways to use this technology in the classroom. Skype is simple to use and a terrific way for students to collaborate with students in other classrooms within their own building or at other schools anywhere in the world. Schedule a question and answer session with an expert. Present a class project to another classroom. The possibilities are limitless, so take some time this month to learn to use Skype, you will find it a valuable tool to engage students and foster collaboration in your classroom.
Plan to attend a Technology Conference
Conferences such as ISTE 2010 and Technology + Learning are designed specifically to provide educators with a wide variety of presentations, workshops, and educational software and hardware to stay informed about the best technologies available for classroom use. Worried about funding? Title II.A funds are designed specifically for professional development and can be used to fund travel and registration expenses for conferences. With a limited budget, keep in mind that you can flex other Title funds into your Title II.A account to use for professional development purposes. Those schools that reside in districts that are receiving Title II.D funds this fall can add those funds to their plans.
Learn to Use RubiStar
RubiStar has templates for more than 50 completely customizable and printable rubrics over many different topics. It is also a searchable database over more than 100,000 rubrics already created by educators. This month, visit RubiStar and use the Search feature to find rubrics over topics that you teach. This is a great way to gain new ideas for classroom projects. If you are interested in creating your own rubrics visit the ALTEC Video Channel for a three part series created by ALTEC’s own professional development experts that will teach you exactly how to use RubiStar in just a few minutes.
