Technology Integration Coach Role

As we move into year 3 with our CFF equipment I want to share some thoughts. Most of us that have used the equipment have become proficient with most aspects of the equipment itself. It is now time to focus on using this equipment to facilitate higher level thinking and problem solving skills with our students. As your coach, I am available to help. Just let me know when you have a lesson which you would like to step up a notch. Together, I am sure we can come up with ideas that can make a good lesson even better. You can contact me via e-mail, phone, or Skype. Even better - just stop in and say hello and we can get the ball rolling.

For those who just loved the Embedded Learning courses - there is good news. The blended version is still available. Just let me know and I can see if I can find a course for you to join. For those of you who did not care for these course - there is good news. They are NOT required this year.

I'll Be Back!

Remember the Terminator's line from the Movie? I'll be back. I was told by our Superintendent that it's true. Starting the 3rd quarter I will be returning to the coach position at WWHS. The biggest difference is that services from the coach is open to all not just core area teachers. Save up your ideas. I'll see you all in two weeks.

Classrooms for the Future - Year 2

As the second year of Classrooms for the Future nears an end I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your hard work on technology integration. You have been mindful of the needs of our students and have looked for better ways to engage them. It truly has been a pleasure working with you.

Over the past two years, I equated our journey in CFF to running track. During that time we moved out of the start-up blocks and have crossed several hurdles along the way. Sometimes we stumbled, but here at Western Wayne, we have always recovered to run even faster and better.

There is one significant difference between running track and the CFF program. The runner, if he/she persists will finish the race; however the central principal of CFF, student engagement and higher level thinking skills, (our finish line) can never be crossed. It is a goal for which we must continue to strive. As we ‘run’ forward, the finish line also moves forward. New students arrive in the fall. New technology tools become available. We revise and improve lessons. Whether Classrooms for the Future funding will be available next year makes no difference. We still need to keep striving to better engage our students, require higher level thinking skills, and prepare them for the 21^st Century work world. These are goals I know you will continue to pursue.

Have a restful and productive summer. I will continue to monitor Skype and my e-mail over the summer. If you should have any questions or need some coaching help please do not hesitate to contact me.

CFF Summer Virtual Camps

Google Tools Course

The Google Tools course is running each Wednesday afternoon in May. I will be in room 115 starting around 3:15 PM. If you are not registered but would like to attend a session or two just drop by. We have room. If you wonder what we will be discussing just point your browser at: http://cff09.wikispaces.com/