Sessions and Presenters

Sessions: 
Each attendee will be able to choose three sessions, in addition to seeing the Keynote Speaker and taking part in the Panel Discussion.  The offered sessions are posted below.

Presenters:
All of our presenters are from/affiliated with TAIS member schools, except for our Keynoter, Carol Anne McGuire. 

Technology Institute 2010 Sessions

Key for Tracks:  EC=Early Childhood, LS=Lower School, MS=Middle School, US=Upper School, A=Administrators, TC=Tech Coordinators, and IS=Integration Specialists
Click here to see only the titles and tracks.

If you have already registered for the Technology Institute, please click here to choose your sessions.

BLOCK A  (10 Session Choices)

Women Scientists Come Alive with VoiceThread!  (Mac Lab)
Deb Foehring with Penny Bower & Kimberly Moon – St. Mary’s Episcopal School
Tracks:  All of them
Is 21st Century technology nipping at your heels? Do Web 2.0 tools overwhelm you? Take one step at a time and try a VoiceThread with us. We will demonstrate how we used VoiceThread to create a meaningful, cross-curricular, collaborative project and had fun doing it!

Live Blogging (Windows Lab)
Shawn Arrington – Baylor School
Tracks:  MS, US, TC, IS
An introduction to live blogging - a fun and engaging way to involve students (outside of the school walls) in a broader discussion on events while they happen. Focusing on the CoveritLive tool, attendees will see examples of archived live blogs, including the Presidential and Vice-Presidential debates from 2008 and the 2010 State of the Union Address, learn how to get their students involved, and participate in a demonstration of the tool itself.

Beyond Boundaries: Exploring Global Themes in the Elementary Curriculum
Jessica Lancaster – St. Mary’s Episcopal School
Tracks:  LS, MS, TC, IS
Students use 21st century tools to create, share and experience the world around them. During this session, participants will be exposed to a variety of activities that can be adapted to most any classroom. Students apply higher-order thinking skills as they use a variety of Web 2.0 tools to create, communicate and collaborate. Many of the projects shared have an interdisciplinary focus, incorporating art, music, global languages, literature, social studies and more. Students are exposed to quality research and citation methods. Resources and recommendations on how to get connected globally will be shared, as well as the challenges and successes experienced during the process.

You Can Do It!  Instructional Videos by Students for Students
Julie King – Episcopal School of Knoxville
Tracks:  LS, MS, US, TC
Come see how students can use video cameras and digital presentation tools to create instructional (how-to) videos for younger students. Tips on setting up the project, from brainstorming and script-writing, through video creation will be included. Brief tutorials on the use of digital video cameras, conversion software, Windows Movie Maker, Photostory and Animoto, as well as examples of student-produced instructional videos will be provided.

Tech Resources for Pandemic Planning (and for everyday!)
Molly Rumsey with Melissa Wert – The Harpeth Hall School
Tracks:  MS, US, A, TC, IS
This past fall, we offered over 25 professional development training sessions for our faculty, aimed primarily at Web 2.0 tools to use in case an H1N1 pandemic forced a school closure. The good news is that we did not have to close the school AND our teachers had a host of new tools at their disposal. Come to this session to learn about a number of software packages and web solutions to help transform your classroom into a student-directed learning space, including but not limited to: LectureScribe, GoogleDocs, VoiceThread, Dimdim, Diigo and Twitter.

Multiple Representations of Understanding through Digital Media
Clif Mims – University of Memphis
Tracks:  LS, MS, US, TC, IS
This energetic session will demonstrate that with freely available digital technologies students can demonstrate their understanding of course content in multiple ways (images, audio, video, presentations, artwork, and more). Each student’s end product (learning artifact) allows them to personally self-express their mastery of the content. Although teachers may not be comfortable using all of today's technology it is important to consider allowing students to use it to communicate their understanding as they are often more naturally able to more fully express themselves with digital media.

Going Global with Twitter
Melissa Smith with Cindy Brock & Kelli Anderson – Presbyterian Day School
Tracks:  All of them
Twitter is a free and simple social networking site that will break down the walls of your classroom and build connections with others all over the world. Learn how to use this tool to build a community in which you can gain so much from every time you visit it! See how PDS teachers use this tool in so many different ways, from asking questions, bouncing off ideas, learning about new programs or sites, following conversations and conferences to using it to collaborate on a variety student Web 2.0 projects giving the students an interactive authentic audience. (Classroom and professional development examples will be given that are applicable in any grade and subject.)

Connecting Your Students Globally
Chelsy Hooper with Terri Schulz – Ensworth
Tracks:  LS, MS, US, TC, IS
No matter what subject or level you teach, adding a global component is necessary to prepare students for our increasingly connected world. Technology provides affordable (often free) and practical means to connect with other classrooms. Learn how to take advantage of these global collaboration opportunities by brainstorming ideas for your own project. Give your students a chance to become globally competent.

Polar Bears and Challenge Based Learning
Julene Reed – St. George’s Independent School
Tracks:  MS, US, TC, IS
In this session, we will discuss Challenge Based Learning and review the online related curriculum related to polar bears and climate change. Join us to discuss this method of engagement and authentic learning, view related technology projects, and learn about "Tundra Connections," a program that utilizes videoconferences and webcasts as well as other technologies to bring authentic learning experiences revolving around polar bears and climate change to you and your students.

Mobile Learning (iPod, iPad, iPhone) - Apple Lab
Carole Anne McGuire with Anthony Robinson and Jim Eden - Apple
Tracks:  All
Students are already coming to school with portable devices such as mobile phones or iPods in hand. So they're used to gathering information on the web, getting their email, watching videos, getting directions, or pinpointing exactly where their friends are at anytime and anywhere. Now they can learn anytime and anywhere, too. As educators all over the world are discovering, mobile learning works. Students devour engaging, customized curricula when it's delivered on the iPod, iPad, or iPhone.  It's a familiar and essential part of their lives. Audio and video podcasts let students study at their own pace, wherever and whenever they want. This hands-on session will highlight examples of Apps and podcast content available for today's classrooms.

BLOCK B  (10 Session Choices)

Creating Digital Video Projects with iMovie '09  (Mac Lab)
Carol Anne McGuire, keynote speaker - New Village Leadership Academy
Julene Reed - St. George's Independent Schools
Tracks:  LS, MS, US, TC, IS
In this hands-on session, participants will utilize iMovie '09 to create original video productions utilizing both video and still photos. We will create a public service announcement on polar bears and the changing climate during the workshop. Learn how easy and intuitive iMovie is to use and discuss ideas for integrating it into your curriculum!

Mixing Web Tools Into Your Classroom  (Smart Board)
Susan Love – Presbyterian Day School
Tracks:  LS, MS
Become a comma in numbers on Blabber.com...Use Google Earth to teach parallel lines, Use animoto to create a video for your classroom...let your students create podcasts to teach a concept...use create a graph to let your students collect their own data and create a graph to go with it...the possibilities are endless!!!!!

Good to Great Web Technology Strategies
Bethany Silvestri (finalsite) with Lorrie Jackson – Lausanne Collegiate School
Tracks:  A, TC, IS
Take the opportunity to focus on the “forest” of your site, instead of the “trees” of your pages. Join Rob DiMartino, a Director at finalsite and special guests as we discuss an overview of best practices to generate a true vision for your web site sustainability Plan. Discuss the three “p”s, people, platforms, and processes, and examine how to get the best buy-in from your staff and stakeholders as you create a strategy for making the site you need. Focus on efficiency, speed, and data integrations to make your tech department shine.

Poddy Training: iPod Touches in the Early Childhood Classroom
Sheri Burkeen with Shelley Herzke – St. Mary’s Episcopal School
Tracks:  EC, TC, IS
This session will describe how one teacher's idea to use an iPod instead of an old, bulky CD player exploded into an integrated iPod Touch program for her classroom. See how this idea grew from teacher-use to four and five year olds practicing letter formation and early literacy skills in the palm of their hands. Early math operations, beginning sounds, first words, spatial memory and creativity are skills to be demonstrated. Applications are appropriate for students from three through early elementary grades. Resources for digital stories will bring the old fashioned listening center into the digital age.

Technology in the Mathematics Classroom
Edward Zaborowski with Bill Zepeda – Franklin Road Academy
Track:  US
This presentation will discuss integrating technology in the mathematics classroom. Topics will include pencasts, calculator labs, tablet PCs, the internet, and the use of various mathematics software.

Scratching the Surface: Using Scratch to Introduce Computer Science Skills in Middle School
Jill Pala with Elizabeth Resnick – Girls Preparatory School
Tracks:  LS, MS, US, TC, IS
This session will include a demonstration of Scratch and a discussion of how this software program has been integrated into our 7th grade Technology class to introduce computational thinking skills, expose our students to basic concepts of computer science, and debunk stereotypes about programming. Scratch is MIT’s free graphical programming language that allows students to design and implement interactive stories and games. Though used in our middle school technology class, Scratch is accessible enough for elementary students, entertaining enough for high school students, and can easily be incorporated into other disciplines to spice up assignments.

Students Beyond Borders on Wings of Ning
Cindy McCain – Donelson Christian Academy
Tracks:  US, English
Named in 2009 as “Best Educational Use of a Social Networking Service” by Edublog, English Companion Ning is more than a resource for teachers. Setting up a Ning network for each course we teach is the ultimate way to foster students taking ownership of their learning. I’ll demonstrate how to maximize the features of Ning so that your classroom, like a coffee shop abuzz 24/7, is a place of collaboration and publication as students from different course sections and countries across the globe meet to make connections between lit and life. I’ll demonstrate how to incorporate Ning assignments into the syllabus such as movie trailers, interviews, virtual tours, documentaries, local cultural events, forums, blogs, music and videos. We’ll discuss assessment and Ning’s potential for other disciplines. 

Technology and Critical Thinking in the Foreign Language Classroom
Marees Choppin – The Harpeth Hall School
Track:  MS
The goal of this session is not to teach technology, but rather to offer critical thinking activities which reflect real life usage and allow for authentic language production and communication. The presentation will include showcases of Wiki for a Spanish holidays project, Voice Thread for Spanish short stories and family presentations, and Alice digital animation with Spanish literature. The session also highlights native speaker forums with a Ning social blog, and a joint Spanish/English class poetry assignment.

STEP:  Student Technology Education Program
Steve Compton with Bettie Parsons Barger – Franklin Road Academy
Tracks:  MS, US, A, TC, IS
The Student Technology Education Program (STEP) is a seventh-grade tablet computer safety and security education program at Franklin Road Academy (FRA).  There are several components of the program designed to support students, teachers, and parents during the first year of owning their personal laptop (tablet) to be used at school.  STEP includes student assemblies and follow-up activities, Technology Teams with parents, and annual technology surveys for faculty, students, and parents.  One of the main components of the program is the idea of a “Graduated License Program”.  The component is designed to ease students into full network and internet privileges as they become more mature and develop their decision making skills.    Feedback has suggested a significant reduction of computer repairs and reduction of classroom distractions at school.  The program can be incorporated into any school situation and any grade. 

Mobile Learning (iPod, iPad, iPhone) - Apple Lab
Tony Trumbo of Ensworth with Anthony Robinson and Jim Eden - Apple
Tracks:  All
Students are already coming to school with portable devices such as mobile phones or iPods in hand. So they're used to gathering information on the web, getting their email, watching videos, getting directions, or pinpointing exactly where their friends are at anytime and anywhere. Now they can learn anytime and anywhere, too. As educators all over the world are discovering, mobile learning works. Students devour engaging, customized curricula when it's delivered on the iPod, iPad, or iPhone.  It's a familiar and essential part of their lives. Audio and video podcasts let students study at their own pace, wherever and whenever they want. This hands-on session will highlight examples of Apps and podcast content available for today's classrooms.

BLOCK C  (8 Session Choices)

Comic Life in the Classroom (Mac Lab)
Lisa Prewitt with Lisa Jolly – Currey Ingram Academy
Tracks: EC, LS, MS, US, IS
Using the application, Comic Life, teachers can explore ways to integrate this technology into their curriculum. Teachers will be able to experience the ease of creating something themselves, that they can then print out/email to themselves for use in their classrooms. Examples of this would include: story sequence, life cycles, historical timelines, word problems, and much more. There will also be instructions on how to share this to iTunes.

Teaching Math with a Smart Board and Web 2.0
Andy Stultz – Baylor School
Tracks:  MS, US, A, Math
This session will talk about how I use the smart notebook to teach algebra and geometry. Specifically, some best practices I have found by using the board for the last eight years. During the session I will also talk about how Web 2.0 has changed my teaching strategies and what the future holds for a high tech classroom.

Passion for Pictures
Jennifer Stover – Hutchison School
Track:  LS
Everyone loves Pictures! Come listen to how photos and technology have been incorporated into a fourth grade curriculum. For example, students made magazine covers all while learning about the role of the President. You will see the connection of curriculum, research, creativity and technology. The activities presented would be appropriate for grades second through fourth.

Assistive Technology to Help Students Achieve Independence with Reading and Writing
Wendy Bergman – Currey Ingram Academy
Tracks: MS, US, A,TC, IS
This inservice will provide parents and teachers with helpful resources, methods and ideas to help students achieve increased independence with reading and writing. Software/tools to be demonstrated include: Dragon Naturally Speaking & MacSpeech Dictate, Inspiration, Text to Speech, and the LiveScribe Pulse Smartpen. Each participant will receive a resource list in addition to product demonstrations, interviews with experienced students, and opportunities to ask questions.

Authentic Assessment in the Digital Classroom
Kelly Huddleston – Franklin Road Academy
Tracks:  US, TC, IS
Step away from the text book and engage your technology students in project based assessments. Learn how to incorporate Photoshop, Publisher, Excel, Movie Maker, Dreamweaver, and Power Point into a powerful real-world experience of “Creating a Business.” Throughout a semester, students will: write a mission statement; design a logo; create business cards, letterhead, and brochures; track their income and expenses and create a net profit/loss statement; produce a commercial; design a website to showcase their product or service; and finally present everything to “potential investors.” Besides having fun, students are also learning the software.

When PowerPoint Starts Getting Old, Try Something New
Lynn Williams – Briarcrest Christian School
Tracks:  EC, LS, MS, US, TC, IS
Are there times when you and your students need a little break from using PowerPoint or even watching you use PowerPoint in the classroom? Come and learn about some new online presentation and collaboration tools, such as Prezi, Nota, and Museum Box, as well as other free Web 2.0 tools that can be used in the classroom. Bring some topics that you would like to add some “spice” to using these tools so that we can collaborate and share them with others during the session.

Google Earth
Carol Anne McGuire, keynote speaker's break-out session – New Village Leadership Academy Tracks:  MS, US, IS
From literature to geography to environmental science, Google Earth can help you bring a world of information alive for your students!  

Mobile Learning (iPod, iPad, iPhone) - Apple Lab
Julene Reed with Anthony Robinson and Jim Eden - Apple
Tracks:  All
Students are already coming to school with portable devices such as mobile phones or iPods in hand. So they're used to gathering information on the web, getting their email, watching videos, getting directions, or pinpointing exactly where their friends are at anytime and anywhere. Now they can learn anytime and anywhere, too. As educators all over the world are discovering, mobile learning works. Students devour engaging, customized curricula when it's delivered on the iPod, iPad, or iPhone.  It's a familiar and essential part of their lives. Audio and video podcasts let students study at their own pace, wherever and whenever they want. This hands-on session will highlight examples of Apps and podcast content available for today's classrooms.