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    2009-2010 New Initiatives

    We have some major new projects and resources for the staff this year.

    • Learn 360 video streaming is our new resource for streaming video replacing Discovery Streaming.
      • To sign up for an account contact your TRT.
      • The quality of the videos is higher and the number of titles is growing rapidly.
      • The system allows the uploading of videos like our own "YouTube" only it's "WenTube"
      • We are storing all the Quicktime media locally so downloads should be very quick.
    • Power standards for technology integration
      • The state now has a list of standards K-12 for technology for our students.
      • The TRT's are continuing a process of identifying power standards for our students K-12
      • The TRT's will be identifying standards for our staff to meet these new student standards.
      • The TRT's will also be developing lessons that will tie with current curriculum that will cover the new power standards.
      • We will have the iTeach contest again this year the the application being a lesson that covers core curriculum and hits at least one power standard.
    • We have purchased a district site license for GradeCam
      • The K-5 has one year to evaluate the license before they decide to purchase for 2010-2011 or not.
      • The 6-12 have the license indefinitely.
      • Here is a link to their site: http://www.gradecam.com/
      • Contact your TRT or TRA for installation instructions.
      • Highlights are:
        • GradeCam is a student-performance scanner for the classroom.

          It is technology that reads bubble forms directly from a camera allowing you to grade multiple-choice tests with up to 100 questions. Because GradeCam uses software to replace the role of moving parts, it is very affordable!

          GradeCam is a tremendous teaching tool.

          It has never been easier or more affordable for you to see gaps in student understanding and provide just-in-time instruction. GradeCam gives both you and your students the feedback needed to monitor the learning in progress.

          GradeCam is a powerful paper-management device.

          GradeCam also automatically enters the results of each test directly into the grade book you are already using. In addition, GradeCam can be used to quickly transfer scores from graded papers into your grade book and to scan to post scores for credit/no credit student work as well.

          GradeCam is a next-generation data-collection solution.

          There is no easier, more convenient, less stressful, or less expensive way to collect information on student performance than GradeCam. Most educators intuitively know that this information needs to come from the classroom and flow up, not the other way around. They also know that gathering that data should be done regularly, and they want to do it in a way that does not add to teachers' huge work load and cost a bundle. GradeCam is the perfect solution.

    • Our Professional Development Registration system has been updated.
      • You can now log in and change your password and contact information.
      • You can sort courses taken by year.
      • You can print your transcript and use for salary advancement (as long as you have approval form from supervisor)
      • Remember to register prior to all courses, sign the roster at the training, and complete the course evaluation within 7 working days from the last session of the course.
    • We now have access to our own Google Docs system. More info to come on this one.
    • Our Moodle Server has been upgraded and the Moodle System has been updated to take advantage of new features.
      • If you would like your own Moodle course shell talk to your TRT and they can set one up for you.
    • The new district website has been launched. If you have ideas or feedback let us know.
    • We again will have Workshops on Demand and some form of 1 on 1 training from TRT's. In addition we will be offering several Laptop Bootcamp courses throughout the year.
    • Blog and Wiki server is well established. If you would like either contact your TRT.