December 2007 Edition

Happy Holidays to All Instructional Technology Leaders!

This is the fourth update of 2007-2008, and we continue with even more opportunities for professional development and other news related to technology use in our schools. You may choose to either receive future updates by e-mail or subscribe to it via RSS.

1. Next Local District 5 Instructional Technology Leader Meeting in January

2. CTAP Region 11 Instructional Technology Outreach Workshops

3. Google Highly Open Participation Contest - Deadline: January 22, 2008

4. Podcasting Conservatory at the California ScienCenter

5. Salary Point Workshops on Learning Zone

6. More LAUSD Teacher RSS Feeds to View and Subscribe To

1. Next Local District 5 Instructional Technology Leader Meeting in January

The next volunteer technology leadership/coordinator meeting of 2007-2008 for Local District 5 will be held 3:30-5:30pm on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at the Instructional Support Services (ISS) Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Local District 5, 2151 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032. This meeting will introduce emerging collaborative tools and their value in classroom instruction (e.g. Voicethread, Ustream.tv, etc.). Attendance is voluntary but does also provide an occasion when technology leaders can share ideas as well as learn about the latest in instructional technology.

Below is a preview of the tentative agenda:

03:30pm – Updates on Technology in LAUSD

04:00pm - Emerging Collaborative Learning Tools

05:00pm - Open Forum/Technology Leader Networking

2. CTAP Region 11 Instructional Technology Outreach Workshops

CTAP Region 11/Instructional Technology Outreach is offering various classes focusing on administrative/instructional use of technology for anyone to take. To register, please go to http://ctap.lacoe.edu/workshops. The following is a list of what is available:

EdTechProfile - Site Admin Workshop - This workshop will help you understand how to effectively gather data on technology literacy and curriculum integration, but more importantly... to learn how to get your teachers and/or students to complete EdTechProfile successfully, and without frustration. This three-hour workshop is for EdTechProfile site administrators who have the responsibility of administering EdTechProfile assessments/surveys at their school site. Learn: Account Management, Emailing Login Info to Teachers, Checking Completion Status, Creating Reports, Presenting Data on Technology Literacy & Curriculum Integration, and Using the Optional Services to Meet Local Needs

Fee: $25.00 When: March Session (03/20/08) @ Downey

Handheld Integration for Instruction (HiFi) for Administrators - As a part of this two-day workshop on using handhelds in school, each administrator will receive a Palm TX handheld (with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a bigger screen) and a resource binder of materials on using handhelds. Administrators will focus on educational handheld applications specifically designed for administrator use, including student information tools, classroom observation, databases and home-school communication tools. Participants will be given an overview of data-driven decision making and how handhelds can be used for support.

Fee: $300.00 When: (1) February Session (02/15/08 & 02/22/08) @ Downey, (2) March Session (03/21/08 & 03/28/08) @ Downey, or (3) April Session (04/10/08 & 04/17/08) @ Downey

Google Earth - Google's free mapping program can make learning geography a seamless part of your curriculum. Learn how to make geography a part of nearly every lesson using Google Earth with literature, social studies, and the arts by bringing live maps and satellite images to your classroom. No experience necessary.

Fee: Free When: (1) January/February Session (01/31/08 & 02/07/08) @ Downey

Work SMART-er with SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards - Learn how SMART Board interactive whiteboards can transform your classroom into an engaging place where all students can learn! This course will introduce basic use of SMART Boards and examine integration techniques in the classroom.

Fee: Free When: January Session (01/23/08) @ Valencia

McREL Balanced Leadership - School Leadership Program targeting District & School Site Administrators.

Fee: $2000.00 When: 2008 Session (01/24/2008 - 06/27/2008) @ Downey

3. Google Highly Open Participation Contest - Deadline: January 22, 2008

This contest is designed to encourage and inspire pre-university students to begin participating in open source development, and provide pre-university students interested in computer science and other fields with exposure to real-world software development. This is open to students 13 years of age and older.

For more information: http://code.google.com/opensource/ghop/2007-8/

4. Podcasting Conservatory at the California ScienCenter

The Podcasting Conservatory, offered by LACOE’s Multimedia Services and Science Education & Services in partnership with the California ScienCenter, is an intensive 2-1/2 day workshop for science educators who are interested in learning about podcasting as a new, accessible method to engage students in support of the California Content Standards. Digital tools that participants will be using include still cameras and editing software (Garageband on Apple computers). This workshop will focus on planning, critique, and evaluation of student work. This workshop will mirror the process that you will be expected to implement with students and willing colleagues.

WHEN: Thurs., January 31, 4-8pm; Fri. & Sat., February 1 & 2, 2008, 8am–4pm

WHERE: California ScienCenter, 700 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037

COST: $75; includes all workshop fees, parking each day, all meals (Thursday dinner, Friday & Saturday breakfast and lunch), and two IMAX Theater tickets!

Note: Registration is not confirmed until payment is received. Multimedia Services member schools/districts will receive a $25 discounted price as a member benefit.

For more information, go to: http://ito.lacoe.edu/podcon

5. Salary Point Workshops on Learning Zone

A list of salary point classes offered by LAUSD’s UPDATE program are available and listed below. For more information, please visit the UPDATE website at http://update.lausd.net/ or call (213) 241-1384.

To enroll in a class: http://lz.lausd.net/ - Once logged on using your Single Sign-On information, you can enroll in any of the classes by doing the following:

1) Click on Courses

2) Click on Class Offerings

3) Select U.P.D.A.T.E. under Program and Click on Search

4) Click on any of the class titles displayed in blue to begin enrollment process

5) Click on the orange Enroll Now button to add yourself to the training list

Course Title: Lights, Camera, Action! Create Cross Curriculum Lessons using iMovie

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 01/05 and 01/19/08

Location: 112^th Street Elementary School, 1265 E. 112^th Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Online – Special Students in Regular Classrooms: Technology Teaching and Universal Design

Time & Dates: 4pm-8pm on 01/07/08 and 02/25/08

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Online – Powerful Projects: Project-Based Learning Using Internet Resources

Time & Dates: 8am-12pm on 01/12 and 03/01/08

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Online – Inspiration for Effective Writing

Time & Dates: 8am-12pm on 01/12 and 03/08/08

Location: ITD Zelzah Training Room, 2505 Zelzah Avenue, Reseda

Course Title: Online Facilitator Course

Time & Dates: 12:15pm-4:15pm on 01/12 and 03/01/08

Location: ITD Zelzah Training Room, 2505 Zelzah Avenue, Reseda

Course Title: Lights, Camera, Action! Create Cross Curriculum Lessons using iMovie

Time & Dates: 4:30 pm-7:30pm on 01/16, 01/18, 01/21, and 01/23/08

Location: 68^th Street Elementary School, 612 W. 68^th Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Computer Basics for the Beginning Technology User

Time & Dates: 8am-3:30pm on 01/19 and 01/26/08

Location: ITD Zelzah Training Room, 2505 Zelzah Avenue, Reseda

Course Title: Online Learning Experience – OLE!

Time & Dates: 3:30pm-7pm on 01/23/08

Location: Foshay Learning Center, 3751 S. Harvard Boulevard, Los Angeles

Course Title: Lights, Camera, Action! Create Cross Curriculum Lessons using iMovie

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 01/26 and 02/02/08

Location: 92^nd Street Elementary School, 9211 Grape Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Smart Ways to Use Interactive Whiteboards Across the Disciplines

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 01/26 and 02/09/08

Location: Banning High School, 1527 Lakme Avenue, Wilmington

Course Title: Click! Using Digital Photography to Enhance Instruction

Time & Dates: 4:30pm-7:30pm on 02/01, 02/04, 02/06, and 02/08/08

Location: 68^th Street Elementary School, 612 W. 68^th Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Computer Basics for the Beginning Technology User

Time & Dates: 8am-3:30pm on 02/02 and 02/09/08

Location: ITD Zelzah Training Room, 2505 Zelzah Avenue, Reseda

Course Title: Using Safe Internet Skills to Promote Research and Collaboration

Time & Dates: 5:30pm-8:30pm on 02/07 and 02/28/08

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Creating Dynamic Multimedia Projects to Showcase Student Learning

Time & Dates: 9am-4pm on 02/09 and 03/01/08

Location: South East High School, 2720 Tweety Boulevard, South Gate

Course Title: Lights, Camera, Action! Create Cross Curriculum Lessons using iMovie

Time & Dates: 4:30pm-7:30pm on 02/11, 02/13, 02/15, and 02/18/08

Location: 68^th Street Elementary School, 612 W. 68^th Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Standards-Based Virtual Field Trips with Video Conferencing Education

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 02/16 and 03/29/08

Location: Philip R. Saldivar Room, Local District 5, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Standards-Based Virtual Field Trips with Video Conferencing Education

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 03/22 and 04/26/08

Location: 96^th Street Elementary School, 1471 E 96th Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Multimedia Enhanced Language Arts & ESL Instruction

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 04/11 and 04/26/08

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

6. More LAUSD Teacher RSS Feeds to View and Subscribe To

Our own LAUSD K-12 educators are publishing content that provide a look into what they or their students are doing. The following selection of sites listed here is in addition to those I suggested in last month’s entry:

The “Bots” Blog: http://lausdnetkids.tumblr.com/

The Hunsblog: http://blogs.hunsbergermath.com/1141/

MrJacobMath by Rustum Jacob: http://mrjacobmath.blogspot.com/

Teaching in the Inner City: http://cityteacher.wordpress.com/

What’s Happening in Mrs. Rivera’s Classroom?: http://jamr.blogspot.com/

As stated last time, please let me know about your blog, wiki, or podcast to be featured in upcoming posts. You may contact me by e-mail or post a comment on the web version of this newsletter.

November 2007 Edition

Hello Again Instructional Technology Leaders,

This is the third update of 2007-2008, and we continue with even more opportunities for professional development, employment, and other news related to technology in our schools. You may choose to either receive future updates by e-mail or subscribe to it via your preferred RSS aggregator.

1. Local District 5 Instructional Technology Leader Meeting for November

2. CTAP Region 11 Instructional Technology Outreach Workshops

3. CTAP Region 11 Technology Academies – $400 Compensation for Participating

4. LAUSD My Mail – Student Access to E-mail, Google Docs, Calendar, and More

5. What’s Coming Out of LAUSD Information Technology Division?

6. Ed Tech Profile – Complete Your Out-of-Date Technology Assessment Profile

7. Engineers Week Future City Competition for 7^th and/or 8^th Grade Students

8. Bob Costas Grants for the Teaching of Writing – Due November 16, 2007

9. More Salary Point Workshops Through LAUSD’s UPDATE Program Posted

10. LAUSD Teacher RSS Feeds I Subscribe To

1. Local District 5 Instructional Technology Leader Meeting for November

The second volunteer technology leadership/coordinator meeting of 2007-2008 for Local District 5 will be held 3:30-5:30pm on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at the Directors Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Local District 5, 2151 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032. This meeting will introduce everyone to the burgeoning world of photosharing and its value in classroom instruction. Attendance is voluntary but does also provide an occasion when technology leaders can share ideas as well as learn about the latest in instructional technology.

Below is a preview of the tentative agenda:

03:30pm – Updates on Technology in LAUSD

04:00pm – Photosharing: Getting Your Stories Out to All Through Images

05:00pm – Open Forum/Technology Leader Networking

2. CTAP Region 11 Instructional Technology Outreach Workshops

CTAP Region 11/Instructional Technology Outreach is offering various classes focusing on administrative/instructional use of technology for anyone to take. To register, please go to http://ctap.lacoe.edu/workshops. The following is a list of what is available:

EdTechProfile - Site Admin Workshop - This workshop will help you understand how to effectively gather data on technology literacy and curriculum integration, but more importantly... to learn how to get your teachers and/or students to complete EdTechProfile successfully, and without frustration. This three-hour workshop is for EdTechProfile site administrators who have the responsibility of administering EdTechProfile assessments/surveys at their school site. Learn: Account Management, Emailing Login Info to Teachers, Checking Completion Status, Creating Reports, Presenting Data on Technology Literacy & Curriculum Integration, and Using the Optional Services to Meet Local Needs

Fee: $25.00 When: March Session (03/20/08) @ Downey

Handheld Integration for Instruction (HiFi) for Administrators - As a part of this two-day workshop on using handhelds in school, each administrator will receive a Palm TX handheld (with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a bigger screen) and a resource binder of materials on using handhelds. Administrators will focus on educational handheld applications specifically designed for administrator use, including student information tools, classroom observation, databases and home-school communication tools. Participants will be given an overview of data-driven decision making and how handhelds can be used for support.

Fee: $300.00 When: (1) February Session (02/15/08 & 02/22/08) @ Downey, (2) March Session (03/21/08 & 03/28/08) @ Downey, or (3) April Session (04/10/08 & 04/17/08) @ Downey

Google Earth - Google's free mapping program can make learning geography a seamless part of your curriculum. Learn how to make geography a part of nearly every lesson using Google Earth with literature, social studies, and the arts by bringing live maps and satellite images to your classroom. No experience necessary.

Fee: Free When: (1) November Session (11/14/07) @ Valencia or (2) January/February Session (01/31/08 & 02/07/08) @ Downey

MixCraft: Audio Workshop - Mixcraft is a multi-track audio recorder that enables you to record your band, create a podcast, or re-mix a song. In this workshop, you'll learn about Kid's Talk Radio and how students can create their own radio show while building academic skills through the use of the PNN Kids Talk Radio Personal News Network. All participants will receive a copy of the MixCraft software included with registration price.

Fee: $25.00 When: November Session (11/14/2007) @ Downey

Google Pages (Introduction) - Introduction to Google Pages. Learn how to create your own website using Google Pages.

Fee: $25.00 When: December Session (12/10/07) @ Downey

Google Pages (Advanced) - Advanced techniques for designing with Google Pages.

Fee: $25.00 When: December Session (12/13/07) @ Downey

Work SMART-er with SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards - Learn how SMART Board interactive whiteboards can transform your classroom into an engaging place where all students can learn! SMART Boards benefit student engagement, learner motivation and knowledge retention as well as being able to reach students with a variety of learning styles, including those with special needs. Educators benefit too, enjoying better student involvement, streamlined lesson preparation and enhanced lesson materials. This course will introduce basic use of SMART Boards and examine integration techniques in the classroom.

Fee: Free When: January Session (01/23/08) @ Valencia

McREL Balanced Leadership - School Leadership Program targeting District & School Site Administrators.

Fee: $2000.00 When: 2008 Session (01/24/2008 - 06/27/2008) @ Downey

3. CTAP Region 11 Technology Academies – $400 Compensation for Participating

Opportunities for teachers to increase technology proficiency are still available! Teachers can learn to effectively integrate technology into standards-based instruction by participating in a weeklong CTAP Region 11 Technology Academy. Several of the academies will be held at the ITD ITTB Training Room 2 located at Local District 5 Office Building throughout the school year, but you may choose to enroll in academies held at other locations. Visit http://ctap.lacoe.edu/content/Tech_Academies for details and to enroll in one of the academies.

The CTAP Technology Academies are five-day trainings, designed for educators that need educational technology professional development at their level of proficiency. The objective is to ensure that classroom educators have the requisite skills, knowledge, and ability to effectively integrate technology into the curriculum.

If you have any questions, please contact the following consultant from CTAP 11:

Jeff Williams, williams_jeff@lacoe.edu, (562) 401-5382

Intended Audience: K-12 Teachers (Levels: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced)

Los Angeles Unified School District will be providing compensation in the amount of $400 for those who attend a District-sponsored academy. You must be off-track (e.g. Single Track teachers must attend academies only during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks) to receive the compensation. Additionally, you can receive LAUSD salary point credit for completion of the Level II Academy.

4. LAUSD My Mail – Student Access to E-mail, Google Docs, Calendar, and More

Since July 2007, student e-mail is now handled through LAUSD My Mail, which is a group of services developed with Google to provide access to not only e-mail, but also use of the following web applications: Google Calendar, Google Docs & Spreadsheets, and a start page. If your school is ready to have students use these services, please go to the following link for information on this process: http://techsupport.lausd.net/email_setup.htm

Student accounts are created by sub-administrators located at each school site. If you don't have a sub-administrator at your site, or need to add or replace one, the principal can designate a school email sub-administrator by contacting the ITD Service Desk at (213) 241-5200 and requesting that someone on her/his staff receive this type of access. Large schools may choose to have more than one email sub-administrator. The school email sub-administrator is responsible for creating and managing student accounts.

The school email sub-administrator will receive a separate account (email sub-administrator account) with documentation that will allow her/him to create individual accounts or request the batch creation of 50 accounts or more.

5. What’s Coming Out of LAUSD Information Technology Division?

On 09/04/07, Memorandum MEM-3913 Elementary Instructional Multimedia Cart Program was released, providing information to elementary school principals regarding instructional multimedia technology tools that will be provided to schools for use by all teachers, and the associated professional development to assist with technology integration in the classroom instructional program. Thank you to every school that has already taken advantage of this program.

On 09/13/07, Information Technology Division (ITD) launched a new IT Service Catalog. This catalog provides a list of currently available IT services. Each service provides guidelines for ordering/requesting the service. You may view the catalog online at http://techsupport.lausd.net/.

On 10/23/07, ITD's Educational Technology Group releaaes Reference Guide REF-3975.0 Information for Schools on Supported Instructional Technology Activities from the Educational Technology Group. This Reference Guide provides information to schools regarding supported instructional technology activities and applications by LAUSD. It also provides information to schools regarding services provided by Educational Technology Group and ways to obtain them. You may view the Reference Guide by accessing it via Inside LAUSD, http://notebook.lausd.net/.

6. Ed Tech Profile – Complete Your Out-of-Date Technology Assessment Profile

Every year, teachers and administrators are asked to update their EdTech Profile: http://www.edtechprofile.org/. The EdTech Profile is a personal technology proficiency survey that provides feedback necessary for developing a school instructional plan that includes data on proficiency levels of a school’s staff on the use of technology. The data can also be used when applying for grants and helps in development of technology courses and professional development opportunities for individuals to improve their technology skills. Every teacher and administrator must update his or her profile at least once a year, and this was originally required when it was called the CTAP2 iAssessment (as specified in Policy Bulletin BUL 550.0 - Policy on CTAP Certificated Staff Online Survey). As of October 15, 2007, these surveys must be completed again. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

7. Engineers Week Future City Competition for 7^th and/or 8^th Grade Students

It is not too late to enter the Future City Competition, but you must hurry! This competition affords an excellent opportunity for applying elements of math, science, computer science, social studies, language arts, and art curricula to hands-on projects that capture the imagination and stoke the creative problem-solving abilities of students in the 7th and 8th grades. Registration for this competition as well as additional information can be found at http://www.fuutrecity.org/.

Each team consists of a teacher-sponsor, an engineer-mentor and 3 students from grades 7 and/or 8. Multiple teams could compete at the same school and have a winner selected at the school to go to the regional competition. The tentative date and location for the Southern California regional competition (where the team selected to go to Washington D.C. for the nationals will be chosen) is Saturday, January 26 at the California Science Center. Engineer-mentors will be provided to entering teams. The Coordinator for the Regional Competition will be assisting us with this.

The software being used is Sim City 3000. One copy of the software is provided per school. Any questions about necessary resources (including how LAUSD can support you) and entering must now be directed to Joe Oliver, Director, Educational Technology, at joe.oliver@lausd.net. The fee for entry is refunded when the team attends the regional competition. Please do not let an entry fee keep you from fielding a team.

8. Bob Costas Grants for the Teaching of Writing – Due November 16, 2007

Each year the College Board recognizes exceptional teachers of grades 6 through 12 for the innovative methods they use to develop their students' writing skills. Bob Costas Grants of $3,000 each will be awarded to teachers who are doing an inspiring job of teaching their students to write and who will benefit most from a grant to enhance a successful project. Exemplary writing instruction should demonstrate use of “innovative methods” such as integrating blogs or other Web 2.0 technologies.

For details about these grants, please go to the following web address:
http://www.collegeboard.com/counselors/teachers/costas_grants.html

9. More Salary Point Workshops Through LAUSD’s UPDATE Program Posted

A list of newly posted salary point classes offered by LAUSD’s UPDATE program are available and listed below. Classes listed in the previous Local District 5 Technology are still available as well. For more information, please visit the UPDATE website at http://update.lausd.net/ or call (213) 241-1384.

To enroll in a class: http://lz.lausd.net/ - Once logged on using your Single Sign-On information, you can enroll in any of the classes by doing the following:

1) Click on Courses

2) Click on Class Offerings

3) Select U.P.D.A.T.E. under Program and Click on Search

4) Click on any of the class titles displayed in blue to begin enrollment process

5) Click on the orange Enroll Now button to add yourself to the training list

Course Title: Creating Language Arts Curriculum Using Microsoft PowerPoint

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 11/10 and 11/24/07

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Lights, Camera, Action! Create Cross Curriculum Lessons using iMovie

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 11/10 and 11/17/07

Location: La Salle Elementary School, 8715 La Salle Avenue, Los Angeles

Course Title: Creating Language Arts Curriculum Using Microsoft PowerPoint

Time & Dates: 8am-5pm on 11/17 and 12/01/07

Location: Porter Middle School, 15960 Kingsbury Street, Granada Hills

Course Title: Creating Language Arts Curriculum Using Microsoft PowerPoint

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 12/01 and 12/15/07

Location: LD5 University Conference Room, 2^nd Floor, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Using Safe Internet Skills to Promote Research and Collaboration

Time & Dates: 5:30pm-8pm on 12/05 and 12/12/07

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Using Safe Internet Skills to Promote Research and Collaboration

Time & Dates: 9am-12pm on 12/08 and 12/15/07

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Lights, Camera, Action! Create Cross Curriculum Lessons using iMovie

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 01/05 and 01/19/08

Location: 112^th Street Elementary School, 1265 E. 112^th Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Click! Using Digital Photography to Enhance Instruction

Time & Dates: 4:30pm-7:30pm on 01/07, 01/09, 01/11, and 01/14/08

Location: 68^th Street Elementary School, 612 W. 68^th Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Online – Special Students in Regular Classrooms: Technology Teaching and Universal Design

Time & Dates: 4pm-8pm on 01/07/08 and 02/25/08

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Using Digital Portfolios to Foster Student Learning

Time & Dates: 4pm-8pm on 01/10 and 02/21/08

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Online – Powerful Projects: Project-Based Learning Using Internet Resources

Time & Dates: 8am-12pm on 01/12 and 03/01/08

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Smart Ways to Use Interactive Whiteboards Across the Disciplines

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 01/12 and 01/26/08

Location: Gage Middle School, 2880 E. Gage Avenue, Huntington Park

Course Title: Lights, Camera, Action! Create Cross Curriculum Lessons using iMovie

Time & Dates: 4:30 pm-7:30pm on 01/16, 01/18, 01/21, and 01/23/08

Location: 68^th Street Elementary School, 612 W. 68^th Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Multimedia Enhanced Language Arts & ESL Instruction

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 01/19 and 02/02/08

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Click! Using Digital Photography to Enhance Instruction

Time & Dates: 4:30 pm-7:30pm on 02/01, 02/04, 02/06, and 02/08/08

Location: 68^th Street Elementary School, 612 W. 68^th Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Lights, Camera, Action! Create Cross Curriculum Lessons using iMovie

Time & Dates: 4:30 pm-7:30pm on 02/11, 02/13, 02/15, and 02/18/08

Location: 68^th Street Elementary School, 612 W. 68^th Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Standards-Based Virtual Field Trips with Video Conferencing Education

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 02/16 and 03/29/08

Location: Philip R. Saldivar Conference Room, Local District 5, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Multimedia Enhanced Language Arts & ESL Instruction

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 04/11 and 04/26/08

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

10. LAUSD Teacher RSS Feeds I Subscribe To

I spend time looking at the interesting things that other K-12 educators are publishing. Here is a sampling of sites I have subscribed to that belong to teachers in LAUSD:

Along the Way by Janice Stearns: http://www.jstearns.org/wp

Attitudes Are the Real Disability by Lore Schindler: http://svenlore.blogspot.com/

Bob Sachs Photography by Robert Sachs: http://bobsachsphotography.blogspot.com/

Coordinator’s Office by Jose Rodriguez: http://coordinator2.wordpress.com/

Creating Lifelong Learners by Mathew Needleman: http://www.needleworkspictures.com/ocr/blog

Mr. De la Cruz’s Action Plan Quest by Felipe de la Cruz: http://mrdelacruz.edublogs.org

Open During Construction by John Lenhardt: http://itaf.tumblr.com/

Let me know about your blog, wiki, or podcast to be featured in upcoming posts. You may contact me by e-mail or post a comment on the web version of this newsletter.

October 2007 Edition

Hello Again Instructional Technology Leaders,

This is the second update of 2007-2008, and we continue with even more opportunities for professional development and other news related to technology in our schools. You may choose to either receive future updates by e-mail or subscribe to it via your preferred RSS aggregator.

1. Local District 5 Instructional Technology Leader Meeting for October
2. CTAP Region 11 Technology Academies – $400 Compensation for Participating
3. 21st Century Learners Symposium - October 19, 2007
4. K-12 Online Conference - Salary Point for Participation in Web 2.0 Exploration
5. Standards-Based Virtual Field Trips with Videoconferencing - Salary Point Class
6. CUE Los Angeles Technology Fair – November 3, 2007
7. Engineers Week Future City Competition for 7th and/or 8th Grade Students
8. AVerMedia Video Contest – Due November 15, 2007
9. More Salary Point Workshops Through LAUSD’s UPDATE Program Posted
10. Some RSS Feeds of LAUSD: Subscribe to Other Newsletters Using RSS

1. Local District 5 Instructional Technology Leader Meeting for October

The first volunteer technology leadership/coordinator meeting of 2007-2008 for Local District 5 will be held 3:30-5:30pm on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at the ITD ITTB Training Room 2, Local District 5, 2151 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90032. This meeting will introduce the value of Google Docs & Spreadsheets as a tool for instruction. This will include how students in our district access these tools using LAUSD My Mail. Attendance is voluntary but does also provide an occasion when technology leaders can share ideas as well as learn about the latest in instructional technology.

Below is a preview of the tentative agenda:
03:30pm – Updates on Technology in LAUSD
04:00pm – Google Docs & Spreadsheets as an Instructional Tool
05:00pm – Open Forum/Technology Leader Networking

Click To Play

2. CTAP Region 11 Technology Academies – $400 Compensation for Participating

There are now additional opportunities for teachers to increase technology proficiency! Teachers can learn to effectively integrate technology into standards-based instruction by participating in a weeklong CTAP Region 11 Technology Academy. Several of the academies will be held at the ITD ITTB Training Room 2 located at Local District 5 Office Building throughout the school year, but you may choose to enroll in academies held at other locations. Visit http://ctap.lacoe.edu/content/Tech_Academies for details and to enroll in one of the academies.

The CTAP Technology Academies are five-day trainings, designed for educators that need educational technology professional development at their level of proficiency. The objective is to ensure that classroom educators have the requisite skills, knowledge, and ability to effectively integrate technology into the curriculum.

If you have any questions, please contact the following consultant from CTAP 11:

Jeff Williams, williams_jeff@lacoe.edu, (562) 401-5382

Intended Audience: K-12 Teachers (Levels: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced)

Los Angeles Unified School District will be providing compensation in the amount of $400 for those who attend a District-sponsored academy. You must be off-track (e.g. Single Track teachers must attend academies only during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks) to receive the compensation. Additionally, you can receive LAUSD salary point credit for completion of the Level II Academy.

3. 21^st Century Learners Symposium - October 19, 2007

CTAP Region 11 is holding the 21^st Century Learners Symposium, which will be held on Friday, October 19, 2007. This program will focus on the needs of learners in the 21st century. The Symposium will have hands-on presentations and workshops. In the exhibit area, partners will feature innovative instructional technology tools and services. Attendees will include participation from district directors of instructional technology, superintendents, and other education technology leaders including guests from neighboring counties and the California Department of Education’s Technology Office.

Here is the Agenda:

7:30 a.m. Registration, Continental Breakfast, Partner Exhibit Area Open

9:00 a.m. General Session (Keynote Speaker: Alan November)

10:30 a.m. Exhibit Hall

11:15 a.m. Breakout Session I

12:30 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. Lunchtime Speaker: Cheryl Lemke

2:00 p.m. Breakout Session II

2:45 p.m. Exhibit Hall Closes

3:00 p.m. Closing Session & Door Prizes

3:30 p.m. Adjourn

The time and place are as follows:

Date: October 19, 2007

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Location: Pasadena Conference Center, 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101

To register or find out even more information, go to the following:
http://ctap.lacoe.edu/workshops/info.html?wid=457

4. K-12 Online Conference - Salary Point for Participation in Web 2.0 Exploration

K-12 Online Conference 2007 has already begun: http://www.k12onlineconference.org/. You can already participate online in this FREE asynchronous event. If you are interested in earning a salary point credit while participating in this unique conference, you can do so through the UPDATE Program in a class over 5 evenings: 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, and 12/05/2007.

Organized into four strands, (Classroom 2.0, New Tools, Professional Learning Networks, and Obstacles to Opportunities), participants in this class will explore each strand and engage in discussion and professional reflection. Participant will also design an implementation plan for classroom practice. You have a choice of two locations to participate for salary point credit: Soto Street Lab 2 @ the Local District 5 Offices or the 3^rd Floor Conference Room @ Local District 6.

To enroll in a class: http://lz.lausd.net/ - Once logged on using your Single Sign-On information, you can enroll in any of the classes offered by doing the following:

1) Click on Courses

2) Click on Class Offerings

3) Select U.P.D.A.T.E. under Program and Click on Search

4) Click on any of the classes titled K-12 Online Conference Learning and Teaching with Web 2.0 tools displayed in blue to begin enrollment process

5) Click on the orange Enroll Now button to add yourself to the training list

5. Standards-Based Virtual Field Trips with Videoconferencing - Salary Point Class

Find out how your students can take field trips without having to leave the classroom UPDATE is offering a salary point class that will cover both the basic operation and implementation of video conferencing hardware and its curricular use in any K-12 classroom. Multiple resources and opportunities will be introduced to assist participants in understanding the variety of uses in the classroom. Ultimately, participants will be able to use this tool to enhance their instruction by engaging students in this emerging technology and positively impacting their achievement.

Dates offered:

1. 11/17/07 & 01/26/08 @ Local District 5 Office Building (Academic Room)

2. 02/16/08 & 03/29/08 @ Local District 5 Office Building (Soto Street Lab 2)

To enroll in a class: http://lz.lausd.net/ - Once logged on using your Single Sign-On information, you can enroll in any of the classes offered by doing the following:

1) Click on Courses

2) Click on Class Offerings

3) Select U.P.D.A.T.E. under Program and Click on Search

4) Click on any of the classes titled Standards Based Virtual Field Trips with Videoconferencing Education displayed in blue to begin enrollment process

5) Click on the orange Enroll Now button to add yourself to the training list

6. CUE Los Angeles Technology Fair – November 3, 2007

On Saturday, November 3, 2007, Computer Technology Assistance Project Region 11 (CTAP Region 11) and Computer-Using Educators of Los Angeles (CUELA) will jointly hold the 2006 Technology Fair, a one-day instructional technology event that is presented for educators throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.

The location for the 2007 CTAP Region 11/CUELA Technology Fair will be:

Hawthorne School, Beverly Hills Unified School District

624 N. Rexford Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The general focus of the fair is to provide a day of learning for fellow educators so they may enhance their students’ opportunities to compete and contribute in the twenty-first century. Both CTAP Region 11 and CUELA recognize the existence of exciting, innovative, and educational activities occurring in our Los Angeles County area schools.

If you are interested in learning about instructional use of technologies such as podcasts, video-editing, digital cameras, multimedia design, etc., then you should take a closer look at what is offered at this event. You may view descriptions of each workshop online.

For more information or to register online for the event and secure the workshops you want, please go to the following: http://www.cuelosangeles.org/

7. Engineers Week Future City Competition for 7^th and/or 8^th Grade Students

The Future City Competition affords an excellent opportunity for applying elements of math, science, computer science, social studies, language arts, and art curricula to hands-on projects that capture the imagination and stoke the creative problem-solving abilities of students in the 7th and 8th grades. Registration for this competition as well as additional information can be found at http://www.futurecity.org.

Each team consists of a teacher-sponsor, an engineer-mentor and 3 students from grades 7 and/or 8. Multiple teams could compete at the same school and have a winner selected at the school to go to the regional competition. The tentative date and location for the Southern California regional competition (where the team selected to go to Washington D.C. for the nationals will be chosen) is Saturday, January 26 at the California Science Center. Engineer-mentors will be provided to entering teams. The Coordinator for the Regional Competition will be assisting us with this.

The software being used is Sim City 3000. One copy of the software is provided per school. Any questions about necessary resources can be directed to the regional coordinator, Gamward C. Quan of University of Southern California, USC Libraries, at (213) 821-2260.

The fee for entry is refunded when the team attends the regional competition. Please do not let an entry fee keep you from fielding a team. You may contact Joe Oliver, Director, Educational Technology, at joe.oliver@lausd.net to find out how LAUSD can help support your participation in this event.

8. AVerMedia Video Contest – Due November 15, 2007

AVerVision is sponsoring a video contest for North American K-12 and Higher-Ed classrooms. Teachers, administrators, or students are asked to create a 10-20 minute video describing original and interesting classroom lessons and applications with their document camera. Classes without a document camera can submit a video describing the difficulty of using traditional presentation technology in the classroom. Four new AVerVision document cameras will be awarded, one to each of the third, second, first and Grand Prize winners.

For details about this contest, please go to the following web address:
http://www.avermedia-usa.com/ppd/media/videocontest.html

9. More Salary Point Workshops Through LAUSD’s UPDATE Program Posted

A list of newly posted salary point classes offered by LAUSD’s UPDATE program are available and listed below. Classes listed in the previous Local District 5 Technology are still available as well. For more information, please visit the UPDATE website at http://update.lausd.net/ or call (213) 241-1384.

To enroll in a class: http://lz.lausd.net/ - Once logged on using your Single Sign-On information, you can enroll in any of the classes by doing the following:

1) Click on Courses

2) Click on Class Offerings

3) Select U.P.D.A.T.E. under Program and Click on Search

4) Click on any of the class titles displayed in blue to begin enrollment process

5) Click on the orange Enroll Now button to add yourself to the training list

Course Title: Scaffolding Higher-Order Thinking with WebQuests

Salary Point Amount: 1.0

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 10/27/07 and 12/01/07

Location: South East High School, 2720 Tweedy Boulevard, South Gate

Course Title: Smart Ways to Use Interactive Whiteboards Across the Disciplines

Salary Point Amount: 1.0

Time & Dates: 4pm-8pm on 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, and 11/28/07

Location: Southeast Middle School, 2560 Tweedy Boulevard, South Gate

Course Title: Using Safe Internet Skills to Promote Research and Collaboration

Salary Point Amount: 1.0

Time & Dates: 5:30pm-8:30pm on 11/08 and 11/15/07

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Lights, Camera, Action! Create Cross Curriculum Lessons using iMovie

Salary Point Amount: 1.0

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 11/10 and 11/17/07

Location: La Salle Elementary School, 8715 La Salle Avenue, Los Angeles

Course Title: Creating Language Arts Curriculum Using Microsoft PowerPoint

Salary Point Amount: 1.0

Time & Dates: 8am-5pm on 11/17 and 12/01/07

Location: Porter Middle School, 15960 Kingsbury Street, Granada Hills

Course Title: Using Safe Internet Skills to Promote Research and Collaboration

Salary Point Amount: 1.0

Time & Dates: 5:30pm-8pm on 12/05 and 12/12/07

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Multimedia Enhanced Language Arts & ESL Instruction

Salary Point Amount: 1.0

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 01/19 and 02/02/08

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Lights, Camera, Action! Create Cross Curriculum Lessons using iMovie

Salary Point Amount: 1.0

Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 01/05 and 01/19/08

Location: 112^th Street Elementary School, 1265 E. 112^th Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Click! Using Digital Photography to Enhance Instruction

Salary Point Amount: 1.0

Time & Dates: 4:30pm-7:30pm on 01/07, 01/09, 01/11, and 01/14/08

Location: 68^th Street Elementary School, 612 W. 68^th Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Online – Special Students in Regular Classrooms: Technology Teaching and Universal Design

Salary Point Amount: 2.0

Time & Dates: 4pm-8pm on 01/07/08 and 02/25/08

Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Lights, Camera, Action! Create Cross Curriculum Lessons using iMovie

Salary Point Amount: 1.0

Time & Dates: 4:30 pm-7:30pm on 01/16, 01/18, 01/21, and 01/23/08

Location: 68^th Street Elementary School, 612 W. 68^th Street, Los Angeles

10. Some RSS Feeds of LAUSD: Subscribe to Other Newsletters Using RSS

There is always more information than I could ever cover. Here are just a few places outside of Local District 5 to visit and subscribe to regarding Instructional Technology in our school district:

LAUSD’s Educational Technology Blog: http://edtech4lausd.tumblr.com/

Local District 4 Instructional Technology News: http://ld04.edublogs.org/

Local District 6 Instructional Technology Newsletter: http://ld6.blogspot.com/

Local District 8 Instructional Technology Leaders Archive: http://ld8.tumblr.com/

Next month, I will highlight some school and classroom RSS feeds from all over LAUSD. There are already many that I subscribe to, but you can let me know about one or more you would like to share with me by sending me an e-mail message or placing a comment reply to this newsletter.

September 2007 Edition

Hello Instructional Technology Leaders,

I hope you are having a great new school year! This is the first update of 2007-2008, and I have switched to this format for the newsletter for a more comprehensive way of organizing archived content and taking advantage of RSS capabilities. As before, you can view previous issues under Newsletters on the Local District 5 web site: http://www.lausd.net/District_5.

1. Local District 5 Instructional Technology Leader Meeting Dates for 2007-2008

2. Salary Point Workshops Through LAUSD’s UPDATE Program

3. Information Technology Solutions Conference

4. Grants in LAUSD: A Video Teleconference for Teachers and Administrators

5. Elementary School Multimedia Cart Program – Memorandum MEM-3913

6. CUE Los Angeles Technology Fair – November 3, 2007

7. Best Buy te@ch Program – Due September 30, 2007

8. Interwrite Learning Contest – Due October 21, 2007

1. Local District 5 Instructional Technology Leader Meeting Dates for 2007-2008

Beginning in October 2007, I will once again facilitate volunteer technology leadership meetings. PLEASE note that there will not be a September meeting. Meetings will tentatively be 3:30-5:30pm on the third Thursday of each month. Attendance is voluntary but does provide an occasion when District 5 technology leaders can share ideas as well as learn about the latest in instructional technology. If you would like to volunteer your school site to host any of the following meeting dates, please let me know as soon as possible. You may volunteer for more than one date, but you will only be selected for one of those choices. Please remember that meeting rooms should be large enough to accommodate up to 20 people and must be available from 3:30-5:30pm with site administrator approval.

10/18/07, 11/15/07, 01/17/08, 02/21/08, 03/17/08, 04/17/08, 05/15/08

For additional information, please contact me by e-mail at john.rivera @ lausd.net.

2. Salary Point Workshops Through LAUSD’s UPDATE Program

LAUSD’s UPDATE program offers various salary point classes that you can take. For your convenience, I have prepared a list of what is being offered. For more information, please visit the UPDATE website at http://update.lausd.net or call (213) 241-1384. To enroll in a class: http://lz.lausd.net - Once logged on using your Single Sign-On information, you can enroll in any of the classes by doing the following:

1) Click on Courses
2) Click on Class Offerings
3) Select U.P.D.A.T.E. under Program and Click on Search
4) Click on any of the class titles displayed in blue to begin enrollment process
5) Click on the orange Enroll Now button to add yourself to the training list

Course Title: Smart Ways to Use Interactive Whiteboards Across the Disciplines
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 09/15 and 09/29/07
Location: Zelzah Training Lab, 6505 Zelzah Avenue, Reseda

Course Title: Online Learning Experience
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 3:45pm-5:45pm on 9/20, 9/27, 10/18. 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, & 11/29
Location: East Valley New High School #1, 8501 Arleta Avenue, Sun Valley

Course Title: Computer Basics for the Beginning Technology User
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 09/22 and 10/06/07
Location: Zelzah Training Lab, 6505 Zelzah Avenue, Reseda

Course Title: Online Learning Experience
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 3:30pm-7:30pm on 09/26, 10/03. 10/10, 10/17 and 10/24
Location: Foshay Learning Center, 3751 S. Harvard Boulevard, Los Angeles

Course Title: Smart Ways to Use Interactive Whiteboards Across the Disciplines
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 9am-4:30pm on 09/29 and 10/13/07
Location: Audubon Middle School, 4120 11th Avenue, Los Angeles

Course Title: ONLINE – Approaches and Tools for Developing Web-Enhanced Lessons
Salary Point Amount: 2.0
Time & Dates: 4pm-8pm on 10/04 and 11/14/07
Location: Broad Avenue Elementary School, 24815 Broad Avenue, Wilmington

Course Title: Smart Ways to Use Interactive Whiteboards Across the Disciplines
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 4pm-8pm on 10/04, 10/11, 10/18, and 10/25/07
Location: Taper Elementary School, 1824 Taper Avenue, San Pedro

Course Title: Smart Ways to Use Interactive Whiteboards Across the Disciplines
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 4pm-8pm on 10/04, 10/11, 10/18, and 10/25/07
Location: Southeast Middle School, 2560 Tweedy Boulevard, Southgate

Course Title: Smart Ways to Use Interactive Whiteboards Across the Disciplines
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 2:30pm-6:30pm on 10/04, 10/11, 10/18, and 10/25/07
Location: Valerio Elementary School, 15035 Valerio Street, Van Nuys

Course Title: Creating Language Arts Curriculum Using Microsoft PowerPoint
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 10/06 and 10/13/07
Location: Local District 5 – Directors Conference Room, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Using Safe Internet Skills to Promote Research and Collaboration
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 5:30pm-8:30pm on 10/11 and 10/25/07
Location: Local District 5 – Academic Conference Room, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Multimedia Enhanced Language Arts & ESL Instruction
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 8am-3pm on 10/13 and 10/27/07
Location: Local District 5 – University Conference Rm., 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: ONLINE – Inspiration for Effective Writing
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 10/20 and 12/01/07
Location: Zelzah Training Lab, 6505 Zelzah Avenue, Reseda

Course Title: Using Technology You Already Have to Teach Across the Curriculum
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 2:30pm-6:30pm on 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, and 11/29/07
Location: Valerio Elementary School, 15035 Valerio Street, Van Nuys

Course Title: Using Safe Internet Skills to Promote Research and Collaboration
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 9am-12pm on 11/03 and 12/08/07
Location: Local District 5 – Academic Conference Room, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Creating Language Arts Curriculum Using Microsoft PowerPoint
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 11/10 and 11/24/07
Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Multimedia Enhanced Language Arts & ESL Instruction
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 8am-3pm on 11/17 and 12/01/07
Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Creating Language Arts Curriculum Using Microsoft PowerPoint
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 12/01 and 12/15/07
Location: Local District 5 – University Conference Rm., 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Using Safe Internet Skills to Promote Research and Collaboration
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 5:30pm-8:30pm on 10/11 and 10/25/07
Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Using Digital Portfolios to Foster Student Learning
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 4pm-8pm on 01/10 and 02/21/08
Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

Course Title: Smart Ways to Use Interactive Whiteboards Across the Disciplines
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 01/12 and 01/26/08
Location: Gage Middle School, 2880 E. Gage Avenue, Huntington Park

Course Title: Multimedia Enhanced Language Arts & ESL Instruction
Salary Point Amount: 1.0
Time & Dates: 8am-4pm on 01/19 and 02/02/08
Location: ITD ITTB East Los Angeles Training Room II, 2151 Soto Street, Los Angeles

3. Information Technology Solutions Conference

The Career Development/Division of Adult and Career Education is holding an upcoming Informational Technology Conference, which will be held on Friday, September 21, 2007. At this event, participants will hear from different IT companies how a variety of curricula in networking, computer repair, database administration, etc. can be integrated into existing instruction to support SLC alignment with CTE graduation requirements in order to offer students an opportunity to develop skills that will lead to IT certifications.

The agenda will include:

• Overviews of Certification Programs

• Stories from LAUSD Schools - Best Practices

• Information from LAUSD Central Offices

  • Division of Adult and Career Education

  • Division of Secondary Instruction

  • Information Technology Division

    • Infrastructure

    • Educational Technology

• Training students for employment in LAUSD

The time and place are as follows:
Date: September 21, 2007
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: St. Anne’s Conference Center, 155 North Occidental Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026

If you are interested, please RSVP to Sharon Quon at (213) 241-3745 or sharon.quon@lausd.net.

4. Grants in LAUSD: A Video Teleconference for Teachers and Administrators

Announcing an opportunity to learn how to successfully apply for grants that will help provide enriched opportunities for your students.

Participants:

The Riordan Foundation, Arts Education Grant, Physical Education Grant, NASA Explorer Schools Grant, LAUSD Grants Assistance Unit

When: September 27, 2007, 3:45 PM. – 5:45 PM.

You are welcome to attend the video teleconference at any of the following locations:

Local District 1 Northridge Middle School Library
Local District 2 San Fernando High School
Local District 3 Baldwin Hills Elementary Auditorium
Local District 4 Allesandro Elementary School, Room 11
Local District 5 Hillside Elementary School
Local District 6 South Gate Middle School Library
Local District 7 LD 7 District Office
Local District 8 Taper/DELTA PDC

For more information contact the ITD Educational Technology Group at (213) 241-3837.

5. Elementary School Multimedia Cart Program: Memorandum MEM-3913

Memorandum MEM-3913 has been posted at Inside LAUSD (http://notebook.lausd.net/) specifically for elementary schools. This document provides information to elementary school principals regarding instructional multimedia technology tools that will be provided to schools to be used by all teachers, and the associated professional development to assist with technology integration in the classroom instructional program.

The program includes the distribution of an instructional multimedia cart, which will include a laptop computer, an LCD projector, and a presentation cart for each elementary school. These tools are made available for use by instructional staff at the school. Teachers are expected to use the Instructional Multimedia Carts to integrate and provide access to multimedia and digital curricula, such as the Internet resources, CD ROMs, and DVDs that are identified in State adopted textbooks and other District approved instructional materials to students.

Details/Information on locations for professional development and distribution of equipment can be obtained by reading MEM-3913, including contact information for further inquiry about which sites are included. For example, primary centers are not included in this particular program.

6. CUE Los Angeles Technology Fair – November 3, 2007

On Saturday, November 3, 2007, Computer Technology Assistance Project Region 11 (CTAP Region 11) and Computer-Using Educators of Los Angeles (CUELA) will jointly hold the 2006 Technology Fair, a one-day instructional technology event that is presented for educators throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.

The location for the 2007 CTAP Region 11/CUELA Technology Fair will be:

Hawthorne School, Beverly Hills Unified School District
624 N. Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The general focus of the fair is to provide a day of learning for fellow educators so they may enhance their students’ opportunities to compete and contribute in the twenty-first century. Both CTAP Region 11 and CUELA recognize the existence of exciting, innovative, and educational activities occurring in our Los Angeles County area schools.

If you are interested in learning about instructional use of technologies such as podcasts, video-editing, digital cameras, multimedia design, etc., then you should take a closer look at what is offered at this event. You may view descriptions of each workshop online.

For more information or to register online for the event and secure the workshops you want, please go to the following: http://www.cuelosangeles.org/

7. Best Buy te@ch Program – Due September 30, 2007

Best Buy is proud to support K-12 schools using interactive technology to make learning fun. Educators may be awarded $2,000+ depending on how they are able to demonstrate ways to engage students by creatively integrating interactive technology into the curriculum. Winning te@ch programs focus on kids using technology to learn standards-based curriculum, rather than on teaching students to use technology or educators using technology that children aren’t able to use hands-on. The purpose of te@ch is to reward schools for the successful interactive programs they have launched using available technology. Please do not be discouraged if your school does not have the most current equipment.

Schools must be located within 50 miles of a Best Buy store to be eligible. Applications must be completed and submitted online by 11:59pm (Eastern Time) on September 30, 2007. Awards will be announced February 18, 2008 at www.BestBuy.com/teach. Please visit the web site to apply and to access more information.

8. Interwrite Learning Contest – Due October 21, 2007

Teachers can show their classroom’s talent and technology in this video contest by Interwrite Learning! Teachers can submit a song-parody video and be awarded $15,000 in interactive classroom technology, plus hundreds of lesson plans and other content—an Interactive Makeover. Read the rules and submit a video by October 21, 2007.

This contest is open to all teachers and students who can creatively show how they are using (or would like to use) technology in the classroom. For more information as well as an opportunity to apply, go to: http://www.interwritelearning.com/contest