April 2-5

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Our mentors training other teachers in technology during in-service

David Haines

Judy Eastman

Samantha Davenport

Lori Sheets

Marynell Owens' class researches life in the 1930's

Beth Halbert's English IV class uses technology for HyperPoetry Webquest

Stephen Marvin, evaluator, targets Lincoln Head's Geometry class

Samantha Davenport's class studies the European Union

Lincoln Head's Geometry class uses technology to study states and geometric shapes

Technology Infusion Efforts
This was effectively a three-day week for our students with Monday being part of our Easter Break and Tuesday being a teacher-inservice day.  However, infusing technology into our curriculum is now an ongoing process.  Our wireless labs are used extensively.  The comfort level of our teachers is improving.  Most of our students do not consider using the wireless a novelty anymore; most see it as a tool to do their work.  For most of our teachers, however, that will take more time.

Lincoln Head's lesson was selected to be a "targeted lesson" for our evaluator this week.  His lesson was a webquest he created that required students to pick a specific state and determine the area of that state using printed maps from the Internet.  Students had to use higher-order thinking skills with geometric figures they placed over the state as they considered formulas which also allowed for the rivers and borders of that state.  Collectively, they will also compare and contrast the different states.  Students will describe the process they used to find the area in a Word file. Mr. Head created and implemented this lesson in last semester and utilized it again for this new group of students modifying it to better meet the needs of the students and the results he wants as a teacher.

Samantha Davenport's lesson was also selected to be evaluated by Stephen Marvin, our state evaluator.  Through this lesson students examined the basic functions and objectives of the European Union, how it involves the U.S., problems and possible solutions for the EU conflicts, how other nations are affected by EU decisions, and basic economic and geographical information on several of the 15 EU countries.  Ms. Davenport used many Internet resources and a PowerPoint presentation she created accessible by students over our network.  Her students read an article, researched the questions, and then served as an EU representative and wrote a press release for their local paper.  They also participated in a webquest scavenger hunt on a website called "European Union in the U.S." which was developed by her student helper, Kelli Cross.  Teachers have utilized exemplary students to help design important curriculum-enhancing lessons.  Kelli is the MJHS Valedictorian for 2002.

Marynell Owens' English III class became Investigative Reporters whose task was to research background information using the Internet on various topics involving what it was like in the South in the 1930's and experience what it felt like to be a part of the suffering of racial discrimination.  Topics included "Growing Up in the South", "Social Standing of Women,", "Mockingbirds", "Racism/Jim Crow Laws", "Black Tuesday", etc.  Students used Word and its "draw" feature to take notes and created a PowerPoint presentation and a handout to explain their background information to the class.

Beth Halbert implemented her wireless lesson this week also.  In her class students used a HyperPoetry Webquest she created which introduced the poetry unit.  This allowed students to access ten contemporary poems of their choice from selected websites.  The objective of this lesson was to compare poetry written long ago to today and create a "Reader's Log."  Students then chose one of the ten poems, read, and interpreted it and created hyperlinks to websites that would enhance the understanding of the poem.  This might include information about the author, a graphic to express the poem's meaning, etc.  Through this lesson students acknowledged an appreciation for the poem's meaning.  By sharing their thoughts, students realized a variety of different ideas.

Teacher Testimony
So our journal readers can get a perspective of our technology has changed the way we teach and learn, teacher testimonials will now become a regular part of our weekly journal.  This will be done by way of reflective dialog on teacher lessons and may include various styles from week to week.  At the end of each training period, teachers complete a file called "Post-Observation Questions" which is more of a reflection to their experience of designing and implementing a technology-rich lesson.  This week's featured teacher is Kim Griggs. To read Ms. Grigg's reflective comments, please use the link provided. 

Teacher Coaching Progress Indicators, Attitudinal Shifts, and Celebrations of Accomplishment
Tuesday of this week (our first day back from Easter Break) was a Teacher In-service day.  Technology played a significant role as it consisted of two hours of training.  In the morning hour David Haines, Lisa Whitmire, Lori Scott, Theresa Wright, and Lori Sheets talked about their technology lessons and demonstrated technology strategies they used to have students meet the objectives.  As Technology Coach, I reminded our teachers their lessons need to be student-centered and project-based to stress higher-order thinking skills.  The afternoon hour session consisted of three of our mentor teachers conducting workshops with teachers that stressed strategies for designing technology-based lessons, PowerPoint tips, and using PowerPoint to create a jeopardy game for a class.  In some respects, this type of staff development resembled the one-shot deals our teachers have experienced in the past (as most all sessions do that involve short periods of time).  Our teachers can feel the difference between technology sessions where content is connected over say a day or two versus lesson design and sessions that are only an hour  in length and do not give them a chance to produce a product that is usable in the classroom.  We have learned that is critical to designing quality staff development sessions and essential to follow-up and accountability.

On another note of celebration as Technology Coach, I was selected as the Wilson County Teacher of the Year (2002).  I was thrilled beyond words and encouraged to think our faculty and the Cumberland College committee sees the benefit training can provide everyone.   The Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, Sun Trust Bank, Wilson County Motor Company, and Cumberland College sponsored the award and presented me with a check for $1,000 along with an engraved vase and plaque.  Our local newspapers gave our community a glimpse of the program.  I am especially grateful and proud to make a contribution toward lifelong learning for our school. 

Management Challenges
This week involved helping our teachers plan and prepare for the technology portion of our inservice program.  I also visited our central office and placed a brochure in each of our county school principal's mailbox describing our Technology Open House on April 23rd from 6-8 pm.  As school is winding down, there is so much to do.  It is hard to find enough hours in the day to get it done.  I continue to work at night to get ready to help teachers either individually or in training.

April 15-19

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Larry Williams' Economics class studies investing

Brenda Knowles' Art I classes creates a project on rhythm

Lisa Whitmire's Geometry class designs a "City Park"

Area Middle School teachers align curriculum with high school

Training Group 6 Reflect & Collect

Angela Bates' English class works on research papers

Training Group 7 meets for Day 3 and 4

Teachers take state survey during faculty meeting

Jeff Serbin's Criminal Justice class researches prisons

Lynn Wilson's class takes a "Geometric Walk Through Tennessee"

Larry Williams Economics class utilized an online webquest on "Investing In the Stock Market" to practice spending a fictitious $50,000 in at least five different companies but not more than ten.  Students investigated the companies through on-line research and created a stock portfolio.  This was all in an effort to fulfill their "Uncle Bob's" wishes who left them a lot of money.  Students discovered the ticker symbol, cost per share on a given day, what stock exchange was involved, the net cost of all shares purchased, and the affect on their portfolio.  This site gave students a realistic view of the process and linked them to valuable online sites to help them make choices.

Denesha Whitley, Samantha Davenport's student helper, worked on scanning several collages of pictures taken in previous years to post on our network.  She did this in order to electronically save files so students could see how previous classes had creatively celebrated "Culture Day" in the past in order to prepare for this year's event.  Denesha commented she had never used a scanner before and did not know it was so easy to do.

Brenda Knowles Art I students worked with art rhythm this week, and Diane Jenkins' students began research paper study.  Teachers are finding it helpful to go back and visit lessons completed last semester to fine tune and revise them.  That's reflection in the making.  New lessons are also being designed such as Lori Sheets' "Presidential Leadership Skills Research" using the Excel program for charting student's interpretation of data.  I am finding teachers are finding unique and unusual ways to energize their teaching using technology to enhance students' learning.

Lynn Wilson implemented her lesson this week and describes her journey in the Teacher's Testimony below.  Her lesson completely involved her students in mathematical calculations (using pencil and paper) and an Internet search for geometric shapes across Tennessee via Internet.  Her lesson was an original, completely designed by her and easily adaptable for future lessons in her own curriculum or to be shared with other faculty.  Lynn's Special Education students were absorbed in the process and found it a new and exciting way to learn.

Teacher Testimony
This week's teacher testimony is especially rewarding since it comes at a time she just finished implementing her wireless lesson.  I now call Lynn Wilson the "PowerPoint Queen" as she has made the way down a very long isle.  With no PowerPoint skills prior to her embarking on her lesson entitled "A Geometric Walk Across Tennessee", she is the perfect example of how persistence and determination along with a clear focus on student-centered, technology-rich learning applied to her curriculum can empower her teaching.  Please read Lynn Wilson's journey into project-based learning through the application of it herself.

Teacher Coaching Progress Indicators, Attitudinal Shifts, and Celebrations of Accomplishment
This week was a big jump in the reflection of our program.  I am concentrating on just how far we have come.  As a school I have seen us make a journey that a year ago I would not have thought possible.  Although we are not "there" yet and probably won't ever be due to the changing nature of technology, it has been amazing to see our progress and what we have learned along the way.  In some ways technology integration has had a far greater impact than I ever thought possible, but more than that, it has shown us that a good staff development program can create positive change, but it must be structured and supported with choices that allows teachers to bring out their best teaching strategies.  As we near our 100% goal of training full-time teachers, we are celebrating the results of a great deal of hard work, sometimes painful changes, and hopefully a lasting impact.  

Make no mistake about it; not every teacher is happy with this change.  However, most of us know they are in the minority, and I even feel even they know change is critical.  It is just a matter of how long and when.   One teacher commented to me this week that she doesn't feel the need to teach anymore.  "Just hand them a computer, she says."  I feel she will come to understand how the teacher's work must be on the front end and not on the day of implementation.  These are control issues which will take time to mend.  They come with planning and seeing the results of the planning.  

I ask our faculty this question:  Would you be comfortable going to your doctor if you knew they had not kept up to date with advancements in their field?  Our students, parents, and community depend on us to ready students for productive and fulfilling lives.  We cannot do that if we don't constantly evaluate our skills technologically, fully involve ourselves in training, and apply that to student learning.  It is imperative we change, whatever it takes to do so.  As I see teachers struggling with the process of change, I want to be there for support and not ridicule.

An area of celebration this week was Eloise Freeman and Rebecca Hayes from our area middle schools spent the day working toward designing curriculum standards and performance indicators to align their curriculum with the high school curriculum.  They got to see first hand how busy the training room is on a given day.  Students in and out, teachers checking out carts, one-on-one training, etc.  We met briefly with Felicia Duncan and JoAnne Harrell, the elementary supervisors, as they expressed the desire to someday be able to provide on-going staff development for technology on the elementary level.

Teachers in Training Group 7 completed their last two days of training this week focusing on preparing their lessons and ideas about integration.  In some ways, I felt like I gave the final exam as it put a close to our on-site training for this year.  I have led them to the pasture and hope they can find the grass green.  It is mind boggling to realize the impact this has had on our entire school.

Management Challenges
We had our first major accident with one of the carts this week.  As Lori Scott, one of our English teachers, was pulling and I was pushing toward the elevator, the cart caught Lori's foot and created a gash worthy of seven stitches at the local clinic.  She was a real trooper, and I felt terribly bad.  The word is out now that I might hurt you if you don't do your technology lesson (NOT)!  She can now claim she has shed blood, sweat, and tears over technology.  We learned something from this.  I'm so... sorry, Lori.

We are also feeling a crunch toward meeting end-of-the-year curriculum objectives and getting ready for testing, graduation, closing school, etc.  There simply aren't enough days in the week.  I find myself at school nearly every day past the bell working individually with teachers, finishing paperwork not completed during the day, working on laptop management issues, getting ready for events such as our Technology Open House, etc.  Although this is rewarding, I sometimes wonder about my so sought after balance in life and yet preach to others it can be done.

April 22-26

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Don Willoughby's AgriScience Class develops an appreciation for chemistry

Lori Sheets conducts session on Teaching Strategies and Technology Lessons

Lainie Harrison uses digital camera to demonstrate frog dissection

David Haines discusses handheld technology

School Board Member, Ron Britt and Grant Administrator, Jerry Bates at Open House

Josh Winstead explains our Channel 9 Program

Keith Dearing's class studies Supreme Court Decisions

Linda McDearman's class uses PowerPoint for oral presentations

Gunny Goodin's ROTC class form a reconnaissance team

Culture Day at MJHS

Elowin Harper's Nutrition and Foods students researched egg composition, cooking terminologies, egg grading, and egg safety using the Internet.  This was in preparation for an egg lab where they will create soufflés and omelets. 

Keith Dearing's American Government students worked in groups of two.  They used a link he provided in a Word file which introduced students to how Supreme Court decisions have impacted our government.  Students located a database of those decisions where they searched for one that interested them.  They looked at the history of the case including lower court decisions, previous documents filed, and opinions filed by the Supreme Court justices.  As a group, they were to compose an outline which detailed their own personal views of the decision which were to include supportive arguments from the Constitution of the U.S.

Gunny (Mike) Goodin's ROTC I/III class participated in a lesson on Marine Corps History.  Students became a member of a four-cadet reconnaissance team who were on a special mission to search for and gather information about North and South Korea in order to determine which country should be helped by our government.  As a team, they gathered intelligence about the two countries and came to an agreement regarding which country should receive aid from our government.  They then prepared a PowerPoint presentation for a review board.  Students used technology tools to gather research which aided them in their collaboration and PowerPoint demonstration.

Samantha Davenport's classes held "Culture Day" this week which was a fun activity where students dressed in culture and brought food of particular cultures.  Ms. Davenport's students have used technology in their research of different cultures.  She chose to take digital pictures of this day's events to share with others.

There were many other implementations this week including Linda McDearman, Lori Sheets, Grace DeMajewski, Judy Eastman, Beth Halbert.  Teachers are working hard to meet their deadline of three technology-based lessons by mid-May.  

Teacher Coaching Progress Indicators, Attitudinal Shifts, and Celebrations of Accomplishment
One significant celebration this week was our being able to explain our year-long progress to our local school board member, Ron Britt.  Mr. Britt attended our Technology Open House and was able to hear how our teachers and students have been impacted this year with technology integration.  Issues were discussed such as technology being able to better support higher order thinking skills, student enthusiasm, and the teacher as a facilitator of learning instead of dispenser of knowledge.  Examples of teacher-created lessons were explored which demonstrated originality, content-focused learning, and interdisciplinary material.   Special emphasis was placed on how 90-minute planning and teaching schedules were absolutely necessary for this type of teaching and learning, and our appreciation to the School Board for providing the 300 TI-83 calculators this year.  Jerry Bates, TLCF Grant Administrator from the Tennessee State Department of Education, was also present and provided support and input.  She has provided unyielding support and guidance to our process and deserves accolades for her vision to implement change in our schools.

Students were on hand also at our Open House to discuss the impact the grant has had on them this year. Thanks to Josh Winstead, his dad, and John Kidd for their input into the meeting. David Haines, one of our math teachers, demonstrated the importance of handheld technology in the math classroom using the TI-83 calculators purchased this year by our school board.  Samantha Davenport and Lori Sheets conducted a hands-on lesson in social studies both the traditional way and using wireless laptop computing and concentrated on how technology can impact student learning.  This initiated a healthy discussion on the amount of money spent on textbooks and how we might redirect some of that money to technology for better use.  Even though we were all very disappointed in the turnout from our parents and community, we felt the event was successful and gave us the initiative to present it again at a school board work session where it would be taped and shown on our cable TV access channel for our community.

Another note of celebration.  A teacher who has struggled with elements of basic skills training told me this week she wants to continue using technology and sees the benefits in student enthusiasm of her subject matter.  She also said she was getting over the fact she didn't have to know everything about it to use it.  She admitted her students are capable of problem-solving those things she doesn't know and her comfort level in the shift of teacher-centered to student-centered learning is apparent. 

Management Challenges
When you begin to plan activities for the future, it sounds reasonable that you can do all you plan.  However, in reality that is difficult when it comes down to the wire.  This week involved several after-school activities, and it seems the nights run back into days.  Aside from the technology integration efforts as we are attempting to meet our benchmark goals, this week involved juggling a staff development session on "Lesson Plan Design" and a community-wide Technology Open House.  I've learned that I have to "be ready" whether the ready is all I had hoped for or not.  

As we received the summative assessment information by e-mail as to tasks for completing the grant process, it tires me.  There is still much to do to evaluate our efforts, and it involves more of me, our faculty, and our student body.  There are surveys, committee reports, documentation to gather, etc.  I know it is all important and is necessary for the process of growth and development, but I am amazed at the depth of the process and how much "paperwork" is generated.  And that doesn't include the hours and hours  teachers have spent in lesson design which is the heart of our professional development activities.  I had always heard getting a grant would be a great deal of documentation, but I never knew it was this much.  At a time when Gateway testing is upon us as well as end-of-the-year events, it will be very challenging to get everything done by the time school is out. Even though I had not planned to work the week after school is out, I feel like it will be necessary now, and I'm grateful our budget will still allow it.

Another management concern we experienced this week is how to involve more of our community in sharing our progress.  That seems so hard to do at the high school level.  As technology coach, I made brochures and delivered them to all principals in our county, visited our Chamber of Commerce and asked them to e-mail all members, personally spoke with our city's Board of Realtors to indicate the impact our success could have on those interested in moving to our community, etc. but it is simply difficult to draw a decent crowd for an event dealing with academics.  If someone has other suggestions, please let me know.