Volume I, Issue 1 (September 1, 2006)

New faces, and some new ideas...
Salisbury has experienced a number of significant changes over the last eighteen months, some of the most recent occuring in the technology department. As of July 1, I have taken on the district role of Director of Data and Technology. Chris Smith, formerly computer technician at the high school, will be our new Network Specialist. Replacing Chris at the high school is the newest member of our team, Tom Smith. John Landis will continue taking care of the computer needs at Salisbury Middle School, and Debbie Caldwell is returning to both Truman and Western.

I see the main goal of our highly qualified staff as service -- we are here to meet your needs. So please never hesitate to contact us. One of my top priorities is to see where we are as a district. During the summer months, I met with the principals, and will be meeting with faculty focus groups in the early fall. From this initial data gathering will emerge a district-wide technology committee. This committee, along with individual building technology groups will develop a technology integration plan that we can use to guide us into the future. I do hope you will consider being involved. Look for more details coming in the fall.

You may have noticed in the logo of this newsletter the reference to 21st century learning. As we begin our discussions of technology use and implementation in Salisbury, I believe this will need to be an important, recurring theme. Together, I expect we'll generate some effective ideas and actions focused on how we can meet the needs of all of our students as we go deeper into this century. Technology will no doubt be a significant piece in our work.

While we have a challenging road ahead of us, I am looking forward to working with everyone on developing a vision for technology in Salisbury and the means of implementing it. I'll be using this newsletter on a regular basis to keep you informed of our progress as a district, and to share new and exciting things about technology in the educational world.

I am also looking forward to getting to know everyone. The door is always open, and I invite you to contact me to share and brainstorm ideas about teaching and learning with technology. I have picked up on much excitement and enthusiasm here in Salisbury, and look forward to getting involved with your classrooms.

So what exactly is "integration of technology?"
Yes...what is technology integration? There are as many interpretations of this question as there are teachers and administrators. Some may think it means using PowerPoint instead of transparencies and an overhead projector. Some others may see it as a tool that can actively engage our students, often in real-life problem solving. Still others may see technology integration as something between these two very different teaching situations.

In the abstract, I would say technology integration means having the ability to conceptualize and implement teaching practices that incorporate technology. Integration is not a quick fix; it takes a long time because we are attempting to change core beliefs concerning teaching and learning. We're asking ourselves not to teach from habit and experience, but to embrace the new and possibly unknown. Not easy to do.

For something more concrete, I'll be including exemplars of effective technology integration by Salisbury teachers on a regular basis in this newsletter. I'm already hearing about pockets of great things that need to be shared. As you read about these teachers and their projects, notice how these lessons are student-centered, engaging, collaborative, and encourage students to ask and answer questions beyond simply the facts.

Anyway you look at it, in education or business, technology allows us to do new things in new ways. The availability of technology can compel us to think about a new way of doing business. And for us, this means rethinking the way we presently expect our students to learn. Only then will we really be able to harness the power of technology - to help us teach in new ways.

So, what does technology integration mean to you?

Resource Reminder

Here we are again at the start of another year. While you are planning your lessons, consider taking a glance at some tools available to you and your students. These are free of charge and can be excellent resources when it comes to research or enrichment.

If you would like to use one (or more!) of these tools and are having trouble with access or ideas on how they can fit into your program, don't hesitate to call Randy (ext. 1601) or contact your Library/Media Specialist.

Streaming Video (http://www.unitedstreaming.com) is a video download and streaming system that instantly delivers over 3000 educational core-curriculum digital videos and over 20,000 clips. By searching the database, you can locate grade and subject specific content and view the videos right on your computer. This can be done by downloading it onto your desktop or by live streaming. Each video has been indexed, which gives the option of viewing the entire program or watching only a short clip.

There are also several other valuable resources within UnitedStreaming: a PA state standards search (find videos that can be used to teach a particular standard), an Image Library (great for use in PowerPoint and digital storytelling projects), and support materials such as worksheets, lesson plans, assignment builder, quiz center and a writing prompt generator.

Contact your Library/Media Specialist if you or your students need to set up an account. Once you have the login and password, please take some time to visit the above link and check out the resources.

If you need technical support with streaming video, contact your individual building computer technician. If you would like some integration assistance, feel free to contact Randy (ext. 1601).

POWER Library is a collection of subscription services available for FREE to residents of Pennsylvania, including teachers and students. To access these resources at home you must have a valid Public Library Card. You can access POWER Library through your home library's web site. (For example, the Allentown Public Library.) Once you arrive at your library's home page, look for the POWER Library logo. Click on it and enter the requested information from your library card. POWER Library can also be accessed through any school library computer. The databases available through POWER Library will be featured in a future newsletter.

netTrekker is available to all staff and students, K-12. See your Library/Media Specialist and follow the instructions for setting up an account. Once you have your username and password, login at http://school.nettrekker.com .

Your students can use this at home using the generic school login which you can obtain from your school Library Media Specialist.

What is netTrekker?

  • netTrekker is an academic research engine for educators and students. Unlike ordinary search engines, netTrekker contains over 180,000 of the best, academic-focused websites from the entire Internet.
  • These websites are evaluated and approved by a team of 400 educators and librarians nationwide, so you get quality results every time.
  • With netTrekker, searching is logical and easy because all content is curriculum-aligned and standards-based.
  • netTrekker is the fastest and most efficient way to do safe, focused academic research!
  • And netTrekker can be accessed from school, home, or the library - any computer or terminal with an Internet connection.

Randy Ziegenfuss <rziegenfuss@stsd.org>
Chris Smith <csmith@stsd.org>