Boston Public Schools Technology

21st Century Learning Tools for the Classroom - Wikis

noreply@blogger.com (BPS Internet Safety Blog) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:09:00 +0000

Imagine a world in which students could access class work anytime, anywhere, and learning happened all the time. Young people going online for class study guides, reviewing notes, practicing math problems with classmates or sharing essays and reflections, is not a fantasy. It’s a reality in many k-12 communities. Educational wikis provide students access to anywhere, anytime to classroom lessons and resources. Teachers are finding out how online learning activities can help students succeed, as well as promote family-home communications and provide collaborative workspaces for educators. This tool engages students in the world they are already accustomed to. Students speak the language of the web; they operate in a digital world full of rich media and connections. Free online digital tools for the classroom are resources we cannot afford to ignore.

Wikis and other collaborative tools for teachers are a big hit in Boston Public Schools. In the past two years, over 300 teachers have participated in a wiki workshop or course through OIIT’s Professional Development. Teachers, principals, teacher leaders, new teacher developers, and family and engagement centers among others are using wikis to provide resources to their schools and community groups. And this is just the tip of the iceberg! Check out Mr Hupe’s wiki at the Mckinley Middle School. You can also find OIIT's wiki on BPS Connect which contains a wealth of educational technology and how-to resources.

Why are so many educators using wikis? They are easy and quick, which is what the Hawaiian word means. Wiki is “quick”. Once you’ve created an account in wikispaces, google sites, or a number of other free wiki sites, it’s easy for educators to design and populate a wiki with rich content that is interactive and engaging. Wikis are web pages that allow members to connect to one another, share files and media, post resources, and plan projects. Some wikis are being used for online courses, engaging participants in in-depth discussions in the forums section of the wiki. New Teacher Developers used a wiki for beginning teachers to organize course content, to reflect and collaborate with other members of the class.Wikis operate much like a Word document turned web page. On the wiki, it’s easy to write a message, post a document, add or embed video, display photos, and add Internet links to educational websites. The rich multi-media environment is diverse and provides the differentiation that is often needed in the classroom to individualize learning. Slide shows, study guides, videos, podcasts, and links to educational websites that enhance student learning, as well as engagement and outcomes for student achievement are available anytime and anywhere. We have the opportunity engage, excite, and intensify the learning experience, and at the same time prepare our students with the skills they’ll need for success in 21st Century careers and lifelong learning. Here is Smartteachings' collections of 50 ways to use wikis in the k-12 classroom.

If you build it they will come!

Well, building it is really only the beginning. Like other resources and tools for learning, Wikis are only as good as the plan, the purpose, and the design for its use that will make them come and learn, and come back again. Sustaining a classroom wiki is a commitment on the part of the teacher to monitor, to update it and to promote its use. In addition to setting up a wiki, it's important for teachers to ensure safe and responsible behavior online by adhering to these guidelines:

Receive permission from your principal or headmaster before implementing a wiki or blog project with your students.
Make sure all students and parents have signed the District's Acceptable Use Policy from the student handbook and that the document is on file at the school.
Send a letter home to parents explaining what the project is and the expected learning goals of the students. Give parents the option to opt their students out of the project if they do not feel comfortable with it.
Before you begin the project, take the opportunity to educate students about appropriate use of online tools and discussions. For more information about cybersafety, check out the BPS Cybersafety Campaign.
Keep in mind your responsibility regarding student confidentiality. At no time should confidential student information be made available on an any wiki or blog including first and last names.
If you are allowing people to comment on your wiki or blog, please set it up so that you moderate those comments before they are published as this will help to eliminate any inappropriate or spam comments being added.
Student work and pictures of students should not be posted unless you have explicit parental consent pertaining to this project. All last names should be omitted from pictures posted online.

Setting up a Wiki for class study guides, collaborative learning environments, student reflections on the week’s readings, or links to curriculum resources has the potential to draw students into extended learning activities. While reinforcing class content they are also learning important collaboration and communication skills. Teachers are opportunistic, always seeking out the next best resource tool to support their teaching efforts and their student’s success at school. That’s why tools like wikis are a popular choice for 21st century learning.

These are just a few recommended guidelines to help you get started using web 2.0 tools with your classroom. If you have any questions, please contact OIIT. If you would like to inquire about receiving professional development on using online collaboration tools, contact Ed Considine with OIIT at econsidine@boston.k12.ma.us.

Kevin Youkilis Delivers "Batting for Books" Donation to the Edison K-8

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:08:00 +0000

On Monday, Mayor Thomas M. Menino joined Boston Red Sox All-Star Kevin Youkilis to celebrate the delivery of new books to the Thomas A. Edison K-8 School's library in Brighton. Last July at Fenway Park, Mayor Menino and Kevin Youkilis launched the “Batting for Books” program, a new initiative run through the Red Sox first baseman's foundation Hits for Kids that collects books for the libraries throughout the Boston Public Schools system. The program surpassed its goal of collecting 100,000 books.

The “Batting for Books” campaign benefits Boston Public Schools libraries at no cost to the City of Boston. The program was originally conceived by Youk’s Kids during a visit to one of the public school libraries in 2007 and the resulting realization that a little help from the community could vastly improve the quality and amount of books available for children to read.

hile all children’s books titles are welcome in the book drive, Boston Public Schools has compiled a recommended list of titles for the libraries. Each of these titles is available at a 20 percent discount at the New England Mobile Book Fair in Newton, and online at www.ecookbooks.com/battingforbooks.

In addition to the City of Boston and the Red Sox, Youk’s Kids has also partnered with the following organizations to ensure that the drive runs smoothly and successfully: Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Houghton Mifflin Hartcourt, Mark’s Movers, New England Mobile Book Fair, Rounder Records, and Lesley University.

To read more about Monday's event, visit the BPS website. For more information, please visit http://www.youkskids.org/index.html.

"Extreme Makeover" Transforms Mather Library

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:40:00 +0000

In October, Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Superintendent Carol R. Johnson, students, families and staff from the Mather Elementary School, along with The Heart of America Foundation® and Target Volunteers gathered to celebrate the unveiling of the school’s newly renovated library.

As part of the Target Volunteers School Library Makeover program, the Mather Elementary School in Dorchester, North America’s first public elementary school, received a complete transformation this summer, including 2,000 new books, technology, paint, lighting, carpet, shelving, customized wall art and murals, as well as reading corners – all just in time for the new school year. In addition, every student walked away with seven new books to add to their own at-home reading collection.

To read more about the library makeover and to watch a video on the event produced by BPS-TV, visit the BPS website.

BPS Internet Safety Campaign Presents at MassCue Conference

noreply@blogger.com (BPS Internet Safety Blog) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:42:00 +0000

On Wednesday, October 28, Eric Esteves and Joe Kidd presented a session about the BPS Cyber Safety Campaign at the Massachusetts Computer Using Educators Conference. The Conference took place at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro and drew teachers, principals and tech directors from districts all across the state. During the session Eric and Joe shared information with other educators on what the Boston Public Schools is doing to educate the community about internet safety. They spoke about how the campaign was started, how TST's in the system became iSAFE certified and were asked to do internet safety activities in their schools. They also spoke about the very important partnerships that have been created between the BPS and other outside agencies over the past few years. These partnerships include Microsoft, Bunker Hill Community College, the Boston Police Department, the Boston District Attorney's Office, the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office and the Mayor's Office. It would be impossible to put on this campaign without their help and support. Joe shared what the Office of Instructional and Information Technology's outreach to schools has been during the campaign. He gave a sample of the different types of presentations and workshops OIIT has done for elementary, middle and high schools as well as community centers and parent groups.

A lot of the educators in the session were already performing internet safety related activities within their schools, but wanted to know how they could take it further, especially with high school age students. Eric did a great job sharing with the group how he engages BPS high school students through the Cyber Safety Mentor Program. He also explained how the summer intern program draws on students' creative design talents and presentation skills. All of the student interns receive internet safety and presentation skills training. They then develop internet safety lessons that they bring out to educate the community. Last summer, they gave over 90 cyber safety presentations to over 5,000 children! The students also created new cyber safety materials that are available for download from the BPS cyber safety website. During the presentation at MassCue, Eric shared those materials with the teachers who were in attendance. They left the session with posters, buttons, bookmarks and the BPS cyber safety comic book. Below is a presentation of the materials that were shared with the participants during the MassCue conference.

BPS Internet Safety Campaign

View more presentations from jkiddtech.

President Obama Talks About Cyber Security

noreply@blogger.com (BPS Internet Safety Blog) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:25:00 +0000

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama released a video about Cyber Security Awareness Month. In the video, the president stresses the importance of keeping our computer networks safe. President Obama also states that he has created a new white house cyber security office which will be led by a cyber security coordinator he will appoint in the future.

During cybersecurity month, some websites are stepping up their efforts to provide quality cybersafety materials. Stay Safe Online has an entire section of their site dedicated to October being cyber security awareness month. They have links to resources, ideas on how to educate your students and schedules of cybersafety events across the country. Google is also celebrating cyber security awareness month. They have recently created the Google Cyber Security Awareness Channel on YouTube with videos dedicated to internet safety. They have also written vearious blof posts with cyber safety tips including choosing a smart password. Also, be sure to check out the Boston Public School's cyber safety website and resources!

Media Literacy, Teaching and Learning and 21st Century Skills Conference on October 24

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:53:00 +0000

Home Inc., TechFoundation, and MIT's Comparative Media Studies Program partner on their biennial one-day conference on Media Literacy on October 24, 2009. Prominent educators, filmmakers, public health workers, and representatives from dedicated organizations will highlight programs that promote and teach 21st Century skills and new media literacies.

Keynote Presentation: Alan November, author, leader, and innovator

Keynote title: Digital Nation - Education in Transition to 21st Century Learning

Event Logistics:

Date: October 24, 2009

Time: 8:00 am-4:00 pm

Location: MIT, Bldg, E-51 (Tang Ctr.), 2 Amherst Street, Cambridge, MA 02142

For more information and/or to register, visit the conference website at: http://ezregister.com/events/536/

Home, Inc., is offering free registration to the first 30 BPS teachers who register for the event. If you are interested in attending, please contact Melissa Dodd at mdodd@boston.k12.ma.us for the BPS registration code to use when you register online.

Hub On Wheels This Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:59:00 +0000

Ignore the weather forecast and join us on Sunday, September 27th at City Hall Plaza for the annual Hub on Wheels event!

On Sunday, nearly 6,000 riders, young and old, beginner and experienced, will take to the streets for the Hub On Wheels citywide ride and festival to help raise money for the Technology Goes Home at School Program, a technology training program serving urban families through the Boston Public Schools.

The night before, more than two hundred top professional racers, including Olympic cyclists and national champions, will descend on Government Center for high speed, fast-action racing.

Hub on Wheels is Boston's only citywide bike ride and festival, and the largest city-sponsored sporting event. Imagine being able to bike down Storrow Drive with no cars to get in your way. It's an experience you'll never forget.

Not into biking? Sign up to volunteer at www.hubonwheels.org.

Welcome Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:03:00 +0000

The new school year has kicked off with excitement and anticipation for students and teachers in Boston. Last Thursday morning, students entered newly organized & prepped school buildings, many in their new uniforms, eager to reunite with friends and teachers, share stories of the summer, and embark on a fresh new school year full of opportunities to learn.

On Thursday morning, OIIT staff volunteered at many schools throughout the city, handing out pencils, conducting Internet safety workshops, and providing last minute technology support to principals and teachers to help get schools ready for the big day. On Monday, other OIIT staffers will be welcoming kindergarten students, for many their first time attending school, as part of the Countdown to Kindergarten program in Boston.

While it's been a busy summer in OIIT supporting the district's Pathways to Excellence initiative and providing engaging and innovative educational technology professional development & support to hundreds of teachers, OIIT is thrilled that the new year has arrived. As we continue to provide high-quality support to schools and central offices, we've also got some new projects in the works, including:

Roll out of the Data Warehouse with Attendance and MCAS data to replace TestWiz functionality
Roll out of tiered technical and instructional technology support via the OIIT Service Desk
Professional Development offerings to support 21st Century Learning Skills and the infusion of technology and L4L tools into teaching & learning
Pilot implementation of Google Applications for Educators and iChat for communication and collaboration
Annual registration and password refresh for BPS applications and network access, including Laptops for Learning
Network and infrastructure upgrades – security, fiber and wireless

Stay up-to-date on technology news & happenings by subscribing to the OIIT blog!

Laptops for Learning (L4L) Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Welcome Back!

We hope you have had a wonderful start to the new school year. Make sure the L4L laptop assigned to you is working at peak performance to accelerate student learning by following these important L4L guidelines.

Connect to the BPS Network: Software Updates

The start of the school year is a key time to connect laptops to the BPS network for Mac, Windows, and Parallels updates.

Critical updates to improve the laptop's performance and security are only pushed out via the BPS network. Save time and hassles now by connecting to the BPS network via an Ethernet cable. Running updates will require a reboot of the laptop to complete installation.

L4L laptops are scheduled to check for Mac and Windows software updates on a weekly basis. Updates are pushed out over the BPS network. Therefore, laptops must be connected via an Ethernet cable to the BPS network on a weekly basis to receive required updates. Updates take less time when they are run on a regular basis.

Please note: L4L laptops need to be running Mac OS X 10.5.8. To see what version of the Mac operating system you're running, click on the "Apple" icon in the upper left-hand corner of the Mac toolbar and then select "About This Mac."

OIIT has created a couple of quick guides to help you with running software updates. Use this quick guide or check out the L4L website at: http://boston.k12.ma.us/techhelp/L4L.htm.

Did You Know? Reporting L4L Hardware/Software Problems

Apple stores offer a wealth of support to help you effectively use a MacBook in the classroom, including free workshops and expert advice. However, they are not authorized to repair L4L laptops.

If you have a hardware or software problem, contact your school's TST or call the OIIT Service Desk at 617-635-9200, Mondays-Fridays, 7am-4pm to report an issue. OIIT provides a 24-hour turn around for hardware-related problems.

Coming Soon! L4L Fall Registration 2009

It's getting to be that time of year again! Starting in October, OIIT will release a new registration application for L4L users. All L4L users will need to register their laptops (even if you just received a laptop in September).

Please note that prior to registering laptops ALL Apple software updates need to be run. Follow the quick guide at: http://www.boston.k12.ma.us/inst-tech/qc_software_updates.pdf.

OIIT will collect laptops that have not been registered to run routine maintenance and software updates. Please note that as part of this process, data will unfortunately be lost. OIIT will redistribute laptops to teachers in the winter.

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Remember to check out the L4L website for resources and tutorials.

And as always, check out available professional development workshops at www.mylearningplan.com. OIIT offers courses and workshops for all technology proficiency levels!

President Obama's Back-to-School Message

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:56:00 +0000

A number of schools have contacted OIIT asking about how best to view Obama's back-to-school message to students. While we block YouTube on the BPS Network, the video message is available for download here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/videos/2009/September/090809_ArlingtonVA.mp4

If you are interested in showing the video message at your school, speak to your Principal/Headmaster and check out the Media Resources page at the White House website for classroom engagement resources.

Welcome Back Principals & Headmasters!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:29:00 +0000

As OIIT embarks on a new school year, with laser-like focus we strive to provide the foundation, vision, leadership, and support for schools to use technology as a tool to accelerate progress for ALL students to ensure they are college-ready and success bound.

Ed Tech Support – OIIT Service Desk at 5-9200
• OIIT provides just-in-time support, school-based and central PD, on-site & remote support, and guidance for tools/software to enhance teaching, learning, & data-driven decision making.
• Need Support? Call the OIIT Service Desk at 635-9200 (7am-4pm). We’re implementing a new tiered technical and instructional support to address your needs in a timely fashion. You can also enter your ticket online via MyBPS OIIT tab.
• Need Professional Development Visit MyLearningPlan for currently available PD opportunities or check out the OIIT PD Brochure on MyBPS.

Laptops for Learning (L4L)
• L4L is a dual-platform laptop for instructional use in the classroom to support 21st century teaching & learning.
• All L4L laptops need to be connected to the Internet and BPS network on a weekly basis for critical software updates. Fall is registration time! Have teachers (& you) register laptops early in October.
• Schools must communicate to teachers a secure location to lock laptops up overnight.
• Orientation sessions for new teachers will be posted on MyLearningPlan staring August 31st.
• Visit the L4L website for policy documentation, support resources, and tech infusion strategies to transform learning.

Communicate & Collaborate in the 21st Century
• L4L includes tools for you and your teachers to foster 21st century learning & communication/collaboration.
• BPS Connect (http://connect.mybps.org) is the district’s wiki, blog and podcast online community. Contact the Service Desk to request training and to create an online group for your school.
• MassOne provides a virtual hard drive, curriculum resources, and online discussions groups for teachers and students. Access MassOne directly from MyBPS and contact OIIT for training.
• Connect-ED offers an efficient tool to communicate with families. Contact the Operations Office for access/training.
• BPS Email Go paperless with school announcements using BPS email. Create list serves for efficient emailing.

Student Data Systems
• MyBPS is the central portal for a variety of tools like MCAS data, scheduling & attendance, ELD level, & EPPs. Request access for transferred staff via the Service Desk and assign staff to teams via the MyBPS School Admin tab.
• LIZA is the repository for student data reports. Did you know that LIZA is available from home? Visit the P/HM tab on MyBPS for website links.
• BPS Data Warehouse will launch this fall as the new clearinghouse for data & reporting. Attendance data is currently available and MCAS data will be online soon to replace TestWiz. Check out MyLearningPlan for training sessions.
• Please note that, to date, funds have not been secured for a student information system.

Cyber Safety
• New federal requirements require schools to educate students on cyber bullying. Integrate cyber safety materials into your school day.
• The BPS Cyber Safety Campaign has updated its resources to educate the BPS community on safe, online habits. Visit the Cyber Safety website for curriculum resources for all grade levels. To request materials and/or support to conduct cyber safety events at your school, contact the OIIT Service Desk at 635-9200.

BPS Students Graduate from Apple Internship Program

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:21:00 +0000

On August 20th, three BPS students from Fenway High School and Boston Arts Academy graduated from an intensive eight-week, paid internship program with Apple. Apple launched the junior internship program in Boston in fall 2009, the second city to host the program. Apple is now running the program in New York City, Boston, and Miami.

Students participated in learning and professional development seminars, engaged in technology bootcamps to learn Apple products and software like iMovie, and worked on the floor at the Apple Boylston Street store, the largest store in North America, helping customers find the right Apple product for their needs.

At the graduation, the students shared how much the internship program has prepared them for the future -- and taught them about themselves in the process. Amaly and Jasmine, who recently graduated from the BPS, will take their learning experience and apply it toward their undergraduate work this fall. Orlando, a senior at Fenway, mentioned that he plans to offer his support and knowledge to BPS teachers to help them use their MacBook in the classroom when asked how the students plan to bring back what they learned to their communities.

The internship program proved to be a life-changing experience for the Apple employees as well. In a video to the students, Apple employees shared how much the students have enriched their lives, and the environment at Apple. Apple hopes to continue the internship program in the fall, bringing on a new cohort of student interns.

Kevin Youkilis' Hits for Kids Foundation Brings in Thousands of Books to the BPS

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 01:32:00 +0000

In July, volunteers from BPS and Lesley University collected new and gently used books for BPS libraries at Fenway Park thanks to the Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids Foundation as part of the first annual Batting for Books book drive. With already tens of thousands of books donated, and thousands more new books from Houghton Mifflin and New England Mobile Book Fair on the way, OIIT will distribute books to BPS libraries this fall.

A HUGE thank you to the Batting for Books sponsors. We are extremely grateful for your support and dedication to the Boston Public Schools!

Kevin Youkilis Foundation
Mark's Movers
Houghton Mifflin
New England Mobile Book Fair
Lesley University
Valvoline Instant Oil Change
Rounder Records

Check out the July article in the School Library Journal on the Batting for Books campaign.

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:59:00 +0000

Check out the recent article in School Library Journal on the Kevin Youkilis Foundation's Batting for Books Book Drive this weekend at Fenway Park!

Meet the 2009 Tech Apprentices!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:33:00 +0000

OIIT successfully reached our goal and placed 101 Tech Apprentices in Boston-area companies for the summer! The Tech Apprentice Program is a seven-week paid internship opportunity at local companies for technology skilled high school juniors and seniors from Boston and the metro Boston area. A collaboration between TechBoston/OIIT, the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC), and Boston Area Advanced Technological Educational Connections (BATEC), the program offers students a great opportunity to explore their technology interests while developing professional skills in a real-world setting. It also gives companies the ability to develop a much needed pipeline of technology-skilled individuals while also providing Boston youth with a unique experience to gain hands-on learning. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Massachusetts hosted a luncheon to welcome the apprentices. Have a productive summer!

Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids launches “Batting for Books” campaign to benefit BPS libraries

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:36:00 +0000

BOSTON — Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids announced the launch of the first “Batting for Books” campaign to benefit the Boston Public Schools. Together with the City of Boston and the Boston Red Sox, the slugger’s charitable organization is dedicated to enhancing the Boston Public Schools by collecting over 100,000 new or gently used books to donate to the schools’ libraries. Book donations will be collected at each of Fenway Park’s five gates during the Red Sox weekend series against the Kansas City Royals on Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12.

“We are so excited to launch this program because we know that it will have an immediate positive impact on the public school libraries throughout Greater Boston,” said Youkilis, one of the Co-Founder’s of the organization. “Our school’s libraries are in desperate need of new books, and without spending a dime, contributors to the book drive will be able to directly support the reading skills and overall education of our city’s children.”

The “Batting for Books” campaign will benefit the Boston Public Schools libraries at no cost to the City of Boston. The program was originally conceived by Youk’s Kids during a visit to one of the public school libraries in 2007 and the resulting realization that a little help from the community could vastly improve the quality and amount of books available for children to read. Currently, the average age of a book on the shelf at the libraries is twelve years old.

“We want this campaign to be as successful as possible, and that is why we are swinging for the fences and have set our collection goal at over 100,000 books,” said Enza Sambataro-Youkilis, Co-Founder & President of Youk’s Kids. “Judging by the passion that the Red Sox and their fans have for the City of Boston, we are confident that we will surpass our goal.”

“We are very grateful to Kevin Youkilis and Hits for Kids for launching this exciting campaign,” said Dr. Carol R. Johnson, Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools. “This partnership will make a tremendous difference in our work to strengthen literacy skills among all Boston Public Schools students.”

While all children’s books titles are welcome in the book drive, Boston Public Schools has compiled a recommended list of titles for the libraries. Each of these titles is available at a 20% discount at the New England Mobile Book Fair in Newton, and online at http://www.ecookbooks.com/battingforbooks.

In addition to the City of Boston and the Red Sox, Youk’s Kids has also partnered with the following organizations to ensure that the drive runs smoothly and successfully: Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Mark’s Movers, New England Mobile Book Fair, Rounder Records, and Lesley University.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change will also be accepting book donations at all their MA, NH & RI locations starting on June 15, and there will also be a collection point at the New England Mobile Book Fair in Newton. Houghton Mifflin has also pledged to match the number of books donated at Fenway Park on July 11 and 12.
For more information, please visit http://www.youkskids.org/index.html

About Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids

Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids is a charitable organization focused on raising support and awareness for the health, advocacy, safety, and well-being of children. Rallying the support of individuals and businesses Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids teams up with existing community-based children’s charities and medical research efforts, which currently lack sufficient funding. Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids also identifies and partners with businesses that can deliver products and services to children in need, on the behalf of Youk’s Kids. To learn more about Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids, or to make a donation, please visit www.youkskids.org.

BPS Celebrates the Power of Technology to Transform Learning

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:50:00 +0000

On Saturday, May 30, 2009, the Boston Public Schools Community came together for a technology-infused day at Wentworth Institute of Technology.

In the morning, teams of elementary school principals and teachers, along with their Academic Superintendents, came together to kick-off a year-long professional development program focused on 21st Century Skills & Technology Leadership in conjunction with the district's Laptops for Learning (L4L) initiative. L4L is a four-year, strategic initiative that establishes a solid technology foundation in Boston Public Schools classrooms by providing teachers with a state-of-the-art, dual-platform MacBook for instructional use to engage students, differentiate instruction, and inspire learning. In August, middle, K-8, and high schools will begin the year-long technology leadership program.

In the afternoon, two great events took place for BPS families and students. In a packed gymnaisum, nearly 900 families came together with Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Reverend Gregory G. Groover, Chairperson of the Boston School Committee, BPS Superintendent Carol R. Johnson, and Dr. Zorica Pantic, President of Wentworth, to celebrate their graduation from the Technology Goes Home (TGH) Program. TGH fosters family-school connections by providing technology training to families at the school.

And right across the quad, over 90 students from seven BPS schools competed for medals in the annual Robotics Olympics sponsored by OIIT's TechBoston unit. Principals, teachers, and families came to the event to support their students and children. This year's competition focused on "Green" robots with 8 challenges ranging from fuel-efficient vehicles to recycling.

The wealth of excitement and the richness of learning that occurred across the Wentworth campus with these events exemplifies the seamless power of technology to not only engage students, families, teachers, and instructional leaders in their own learning but to help them develop strategies and practices to transform learning for others.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the BPS Technology Day!

Lilla G. Frederick Honored as an Apple Distinguished School

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:25:00 +0000

Executives from Apple presented the Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School in Dorchester with an Apple Distinguished School Award in recognition of the school's "1-to-1 Wireless Learning Initiative." The Frederick is one of only 33 schools in the country, and the only school in Massachusetts, to receive the honor this year. City and school officials joined students and faculty for a special awards ceremony yesterday to celebrate the prize.

Pictured here (left to right) are State Rep. Marie St. Fleur, an eighth grade student from Roxbury, Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Principal Deb Socia, Brent Frey, Apple Education Development Manager, an eighth grade student from Dorchester, and Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol R. Johnson.

Engage with the Technology Goes Home Program to Connect Families & Schools through Technology

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:05:00 +0000

Looking for a way to engage families in their children’s education next year? If so, consider the TGH Program. The TGH program provides an opportunity for Boston schools (grades 4-12) to bring families together for technology training based on classroom or grade-level curriculum. One or two teachers are stipended to provide 25 hours of training after school or on Saturdays (teacher’s choice). In order to participate, schools need to recruit 12 families. This year, we trained over 850 families in 50 schools!

OIIT is hosting informational sessions at OIIT, Madison Park High School on Thursday, June 11th and Monday, June 15th at 4:15 p.m. Apply by June 22, 2009 to launch program in September 2009.

Check out the program letter (http://boston.k12.ma.us/bulletins/TGHLetter.doc) and the application (http://boston.k12.ma.us/bulletins/TGHApplication.doc) for more information.

Remember, APPLY NOW and RECRUIT FAMILIES in the SUMMER and SEPTEMBER.

Questions? Contact Jackie Collins at jcollins@boston.k12.ma.us.

OIIT Summer Professional Development Offerings Posted

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:30:00 +0000

OIIT has posted its summer professional development offerings on MyLearningPlan. Visit www.mylearningplan.com to read course descriptions and to register.

Current offerings include:

TEC_1005: Your L4L Laptop: A Beginner's Course I
TEC_1008: Your L4L Laptop: A Beginner's Course II
TEC_1003: Digital Storytelling Across the Curriculum
TEC_1010: Integrating Visual/Digital Media in the Curriculum
TEC_1012: Using SMART Boards to Support Instruction
TEC_1007: Creating Instructional Podcasts with GarageBand
TEC_1013: Empowering the Classroom with Collaborative Online Tools: Wikis, Blogs, & Google Apps
TEC_1014: Technology Integration or Planning for the 21st Century Classroom

Available Soon!

TEC_1004: Presentation Skills for Teaching & Learning in the Classroom
TEC_: Using Geometer's Sketchpad to Support Middle School Mathematics
TEC_1009A: Data Warehouse Train the Trainer Session 1
TEC_1009B: Data Warehouse Train the Trainer Session 2
TEC_1002: Introduction to Excel to Support Data Analysis
TEC_1001: MassONE Orientation and More

TD Banknorth Awards $5,000 Library Grants to 2 K-8 Schools

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:40:00 +0000

TD Banknorth recently surprised the new Higginson - Lewis K-8 School in Roxbury with a $5,000 donation through the TD Charitable Foundation, the bank’s charitable giving arm. The bank also donated $5,000 to the school library at the new Martin Luther King, Jr. K-8 School in Dorchester. The funds were donated in celebration of National Library Week, April 12-18, and will support the purchase of new library books and technology resources.

Attending the event at the Higginson were Bruins legend Ray Bourque, Celtics legend JoJo White, Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol R. Johnson and principal Joy Salesman-Oliver.

As part of Superintendent Johnson’s “Pathways to Excellence” plan approved by the Boston School Committee last fall, the Higginson Elementary School and Lewis Middle School will merge to become a new kindergarten through grade 8 (K-8) school in September at the Lewis building, 131 Walnut Ave., Roxbury. The Dickerman Elementary and King Middle Schools also will merge to become the new King K-8 at the refurbished 77 Lawrence Ave. building in Dorchester this fall.

TD Banknorth’s celebration of National Library Week served as the official kick-off to the bank’s Summer Reading Program. The program encourages young people to read and additionally provides a goal for them to learn the importance of saving money. TD Banknorth contributes $10 into a new or existing young savers account for each child who reads 10 books throughout the summer. The 2009 Summer Reading Program will run from May 4 through September 30.

Photo Caption: Celebrating the $5,000 donation from TD Banknorth with Higginson students are (left to right) Bruins legend Ray Bourque, principal Joy Salesman-Oliver, TD Banknorth regional executive Dave Glidden, and Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol R. Johnson.

(This blog post was written by the BPS Communications Office as a press release. Go to the BPS website for the original press release. Thank you to the BPS Communications Office!)

Target and The Heart of America Foundation announce winner of extreme school library makeover competition

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:36:00 +0000

Officials from Target and The Heart of America Foundation surprised students at the Mather on Tuesday morning with an announcement that their school has been selected for an extensive makeover of its library. Next fall, the space will be transformed with new computers, shelving, furniture, carpeting, murals, and more than 2,000 new books.

In addition to the Mather, a panel of judges visited the Marshall and Winthrop elementary schools this week. These two runner-up schools won $500 worth of new library equipment and supplies. The 3 finalist schools were selected out of 14 BPS schools that met eligibility requirements, including serving a population of at least 2/3 low-income families.

The new school library will be unveiled in September 2009, after a design and construction phase with support from volunteers from the South Bay Target store. Mather students brainstormed ideas for the design of the new library to present to the architects and contractors who will work on the project. In addition to the 2,000 new books to add to the library’s collection, Target will donate more than 3,500 books for children to bring home to read with their families.

This post was adapted from a press release by the BPS Communications Office. Thank you!

Congratulations Kim & Ed!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:01:00 +0000

We're very proud of 2 of our OIITers for their amazing accomplishment this week. Kim Rice and Ed Considine successfully ran in the Boston Marathon on April 20th. Congratulations!!

Kim didn't let a broken leg stop her from repeating her success at the Boston Marathon. After a serious break and surgery in November 2007, Kim got back on track with her marathon training and finished Boston for the 2nd time in style. I hear that another marathon may be in her near future.

And our modest Ed. Did you even know he was running the marathon? He didn't let any of us know he was even running until he wished Kim good luck on the Friday before and we were able to snap this shot of the two of them. If only we had known. Ed finished the marathon in record time -- 3:35:59. Wow!! That's unbelievable!!

Congratulations to both of you, again, for achieving your goals. We'll post more photos as they come in of our running stars!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:05:00 +0000

I am testing out sending texts directly to the OIIT blog. If we started an OIIT twitter would you follow it? Let us know.

OIIT Launches 1st TST Podcast Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Dodd) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Last month, OIIT launched our first-ever, online TST Podcast meeting on BPS Connect in conjunction with a new wiki & blog for Technology Support Teachers (TSTs). The podcasts can be watched online or downloaded directly to iTunes for anytime access. BPS piloted BPS Connect last summer as an online community for wikis, blogs, and podcasts.

The theme of the podcast is 21st Century Learning Skills – one of our most popular professional development opportunities. This focus is timely given the recent publication by the New Media Consortium and CoSN on emerging technology trends in K12 education -- the 2009 Horizon Report: The K12 Edition. The report, outlining emerging technologies that will likely have a significant impact on teaching, learning, research, or creative expression in K12 education, maps out the time-to-adoption horizon of "technologies to watch" over the next five years.

The report highlights that collaborative environments and online communication tools are on the horizon for integration in the K12 sphere in one year or less. With BPS Connect, and other Web 2.0 tools such as Google groups, wikis, and Skype, BPS is developing promising practices and strategies to provide guidance and support to schools. Taking the TST meeting online is a great way to model how technology & digital media can help instructional leaders, teachers, and studentds collaborate, connect, and ultimately learn. After watching the podcasts, TSTs needed to complete online reflection questions and an evaluation survey, as well as recommend additional teaching & learning tools for the 21st century. We'll share out those resources in the wiki.

21st Century Skills is a key focus in education at the MA state level, with Massachusetts becoming a state partner of The Partnership for 21st Century Skills. The Partnership seeks to position 21st century skills at the center of U.S. K12 education by building collaborative partnerships among education, business, community and government leaders. Most recently, Paul Reville, the Secretary of Education, convened a Task Force on 21st Century Skills, consisting of education, business, and community leaders to, "help us better prepare our children, our students to succeed in our rapidly changing world."

To learn more about the 2009 K12 Horizon Report, visit the wiki at: http://horizon.nmc.org/k12. To learn more about the Massachusetts' focus on 21st Century Skills, read about the Secretary of Education's Task Force on 21st Century Skills.