Technology Memo #6

1. Computer Lab Time – Now that we are done with beginning of the year PA Series testing, I’d like to get the kids into the computer lab as much as possible. I would like to meet with every class in every grade level for a lab introduction and a session of learning.com. I’ve met with most of the kindergarten for both of these, but not the other grades. After that I would like to have K-2 continue with learning.com and have 3-5 begin internet safety lessons. I am making lab time my number 1 priority right now, so I will be in the lab every day for the next 2 ½ weeks except for Tuesday, October 6^th and Tuesday, October 13^th. To schedule time in the computer lab with me the next two weeks, just make an appointment in the public folders on the computer lab schedule and indicate what you would like your class lesson(s) to be about (lab introduction, learning.com, internet safety, etc.). Click “Invite Attendees” to make sure that an e-mail gets sent to me. You do not need to do any prep work for any of the three types of lessons listed above, just schedule time and let me know about it. Also the wireless carts are open, let’s get them out there. New teacher just need a 5 minute training before they check out a class set of wireless laptops.

2. Website of the Week – Learning.com – Gee, who would have thought this would be the website of the week after the previous memo item? Learning.com is an interactive website that teaches technology and literacy skills through cartoons, tutorials, and quizzes. Once your students learn how to log in and begin using is it, it is very hands-off for the teacher. Teachers monitor student progress and differentiate instruction without giving multiple lessons. I attached more information. Every student in the school should use learning.com this year.