WHAT'S NEW - APRIL 2005

INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO CLASSROOM PRACTICES

Welcome to the Web site for the Council on Alberta Teaching Standards (COATS). This area of the site changes monthly. The theme for this month will be of interest to teachers, administrators, and parents who are exploring the integration of learning technology into classroom practices. The section below identifies several Web sites related to the topic. We hope that you find this site to be a valuable resource. For quick reference bookmark http://www.teachingquality.ab.ca today!

WEB SITES RELATED TO INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO CLASSROOM PRACTICES

Active Learning in the Digital Age Classroom
Summer 2004
University of British Columbia
Brear, D.
http://members.shaw.ca/dbrear/aldac.html

This outline from a recent summer course at the University of British Columbia provides an overview of a selection of topics related to using technologies in the classroom. The course is described as hands on and as dealing with software, digital media, and Internet resources. Many of the course objectives are practical and have an acknowledged emphasis on the secondary classroom. The content of the course includes consideration of topics such as student electronic portfolios, digital video cameras, and Web-based projects. Finally, the outline identifies valuable print resources as well as selection of Internet resources. Overall, Brear's course outline provides teachers with many ready resources to help bring information and communication technologies to the classroom.

Alberta Invests $6 Million in Province Wide Videoconferencing Initiative
© 2005 Government of Alberta
http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/news/2005/February/nr-VideoConferencing.asp

This news release, posted by Alberta Education in February 2005, points to a significant upcoming videoconferencing initiative. Alberta's Education Minister views this initiative as a means to enrich the learning opportunities for K-12 students throughout Alberta. This project is in keeping with recommendations advanced by Alberta's Commission on Learning in 2003. The release notes the names of agencies involved in providing research and support for the videoconferencing developments. Several Alberta school jurisdictions are already using videoconferencing technology successfully in a variety of subject areas-Grande Yellowhead, Fort Vermilion, Edmonton Public and Red Deer Catholic. Facilities equipped with videoconferencing technology can be used by teachers and administrators as well as by students.

Assessing Early Applications of Videoconferencing in Alberta K-12 context
Copyright © 2004-2005 Canadian Institute for Distance Education Research (CIDER)
Athabasca University
Athabasca, AB
http://cider.athabascau.ca/research/researchCurrent/videotest

Professor Terry Anderson of Athabasca University has advanced a proposal to involve teaching practitioners in the research of applications for broadband videoconferencing technology. This collaborative research will employ a case study approach and allow practitioners at five school sites to experience the challenges of developing videoconferencing programming for classroom students. The outcome is anticipated to be a collection of guidelines regarding best practices in the use of videoconferencing technology for the province. Videoconferencing technology is used in the instruction of courses and in teacher professional development as well as for administrative purposes. The research is expected to be complete in the summer of 2005.

Alberta SuperNet News.
© 2005 Government of Alberta
http://www.albertasupernet.ca/

The integration of technology in the classroom is dependent in part on the provision of a viable infrastructure. According to this February 2005 news release, the Alberta SuperNet is nearing completion. The Alberta SuperNet will provide high-speed broadband Internet access at reasonable cost to remote communities throughout Alberta. When completed, the new network will provide a state-of-the-art means of communication for government agencies, healthcare facilities and libraries as well as for schools. This new infrastructure will permit over 400 communities in the province to be included in the use of modern communications technology. For more details about the implications of the SuperNet, see also Alberta SuperNet Research Communities http://supernet.ucalgary.ca/

Curriculum Consultant-Technology. 2004
Brooks, C.
Medicine Hat School District No. 76
Medicine Hat, AB
http://curriculumlinks.sd76.ab.ca/StaffInfoItems/final%20report.htm

This online report presented by a teacher in Medicine Hat, Alberta provides a collage about the many facets of integrating technology into the classroom. The Web page is presented seemingly as an annual report for the classroom in the 2003-2004 school year, but the teacher exhibits a particular point of view, having worked through the year as a technology consultant. The format combines photos and text to communicate the highlights of the year, particularly the implementation of a technology plan. The report also includes an account of professional development opportunities offered to other school staff during the year. The online report concludes with comments drawn from an ICT (Information and Communications Technology) assessment survey conducted at the school. These teacher observations serve to highlight the vital contribution of their colleague in the role of technology consultant.

The Galileo Educational Network, Winter 2005
The Galileo Educational Network
Calgary, AB
http://www.galileo.org/about/winter05.pdf

The Galileo Network's 2005 Winter Newsletter provides an indication of some imminent developments with regard to information and communications technology in the classroom. Under the heading "Coming to Teaching in the 21st Century," the newsletter features a column about the technology-rich classroom of the future. The focus falls on teacher preparation for such innovative, networked classrooms. Some futurists are recognizing that familiarity with technology on the part of teachers does not always result in effective teaching and learning in the classroom. Adequate teacher preparation for the future classroom is a matter that concerns universities that prepare teachers as well as government that provide other necessary supports. The Galileo Educational Network is based in Calgary, Alberta.

ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Program of Studies
© 2005 Government of Alberta
http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca/ict/pofs.asp

This Web site from Alberta Education directs attention to the integration of technology and the curriculum. Information and communication technology is not only technology; it is a whole new way of understanding what is to happen in the classroom. The Web site presents the ICT Program of Studies together with a philosophy and rationale as well as statements of expected outcomes for Division 1 to Division 4. The scope of ICT as outlined here is broad, and includes skills in inquiring, communicating, and carrying out the processes required for achievement. Familiarity with a repertoire of software tools is also recognized as an essential component of integrating ICT into the classroom. This information is intended for teachers of students in grades K-12. A useful listing of ICT contacts is also provided.

Learning Through Technology. 2004
Department of Education
Fredericton, NB
http://ltt.nbed.nb.ca/ict_techmen.asp

This Web site describes the "New Brunswick Technology Mentor Program." Supported by the New Brunswick Department of Education, this professional development program has as its general goal the expansion of students' classroom learning through ICT (Information and Communication Technology). The program is directed by mentors, that is, teachers with the expertise and experience to offer in-service to their peers. The program provides direct and virtual support for teachers who are developing skills in this form of teaching. One objective of the program involves establishing school-based technology teams. The Web site includes links to further, related resources.

Media Awareness Network (MNet)
© 2005 Media Awareness Network
Ottawa, ON

http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/educational/media_education/ nova_scotia/subject_level_overviews/ns_it_k-12_ov.cfm

This Web page with content originating from Nova Scotia directs attention to media literacy. Media literacy is an essential part of integrating technology into the language arts curriculum. That students use the new technologies is not enough. Students must also be able to evaluate the electronic media and critically assess their worth. To this end, the Web page introduces a learning outcomes framework, which identifies five important components for developing media literacy. Two of these components consist of intellectual and ethical practices that are viewed as complementing technical skills. The Web page includes sidebars linking the viewer to additional resources of particular interest to language arts teachers at several grade levels. The main offices of MNet are located in Ottawa.

New Technologies in the Classroom. 2003
Industry Canada
http://www.schoolnet.ca/nis-rei/e/ict/new_technology/Web_cams.asp

New technologies are coming to the classroom. This Web page focuses on reports of the use of Web cams to provide enhanced learning opportunities. Examples are described from one school in New Brunswick and from another in the Yukon. The use of Web cams illustrates only one of several new learning technologies that are finding their places in the classroom. Other instances of the new technologies in the classroom include digital video, digital audio, and robotics. These initiatives, aimed at the integration of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) into the classroom, are sponsored by SchoolNet under the auspices of Industry Canada.

Technology Integration Plan 2001-2004
Fort McMurray Catholic School District
Fort McMurray, AB
http://www.fmcsd.ab.ca/technologyplan.html

Classrooms that employ information and communications technology do not exist in isolation. This Web site posts a recent technology integration plan for one of Alberta's school districts. Entitled "Preparing Our Students for the Future," the plan is expansive in the range of technology-related topics it incorporates. The framework presented in the plan provides an example, from a district perspective, of the conditions under which information and communications technology can be applied in the classroom. The document acknowledges that a high level of technological support requires specific consideration and planning. The document refers to several provincial initiatives within the realm of information and communications technology as well as highlighting some specific projects of interest.

Virtual Museum of Canada
© 2005 CHIN (Canadian Heritage Information Network)
http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/English/index_flashFT.html

Technology makes learning with museums possible even without a trip to a distant city. The Virtual Museum of Canada serves as an outstanding example of the rich Internet resources now available to the classroom online. A few specific examples can be mentioned. One of this Web site's features is a "Teacher's Centre." The accompanying brochure describes the learning opportunities constructed by museum professionals and educators. Other contents include an extensive gallery of Canadian images. Of interest particularly to history teachers, "This Week in History," turns attention to milestones of the current week in the nations' past. Finally, the Virtual Museum's exhibits include one entitled "Women of Aspenland," which celebrates the achievements of women of central Alberta.