MC21+Teaching+&+Learning+Project+Details

=**The Monroe County 21st Century Teaching & Learning Project**=

//Summer 2008 - Introduction Project//
During the summer of 2008, 16 Monroe County teachers will be given the opportunity to experience and learn to use several "21st century" technologies. A quick synopsis follows:


 * WHO:** 16 Monroe County teachers (from any K-12 Monroe County schools, any grades, any subjects); facilitators include Jim Dornberg and Kathy Berry of the Curriculum & Instruction Division of the MCISD


 * SELECTION PROCESS:** Teachers will apply to be a part of this Institute experience. We intend to balance as much as possible between elementary and secondary, subject areas taught, and among the nine local districts we serve as well as charter/parochial/private schools. Teachers MUST be fluent in navigating the Internet using a browser, using email, and using a word processor. They must also be committed to using this new knowledge in their classes during the 2008-2009 school year.


 * WHERE:** MCISD Computer Lab(s) and River Raisin Rooms


 * WHEN:** Dates To Be Determined; Will be completed prior to late August 2008


 * WHAT:** Five 6-hour sessions in an Institute format. Participants will be actively engaged in a survey of several 21st century technologies, including hardware and software resources. Participants will become comfortable with the use of web cams, document cameras, real-time videoconferencing, creating and using wikis and blogs, SMART boards, and other technologies as time permits. Applications to teaching and learning in the classroom will be stressed.


 * WHY:** Through numerous contacts at local school sites and during MCISD-sponsored professional development events, it has become apparent that a very small percentage of our county teachers are aware of the numerous technology resources available to them. Even among those aware of these resources, very few feel fluent enough in using them to incorporate them regularly in their day-to-day teaching and learning in their classrooms. This 5-day institute will be a catalyst to incorporating more current technology in our county districts as these teachers return to their schools inspired to structure lessons so that teaching and learning happen differently - and more effectively.


 * HOW:** Through a mini-grant, the MCISD will provide materials, meals, and equipment for this institute. The mini-grant amount requested is $5,000 to cover the above items. Participants will receive print, hardware, and software materials and resources.

**//2008-2009 School Year Immersion Project//**
For the 2008-2009 School Year, 9 Monroe County teachers will be given an immersion opportunity to learn to use "21st century" technologies and incorporate these on a regular basis in their classrooms. A quick synopsis follows:


 * WHO:** 9 Monroe County teachers (from any K-12 Monroe County schools, any grades, any subjects); facilitators include Jim Dornberg and Kathy Berry of the Curriculum & Instruction Division of the MCISD


 * SELECTION PROCESS:** Teachers will apply to be a part of this technology immersion experience. They will also need a recommendation from their building or district administrator. We intend to balance as much as possible between elementary and secondary, subject areas taught, and among the nine local districts we serve. Teachers MUST be reasonably fluent in navigating the Internet using a browser, using email, and using a word processor. They must also be highly committed to using this new knowledge in their classes monthly during the 2008-2009 school year. They must also be receptive to collegial coaching from MCISD facililtators and other project participants. They will also be required to make occasional presentations regarding the project and its impact on student learning. Presentations would include one at their local school board meeting at some point during the school year, as well as at least one at the MCISD to county administrators, superintendents, or other such group. They would also be encouraged to present at MACUL and/or other suitable state/regional/national conferences.


 * WHERE:** MCISD Computer Lab(s) and River Raisin Rooms


 * WHEN:** Dates To Be Determined;


 * WHAT:** 9 full-day professional learning days at the MCISD, with follow-up coaching in their classrooms. Participants will be actively engaged in becoming fluent in using several 21st century technologies, including hardware and software resources. Participants will the use web cams, digital cameras, document cameras, real-time videoconferencing, creating and using wikis and blogs, SMART boards, podcasts, and other technologies as time permits. Immediate applications to teaching and learning in the classroom will be incorporated. Participants are expected to infuse numerous lessions each month with teaching and learning strategies which they have acquired through the MC21 T&L project. MCISD coaches will observe and potentially co-teach some of these lessons. Participants will also form a close collaborative learning community as they add to this wikispace, create blogs, lessons, podcasts, and other Web 2.0 resources for themselves and the world internet community.


 * WHY:** Through numerous contacts at local school sites and during MCISD-sponsored professional development events, it has become apparent that a very small percentage of our county teachers are aware of the numerous technology hardware and software resources available to them. Even among those aware of these resources, very few feel fluent enough in using them to incorporate them regularly in their day-to-day teaching and learning in their classrooms. This immesrion project will be an example to our districts of the benefits to teachers and students of incorporating more current technology in lessons so that teaching and learning happen differently - and more effectively.


 * HOW:** Through a grant, the MCISD will provide materials, meals, and equipment for this institute. Local districts will provide for substitute teacher costs. The grant amount requested is $50,000 to cover the above materials, meals, and equipment. Participants will receive print, hardware, and software materials and resources for their classrooms.