Using Inspiration

(example of Inspiration)

Teacher Use of Inspiration

1.      Involve/ask students for participation

2.      Color-coded

3.      Review for chapter; test reviews; writing a paper

4.      Use long term over a period of time with links

5.      Keep in mind the students’ age.

Teaching Students how to use Inspiration

1.      What is the goal to use this program? What information are you trying to pass on?

2.      Teaching organizational skills.

3.      Process, steps (ie. Solving math problems, or showing different ways to do it.)

4.      Test review in small groups as an option for assessment

5.      Limit use and use it more supplemental

School Technology Survey

Schools Visited:

Laura- West High School

Evany- William Penn Elementary School

Camille- Hillcrest High School

Lauren- Park City High School

Commonalities between Surveys:

·         Availability of technology in schools varies depending on funding, while use of technology in instruction varies according to teacher choice.

·         While funding has an influence, districts appear to have specific goals and priorities related to technology use.

·         Most rooms have 1-5 computers (at least one teacher computer) with labs or laptop carts available for use.

·         Schools have more PCs than Macs, although some schools have both.

·         All schools have LCD projectors in each classroom.

·         All teachers use Microsoft Office or Pages.

·         Most teachers use Internet in instruction.

·         Some teachers have programs specific to subject, ie: math program or English program.

Differences between Surveys:

·         Dramatic differences in technologies depending on socioeconomic status of school population and surrounding neighborhoods.

·         Park City School District is Mac-based, while Salt Lake district schools are PC-based.

·         Some schools have document cameras, others do not.

·         Some classrooms have Smartboards, some do not.

·         Students with computers at home varies by school, from 60-100%.

·         Opportunities for teacher technology training depends on district.