MassCUE/M.A.S.S. 2012 Technology Conference

Examples of successful technology integration in Kindergarten through Grade 5 to align curriculum with the Massachusetts Common Core will be highlighted. These examples will give teachers a realistic sense of how to structure and execute a lesson plan, integrate the appropriate technology, organize the class, and measure results of the lesson, as well as see the enhanced value the technology brings to the lessons vs. paper and pencil. Activities to be showcased include: Google Docs lessons, Google Draw, Google Presentation, VoiceThread, Digital Storytelling, along with websites for student use.

Come find out how we are using a variety of Web 2.0 tools to help manage student behavior as well as motivate students to focus their attention on learning in fun and engaging ways! Backchannels, ClassDojo, wikis and other tools will be presented with our experiences to be shared with you!

An Elementary School Librarian and Technology Specialist will discuss how they restructured their programs into one integrated model. They will share the results of their first year of shared activities and curriculum, including the student use of iPads and iPod Touches to create and consume library content.

Teachers and students who want to publish on the Internet or use digital media for class projects must be particularly careful about avoiding sources that are protected under copyright law. Although Fair Use guidelines offer some limitations on the rights of copyright holders for content used for educational purposes, teachers can model and teach students the ways to create original content and use copyright-free content. In this session we first briefly review copyright law and Fair Use guidelines. Then the alternatives to using copyrighted materials will be presented, including: Creative Commons, advanced searching techniques, copyright-free resources, and options for creating original digital images, sounds and motion media using free Web resources.

Participants will be introduced to the basic concepts of the flipped classroom. They will learn how to create simple screencasts and how to effectively use the time freed up in the classroom to create a more collaborative, student-centered approach to learning.

As the movement toward releasing resources into the public domain continues to grow, each year brings a wealth of new opportunities to engage students in science through various forms of digital content. This session will share 2012's Top 10 Science OER and explore ways to integrate these resources into the classroom.

When robotics is integrated into language arts, not only are students excited by the robotics, they get excited about reading and writing. The session will introduce WeDo Robotics, highlight several student-tested projects, direct attendees to helpful online resources and offer tips for getting started and managing materials.

Authentic assessment is a valuable tool to increase student proficiency and motivation. Combining podcasting with this method can be very powerful and effective. Student and teacher podcasting provides a meaningful context in which to use modern languages.