Burlington Public SchoolS IT

MSMS iPads

2011-05-13T13:05:00.005-04:00

Make sure to check out the Marshall Simonds blog for a recent post about how the school's iPads have been used at MSMS, Pine Glen, and Burlington High School this year:

Marshall Simonds and iPads

How Do I Do That - May 2011

2011-05-02T13:30:00.006-04:00

There will be two sessions of the How Do I Do That technology series in May.

On Tuesday, May 10 Paula Weldon from Memorial Elementary School will feature several important topics for teachers. Mrs. Weldon will cover the use of the network folders for Burlington Public Schools and how to appropriately save to these folders. She will also cover Dropbox cloud based storage and how teachers can use this great free resource. Mrs. Weldon will spend some time on Google Docs and how teachers can use the online applications for their curriculum.

On Tuesday, May 24 Jeff Bolduc from MSMS will feature Mac applications Garageband and others from the both the iLife and iWork suites. These applications are all available for Mac and most are also available on the iPad. They provide some of the best creative applications for music, photography, and video as well as document and presentation creation.

How Do I Do That - April 2011

2011-03-30T13:03:00.008-04:00

We will have two sessions of the Burlington Public Schools How Do I Do That technology series in April.

On April 12, we will feature the new iPad 2. We will discuss new features and ways to use iPads in a 1:1 classroom environment. Burlington High School teachers are encouraged to attend with questions and to receive some help in preparation for the 1:1 initiative next year.

On April 26, we will feature Twitter and Skype. New users can learn about these tools and set up accounts. Twitter is a great resource for collaboration and personal professional development. Skype has many features that are perfect for education. Both tools enable students and teachers to communicate with the world, learn from others, share and connect to authentic audiences everywhere.

Please contact me with any questions:

villano@burlington.mec.edu

First Look

2011-03-09T16:38:00.002-05:00

As most of you know by know, the Burlington School District is looking to implement a 1:1 solution next year for high school students. we have been looking at many devices including Laptops, Minis, tablets, and iPads. Cisco announced earlier this year that they would be introducing a tablet to the market, nicknamed Cius. Though the Cius has not officially been released to the public yet, the nice guys over at Cisco knew that we would be interested in seeing their product in person. The Specs are as follows: Intel 1.6Ghz Atom processor, 1Gb ram, Android 2.2 OS (Honeycomb 3.0 when available), SD card slot, wifi only only or 4g models, mini Hdmi output, front and rear facing cameras, and a 7 inch screen. We only got to play with this device fr a little while, but we are planning to demo a handful of these devices for at least a week very soon. These devices combined with Cisco's device management center, would allow us as a district to "manage" the applications, content, and access allowed to these devices but also provide us with internal resources such as video conferencing, silent calls, and data that the district could provide. Very promising device, but we'll know more when we really get our hands on it.

How Do I Do That - March 2011

2011-03-01T10:10:00.021-05:00

I am excited to announce the topics for three March sessions of the Educational Technology staff workshop series – How Do I Do That. When I started to develop the How Do I Do That program I hoped that we would be able to feature sessions just like the ones coming in March. The three sessions are great examples of teachers teaching teachers. We have teachers leading sessions about topics that they are both experts on in the classroom and passionate about in their own lives outside of the classroom.

On March 8, I will lead a session featuring three of the best free apps available right now for students and teachers. These three apps form a foundation for web based productivity. The apps are all available on any device and provide powerful collaborative opportunities. These three apps are also great tools for our 1:1 iPad initiative at Burlington High School.

Evernote is a outstanding productivity app that can be accessed by almost any web enabled device. Evernote provides students and teachers with note taking, web bookmarking, and archiving of data from nearly any source.

Dropbox is web based app that provides 2GB of free cloud data storage that can be accessed on web enabled devices. Dropbox is a simple and fast app for saving and sharing. Dropbox provides a cloud data folder similar to BPS network folders and U Drives.

Diigo is a powerful web based app that allows users to bookmark websites, collect and highlight information, and share and collaborate with others. Diigo can be used on Macs an PCs and now features a great iPad web highlighter.

On March 15, Andy Dexter will lead a great session on digital photography and Adobe Photoshop. Along with being a permanent substitute at MSMS, Mr. Dexter is oil painter, graphic designer, and illustrator. Mr. Dexter will provide his expertise on the powerful Photoshop application and answer questions about digital photography.

Click here to view Mr. Dexter’s art blog.

On March 22, we will feature a great session on blogging and social networking led by MSMS music teacher Jeff Bolduc. Mr. Bolduc has created several outstanding websites and blogs for both his classroom and personal music business. Mr. Bolduc will provide an introduction to blogging and using social networking for educators.

Click here to view Mr. Bolduc’s music blog.

Mac Server

2011-02-09T19:45:00.001-05:00

Recently the district has purchased a new MAC server. With a few books and the help of some apple techs, the server is now (semi) functioning. Unlike Microsofts's "Active Directory", Apple uses "Open Directory" or "OD". OD will allows us to authenticate apple computers in the district and push policies, software updates, calendars, printers and much much more. Of course this is just the tip of the iceberg. With the district going 1:1 in the upcoming year, the MAC server plans to play a big role with distributing software, Itunes Volume Vouchers, and podcasting.

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February How Do I Do That?

2011-02-02T18:19:00.009-05:00

Burlington Public Schools Educational Technology has some upcoming events for February.

The How Do I Do That program will be held for bothBurlington staff and parents on Tuesday, February 8. The sessions will feature iTunes and iPads. These sessions will be an introduction to the set-up and use of iTunes and iPads for both the classroom and for our BHS students next year. There will be two sessions on February 8. BPS staff members can attend from 3-5:30pm and parents can attend at 6:30pm.

Another February session for BPS staff members will feature the Microsoft Office Suite. Linda O’Leary, MSMS Instructional Technology Specialist, will host the session on Tuesday, February 15 from 3-5:30pm at the MSMS B10 computer lab.

Please contact Dennis Villano, MSMS Media Specialist, with any questions:

villano@burlington.mec.edu

February 8 Sessions:

February 15 Staff Session:

Great iOS Apps for Special Education

2011-01-26T18:37:00.002-05:00

Along with the exciting plans for a 1:1 iPad learning environment at Burlington High School next year, all Burlington schools are starting to explore iPads in the classroom. While iPads have some great potential for every academic area, perhaps one of the most powerful uses will be in Special Education. iPads have many of the best accessibility tools built into the device's iOS. iTunes and the App Store also feature hundreds of apps for Special Education.

Burlington Public Schools Educational Technology is dedicated to provided our students with the best tools for all learners. Our schools have improving access to products such as Read Naturally and Dragon. Burlington schools are also using more web-based services like Bookshare.

The iPad is now the premier device for accessing applications that help with assistive needs. The list below highlights some of the great games, learning tools, and productivity apps from the App Store for Special Education.

Please contact me if you have any questions about iOS apps for Special Education or Bookshare.

Dennis Villano

villano@burlington.mec.edu

iPhone, iPad and iPod touch Apps for (Special) Education

February Parent Technology Night

2011-01-26T11:18:00.003-05:00

Burlington High School Principal Patrick Larkin has scheduled the next Technology Night for Parents. Mr. Larkin and MSMS Media Specialist Dennis Villano will present a session on iTunes and iPads.

From Mr. Larkins' blog:

A reminder that our fourth Technology Night for Parents will be held on Tuesday night from 6:30-7:30 at BHS in the Staff Development Room (between the Guidance Office and the Main office).

We are thrilled to offer parents a session that is also being offered for staff members called How Do I Do That - iPads and iTunes. BHS will provide the iPads for up to 50 attendees to utilize. It is a great opportunity for parents to see first hand the device that all of our students at BHS will be using next year as we become a 1:1 school.

Please join us!

Click here for Mr. Larkin's blog.

How Do I Do That? iTunes and iPads

2011-01-23T19:06:00.012-05:00

There are two upcoming sessions of the Burlington Public Schools Educational Technology workshop series How Do I Do That scheduled to feature iTunes and iPads. Each session will cover similar features of iTunes and iPads so participants do not need to attend both sessions. There is also no requirement to notify us or sign up for sessions if you are planning on attending.

Tuesday, January 25

Marshall Simonds Middle School Media Center (3-5:30pm)

Tuesday, February 8

Burlington High School Data Office (3-5:30pm)

Both sessions will cover the steps in setting up an iTunes account and using iTunes. The potential of iTunes as a classroom resource is growing all the time as more educational content is added to the catalog. iTunes is a powerful tool even if you are not using an iOS device.

If you are new to using iTunes, take some time to look through the digital content now available. iTunes has content far beyond music and podcasts. iTunes is a simple tool for finding great videos for the classroom. Discovery Channel, History Channel, PBS, and many others have content available. Some of the content is even free.

iTunes U is also a great resource for educational videos. While most iTunes U material is geared towards high school and college, more and more K-12 institutions are creating and posting content on the system. Resources on iTunes U are free.

We will also look at the basics of the iOS operating system that runs on Apple iPods, iPads, and iPhones during the two iTunes and iPads sessions. We will work hands-on with iPads and cover the outstanding potential for this device in our classrooms.

If you are new to iTunes and iOS devices, or just looking to expand on your current use of these great systems, make sure to check out some of the following resources:

TiPb - The iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch blog

TiPb has some great videos, links, and how-to guides for iOS.

Apple

Apple provides some of the best resources available as support for using their devices and applications.

iLounge

iLounge provides some very detailed walkthroughs and tutorials for using iTunes and iOS devices.

30 Ipad cart at BHS

2011-01-11T14:15:00.003-05:00

As most of you have heard by now, BHS is planning to go 1:1 with student devices, next year. We already have many PC Minis in the district that have been in use for over 2 years. Minis are very familiar to most people because they are simply put, a "mini" Windows Laptop. Some of our concerns with implementing Mini's in a 1:1 solution are battery life and the IT management of said devices.

This week, BHS acquired a mobile cart with 30 Apple Ipads. The cart allows teacher to sign out the solution, wheel it in and out of their rooms, while also providing a safe place to store and charge them. This week, the cart is in Mr Calvin's room. Mr. Calvin's students are using the ipads to collaborate online for classroom projects. The picture above was taken while the kids were working in class.

Every other tuesday, the 1:1 group meet at BHS to discuss the future of devices in Burlington. Check out Patrick Larkin's Blog, for more 1:1 information.

http://burlingtonhigh.blogspot.com

http://burlingtonhigh.blogspot.com/2010/11/becoming-11-school-edition-1.html

1 device

2011-01-10T15:41:00.003-05:00

After some recent conversations with Tim and Josh, our minds got to thinking. Could we function with only 1 device? Always trying to stay ahead of the game and have the newest and coolest tech devices seemed so fun. Now we could check our email on an Ipod Touch, do attendance on an iPad, and then the rest of our activities could be juggled between a laptop, a desktop and a cell phone. But we could so our daily routine with just one device? Obviously we would need our phones for business and personal use, so we're talking about just 1 computing device.
We have a few experiments going on right now to put our theories to the test. Josh and I, will be using our laptops as our main devices. That seems like it should be simple since laptops are meant to be mobile, and both of us are always on the run. I think we have the easier task in front of us.
Tim on the other hand, will be using an iPad for his daily tasks. Everything from attendance to teaching will be done from the 10 inch, touch screen device. We'll take some notes and share what we could and could not do with our devices, and how we worked around any issues that arose.

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How Do I Do That?

2011-01-10T08:02:00.015-05:00

The How Do I Do That program will help teachers learn and develop skills about many of the technology hardware and applications available to them in our schools. The program will include monthly sessions featuring technology topics for every curriculum and grade level. The program will also provide teachers with time for individualized technology tutoring on areas of need.

Dennis Villano, Marshall Simonds Media Specialist, and Instructional Technology Specialists from Burlington schools will be covering topics such as the SMART Board and SMART Notebook, iPads and iTunes, Eno Interactive Whiteboards, blogging and creating personal learning networks, Aspen Student Information System, and many free Internet basededucational and organizational applications such as Evernote, Dropbox and Google Docs.

Teachers may attend as many sessions as they want and PDP’s will be available based on contact hours completed. Teachers may attend for any amount of time they wish as the program will serve as an open house for technology education on a Tuesday afternoon every month through May 2011.

The 2011 How Do I Do That workshop series will begin in January. There will be two January sessions that will feature iPads and iTunes for the classroom. Please stop by if you are interested in learning more about iPads and iTunes. The sessions will be open from 3-5:30pm and teachers may attend for as much time as the can.

Date: Tuesday, January 18

Location: Burlington High School (Data Office Room 106)

Time: 3:00 - 5:30pm

Topic: iPads and iTunes

Date: Tuesday, January 25
Location: Marshall Simonds Middle School (Library)
Time: 3:00 - 5:30pm
Topic: iPads and iTunes

Check back here on the Burlington IT Blog for information about each upcoming session.

The flyer below has information regarding this year's program:

How Do I Do That 2011

Dropbox

2010-12-21T14:42:00.003-05:00

For those that don't already know, Dropbox is a free online service, that allows you to save and share files. The standard Dropbox account, which is free, gives you 2GB of online storage. You can go to www.Dropbox.com to view more details or to download the application. If you are interested, here is a referral link, https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTY4MDgyNDI5?src=global0 (If you are trying to download or install Dropbox on a BPS owned device, please contact your building tech person)

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iPads @ Marshall Simonds

2010-12-15T20:42:00.014-05:00

Three days…

Three months have now past since I first brought our school’s fifteen student iPads to a class. They have been used for all but three school days since then.

In my role as media specialist at Marshall Simonds, I have been involved in the introduction of many new devices and products to our staff. We have added all the things that educators now believe are vital pieces of technology in the classroom. We have added lots of stuff including SMART Boards, Eno Boards, LCD projectors, laptops, netbooks, FlipVideo cameras, iPod Touches, Mimios, eInstruction systems, Elmos, Discovery Education Streaming, and much more…

I have written on this blog before about how proud I am our staff. The teachers at MSMS have always been willing to try new things. Some of our teachers are very tech savvy and new devices like the iPad are an easy fit into their practices. However, just like in most schools today, many of our teachers are not as comfortable with technology. The great thing about teachers at MSMS is that they always seem willing to try and learn about new things. The staff response to the iPads has been great.

Along with our outstanding classroom use, we have five iPads that we sign out to teachers. Teachers are able to take an iPad for an entire month and explore however they want. We started this in September and the five teacher iPads are now scheduled through April.

Not too long ago, both Bob Cunha and I wrote posts here on the IT Blog about what we hoped would be the potential of iPads in schools. So far, after three months of implementation and use, I am convinced more than ever that iPads are exceeding my expectations.

Since I have worked as the media specialist, nothing we have done has come close to the response for the iPads. They are used everyday, often in different classes throughout the day, and for many different tasks. They have been used in science, social studies, math, and English language arts classes as well as some of our exploratory subjects like music and health. They have been used after school during the Math Olympiad program with Ms. Arcabascio (grade 6 math teacher). We even have a new Activity Block set up by Mrs. DiSipio (grade 8 history teacher) and Ms. Phillips (art teacher) that features the iPads.

I have asked students and teachers what they like and don’t like about the iPads. Many of the concerns often revolve around limitations solved by the recent iOS update. Some other issues are usually more about personal taste. People also often mention concerns that are easily solved or actually just potential problems.

“It can break so easily.”

“I need a keyboard.”

“What if it gets stolen?”

The things people like about the iPads are almost too numerous to write about in this post. For me, what stands out the most is how people constantly mention the simplicity of the iPad and the way that it quickly gets students on task whether they are working on a specific app or online.

“It’s easy to get started with the class.”

“The kids are so excited to use them.”

“The apps are great.”

“They are wicked fun.”

Of course, the kids also say they the iPads are “cool.” I have heard that before from students. Many of our kids think SMART Boards are cool, FlipVideo cameras are pretty cool, even regular iPods are still cool. But this is different…

When was the last time you brought a cart of devices into a classroom and actually heard kids clap? When was the last time your students displayed uncontrollable excitement for the chance to use a device for educational purposes?

Anyone who has taught with iPads knows that they provide fast and easy access to the Internet, great apps that can often be tied directly into the curriculum, and a truly hands-on approach to learning. The iPads have proven to be simple to introduce, simple to teach people about, and easy to explore. I also don’t think there is anything wrong with incorporating a device that gets kids excited to learn partially because it’s so cool.

So what’s my favorite thing about the iPads? The kids using the iPads are excited about and engaged in learning. I have never had students so engaged using a technology product in class. Nothing even comes close.

students using Ipads

2010-12-09T13:42:00.002-05:00

Stopped by FW to assist with ipads. Students as well as teachers seem to really enjoy using them for education.

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New posts coming!!

2010-12-08T10:57:00.002-05:00

I've just installed the Bloggr app on my Droid. I cant go anywhere without my phone, so now I will have no excuse not to contribute a little more to this blog.

Aspen Quick Reference and Training Notes

2010-09-25T19:50:00.002-04:00

The following is a reposting of information about our Aspen system. Please use the included training guides and tips for help while you use Aspen:

Burlington Public Schools has begun to use a new student information system from X2 Development called Aspen. Aspen is currently used in many districts throughout Massachusetts and is highly regarded as one of the premier data management systems available to public schools.

Aspen will help update all information services for BPS. All student and staff data will be held within the system. Over time, Aspen will significantly streamline data entry, help improve communication, reduce paper usage in every building, and allow better parent access to student progress.

Thanks to the efforts of Josh Murphy, Burlington High School teacher and BPS Aspen Conversion Coordinator, the X2 Aspen Student Information System training began at BHS this week. Josh's extensive planning and coordination enabled an Aspen trainer, Josh, and myself to train BPS administrative, guidance, and secretarial staff throughout the week on the new system. BHS teachers were also prepared for the February transition to attendance recording through Aspen.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the training sessions. It was clear that BPS staff members are excited to learn about the new system. Josh and I hope that the participants in the training found the sessions to be productive.

Please contact us with any questions and we will try to provide a quick response. We look forward to working with MSMS and elementary staff in the coming months on training for Aspen. It is very important to us that the transition to Aspen will be as positive as possible for everyone in Burlington.

Josh Murphy: jpmurphy@burlington.mec.edu

Dennis Villano: villano@burlington.mec.edu

Below is a collection of notes and important reminders for staff. I created a short list of training tips and shortcuts for Aspen. Also included are documents provided by X2 on how best to use the system with your computer.

Part of the information describes how to disable pop-up blockers in your web browser when using Aspen. Aspen uses pop-ups for many important menus and lists.

Click on Fullscreen to expand and zoom in or out with the buttons at the bottom. You can also print:

X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders "> X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders ">X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders "> X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders "> X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders "> X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders "> X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders "> X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders "> X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders "> X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders "> X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders "> X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders "> X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders "> X2 Aspen Training Tips and Reminders ">

Login Directions with BLINK:

Aspen and Blink Login Directions Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions ">Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions "> Aspen and Blink Login Directions ">

Some Neat Pictures

2010-08-13T14:37:00.003-04:00

It takes a lot of work and a lot of trash to configure all of this equipment.

Foreign Language Lab

2010-08-13T14:31:00.002-04:00

Here are some pictures of the new Foreign Language lab at the High School.

Summer work

2010-08-13T14:26:00.003-04:00

As promised, here are just some of the many projects that we have been working on during the summer. Teacher 1:1 at the High School, Bob Carts, and a new Mac lab in the Library.

Summer time

2010-07-07T18:45:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer.. Things are getting a bit hectic for us in the IT department with all of the new equipment starting to arrive, and new technology planned for the upcoming year. Look forward to many pictures and updates throughout the summer.

Ipads

2010-05-14T21:59:00.004-04:00

Recently we welcomed some new editions to the district... Yep, you guessed it, IPADS!!!!! They will be rotated amongst teachers in the district to help us get a grip on just how powerful and useful they can be in education. Besides just looking cool, these new devices can take advantage of the thousands of apps that are available from the ITunes apps store. Ipads, just like iPod touches, allow users to carry their multimedia with them such as music and videos, but new to the Ipad is the bookstore. This feature allows the user to view free or purchased ebooks in either portrait or landscape view. Besides best sellers and novels, the future will bring IPad users the ability to purchase educational textbooks in the epub format. It is very possible that within a few years(or less), students would only need to carry 1 single device around school. No more backpacks,no more pencils, what about lockers??? Sorry, Im getting ahead of myself. For now we'll just continue with the evaluations and collect as many opinions as possible.

2010-05-05T12:51:00.003-04:00

The final session of the year of How Do I Do That will be held on Tuesday, May 18 in the Media Center at Marshall Simonds Middle School. The session will be open from 2-4pm.

The May session will focus on the exciting changes in technology and new products being used in Burlington Public Schools. Many of these changes began this year, however, most will be noticed moving forward into the 2010-2011 school year. The introduction of more mini laptops, portable Internet devices, a new network system, and the new student information system will provide a significantly improved technology infrastructure for our schools.

The session will also feature Apple's new iPad and some of the best apps available for education.

Contact Dennis Villano for more information:

villano@burlington.mec.edu

2010-03-31T08:29:00.004-04:00

The April session of How Do I Do That will feature Google Docs and Sites. Google Docs are a great free alternative to the Microsoft Office Suite. The web based programs provide greater collaborative opportunities for teachers and students. The April session will also explore Google Sites. Google Sites provide a simple way to create websites and blogs.

The session will be open from 2-4pm in the B10 Computer Lab at Marshall Simonds.

For more information or questions please email me:

villano@burlington.mec.edu

2010-03-17T21:10:00.052-04:00

As I have written on this blog before, I love working with technology at MSMS. However, I am sometimes frustrated by factors that can make the process more difficult. Some of these frustrations are:

1. The fact that we need to use so many different devices to accomplish collaborative projects in the classroom.

2. Not having enough devices, especially Internet connected devices, for each student to use.

3. Trying to use software that really doesn’t fit the project, curriculum, or collaborative needs of the students and teachers.

4. Trying to use devices and software that can be difficult to use with kids.

5. Spending too much time talking about all the devices.

These frustrations are not, in any way, isolated to the Burlington Public Schools. These are the frustrations that many educators in our country share. In most school systems, budgets or the lack of vision cause these frustrations to intensify. Although budgets can be an issue for us as well, we are lucky to have people in place with the right kind of vision for growth in technology in our school system.

I suppose it’s a bit of a dream and based somewhat on my preference for Apple products, but I think that the new iPad could be a solution to many of the frustrations I described. In fact, I think that the iPad could be a revolutionary device for education. I do think that laptops or minis are a great way to engage students using technology but I believe that the iPad will be more powerful in the classroom.

The iPad would allow our students to have ONE device for almost everything that they need for day-to-day lessons and activities in the classroom. The iPad could also allow us to expand the classroom and continue the education anywhere by having students use an Internet connected device that can tap into the cloud based resources we are implementing here in Burlington.

Here is a breakdown of some the positives and negatives about the iPad:

Digital textbooks on the iPad will provide a drastic change in how teachers can use their curriculum area books for classroom lessons and projects. Almost every major textbook publishing company, including all those that we use here in Burlington, are spending vast research and development money on the production of books specifically geared towards use on the iPad. These textbooks will be fully interactive and include embedded video, audio, web links, assessment opportunities, and discussion portals.

The iPad textbooks could also save money. Traditional textbooks average between $70 and $100. The iPad textbooks will cost less to buy and require less to maintain. As a Library Media Specialist, I am often rebinding, sending books out for rebinding, or purchasing replacements. The iPad will end this practice and provide schools with the opportunity to update all the time. Instead of purchasing new sets every few years, these new digital books will update information as needed, and many publishing companies have already stated that these updates will be free.

Another growing concern in public education has been the problems associated with students carrying books back and forth from school. While I understand that having students carry a device like the iPad back an forth could create some new concerns, it seems more productive than worrying about what books and how many books are in a student’s backpack everyday.

Collaborative education is more critical than ever in our schools. I know we have all heard it before - we must prepare our students for the global economy – we must prepare them for jobs that will require 21st century skills. But how often do we really spend time preparing students for these needs? How often do we really incorporate lessons that do this? And aren’t those 21st century skills that we haven’t completely taught yet going to be outdated soon? While I do think that having our students work with any Internet based device can help with these needs, I believe that the iPad could be the best choice yet.

Imagine a classroom where all the students are connected to the Wi-Fi on a device that has their textbook, access to all those embedded resources, and can be used to take notes, save Internet content, and most importantly share information with the teacher and other students instantly. Yes, these things can be done on a laptop or mini, but I don’t think they can be done nearly as easily or as efficiently.

Purchasing digital ebooks as textbooks may be the biggest downfall for a laptop in the classroom. These textbooks rarely have the kinds of embedded resources that the iPad books will contain. While the iPad reading experience may never be as good as traditional books, it appears to be a much better device for reading than a laptop or mini.

Student interest is also an important positive for me. I taught geography and history classes before I moved to the media position I have know. I always felt that if I could make the subject material more interesting, students would learn the material more effectively. Students truly learn when they are doing things that they enjoy. The use of technology like the iPad can often make students forget that they are even doing some of the things they often shut down with during more traditional instruction. I think most educators believe the same thing but not enough use the kinds of technology that kids care about in their curriculum as a way to accomplish this. I found that by using technology (that kids don’t even see as technology – things they see as just normal daily practice) students were more engaged. When I added new technology to classroom activities, the coolness factor also raised engagement. I think iPads will do some of both. Kids are connected all the time to Internet based digital devices like the iPod Touch. The iPad could help make their transition to educational use of technology easy and fun. Incorporating the iPad may help with this more than a laptop could.

The iPad may also allow us, as educators, to take a big step towards accepting digital resources in the classroom and help us prepare students for the potentially dangerous uses of technology. We can work on educating students more about the Internet, teach them how to be savvy about putting out personal information, try to stop them from using technology for bullying, and prepare them for a society in which the Internet will be included in nearly every activity they will face as an adult.

If we allow our students to use the iPad in class, it can reduce the stigmatism associated with kids using devices like cell phones while in school. Yes, students will find a way to use the iPad to communicate with each other about topics far more important to them than math class, but they will also communicate about topics from math class.

Paper consumption may be considered a less important detail, but having students perform educational tasks on an iPad could significantly reduce the need for paper in our classrooms. Obviously, we could purchase less paper products by moving away from traditional textbooks. Teachers and students can set up blogs, Nings, or wikis to share documents. The use of cloud based services like Google Docs or our new BLINK system will also help. I realize that this kind of change takes time and that our teachers will need to work on the implementation. I also realize that many teachers need help with this, but having a paperless classroom, or at least one that significantly reduces the amount of paper being used, really isn't that difficult to accomplish.

I have found that even though most of the world is trying to communicate digitally, schools are the by far the worst at this practice and drastically behind the business world. We spend too much time, effort, and money, creating materials digitally that just get copied on a Riso or Xerox machine. Whether the materials are for classroom use or public communication, we need to look at better ways to restrain paper consumption in our schools.

The lack of some features will make the iPad, at least the first generation version, less powerful in the classroom. The lack of Flash support while using the iPad’s web browser will be an issue when trying to access many educational websites. The lack of a camera will also mean that my frustration with multiple devices won’t completely go away. The lack of a dedicated USB port will be an inconvenience but something that can be overcome with additional accessories. The possibility of damage and theft will also be a potential issue but so will having our students use laptops or minis.

The verdict on the iPad is still a long way away. The first generation of the device is scheduled to ship in early April, so we have a lot of time to see if the iPad will revolutionize anything. I am betting it will. I believe it could be the best technology tool for education that I have seen in my lifetime. Ultimately, I think that the iPad could solve many of my biggest frustrations and help us to stop taking about all the devices and get to work with our students.

Click below to watch a video from Penguin Publishing about some of their upcoming content for the iPad:

The last of the carts.

2010-02-11T22:20:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow, weather permitting of course, we should be delivering the rest of the "Bob carts". All of the elementary schools have received at least 2 carts by now, and have already put them to use. By the end of tomorrow, each school will have 5.
The main idea behind these carts was to provide the convenience of mobile computing, with the stability of a wired connection. By using an NComputing solution, on a wheeled table, we can provide 4 usable terminals, in a small portable footprint.
The computers were setup with elementary children in mind. They are loaded with reading, math, and other educational applications. Also included is a web browser, for accessing websites like BLink, as well as an office suite for word processing and spreadsheets.
I'm sure the students are going to wear the letters off of the keyboards with all the use these carts will see. Please let us know of anything that could help improve these carts for the next go-around.
Hopefully we will be able purchase more setups similar to this in the future.
P.S. Special thanks to the maintenance guys for helping with the building and delivery.

How Do I Do That? - Tuesday, February 23

2010-02-01T11:39:00.014-05:00

The February session of How Do I Do That has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 23. The session will be held in the Marshall Simonds Media Center located on the second floor at MSMS. The session will be open from 2-4:30pm. Teachers are invited to bring their school or personal laptop computers with them.

The February and March sessions of How Do I Do That will focus on the Burlington Public Schools BLINK system and the X2 Aspen Student Information System. These two new tools will be a vital part of teacher communication, collaboration, and access to student information.

Teachers in each school will receive specific training for Aspen in the coming months. The How Do I Do That sessions in February and March will serve as additional resources for teachers learning about the new system.

The sessions will help teachers with the transition to full time daily use of BLINK and Aspen.

As always, teachers may also join the sessions with specific questions about the use of technology in the classroom.

Please email me with any questions: villano@burlington.mec.edu

BPS BLINK SYSTEM:

BPS X2 ASPEN:

Busy Tech Day @ MSMS

2010-01-29T15:15:00.004-05:00

Friday was the kind of day that wears me out but also reminds me why I love helping with technology at Marshall Simonds as the Media Specialist. Technology is always an important part of the school day at MSMS. Overall, this past week was one of the busiest technology weeks I have ever had at our school. Everyday I assisted teachers and students with all kinds of technology. Each day, I scrambled to get minis or cameras or LCD projectors to teachers and students who needed them for class.

On Friday, however, technology integration was more active than I had ever seen it before at our school. Technology was being used in nearly every area of MSMS. Teachers and students were using many different forms of technology in many different ways. Lessons featured SMART Boards and LCD projection of material. Collaborative projects were completed using minis, iPod Touches, and cameras. Students were focused on creating and sharing content using various forms of media and presentation. Students and teachers all over MSMS used school technology equipment along with many of their own devices from home.

I am so proud of the teachers at MSMS for what they have tried to integrate into their daily activities over the past several years. Teachers have continuously updated their curriculum to include technology and have been open to new things each year. MSMS teachers are always ready to use the technology available to them at our school.

The inclusion of technology is not always easy. It takes time to plan lessons and projects and teachers often have to learn new skills just to carry out their ideas. Technology also doesn't always behave and, at times, it can be very frustrating to use new things in your classroom, but the teachers at MSMS have continued to confront the challenges and move forward.

I am more excited than ever about the way we use technology at Marshall Simonds. I believe that the efforts of our teachers to incorporate technology into the curriculum will continue to be a powerful tool in helping our students achieve more in both their academic and professional life.

Here is list of some of the technology, including BPS, teacher, and student equipment, being used at MSMS on Friday alone:

16 SMART Boards

18 LCD Projectors

10+ Mini Laptops

10+ Digital Cameras

4 FlipVideo Cameras

2 HD Video Cameras

20+ iPod Touches

50+ Laptops

Discovery Education Streaming videos

BrainPOP videos

YouTube videos

Here is a little teaser.

2010-01-29T08:47:00.002-05:00

We've been in the shop working on a couple of new projects. Pretty soon they will start "rolling" out.

Not tech related

2010-01-26T13:51:00.003-05:00

But still a really cool picture. Ran into Wendy (from the science center) in the hallway, with her friend, a red tailed hawk.

kids and tech.

2010-01-26T13:28:00.003-05:00

Thought I would share a photo of some elementary students using a reading program on the computers.

How Do I Do That? - Tuesday, January 12

2010-01-06T09:42:00.006-05:00

The January session of How Do I Do That? will be held on Tuesday, January 12 in the B10 Computer Lab at Marshall Simonds. The session will be open from 2-4:30pm.

This month's session will feature an introduction to iTunes U. iTunes U is part of the Apple iTunes Store. iTunes U contains over 200,000 educational videos, documents, and audio from podcasts. The material is usually free to download and can be shared to iPods. Some content has been created to work with the iTouch as a tool in the classroom. iTunes U features lessons from some of the world's best colleges and universities as well as K-12 public schools throughout the US.

Web Content

2009-12-20T19:29:00.002-05:00

As most of you have already noticed, the web filtering rules have changed in the district. Please don't be alarmed. We are evaluating a new device to see if it meets our needs. Some of the sites that you visited previously might be coming up blocked. If this is the case, please follow the instructions and send an email to Abuse. This will be the quickest way for us to unblock all necessary sites.

Google Wave

2009-12-20T19:05:00.005-05:00

Google wave is a new way to communicate for personal and work use. Check out the link and if interested, you can request an invite. If you really can't wait, send me an email. I have a few invites that I can give, but it's first come first served.

How Do I Do That? - Tuesday, December 15

2009-12-01T09:20:00.008-05:00

The December session of How Do I Do That? has been moved to Tuesday, December 15. The class will be held in the B10 Computer Lab at Marshall Simonds. The session is open from 2-4:30pm.

The December session will feature how to use video content in lessons and presentations. Subscription video services including Discovery Education's UnitedStreaming and BrainPOP will be used as well as free online video from YouTube and TeacherTube. Participants will learn ways to save videos and embed them into PowerPoint or class blogs for presentations. The Open Office presentation software, Impress, will also be introduced.

New Creation

2009-11-23T19:46:00.004-05:00

Due to some Wireless coverage issues that we have been dealing with at some schools, I decided to create a wired mobile cart "Prototype". The cart uses 1 computer tower and 3 Virtual Terminals to provide 4 working stations. This unit has been delivered to Pine Glen for testing. If all goes as planned, then we'll hopefully see alot more of these wheeling around your schools.

Trade a Proposal for a Flip Video

2009-11-09T19:52:00.005-05:00

Give us a proposal explaining how you would use a Flip Video in your classroom. If we pick yours then we'll give you a Flip Video. There are 8 up for grabs. All entries must be in by November 30th, and submitted to Cindy M.

How Do I Do That? - Tuesday, November 10

2009-11-03T19:41:00.007-05:00

The November session of the How Do I Do That? program will be held on Tuesday, November 10 in the B10 Computer Lab at Marshall Simonds. The session will be open from 2:00 to 4:30pm.

The November session will feature the new Burlington Public Schools BLINK system. BLINK is a new web based network system for all BPS teachers, staff, and students. The cloud system will allow staff and students access to important software programs, documents, and email from any computer or mobile device that has an internet connection.

Participants in the November session of How Do I Do That? will be introduced to BLINK, learn about the log in process, and learn how to access software and documents. Open Office programs will also be introduced.

Click on the following link to read a blog post from Dr. Conti regarding BLINK:

ericconti.wordpress.com - BLINK Network

How Do I Do That? - Tuesday, October 13

2009-10-12T19:22:00.006-04:00

The October session of the How Do I Do That? program will be held on Tuesday, October 13 in the B10 Computer Lab at Marshall Simonds. The session will be open from 2:00 to 4:30pm.

This month's session will feature information on blogs for educators. We will discuss the positive uses of blogs as an extension of the classroom. We will also look at the concerns that can potentially be faced using a class blog and how to be prepared for them. Teachers will have the chance to set up a blog for themselves.

Wordpress, Blogger / Blogspot, and Edublogs will be featured.

Please email me with any questions about the session: villano@burlington.mec.edu

Minis

2009-10-02T09:28:00.004-04:00

As of this week all of the HP Minis have been delivered. The minis are available for sign out in BHS and MSMS Libraries, and in the 4 Computer Labs in the elementary schools. All of the mini's have 3 USBs, a multifunction card reader, wireless, webcam, and a monitor out. The front of the laptop has 2 buttons. 1 of the buttons is the power button (yellow circle), the other button is for the wireless (red circle).

SMART Board Tools Quick Reference

2009-09-23T19:42:00.013-04:00

SMART Board usage is growing fast in Burlington this year. These interactive boards give teachers many options for classroom instruction and student participation. Teachers can use the SMART Notebook, interactive websites, Microsoft Office docs, Open Office docs, videos, images, and just about anything else that runs on a computer.

The SMART Board is most powerful when you use the SMART Board Tools. These adjustable tools can be used in any program and give you the power of many of the features of SMART Notebook anytime you want them. The SMART Board Tools can be kept open at all times. You can usually open the SMART Board Tools by going to the START menu and clicking on the list for SMART Board Drivers.

Click on the following link to view information on many of the items located in the SMART Notebook Toolbar and Desktop Tools:

SMART Board Toolbar Quick Reference Guide

Friendly Reminder: U: Drives

2009-09-17T21:44:00.001-04:00

Every employee in the school district has access to a network folder, or U: Drive. This network folder is backed up frequently in an effort to preserve precious data. Desktops and laptops are NOT backed up on the network, so any data saved locally (c: drive, My Documents, etc.), could be lost in the event of a hard drive failure.

Each user’s U: drive is mapped automatically at login and can be accessed by opening up my computer. For further assistance or any questions, contact your building technology rep.

Interactive Resource Websites

2009-09-13T19:51:00.022-04:00

If you are trying to incorporate more technology into your classroom, the resources available can be overwhelming. One of the best ways to find these resources is a simple Google or Bing search but we rarely have the time to look through thousands of pages of results.

Over the past few years I have made a list of some great free content available online. I have linked 4 pages of interactive technology resources below. Many of the pages have content perfect for using with a SMART Board. Some of the pages include games for play and learning.

If you are starting to use a SMART Board in your classroom, there are many different ways to make the educational experience more interactive. Along with the SMART Notebook and its Essentials for Educators Gallery, SMART Boards are perfect for using interactive resources such as simulations, educational games, images, and videos. Many of the links included in the following pages include these kinds of resources.

One of the links is to the Fox Hill Elementary School website where Mr. Donoff has created several excellent lists of interactive pages.

Please click on the links below to open the pages:

Interactive Technology 1

Interactive Technology 2

Interactive Technology 3

Interactive Technology 4

Here is a cool Site I found with lots of uses for Ipods in schools

2009-09-07T18:33:00.001-04:00

http://learninginhand.com/ipod/index.html

How Do I Do That?

2009-09-06T23:32:00.015-04:00

A new BPS educational technology program begins on Tuesday, September 15.

The How Do I Do That? program will help BPS teachers explore the extensive technology available for our classrooms. The program will include monthly workshop sessions featuring specific technology topics. Teachers will be able to get individualized instruction and assistance with technology needs during each session.

Teachers may attend any session they wish. Participants do not need to "sign up" for the sessions. Each Tuesday will serve as an "open house" for educational technology.

The program begins with one session per month meeting in the B10 computer lab at Marshall Simonds Middle School. (The lab is located upstairs in the 8th grade hallway near the library) We hope to see other sessions available at each school during the year.

The first session is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15. The featured topic will be SMART Board set up and the SMART Notebook software. The session will be open from 2-4:30pm.

Click here for more information about the program

Please email Dennis Villano, MSMS Media Specialist, with any questions about the program: villano@burlington.mec.edu

SMART Board Set Up Guide

2009-09-06T22:10:00.017-04:00

If you are looking for some assistance with your new SMART Board make sure to check out our SMART Board set up guide for teachers. The guide includes step by step instructions for setting up a SMART Board, LCD Projector, and computer.

Before setting up the SMART Board make sure you have all the necessary materials. Also, place the 4 stylus pens and eraser in the SMART Board tray before getting started.

The last page of the guide includes several links to great interactive resources, downloads, lessons, and help with using the SMART Board.

Click here for the SMART Board set up guide

ALSO - Check back here on the BPS IT blog for an upcoming SMART Board set up video.

! Big news ! Dennis V is going to help contribute to this Blog. In upcoming posts we will try to relay useful info about technology to the district including videos, tutorials, helpful tricks, and more pictures. Stay tuned

2009-09-06T19:59:00.001-04:00

First week of school was hectic, but rewarding. We are still delivering equipment, but all teacher laptops are out, new labs are up and running, and most of the new Smartboards have been delivered. Minis are being configured as I type this and will go out soon.

2009-09-05T23:25:00.001-04:00

20 inch IMACs for the Arts Lab

2009-08-23T21:34:00.003-04:00

Mini laptop vs a 15inch laptop

2009-08-20T17:01:00.002-04:00

New printer cartidges are in.

2009-08-20T17:00:00.001-04:00

BLINK (Burlington-Link) behind the scenes

2009-08-20T16:58:00.001-04:00

Our summer workshop

2009-08-20T16:55:00.000-04:00

Technology presents for The schools

2009-08-20T16:53:00.001-04:00

Dennis V. Helping with Deliveries

2009-08-20T16:51:00.002-04:00

Waiting to be configured

2009-08-20T16:46:00.002-04:00

Summer has been very crazy. Lots of technology to assemble and configure before the new school year starts.

2009-08-19T22:20:00.001-04:00

Burlington Public SchoolS IT

MSMS iPads

How Do I Do That - May 2011

How Do I Do That - April 2011

First Look

How Do I Do That - March 2011

Mac Server

February How Do I Do That?

Great iOS Apps for Special Education

February Parent Technology Night

How Do I Do That? iTunes and iPads

30 Ipad cart at BHS

1 device

How Do I Do That?

Dropbox

iPads @ Marshall Simonds

students using Ipads

New posts coming!!

Aspen Quick Reference and Training Notes

Some Neat Pictures

Foreign Language Lab

Summer work

Summer time

Ipads

The last of the carts.

How Do I Do That? - Tuesday, February 23

Busy Tech Day @ MSMS

Here is a little teaser.

Not tech related

kids and tech.

How Do I Do That? - Tuesday, January 12

Web Content

Google Wave

How Do I Do That? - Tuesday, December 15

New Creation

Trade a Proposal for a Flip Video

How Do I Do That? - Tuesday, November 10

How Do I Do That? - Tuesday, October 13

Minis

SMART Board Tools Quick Reference

Friendly Reminder: U: Drives

Interactive Resource Websites

Here is a cool Site I found with lots of uses for Ipods in schools

How Do I Do That?

SMART Board Set Up Guide

*! Big news !* Dennis V is going to help contribute to this Blog. In upcoming posts we will try to relay useful info about technology to the district including videos, tutorials, helpful tricks, and more pictures. Stay tuned

First week of school was hectic, but rewarding. We are still delivering equipment, but all teacher laptops are out, new labs are up and running, and most of the new Smartboards have been delivered. Minis are being configured as I type this and will go out soon.

20 inch IMACs for the Arts Lab

Mini laptop vs a 15inch laptop

New printer cartidges are in.

BLINK (Burlington-Link) behind the scenes

Our summer workshop

Technology presents for The schools

Dennis V. Helping with Deliveries

Waiting to be configured

Summer has been very crazy. Lots of technology to assemble and configure before the new school year starts.

! Big news ! Dennis V is going to help contribute to this Blog. In upcoming posts we will try to relay useful info about technology to the district including videos, tutorials, helpful tricks, and more pictures. Stay tuned