Opening Keynote: Dr Robert Marzano

Tentative research findings:
Interactive student input systems (interactive white board technology) on average a 17% increase (roughly 3 times the results from Comprehensive School Reform). Best used by experienced teachers with 2 or more years experience with technology who uses it about 75% of the time in the classroom and has high confidence in the value of interactive technology. This is true even though 23% of the effect sizes were below 0. Weaker teachers and inexperienced technology require instructional PD and IWB training to use it effectively. Formative assessment can be ongoing and during lesson. State tests are not reliable for individual students’ specific needs.

Technology In The Classroom, Using Technology to Enhance Instruction and Learning
Debra Pickering
What is the real impact of technology in the classroom? Used ActiveExpression (clickers) from Promethean system, Student Response Devices (SRD). This technology makes formative assessment collection during instruction feasible. Research indicates that this process has significant impact and student participation and the effectiveness of instruction.

We want research to assess the value, place and effectiveness of technology in the classroom. We need not to do old things new ways.

Technology can support a functioning program; it cannot fix it. It can strongly support feedback, effective teaching in the classroom and building background knowledge for all students.

Collegiality and professionalism are highly correlated with student success.

High-probability strategies are not necessarily high-yield. They all have downsides that are situational and have unintended consequences that must be considered when implementing technology. Essential conditions must be understood and incorporated into policies with depth. Some very effective strategies work, but increase achievement gaps in particular groups like gender and SES.

Phases of supporting technology in the classroom:
• The school/district develops a common language/model of instruction. When new ideas emerge they can be evaluated in terms of now the work with the existing model rather than just jumping onto the next ‘fad’. (Like defining engagement not as student engagement but as cognitive engagement.)
• Clarity communicating learning goals and providing feedback. Focus on learning goals rather than on the activity.

Technology must support the learning goals, not just small lesson objectives. Assess, use peer tutoring, … Now that we know what they need, what do we do?

Bring the Rich Internet Resources to Your Classroom
Marnie Schwartz, Denise Stewart and Cheryl Sawyer
ELL population needs background knowledge before engaging in typical lessons. Context is essential. We must make this context meaningful for ELL students. Their website has many resources.

Think.com in Collaborative Student Projects
Steven Caringella
Think.com is a resource supported by Oracle.

Using Technology to Help Student with Algebra Readiness
Bill Kurnik, Try Thompson
Commercial product, Pearson learning

California Legislative & Funding Update
Chris York
Current budget, 18 month, education finance bill, is posted now on the CDE, are in three teirs. The first is protected, the second protects some funds, and tier 3 allows funds to be spent however the district wants. (see Budget Update)

CTAP may be moved into tier 2. This also applies to CSETS and related tech resources. EETT grants may be positively impacted by recent Federal stimulus funds, about $70 million.

Mathematics and Science Resources for Your Classroom
Jim Shaver, Cathy Dickerson
CLRN reviewed mathematics and science resources and free Internet sites. All sites from this source meet state standards and requirements. Some are commercial products while the Web Info Links are free.
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives

Resources
Visible Learning, John Hattie – stop being scorekeepers and find out what students know and don’t know (formative based instruction cycle)

Multimedia Learning, Richard Meyer

The Art and Science of Teaching, Robert Marzano

Marzano Research – keynote speaker with tentative research results on the effectiveness of SRBs.

SMART technologies – there is a wealth of resources built into our SMART tablets. Coupled with user groups, there is a wealth of free and supported lesson plans, templates and components online.

SMART lesson resources

SMART exchange

SMART downloads