Available at http://web.me.com/john316/Johns_Sharing_Site/Sharing_Central.html

To provide an overview to how teachers and media specialist use tools like iPods, laptops, and Web 2.0 tools to improve reading comprehension

To showcase active strategies utilizing digital tools that improve reading comprehension and develop lifelong learning

To hear from students and educators that use these strategies and how it impacts their environments

This session will use authentic assessments to create a baseline reference on how the student can read. Using an iPod with microphone, educators, teachers and media specialist, will capture digital reading samples. Once we have established a baseline, educators start reading using tools like graphic organizers, discussion generators, and have them create podcast that provide dynamic discussions of what they read. Periodically, students will add additional digital reading samples to their digital reading portfolio to measure success.

Outline

Identify Need (5 minutes) This part will identify the needs of the schools from Palm Beach County, 11th largest school district in the US. Schools include one elementary, one middle, and one secondary school. All three schools struggle with making adequately yearly progress as specified by No Child Left Behind.

Identify Strategies (25 minutes) Presenters will showcase strategies like creating digital reading portfolio, using graphic organizers, use of discussion generation software, use of iPods, use of Web. 2.0 tools to create dynamic discussions of books read. Participants will see examples of how the strategies are used.

Educators/ Student Feedback (15 minutes) Presenters will share with participants video clips of feedback from educators and students that have actively been engaged in this project. This information will be shared on the web site for further discussion at a later time.

Dynamic Educator Discussion (5 minutes) Participants will be able to ask questions and will be provided directions for replicating similar projects with various digital tools.

Supporting Research

This session was developed through general research in the Apple Classroom of Tomorrow (ACOT) and through observations of need to promote creativity and innovation.

Presenter Background

John Long has been a presenter at NECC, CoSN, T+ L, NSBA, FETC, FAME, FAEDS as well as our own District Technology Conference. John actively presents, trains, and provides feedback to participants. John facilitates, coordinates, and trains workshops for the School District Technology as a Technology Integration Specialist with special projects like Digital Storytelling as well as the NCLB project Tech Ambassador which develops technology integration coaches at 108 schools within his District. He has also adapted this workshop for media specialist through the Team TLC (Technology Leadership Collaboration) which develops media specialist to transform their media centers into digital literacy hubs. John has been recognized by Technology & Learning as a finalist in their Technology Leader of the Year and featured in their July issue of techLearning magazine. John has also been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator.

Debbie Svec is a media specialist from Palm Beach Gardens Community High School and has presented at various conferences including FAME, FETC, and the School District of Palm Beach County annual Technology Conference. She is active in FAME as the current President. She is also active in the American Association of School Librarians. She has trained many teachers in her District with her involvement in the projects Digital Storytelling (MOD Squad trainer), Tech Ambassador program, and Team TLC program mentioned in the programs with John Long. She serves as a mentor to other media specialist as well as her own teachers in her school.