Mini-SAG Session - April 13, 2009

Mini-SAG day is a professional development day for all teachers in GVSD. The day encompasses PD in a wide range of subject areas, including Information & Communications Technology (ICT). The Tech College sessions scheduled to take place on Mini-SAG day are currently still under development. Session topics and instructors will be announced soon.

1. Registration Overview

The Tech College component of Mini-SAG has been organized into four 'streams'. Tech College participants are invited to select a thematic stream that fits their area of interest or need, and then spend the day in that stream. Streams #3 and #4 are arranged in such a way that the morning and afternoon sessions can also work as separate stand-alone sessions. Teachers choosing stream #2 are asked to bring their own notebook computers. Teachers choosing the other streams will have access to the lab computers, but they may also bring their own notebook computers if they wish. Once teachers have registered online, they are asked to select and register for a specific session stream. To register for a stream, please email the GVSD ICT Coordinator at dave.hildebrand@gvsd.ca indicating your choice. Participants are asked to register by or before Monday, April 6. As additional information about the day becomes available, registrants will be notified by email.

2. Session Streams

Stream #1: Multimedia

Instructor: Jeff Osinski

Location: Rm. N249, GVC

Description:

The focus of this 1 day session will be on multimedia.  The concept for the day is to show participants how to use a variety of programs and processes to complete an overall final product. Topics for the session include: (1) Digital Photography – this session will focus on the use of digital cameras, settings, saving, and rules of composition; (2) Photo Editing – participants will be using Paint.Net to edit and manipulate photos; (3) Still Picture Movies – participants will be using Microsoft Movie Maker to create a still picture video, including transitions, effects, sound, and text; (4) Audio Editing – participants will use Audacity to create MP3’s combining commercial audio, sound effects, and voice-overs. By the end of the session participants will have created a video which combines all of the day’s topics and processes.

Stream #2: ICT in the Elementary Classroom

Instructor: Kath Penner

Location: Rm. N246, GVC

Description:

The focus of this 1-day session will be on using ICT in an elementary classroom setting. Participants will spend the day exploring an assortment of software and hardware tools, and will also have time to work on individual projects of interest. Participants will learn how to use a SMART Board and how to incorporate the SMART Board into everyday classroom activities. The session will also look at student artwork and several software programs that can be used to showcase artwork. Participants will be introduced to the ePEARL e-portfolio system, and also spend time becoming familiar with the mini-notebooks. The latter part of the session will look at creating an online presence for your classroom; participants will be introduced to Shutterfly, an online community that allows you to create Web sites and share photos and information. This session will be of particular interest to teachers working in the primary grades. Participants should bring their notebook computers and some sample materials that they can work with. 

Stream #3: Google Tools

Instructor: Wes Neufeld

Location: Rm. N244, GVC

Description:

This session will look at the amazing tools available from Google. The morning session will look at Google SketchUp. SketchUp is a 3D drawing program that is easy to use and allows students to draw shapes, look at them from different angles, and even colour them or paste pictures onto them. SketchUp can also be used to create stunning graphics for handouts and presentations.  Math teachers will enjoy easily calculating surface area and volume of complex shapes or unfolding shapes to make nets. The afternoon portion of the session will focus on Google Earth, and participants will have an opportunity to learn more about Google Earth’s powerful features. Google Earth lets you zoom around the world or look out at the constellations. Participants will learn how to download tours and even make their own tours. 

Stream #4: Resource/EAL and ICT

Instructor: Dave Hildebrand

Location: Rm. N17, GVC

Description:

Computers are powerful tools that are well-suited to meeting a variety of learning needs in our schools. This full-day session will explore how ICT can be used to support the needs of resource teachers and those involved in EAL instruction. While this is a full-day stream, the morning session will focus on ICT in resource and the afternoon session will focus on ICT and EAL. Participants will be given an opportunity to examine some ICT tools that support the needs of teachers and help provide students with successful learning experiences. Throughout the day, a number of technology areas will be examined, including instructional software, multimedia, and Web-based applications. Participants will also have an opportunity to review the use of management-supporting software tools like Microsoft Access and Excel.