Technology+Tools+for+Curriculum+Development


 * == **Analyzing School Culture (Survey, Evaluate): Chrystal Shakur** ==
 * === Tools ===
 * ===== Podcasts can be used to administer the School Culture Triage Survey. It analyzes the school culture according to three categories: professional collaboration, affiliative and collegial relationships, and efficacy or self-determination.=====
 * =====[]=====
 * ===== ﻿Here is a website with a very complete how to guide to making your own podcast.-Sara =====
 * =====Survey Monkey is a site that allows a person to develop and administer his or her own surveys. This is a wonderful tool to use to gain even more specific information related to a school's culture.=====


 * === Information and Resources ===
 * ===== Article from the National Association of Independent Schools: "Understanding School Culture" =====
 * ===== [|www.nais.org/publications/ismagazinearticle.cfm?ItemNumber=150099] =====
 * ===== Article explaining the reasoning and use of the triage survey: =====
 * ===== [|www.tn.gov/education/cte/ad/rubric/doc/sch_culture_triage.pdf] =====
 * =====Schrum,L., & Levin, B. B. (2009). //Leading 21st century schools: Harnessing technology for engagement and achievement//. Thousand Oak, CA:=====


 * === Strategies and Idea ===
 * =====Administer the triage survey to all stakeholders through online invitations.=====
 * =====Use the results to plan the most appropriate approach the different phases of curriculum development.=====
 * =====The survey should generally be used at the beginning of the process in order to gain an understanding of the thinking and concerns of the stakeholders involved in the curriculum process.=====


 * ==Information and Resources: Cindy Harrison==

=
“Beliefs indicate a direction for action”, (Schlechty (2001). One idea to define the primary purpose of a school culture is consulting knowledgeable experts and professional journal articles, such as those on the ASCD website. This will aid in identifying conflicting needs and expectations, and serve as a guide to create a course of action.=====

**Data Management (Collect, Organize, Analyze, Share): Sara Stec**
>> >> Technology tools can be used to:
 * === Tools ===
 * ===== Wikis: Student and teacher post items in their portfolios to show growth. =====
 * ===== [|Chalk and Wire], [|Taskstream]: Teachers can use these online programs for e-portoflio management, scoring assessments with custom rubrics, collect and track student information, develop standards based units and lessons, collect and manage student achievement data, and create surverys to assess program effectiveness. =====
 * =====Moodle and LiveText: Online course delivery system. Students can take assessments and submit assignements online. Data from assessments is compiled for analysis.=====
 * Collect and analyze data.
 * Document your current processes.
 * Identify the root causes of problems.
 * Implement changes.
 * Coordinate action steps for improvement.
 * Keep track of results.
 * === Information and Resources ===
 * Article explaining how to chose an appropriate e-portfolio system for data mangement.
 * =====Sivakumaran, T., Wishart, W., & Holland, G. (2010). Buyers Guide to E-Portfolio Systems: Insights into choosing the correct E-portfolio system for your institution. //Journal of Technology Integration in the Classroom//, //2//(2), 153-161. Retrieved from EBSCO//host//.=====
 * =====Article explaining why schools need data management software. The article also includes a table of top features that is needed in data management software based on a surevey of over 5,000 educators.=====
 * =====Immediate Feedback, Simplified Programs Are Major Data Management Needs in Schools. (2006). //Electronic Education Report//, //13//(21), 1-3. Retrieved from EBSCO//host//.=====
 * =====Article decribing how technology tools can help with making data driven decisions.=====
 * =====McLeod, S. (n.d.). //Technology tools for data-driven teachers//. Retrieved from []=====
 * === Strategies and Ideas ===
 * Assess the needs of your school before purchasing a data management system.
 * Several of the data management programs offer a trail version. By taking advantage of the trial version, you can see if the system fits your needs.

=
Sungard Plus 360 at [|www.techpaths.com] is program that enhances curriculum and includes a performance tracker. An electronic performance tracker can be invaluable in monitoring student progress and growth.=====

**Developing Curriculum (Write, Manage Documents): Cindy Harrison**

 * **Tools﻿**

When developing curriculum, one of the most useful tools is a curriculum map. Curriculum maps serve as a framework and a guide, which shows learning objectives while mapping out classroom activities and experiences that will meet those objectives. Curriculum maps also connect assessment to objectives and learning experiences. Teachers’ jobs can be made easier by utilizing modern technology to construct these road maps. By using technology, curriculum maps can be created for each grade and each subject area. This will serve a greater need as modifications can be made from year to year, depending on adopted curriculum and on-going professional development where teachers gain new knowledge to enhance student learning experiences. According to Jacobs (2003), electronic curriculum maps offer “ease of aligning directly to state standards and integration of lesson planning and mapping tools into Internet programs”, among other convenient advantages. E-curriculum maps can also help teachers ensure specialized student populations’ needs are met with more ease.


 * **Information and Resources**

Resources such as Collaborative Learning at [|www.clihome.com] offer software that contains features such as curriculum planners and mappers. There are free webinars and workshops where educators can learn about the various capabilities and how this program will enhance teaching and learning. Rubicon Atlas Curriculum Mapping is another program that offers ease of determining “what is taught”, understanding of “how students are being taught”, allowing teachers to “make appropriate, immediate modification to the curriculum”, and “determine why certain performance results have been achieved”, (Rubicon, 2011). Sungard Plus 360 at [|www.techpaths.com] is another program that enhances curriculum and includes a performance tracker.


 * ===Strategies and Ideas===

=
Before investing time and funds into a new software program, I feel a good idea would be to investigate samples of e-curriculum mapping with other educational institutions that have already implemented the use of these type of technology tools. For example, in searching online for different samples of e-curriculum maps that are already in use, hopton.ca (2010) at [], teachers can click on the link __RESOURCES for ED/PRAC 4000C, which__ offers a variety of templates that can be individualized for any classroom. There are also sample lesson plans that demonstrate the usefulness of e-curriculum mapping.=====

**Professional Development (Implement Curriculum, Train Educators)**

 * === Tools ===
 * === Information and Resources ===
 * == Strategies and Ideas ==

**Professional Learning Communities (Communicate, Collaborate) Beulah**
The following characteristics define professional learning communities:
 * Supportive and shared leadership
 *  Shared values and vision
 *  Collective learning and the application of that learning
 *  Shared practice
 *  Supportive conditions for the maintenance of the learning community

** Tools **
[] K12Teaching and Learning ANGELLearning Management Suite is a comprehensive e-learning solution for deliveringweb-enhanced and online classes that meet the needs of students.
 * ANGEL Learning **

[] The TLTGroup and its Flashlight Program support professional development in higher education,providing training, invited talks, webcasts, evaluation support, and outreach anddissemination. Their program is designed for a cohort of faculty members toimprove teaching and learning with technology.
 * TheTeaching, Learning, and Technology (TLT) Group **

[] Connexions is an environment for collaborativelydeveloping, freely sharing, and rapidly publishing scholarly content on theWeb. The Content Commons contains educational materials for everyone fromchildren to college students to professionals, and is organized in smallmodules that are easily connected into larger collections or courses. Allcontent is free to use and reuse under the Creative Commons"attribution" license.
 * Connexions **

MindMeisterand PiratePad are websites that multiple users can take notes, brainstorm, and plan projects simulanteously. I found these while searching for data collection tools.-Sara
 * === Information and Resources ===


 * LearningTimes**

across the globe, both live online, asynchronously and face-to-face.
[]
 * Tapped In**

site allows educators to:

 * ===== Plan and conduct learning projects with colleagues and students. =====
 * =====P articipate in or lead topical discussion and groups. =====
 * ===== Manage and attend online courses offered by TPD providers. =====
 * ===== Mentor other educators. =====
 * ===== Try out new ideas in a safe, supportive environment. =====

[]
 * All Things PLC**

seek information about Professional Learning Communities at Work.
It takes careful planning to form a useful and functional PLC, but once the foundation is built, the benefits will soon be evident.
 * === Strategies and Ideas ===

The success of PLCs hinges on collaboration. Communitiesshould develop their own protocols and norms.
 * Teach Participants How to Collaborate **

To the educatoraccustomed to closing the door, sharing information about techniques can bediscomforting. To overcome those barriers, encourage teachers to form a bookclub or a discussion group about a teaching topic. Once they share opinions ina trusting setting, they will be open to discussing more. It is important to provide enough time for learning communities to meet regularly.
 * Create an Atmosphere of Trust **
 * Allow Enough Time **
 * Allow Enough Time **

Although many PLCs consist only of teachers,a broader population can be brought in, such as administrators, parents, andcommunity members who support their school. The objective is to align everyone'sinterests and expertise with the school's vision and goals.
 * Be Broad and Inclusive**

**Get Outside Help**
Hiring a consultant with a broaderperspective may help with complex situations that can be difficult for the teamto solve.

As the groups work on improving their professional practice, teacher development happens naturally.
 * Remember the Learning in PLC**