Feb 2012
February 22, 2012
,
Contents:
?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?
NOTES
In the last Tech Notes, I mentioned that Mandy Longo has joined our group on a part-time basis. Now you can contact her directly at longom@fsdb.k12.fl.us. She is available to work primarily with small/rural districts providing observations and needs assessments, consultation with staff, and possibly some student evaluations. Mandy has created a Facebook page. Be sure to LIKE her!!! Search for "Mandy Longo, M.S. CCC-SLP" on Facebook.
Mark your calendars! The next Language Reading Connection: Deaf/Hard of Hearing Workshop will be May 14-16 at the Westin Hotel in Lake Mary. We will be sending more information when we are ready to start accepting registrations. Note: This will only be open to those that have NOT attended previously.
********************************************************
RMTC WEBINARS
Our next webinar:
What's New In SMART - Wednesday, March 7, 3:00 PM EST
During this brief, but informative webinar, we will look at all of the latest features available in the last few editions of SMART Notebook. This webinar will benefit anyone in the classroom who has a SMART Board with the latest edition of SMART Notebook installed on their computers. In addition, we will look at some of the new features that are available to SMART document camera owners that will make educating the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing student that much more exciting!
As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:
To join the webinar:
http://connect.fsdb.k12.fl.us/rmtc
Log in as Guest, but please put your name in the name box. We want to know who is joining us!
Handouts, resources, and information for our webinars can be found on our wiki at http://rmtc.wikispaces.com. Be sure to JOIN so that you can participate in discussions. Links to webinar archives can also be found on the Wiki.
********************************************************
JOB OPENING
Lake Sybelia Elementary School in Orlando has an immediate opening for a self-contained D/HH teacher. If interested, please contact Dr. Julie Paradise at Julie.paradise@ocps.net
********************************************************
FEHI NOTICE
This is a reminder to submit Teacher of the Year Nominations, Mini Grant Proposals, and Honor of the Association Award nominations. Please forward this email to colleagues since we do not have an updated contact list and many email addresses are bouncing back.
The deadline for submission has been extended to March 5th, 2012. The board meeting will be held on March 10th.
All the forms are available at http://fehi.org under FORMS. Just a reminder that you have to be a paid member to qualify. If you are not and would like to join our professional group click here for the membership form (pdf file).
It is never too late!
Teacher of the Year Nomination (pdf file)
Mini Grant Proposal (pdf file)
Honor of the Association (pdf file)
Looking forward to receiving Nominations and Grant proposals.
Sincerely,
Nada El-Khoury
Past President
********************************************************
iPADS IN THE CLASSROOM
We have created a spreadsheet listing iPad apps by subject area. These are apps that we like and recommend. We will be adding apps as we find them. Let us know if you find apps that aren't on the list.
Here are some other iPad resources:
If you want suggestions about tools to use with the iPad, let us know.
Let me highlight just a few apps that I've recently discovered.
I like both of these flashcard apps because you can add pictures to the cards.
Are you looking for an app for a specific need? Let me know! If I don't already know of something, I will look for you!
AND ... would you like for us to feature iPad Apps in each issue of Tech Notes? Let me know!
********************************************************
WEBSITES
Deaf Planet
Thought I would remind you of this site (and show). Step into the unique, cultural world of Deaf Planet native, Kendra, her hearing friend Max, and his robotic interpreter sidekick, WILMA. Each episode brings both deaf and hearing-enabled kids into a world of learning and discovery, and is as educational as it is entertaining. The website features include a wide array of interactive content to engage users such as ASL and LSQ video sign language glossaries as well as educational games and activities. Additionally, users can also watch their favorite episodes from the show. The website brings together four languages and features video, animation, and interactivity to make learning about science, math, or new languages fun for everyone. [NOTE: We have a couple of these on DVD that you can check out. You have to use them on the computer since they are interactive.]
ICTmagic
This wiki won the award for best educational wiki for 2011. It is a collection of IT resources for students and teachers, and it’s sure to give you more ideas than you could possibly have time to try.
Resouces for History Teachers
This wiki won second place for best education wiki for 2011. It features primary source, multicultural, and multimedia resources for teaching history in K-12 schools based on the Massachusetts K-12 History & Social Science Curriculum Framework, the AP World History Key Concepts, and the AP U.S. History Themes. [Note: Even though it is based on the Massachusetts curriculum, most of the concepts are also in the Sunshine State Standards! It applies!]
Educational Origami
This wiki is a resource hub, where those who contribute to the wiki can share resources on a wide range of technology and education based topics ranging from Pedagogy to Leadership and management. They have starter sheets for different technologies and rubrics for their use, plus links to readings that challenge the reader to think and question their teaching practice.
BalancEdTech
This wiki's blog posts, articles, presentations, workshops, and consulting focus on helping educators weave curriculum, pedagogy, and technology into engaging and rigorous learning.
Web 2.0: Cool Tools for Schools
This wiki highlights some of the great online tools that are available now. Check out the categories in the left frame: Presentation Tools, Collaborative Tools, Research Tools, Video Tools, Slideshow Tools, Audio Tools, Image Tools, Drawing Tools, Writing Tools, Music Tools, Organizing Tools, Converting Tools, Mapping Tools, Quiz and Poll Tools, Graphing Tools, Creativity Tools, Widgets, File Storage & Web Pages, and Other Helpful Sites.
Some LiveBinders to check out:
********************************************************
SAVE THESE DATES!
FEHI
November 9-10, 2012
Westin Hotel, Lake Mary, FL
FETC (Florida Educational Technology Conference)
January 28-31, 2013
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando
*****************************************************
Kay Ezzell, Technology Resource Specialist
Resource Materials and Technology Center:
Deaf and Hard of Hearing/FDLRS
Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
207 N. San Marco Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32084
1-904-827-2684
1-800-356-6731
ezzell_k@firn.edu
rmtc78@gmail.com
http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/
*****************************************************
The Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (FDLRS/RMTC) is funded by the State of Florida, Department of Education, Division of Public Schools and Community Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education Student Services through federal assistance under IDEA Part B, IDEA Trust, and general revenue funds.
*****************************************************
- Notes
- RMTC Webinars
- Job Opening
- FEHI Notice
- iPads in the Classroom
- Websites
- Save these Dates!
?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?
NOTES
In the last Tech Notes, I mentioned that Mandy Longo has joined our group on a part-time basis. Now you can contact her directly at longom@fsdb.k12.fl.us. She is available to work primarily with small/rural districts providing observations and needs assessments, consultation with staff, and possibly some student evaluations. Mandy has created a Facebook page. Be sure to LIKE her!!! Search for "Mandy Longo, M.S. CCC-SLP" on Facebook.
Mark your calendars! The next Language Reading Connection: Deaf/Hard of Hearing Workshop will be May 14-16 at the Westin Hotel in Lake Mary. We will be sending more information when we are ready to start accepting registrations. Note: This will only be open to those that have NOT attended previously.
********************************************************
RMTC WEBINARS
Our next webinar:
What's New In SMART - Wednesday, March 7, 3:00 PM EST
During this brief, but informative webinar, we will look at all of the latest features available in the last few editions of SMART Notebook. This webinar will benefit anyone in the classroom who has a SMART Board with the latest edition of SMART Notebook installed on their computers. In addition, we will look at some of the new features that are available to SMART document camera owners that will make educating the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing student that much more exciting!
As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify features available on SMART Notebook Version 10.8
- Use the new tools to enhance the educational experience of your D/HH children
- Know how to use the "Mixed Reality" cube feature of the SMART Document camera
To join the webinar:
http://connect.fsdb.k12.fl.us/rmtc
Log in as Guest, but please put your name in the name box. We want to know who is joining us!
Handouts, resources, and information for our webinars can be found on our wiki at http://rmtc.wikispaces.com. Be sure to JOIN so that you can participate in discussions. Links to webinar archives can also be found on the Wiki.
********************************************************
JOB OPENING
Lake Sybelia Elementary School in Orlando has an immediate opening for a self-contained D/HH teacher. If interested, please contact Dr. Julie Paradise at Julie.paradise@ocps.net
********************************************************
FEHI NOTICE
This is a reminder to submit Teacher of the Year Nominations, Mini Grant Proposals, and Honor of the Association Award nominations. Please forward this email to colleagues since we do not have an updated contact list and many email addresses are bouncing back.
The deadline for submission has been extended to March 5th, 2012. The board meeting will be held on March 10th.
All the forms are available at http://fehi.org under FORMS. Just a reminder that you have to be a paid member to qualify. If you are not and would like to join our professional group click here for the membership form (pdf file).
It is never too late!
Teacher of the Year Nomination (pdf file)
Mini Grant Proposal (pdf file)
Honor of the Association (pdf file)
Looking forward to receiving Nominations and Grant proposals.
Sincerely,
Nada El-Khoury
Past President
********************************************************
iPADS IN THE CLASSROOM
We have created a spreadsheet listing iPad apps by subject area. These are apps that we like and recommend. We will be adding apps as we find them. Let us know if you find apps that aren't on the list.
Here are some other iPad resources:
- iPad Lessons (Pinterest page)
- Complete Guide to Educational and Special Needs Apps (Excellent resource!)
- iPads in the Classroom (Kathy Schrock - always good!)
- TechChef4U (great; up-to-date)
- Teachers with Apps
- Apps in Education
- 75 Interesting Ways to Use an iPad in the Classroom
- APPitic (1300+ Education Apps by categories like Bloom's Taxonomy, Special Ed, Preschool, Themes, Teachers, and Multiple Intelligences)
- iPad Recommended Educational App Lists
- iPad Lessons
- iPads in Schools
- Apps for Social Studies
- iPads in Special Education
- iPads AND iPod Resources and Lessons
- Android4Schools (for you Android users)
- Cool Apps for Schools
If you want suggestions about tools to use with the iPad, let us know.
Let me highlight just a few apps that I've recently discovered.
- Socrative is a FREE tool for creating quizzes. There is a teacher app and a student app. You can create quizes on your iPad or on their website. Your students can take the quiz from any device (including computers) that has Internet access.
- PuppetPals is a FREE app for creating stories with characters. It's worth it to pay the $2.99 to add the PuppetPals Directors Pass to add more characters and themes. My only objection to this app is that you can't add text to your stories, but you can export your videos and add text in the iMovie app ($4.99).
- ASL Zoo ($0.99) is a sign dictionary for zoo animals. I like this one because it shows the printed word, a picture of the animal, a movie of the sign, and also a movie of the animal.
- Flashcardlet is a great FREE app for creating flashcards. If you want, you can create your flashcards in Quizlet (online), and import them into Flashcardlet. (Use the link to download Flashcardlet. There are MANY flashcard apps, so it may be hard to find by searching.)
- Cardboard ($1.99) is another good flashcard app. You can also import from Quizlet in this app.
I like both of these flashcard apps because you can add pictures to the cards.
Are you looking for an app for a specific need? Let me know! If I don't already know of something, I will look for you!
AND ... would you like for us to feature iPad Apps in each issue of Tech Notes? Let me know!
********************************************************
WEBSITES
Deaf Planet
Thought I would remind you of this site (and show). Step into the unique, cultural world of Deaf Planet native, Kendra, her hearing friend Max, and his robotic interpreter sidekick, WILMA. Each episode brings both deaf and hearing-enabled kids into a world of learning and discovery, and is as educational as it is entertaining. The website features include a wide array of interactive content to engage users such as ASL and LSQ video sign language glossaries as well as educational games and activities. Additionally, users can also watch their favorite episodes from the show. The website brings together four languages and features video, animation, and interactivity to make learning about science, math, or new languages fun for everyone. [NOTE: We have a couple of these on DVD that you can check out. You have to use them on the computer since they are interactive.]
ICTmagic
This wiki won the award for best educational wiki for 2011. It is a collection of IT resources for students and teachers, and it’s sure to give you more ideas than you could possibly have time to try.
Resouces for History Teachers
This wiki won second place for best education wiki for 2011. It features primary source, multicultural, and multimedia resources for teaching history in K-12 schools based on the Massachusetts K-12 History & Social Science Curriculum Framework, the AP World History Key Concepts, and the AP U.S. History Themes. [Note: Even though it is based on the Massachusetts curriculum, most of the concepts are also in the Sunshine State Standards! It applies!]
Educational Origami
This wiki is a resource hub, where those who contribute to the wiki can share resources on a wide range of technology and education based topics ranging from Pedagogy to Leadership and management. They have starter sheets for different technologies and rubrics for their use, plus links to readings that challenge the reader to think and question their teaching practice.
BalancEdTech
This wiki's blog posts, articles, presentations, workshops, and consulting focus on helping educators weave curriculum, pedagogy, and technology into engaging and rigorous learning.
Web 2.0: Cool Tools for Schools
This wiki highlights some of the great online tools that are available now. Check out the categories in the left frame: Presentation Tools, Collaborative Tools, Research Tools, Video Tools, Slideshow Tools, Audio Tools, Image Tools, Drawing Tools, Writing Tools, Music Tools, Organizing Tools, Converting Tools, Mapping Tools, Quiz and Poll Tools, Graphing Tools, Creativity Tools, Widgets, File Storage & Web Pages, and Other Helpful Sites.
Some LiveBinders to check out:
- Multiplication Worksheets
- From Farm to Market
- Interactive Sites for the Whiteboard
- Web 2.0 Tools for Reluctant Writers
- Angry Birds in the Classroom
********************************************************
SAVE THESE DATES!
FEHI
November 9-10, 2012
Westin Hotel, Lake Mary, FL
FETC (Florida Educational Technology Conference)
January 28-31, 2013
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando
*****************************************************
Kay Ezzell, Technology Resource Specialist
Resource Materials and Technology Center:
Deaf and Hard of Hearing/FDLRS
Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
207 N. San Marco Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32084
1-904-827-2684
1-800-356-6731
ezzell_k@firn.edu
rmtc78@gmail.com
http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/
*****************************************************
The Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (FDLRS/RMTC) is funded by the State of Florida, Department of Education, Division of Public Schools and Community Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education Student Services through federal assistance under IDEA Part B, IDEA Trust, and general revenue funds.
*****************************************************
February 1, 2012
,
Contents:
?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?
NOTES
Did you think we had forgotten you? We haven't! We have really been busy, but now all our Usher Screening Trainings and Focus Groups are finished, and we hope to get back to normal — or as normal as we can! Please remember to let us know how we can support you, whether it's technology, classroom strategies, family situations, etc. If we don't know the answer, we will try to find someone that does!
We are working to schedule the next Language-Reading Connection for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Workshop. Be looking for an announcement in the near future! This workshop fills up fast!
Have you liked us on Facebook? Look for 'RMTC and OSBD'! Have you followed us on Twitter: rmtcosbd
We want to welcome a new member to our team! Mandy Longo is a Speech/Language Pathologist with extensive experience in working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing. She is joining RMTC and OSBD on a part-time basis. She is available to work primarily with small/rural districts providing observations and needs assessments, consultation with staff, and possibly some student evaluations. You can email Carmelina at the address above if you would like Mandy to visit your district.
********************************************************
RMTC WEBINARS
Brian has two webinars scheduled.
Internet Safety - Monday, February 6, 3:00 EST
This webinar will explore some of the dangers that teens face while using the internet. The content is focused on preparing parents/guardians and school staff with knowledge about what children may encounter online. Hopefully, the content will give those supervising Deaf and Hard of Hearing children insight into things they should be on the lookout for online. We will discuss signs teens may display that adults should be aware of. In addition, we will take a look at some measures adults can take to create a safer browsing environment for children.
As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:
What's New In SMART - Wednesday, March 7, 3:00 PM EST
During this brief, but informative webinar, we will look at all of the latest features available in the last few editions of SMART Notebook. This webinar will benefit anyone in the classroom who has a SMART Board with the latest edition of SMART Notebook installed on their computers. In addition, we will look at some of the new features that are available to SMART document camera owners that will make educating the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing student that much more exciting!
As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:
To join the webinar:
http://connect.fsdb.k12.fl.us/rmtc
Log in as Guest, but please put your name in the name box. We want to know who is joining us!
Handouts, resources, and information for our webinars can be found on our wiki at http://rmtc.wikispaces.com. Be sure to JOIN so that you can participate in discussions. Links to webinar archives can also be found on the Wiki.
********************************************************
NOTES FROM BRIAN
Howdy folks!
Wow. It is has been a super busy year for us here at RMTC. If you are one of my districts, and I have yet to visit you....I'm coming! I promise! We have all been very busy with Usher Syndrome trainings and other projects, but I assure you, we are on our way to our districts very soon! Well, just a quick blurb for you about a new feature that is available for download in SMART Notebook.
So let's say you have been busy using your markers, drawing digital ink all over your notebook. You have a couple of pictures that you have taken out of your gallery and placed on your notebook page. Your class is about to come to a close and you must get ready to teach your lesson on "Why Wiener Dogs Are To Be Held, Not Eaten" to your next class.
********************************************************
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
ALABAMA
Summer Sports Camp for Youth
July 2012
http://www.gallaudetathletics.com/camps/index
DELAWARE
National American Sign Language and English Bilingual Consortium for Early Childhood Education: Summit III
March 16-17, 2012
Mission: to promote the development, management, and coordination of ASL/English bilingual early childhood education for children who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families so that...families are afforded the option of choosing ASL/English bilingual early childhood education for their child.
Hosted by the Delaware School for the Deaf
630 E. Chestnut Hill Road
Newark DE 19713
Registration Fee: $150.00 per person
Limited to 150 participants on a first come, first served basis
Contact Information: ECE.SUMMIT@gmail.com
For more information, visit: http://bilingualece.org/
Gallaudet University’s Summer Programs
May 14 – August 10, 2012
Gallaudet University's Summer Programs offers a comprehensive array of exemplary personal and professional development, leadership, and outreach programs for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, their families, communities, and professionals working with them across the globe. Programs and services are developed to address the needs and interests of diverse constituencies through the offering of graduate, undergraduate, professional studies, and non-credit courses and programs.
For more information visit: http://www.gallaudet.edu/summer_programs.html
********************************************************
HEALTHY KIDS CHALLENGE RECIPE CONTEST FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
All over the country, educators and parents are using the Healthy Kids Challenge Stirring Up Health Recipe Contest as a way to model and help kids build healthy habits. Seventh and eighth graders are learning healthy eating skills while creating a healthy recipe or making an existing recipe healthier. In the words of a middle school educator, “I feel I am making a difference by educating my students to make healthy and wise food choices that will impact their overall health in the future.”
Frost Middle School
1. Use the Stirring Up Health Recipe Contest to
a. Build skills and appeal for healthy food choices.
b. Use life skill situations for students to apply math, language arts, and science.
c. Have students use process skills to collect data, analyze, conclude, and strategize.
2. Enter recipes as individuals or a group and have a chance to win a school/youth organization visit from a Johnson and Wales University chef. Johnson and Wales is a leading culinary arts school whose alumni include well-known television personalities.
3. Use the recipe contest essay guidelines to help kids set healthy goals.
The Stirring Up Health Recipe Contest ends March 2, 2012.
See classroom ideas and entry information at: http://www.healthykidschallenge.com/content/2010-2011-classroom-ideas.
********************************************************
WEBSITES
FlexBooks
FlexBooks are customizable textbooks that you can use online or as printed books. You can share FlexBooks, and you can customize them. They provide high-quality online materials that are aligned with national textbook standards, and -- because FlexBooks are online -- they can keep them up to date much more easily than printed textbooks. You can use the books just as they provide them, or use only parts of them, or add you own materials or material from the web. FlexBooks are as flexible as you make them by adding or deleting material (including graphics and videos), adjusting the difficulty of the language, and making any other changes you need. You can then make them available online -- including in PDF readers that allow students to annotate them -- or print all or part of your FlexBook. FlexBooks are free, so you can modify your FlexBook each time you find something that works better in your classroom.
BatchGeo
BathGeo is a quick and easy tool to map multiple locations on a single map. You can create a local map by showing where your students live. But you can also create US or international maps. What if you paste in places along the Oregon Trail and create a map? Or Westward Expansion? Or Columbus's or Magellan's voyages? This is a great tool!!!
Health Information
This website where your students can type in their communication preferences and then print out a card that they carry with them at all times in their wallet/purse, so they can show it to anyone they may encounter to let them know how they communicate and gives their emergency contact info, etc.
General Mathematics and Teaching Resources
This page is a compilation of resources for math professionals and teachers, including various teaching styles, links to mathematics journals for inspiration, and an abundance of sites dedicated to making math instruction accessible, fun, and worthwhile.
SNApps4Kids
SNApps4Kids is a community of parents, therapists, doctors, and teachers who share information on how they are using the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android devices with children who have special needs.
********************************************************
- Notes
- RMTC Webinars
- Notes from Brian
- Project Endeavor
- AG Bell Video Contest
- Summer Activities
- Healthy Kids Challenge Recipe Contest for Middle School Students
- Websites
- Save these Dates!
?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?
NOTES
Did you think we had forgotten you? We haven't! We have really been busy, but now all our Usher Screening Trainings and Focus Groups are finished, and we hope to get back to normal — or as normal as we can! Please remember to let us know how we can support you, whether it's technology, classroom strategies, family situations, etc. If we don't know the answer, we will try to find someone that does!
We are working to schedule the next Language-Reading Connection for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Workshop. Be looking for an announcement in the near future! This workshop fills up fast!
Have you liked us on Facebook? Look for 'RMTC and OSBD'! Have you followed us on Twitter: rmtcosbd
We want to welcome a new member to our team! Mandy Longo is a Speech/Language Pathologist with extensive experience in working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing. She is joining RMTC and OSBD on a part-time basis. She is available to work primarily with small/rural districts providing observations and needs assessments, consultation with staff, and possibly some student evaluations. You can email Carmelina at the address above if you would like Mandy to visit your district.
********************************************************
RMTC WEBINARS
Brian has two webinars scheduled.
Internet Safety - Monday, February 6, 3:00 EST
This webinar will explore some of the dangers that teens face while using the internet. The content is focused on preparing parents/guardians and school staff with knowledge about what children may encounter online. Hopefully, the content will give those supervising Deaf and Hard of Hearing children insight into things they should be on the lookout for online. We will discuss signs teens may display that adults should be aware of. In addition, we will take a look at some measures adults can take to create a safer browsing environment for children.
As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Recognize warning signs that their child may be involved in inappropriate online activity
- Better prepare your home for a safer online experience
- Know what topics to discuss with your child before they begin exploring online
What's New In SMART - Wednesday, March 7, 3:00 PM EST
During this brief, but informative webinar, we will look at all of the latest features available in the last few editions of SMART Notebook. This webinar will benefit anyone in the classroom who has a SMART Board with the latest edition of SMART Notebook installed on their computers. In addition, we will look at some of the new features that are available to SMART document camera owners that will make educating the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing student that much more exciting!
As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify features available on SMART Notebook Version 10.8
- Use the new tools to enhance the educational experience of your D/HH children
- Know how to use the "Mixed Reality" cube feature of the SMART Document camera
To join the webinar:
http://connect.fsdb.k12.fl.us/rmtc
Log in as Guest, but please put your name in the name box. We want to know who is joining us!
Handouts, resources, and information for our webinars can be found on our wiki at http://rmtc.wikispaces.com. Be sure to JOIN so that you can participate in discussions. Links to webinar archives can also be found on the Wiki.
********************************************************
NOTES FROM BRIAN
Howdy folks!
Wow. It is has been a super busy year for us here at RMTC. If you are one of my districts, and I have yet to visit you....I'm coming! I promise! We have all been very busy with Usher Syndrome trainings and other projects, but I assure you, we are on our way to our districts very soon! Well, just a quick blurb for you about a new feature that is available for download in SMART Notebook.
So let's say you have been busy using your markers, drawing digital ink all over your notebook. You have a couple of pictures that you have taken out of your gallery and placed on your notebook page. Your class is about to come to a close and you must get ready to teach your lesson on "Why Wiener Dogs Are To Be Held, Not Eaten" to your next class.
Look on your toolbar, or right-click on your toolbar to customize it, and find the icon that looks like this. 
This is the new "Clear Ink" tool. It allows you to erase all of the digital ink on the page without using an eraser. It will leave any pictures you have on the page. So your notebook page will look new again (see below), ready for use with your next class!
I hope you find this helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!
Hope to see you soon!
Brian
Brian Newton
Technology Resource Specialist
RMTC/FDLRS Center Located in Walker Annex
SMART-Board Certified Trainer for Notebook 10 (Windows and Mac)
Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
207 North San Marco Avenue
St. Augustine, Fl 32084-2799
RMTC.FSDB.K12.fl.us
NewtonB@fsdb.k12.fl.us
********************************************************
PROJECT ENDEAVOR
Project Endeavor is a program of CSD, funded by a two year contract with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This program focuses on providing deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans with access to broadband or high speed internet through discounted internet service plans and internet devices. Project Endeavor also provides an array of training materials and educational resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
This program is for everyone includIng teachers and staff. For more information, go to http://www.projectendeavor.com
For eligibility information, download this file.
********************************************************
AG BELL VIDEO CONTEST: WHY I LOVE HEARING TECHNOLOGY
http://nc.agbell.org/page.aspx?pid=1433
Enter the "Why I Love Hearing Technology" video contest for a chance to win a $250 Apple gift card! AG Bell is now accepting video entries featuring professionals, groups and organizations who support, use or know someone who uses hearing technology to listen and talk in the following categories:
- Kids and families
- Organizations
- Professionals in training
- Professionals in the field
- Adults with hearing loss
********************************************************
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
ALABAMA
Summer Sports Camp for Youth
July 2012
http://www.gallaudetathletics.com/camps/index
DELAWARE
National American Sign Language and English Bilingual Consortium for Early Childhood Education: Summit III
March 16-17, 2012
Mission: to promote the development, management, and coordination of ASL/English bilingual early childhood education for children who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families so that...families are afforded the option of choosing ASL/English bilingual early childhood education for their child.
Hosted by the Delaware School for the Deaf
630 E. Chestnut Hill Road
Newark DE 19713
Registration Fee: $150.00 per person
Limited to 150 participants on a first come, first served basis
Contact Information: ECE.SUMMIT@gmail.com
For more information, visit: http://bilingualece.org/
Gallaudet University’s Summer Programs
May 14 – August 10, 2012
Gallaudet University's Summer Programs offers a comprehensive array of exemplary personal and professional development, leadership, and outreach programs for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, their families, communities, and professionals working with them across the globe. Programs and services are developed to address the needs and interests of diverse constituencies through the offering of graduate, undergraduate, professional studies, and non-credit courses and programs.
For more information visit: http://www.gallaudet.edu/summer_programs.html
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HEALTHY KIDS CHALLENGE RECIPE CONTEST FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
All over the country, educators and parents are using the Healthy Kids Challenge Stirring Up Health Recipe Contest as a way to model and help kids build healthy habits. Seventh and eighth graders are learning healthy eating skills while creating a healthy recipe or making an existing recipe healthier. In the words of a middle school educator, “I feel I am making a difference by educating my students to make healthy and wise food choices that will impact their overall health in the future.”
Frost Middle School
1. Use the Stirring Up Health Recipe Contest to
a. Build skills and appeal for healthy food choices.
b. Use life skill situations for students to apply math, language arts, and science.
c. Have students use process skills to collect data, analyze, conclude, and strategize.
2. Enter recipes as individuals or a group and have a chance to win a school/youth organization visit from a Johnson and Wales University chef. Johnson and Wales is a leading culinary arts school whose alumni include well-known television personalities.
3. Use the recipe contest essay guidelines to help kids set healthy goals.
The Stirring Up Health Recipe Contest ends March 2, 2012.
See classroom ideas and entry information at: http://www.healthykidschallenge.com/content/2010-2011-classroom-ideas.
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WEBSITES
FlexBooks
FlexBooks are customizable textbooks that you can use online or as printed books. You can share FlexBooks, and you can customize them. They provide high-quality online materials that are aligned with national textbook standards, and -- because FlexBooks are online -- they can keep them up to date much more easily than printed textbooks. You can use the books just as they provide them, or use only parts of them, or add you own materials or material from the web. FlexBooks are as flexible as you make them by adding or deleting material (including graphics and videos), adjusting the difficulty of the language, and making any other changes you need. You can then make them available online -- including in PDF readers that allow students to annotate them -- or print all or part of your FlexBook. FlexBooks are free, so you can modify your FlexBook each time you find something that works better in your classroom.
BatchGeo
BathGeo is a quick and easy tool to map multiple locations on a single map. You can create a local map by showing where your students live. But you can also create US or international maps. What if you paste in places along the Oregon Trail and create a map? Or Westward Expansion? Or Columbus's or Magellan's voyages? This is a great tool!!!
Health Information
This website where your students can type in their communication preferences and then print out a card that they carry with them at all times in their wallet/purse, so they can show it to anyone they may encounter to let them know how they communicate and gives their emergency contact info, etc.
General Mathematics and Teaching Resources
This page is a compilation of resources for math professionals and teachers, including various teaching styles, links to mathematics journals for inspiration, and an abundance of sites dedicated to making math instruction accessible, fun, and worthwhile.
SNApps4Kids
SNApps4Kids is a community of parents, therapists, doctors, and teachers who share information on how they are using the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android devices with children who have special needs.
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