The purpose of this grant program is to provide seed funding to districts to adopt "best technology classroom practices and programs" that will have an impact on the districts. These projects and programs are effective models of teaching that integrate technology into the local curriculum and align with the state's learning standards.
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Kathleen May
978-948-2520 |
Project Title: Schoolyard Q.U.E.S.T.- Questioning Usual Events Strengthens Thinking
Project Overview:
This project, designed for the first graders, immerses students into the learning standards of the Massachusetts Science and Technology Curriculum Framework and its emphasis on inquiry-based learning. Also inherent in the project are framework strands in mathematics, such as number sense, measurement and data analysis; and English Language Arts, such as composition, expression and presentation. This project emulates the Rockport model of utilizing the local ecology as a science laboratory equipped with portable technology. Teachers and students engage in a methodical, hands-on investigation of the schoolyard's ecosystems. These treks "out into the fields" provide the optimum opportunity for the collection, display and interpretation of real-world data. Working with fifth grade tutors, students collect data regarding the temperature of the air, soil, and water using hand-held computers adapted with Imagiworks probes. Data is transferred to a spreadsheet where different types of graphs are formulated. Students log their experiences onto an electronic KidPix journal template, developing an overall slideshow presentation in the process. Using the Internet, they check the water and air temperature of other regions. With the visual organizer software, Inspiration, teachers and students will web events and discoveries. With regular excursions, students can compare, contrast, analyze, and predict temperature outcomes. Data analysis and field experiences can be shared via Pine Grove's Web site.
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Don MacIntosh
978-649-3115 |
Project Title: Microworlds: Magnifying those Magnificent, Mesmerizing Microbes
Project Overview:
Tyngsborough will adopt Westford's Lighthouse Project "Microworlds: Magnifying Those Magnificent, Mesmerizing Microbes" to enhance their fifth grade Microworlds (STC) unit. Using samples of microorganisms collected from wetlands adjacent to the school, students will be able to gather data and make detailed observations with high quality microscopes, technology and the Internet. As a culminating activity, students will create a multimedia presentation showcasing their investigations. This project provides an opportunity to bring students' learning to the next level through the use of technology and help students gain an in-depth understanding of microorganisms and their function within our ecosystem.
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Ted Wilczynski
413-967-6234 |
Project Title: Virtual High School
Project Overview:
In an effort to increase the range of course offerings to high school students, Ware Public Schools would like to offer Virtual High School (VHS) courses to eligible students during the upcoming year. Ware is a small, rural school district located 45 minutes from Worcester and 40 minutes from Springfield. The total student population is approximately 1200, with 400 students enrolled in grades 9 -12. The population limits the number and diversity of courses offered in grades 9 - 12. By adopting Virtual High School, students will have an opportunity to take courses that they might otherwise not be able to take. This would include Advanced Placement (AP) and technology courses that the District is simply too small to offer for the few students that are interested. Both the administration and the school committee have demonstrated a strong commitment to equitable and consistent access to technology for all students. Adopting the VHS program will continue a move to individualized curriculum and an increase in student responsibility and accountability for content acquisition that is consistent with district guidelines and state curriculum frameworks.
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Christy Gunnels
508 291-3510 x737 |
Project Title: Observing, Analyzing and Documenting: Graphic Design, Drawing and Ecology
Project Overview:
Wareham High School Computer Graphic Design and Art 1 courses will pilot a model of integrating computer graphic design, drawing and painting, and ecology. Students in the two art courses will collaborate in an effort to publish the changes they observe at a school pond. Art 1 students will collect and report ecological data from the pond through drawing and painting. The graphic design students will design a Web site on which the observational drawings/paintings will appear. The Web site will be dedicated to the environmental initiatives at WHS and will include the Community Service Learning program efforts to restore the pond, an active Webcam, an area for scientific posting from earth science students, and appropriate links to other ecology sites. The project will adopt the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Framework definition of the nature of science in order to teach students about the parallel nature of the practices of artists and scientists.
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Denise Quinn
413-572-6419 |
Project Title: Mobile Wireless Computing: Project Based Learning with the Internet
Project Overview:
Teachers in grades three, four and five at Highland Elementary School have been moving toward the project-based model of instruction. They have seen evidence that this approach offers lifelong benefits for students, based on the sense of independence it fosters in them. Project-based classrooms allow creative problem solving as well as authentic collaboration as students take charge of their own learning as guided by their teacher. During this past year, as part of the Project MEET grant, Highland teachers were taught methods for making the Internet accessible to their students and developed projects that incorporated Web sites. In order to expand on this model, the school adopted the Wireless Computer Lab concept that was implemented at the Batchelder Elementary School in North Reading. This installation was sufficient to connect the laptops from any classroom or area within the building to the resources needed for project-based learning. In this way Highland will be able to add computers to classrooms anywhere in the building as necessary. Highland adopted this model so that its teachers can continue to expand on the successes of this past year and give classes "just in time" access to technology anywhere in the building.
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Melissa Donegan
978-589-8140 |
Project Title: Keyboarding Kids: Technology for Differentiating Instruction
Project Overview:
The AlphaSmart technology will be used across the curriculum in third and fourth grade inclusion classrooms to differentiate instruction and support students on Individualized Education Plans. Implementing this model will help to meet two of our district goals: to improve student writing and to enable differentiated instruction techniques. Students will utilize AlphaSmarts to write stories, keep journals, and to express themselves in each of the content areas with detail. This technology will help students improve the quality and quantity of their written work across the curriculum. Teachers will program the AlphaSmarts to differentiate instruction, providing modifications for students on Individualized Education Plans and challenging students who need enrichment. This technology will increase student access to technology on a daily basis during mini-lessons such as daily oral language, ten-minute math, science and social studies open-response questions, and journalizing.
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David Lussier
978-692-5582 |
Project Title: M&M2
Project Overview:
Students in the sixth through eighth grades will use MIDI to create and analyze their own music. Music projects include orchestrated accompaniments for Japanese shadow puppet operas as well as multimedia presentations on a social topic. Students will burn the music onto their own CDs. The lab will also be used for the study of academic music through game-like learning programs. Students will present their music to fellow classmates and the wider community.
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Anne Marie Marcella
978-692-5580 |
Project Title: Mindful Monitoring
Project Overview:
Mindful Monitoring, adopted from Lynnfield Public Schools, integrates physical education and technology through the use of individual heart rate monitors. Students will gain accurate and sustainable knowledge of how heart rate impacts fitness. Students will also develop the ability to scientifically work within a safe target zone. The heart rate monitors will be interfaced with a computer so students can download and print their personal fitness information. Students will also be keeping a journal, which will allow them to record and compare their cardiovascular fitness levels. By learning about the heart rate monitors at the elementary level, students will be able to progress in their knowledge of heart health as they move through the educational system.
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John Griffin
781-326-7500 x 315 |
Project Title: Computer-Enhanced Science Education: Improving Science Learning with the Use of Microcomputer-Based Science Labs.
Project Overview:
This project will focus on improving the science curriculum though the use of microcomputer-based labs. The computers will have a variety of attached sensors that students will use during laboratory experiments. Having data instantaneously displayed in various graphical formats will enable students to focus more completely on the scientific concept under investigation.
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Barbara White
781-721-7007 |
Project Title: Unlocking the Possibilities: Technology/Curriculum Integration
Project Overview:
Winchester High School has chosen to adopt the Holyoke Public Schools' project JUMPSTART. This project will provide professional development in curriculum-based technology integration to Winchester High School teachers of science, language arts, social studies, foreign language, and mathematics in grades 9-12. The professional development program will provide teachers with the opportunity to find out how technology can be integrated into their curriculum using the Massachusetts frameworks and ISTE guidelines. Teachers will also learn the importance of creating a multidimensional learning environment for students' motivation and achievement.
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Deborah Boisvert
978-897-1287 |
Project Title: Using Robotics to Teach Problem-Solving Techniques
Project Overview:
The goal of this project is to introduce robotics and engineering problem solving as pedagogic tools in the middle and secondary school math, science, and/or technology education curriculum to support and enhance literacy, numeracy, and scientific understanding. Teacher participants will take part in the design process, developing a sense of ownership of the essential questions such as "why?," "how?," "what if?" and so on. Participants will learn how to work as teams to solve problems. They will also develop skills in critical thinking, hands-on problem solving, research, leadership and responsibility, and oral and written communication.
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Charles Campbell
508-799-3415
Robin J. Hynes
508-799-3247
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Project Title: In the Movies through Avid Cinema
Project Overview:
High school students in the Comprehensive Skills Center will learn to create edited video projects integrating digital video, still images, sound, and graphics. Students will create an interdisciplinary product including video clips related to the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks for math, science, language arts and social studies. The final product will be output onto videotape for the student to take home and share.
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Charles Campbell
508-799-3415
Debra Mantyla
508-799-3575 |
Project Title: Increasing Student Achievement by Teaching Technology Based Research and Presentation Skills in Context
Project Overview:
Two fourth grade teachers at the Worcester Arts Magnet School will adopt Online Learning Adventures in their classrooms with the guidance and support of Christine Ronan from the Milton Public Schools. The project will support professional development, student acquisition of technological skills, student learning of the research process, student application of literacy skills, and student learning of content. Using VES, teachers will establish an ongoing discussion with Christine Ronan, research and develop a WebQuest theme unit on Mesopotamia, and support students in developing technology skills using the WebQuest.. Teachers will support students in organizing their information for multimedia PowerPoint presentations. Onsite training will be provided by technology trainers. Participating teachers will then mentor colleagues who want to develop WebQuests and/or PowerPoint presentations. Teachers will also offer after school staff development to teach their colleagues how to integrate technology into their practice. In addition, teachers will make their work available online to other teachers.
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Charles Campbell
508-799-3415
Kathy Peloquin
508-799-3655 |
Project Title: From Static Website to Ecstatic Collaboration
Project Overview:
VES will be the central application in our infrastructure for communication and collaboration to facilitate dissemination and feedback around curriculum, the Student Educational Technology Competency Matrix and the Educational Technology Professional Development Matrix. VES is a dynamic collection of application tools, communication and collaboration tools, assessment and evaluation tools, and content management tools. The collaboration model will include an organization representing each of the seven curriculum disciplines as well as library media and educational technology. Each grade level will have its own VES organizational unit. We will also create a district organizational communication and collaboration model using VES; move the Worcester Public Schools in a major paper reduction; create at least three classroom pilots of VES with student participation; and create at least four courses on educational technology online as part of our Educational Technology Professional Matrix.
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