http://www.appitic.com/– This website organizes iPad apps by subject and grade level, allowing you to search for curriculum-related learning apps.  Appitic is a collection of more than 1300 apps organized by Apple Distinguished Educators.  If you have iPod carts or access to even one iPad that you can use in your classroom, this site would be a great way to start organizing your content.

http://edudemic.com/  — Edudemic is an excellent resource for all things education technology related that teachers can really use. This website will bring teachers up to speed with resources such as: “The 20 Best Apps for Special Education” and “5 Apps for Organizing School Work.”  If you just don’t know where to start when it comes to integrating technology into your teaching practice, Edudemic is a great starting point.

http://www.voki.com/ – Create speaking avatars and use them as an effective teaching and learning tool. Voki is a free service and also has a database of lesson plans, tutorials on how and why to use avatars in the classroom,  a teachers corner, a “Voki” classroom to create a manage students account, and much more. I visualize this as a opportunity for your students to have ownership over a project by managing a “Voki” project for your classroom. There is so much out there for teachers to learn, let’s flip the classroom and allow the students to teach us a thing or two!

https://www.mheonline.com/apps/  — Textbook companies such as McGraw Hill are making the transition from paper and pencil to digital through a variety of resources, such as this website that features mobile apps for learning. If your school has invested in iPod carts, this would also be an excellent resource.

In this information age there is so much out there that it is difficult to know where to start when it comes to using technology for student achievement.  Choose one really helpful website as a reference point that includes resources you can blend with your existing technology tools.  Have your students be active participants in project-based learning that incorporates your favorite websites or apps. I hope the above sites peak your interest and give you a few creative ideas!

Fortunately I was able to attend a session, “Using iPads for Online Learning,” presented by Jenna Linskens, assistant professor in the school of education, Marian University, Wisconsin. This was a BYOD session, or Bring Your Own Device. As she discussed the different categories of apps for education, I stopped taking notes and started downloading each one in rapid succession! Below are a few apps to download and try – most are free!

• CourseSmart  e-textbooks
• Inkling –Language Arts
• Plizy – view videos from specific channels
• Popplet – create graphic organizers
• Teamviewer – computer remote control
• Paperport notes – create, edit and annotate

And those are just a few of the apps for education available today; there are literally thousands of them to choose from!

Visit AVI-SPL at FETC 2012, Jan. 24-26 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. We’ll be at booth #1407, offering professional development information and more!

Audiovisual technology offers a wealth of flexible possibilities to meet these dynamic needs, appealing to both auditory and tactile learners. In a range of advanced technologies, the simplicity of video remains a perfect medium for educators and students alike.

From innovative interactive whiteboards to the latest trends in 3-D projection technologies, discover engaging solutions that bring the ultimate level of excitement and education to your classroom. As we focus on empowering educators through technology, please be sure to stop by our booth at FETC and speak with our Education reps!

Presentation Schedule

Feel free to click here for our presentation schedule at FETC, Jan. 24-26. Our booth will include sessions on the SMART Response system, 3-D technology and interactive whiteboards, professional development for tech integration, prizes and so much more!

Professional Development

While at FETC, our sessions will feature:

RM Easiteach Next Generation: This is a complete whole-class teaching and learning software application which puts you in the driving seat for creating and delivering engaging lessons and resources.

The tools are rich and powerful, but also easy to use, removing barriers and allowing you to make the most of your classroom hardware tools – compatible with any interactive whiteboard and a range of classpads, voting systems and multi-touch tables.

Click here for a video overview of the Easiteach!

RM Dance to Advance: A fun and easy-to-use dance mat activity software for math, ELA, science and social studies.  Using visual, kinesthetic, and auditory stimuli, RM Dance to Advance is an ideal way to challenge and test students’ knowledge.

The captivating game format features 1 or 2 player capability and allows for single, dual (stepping on 2 answers at once) or sequential (A then B then C) responses.  RM Dance to Advance allows students to personalize their learning experience by selecting from a range of characters, music and background scenes.  Even the most reluctant learner will want to join in the fun!

RM ePad: The RM ePad gives you the freedom to teach and engage your students from anywhere in the classroom. Create and deliver engaging lessons with all the interactivity of a whiteboard from the palm of your hand.

The RM ePad includes RM Easiteach, the award-winning dynamic software tool for engaging and stimulating whole-class teaching. Click here for a video overview of this exciting product!

RM Tuff-Cam: The RM Tuff-Cam is an ultra-simple 3.1 mega-pixel digital movie/still camera designed particularly for children.  This innovative product features rugged rubber casing and a child-friendly grip that makes it perfect for classroom and field-trip use. 

The 4cm LCD screen facilitates video and audio recording and playback.  Children are able to adjust video resolution and zoom through intuitive and easily accessible buttons.  In addition, the camera includes 64MB of internal memory which can be expanded via the SD card slot. 

A docking station allows for easy connection to any PC or Mac (please note, the RM Tuff-Cam is not compatible with Windows 7).  

Come Meet AVI-SPL’s Education Team

These are just a few innovations you’ll see while visiting us at FETC. With a strong dedication towards not only meeting — but exceeding – client expectations, AVI-SPL’s highly trained, highly certified Education team defines the standards for the dynamic design, build and installation of cutting-edge presentation solutions.

You can depend on AVI-SPL to provide:

 • Customized presentation and communication solutions for your classroom

• Comprehensive training

• 24/7/365 support, both on-site and off-site 

While at FETC, please be sure to visit AVI-SPL at Booth #1407 to learn more about using video technology solutions in your classroom. You can also contact AVI-SPL by calling (866) 559-8197 or visiting www.avispl.com.

An article in the November/December issue of THE Journal, titled “Combating Teacher Burnout,” reveals that the average new teacher tenure is three to five years, and that Gen-Y teachers (those under 30) account for one fifth of the workforce. Education policies and practices focus on student achievement and learning gains, while studies show that teacher turnover costs districts approximately 7 billion dollars a year.

The article also notes a study by the American Federation of Teachers and the American Institutes for Research, which found what teachers want most: time to collaborate, differentiated pay for high performance, and technology not only to provide engaging lessons, but for peer collaboration, such as video conferencing.

Education technology also provides teachers a method to quantify learning gains, give feedback to parents and administrators, and improve communication. Teachers who feel that they have, and are, making a difference in the lives of their students, often stay for just that reason. The intrinsic value of knowing your choice of career has changed lives can offset some of the profession’s stressors.

That being said, wouldn’t it be great if we all could take two minutes to remember a teacher who really did make a difference in our lives? Sometimes we relate a story to a friend about school and a particular teacher or coach, but it never gets back to the subject.  I’ll bet you could find some of your teachers on Facebook (or your children’s teachers) who you know made a difference, and thank them personally and wish them a happy holiday season.  That’s another way technology can help combat teacher burnout!

One of those networks inlcudes the U.S.-based National Lambda Rail, a networking consortium.

Through this deployment, students at AUD will be able to participate in lifelike, interactive lectures from around the world.

AVI-SPL is the global leader in designing and deploying audio visual solutions for businesses and educational institutions. If you are considering adding distance learning technologies to your classroom, contact us at 1-800-282-6733 or email us at sales@avispl.com. Learn more about the Cisco TelePresence 3000 series at AVI-SPL.

No matter where they are, all children in the United States should have equal access to a quality education, and the Kodiak Island district is using distance learning technology through video conferencing (VTC) to reach that goal.  According to the October 2011 issue of THE Journal, “The use of distance learning technology has turned around once-struggling schools by not only enabling students to learn from better-qualified instructors, but also by expanding the breadth of content that can be offered.” Students are able to take Pre-Calculus,  participate in science labs in grades 3 through 8, Advanced Comp, Literature and Music.

AVI-SPL has the solutions to support distance learning through VTC for not only rural districts, but all districts that need to provide specialized classes to meet federal requirements. For example most, schools cannot afford to employ a highly qualified teacher for a limited number of students who need to take AP Calculus, Mandarin languages, or other specialized courses.  However, VTC can bring together several students throughout the district (or region, nation or world!) with one teacher!

Enhance your classroom education with distance learning technology implemented and supported by AVI-SPL. Speak to one of our experts at 1-800-282-6733 or send an email to sales@avispl.com, and we’ll show you how we can improve your learning environment.

We’re excited to announce that Dunedin Highland Middle School of Pinellas County Schools has been chosen as the host site for the 2012 SiTi, July 22 – 26.

As an attendee of our 2012 SiTi, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Increase your confidence teaching with common technology tools
• Create lessons infused with Higher Order Thinking Strategies for immediate use
• Learn the coaching model for technology integration
• Gain valuable technology leadership skills
• Transform into a top-notch TechXtraordinary Teacher!

The series will be led by Dr. Jennifer Brown King, author of TechXtraordinary Integration (TXI) for Pearson Custom Publishing. Through King’s inspirational work, TXI emphasizes how to integrate technology through a unique scaffolding technique called the Technology Integration Plan (TIP), designed to layer course planning and technology tools in a practical and meaningful way to impact both teaching and learning.

The picturesque town of Dunedin, Fla., with waterfront accommodations and a nationally recognized downtown, was chosen to welcome educators to the event. Attendees will have  an opportunity to combine a fun getaway with a unique professional development experience. This is a great opportunity to build a vacation around our 2012 SiTi by exploring Dunedin and all it has to offer: a beautiful downtown voted “most walkable small city,”  Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands, as well as the Pinellas Trail and Trolley, to mention a few. The movie Dolphin Tale, which was filmed in this area, has created a spotlight on North Pinellas County.  AVI-SPL will shine our own spotlight on Pinellas County School District as a national education leader in technology integration.

For More Information

To learn more about this event, please feel free to contact AVI-SPL Education Consultant Patti Palancia by clicking here.

Georganne joins AVI-SPL with 35 years of experience in education, including administrative positions at the middle and high school levels.

The implementation of technology into instruction is a passion of special interest to Georganne.  As the principal of a middle school designated as one of the pilot schools for Cobb’s 21^st Century Technology initiative, she was involved in the implementation of SMART technology into the classroom from the actual installation of the products, through the training (which she completed along with the teachers), to the evaluation of teacher use of this technology in daily classroom teaching.  Noting a significant increase in student engagement and a corresponding rise in test scores, Georganne supports Marzano’s studies of the impact of technology in the classroom.  She eagerly welcomes the chance to help others move into the 21^st century of instruction and engagement.

 A few goals for the Professional Development Team for 2012 will be to host Technology Conferences,  Workshops, Integration Institutes, support sales, and build ongoing professional development plans for schools and districts that will generate revenue for AVI-SPL.

Georganne states:  “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to become the AVI-SPL Education Consultant for Georgia! Moving into my dream job will allow me to share my passion for technology in the classroom and let me continue to mentor others as we (the wonderful AVI-SPL Education Consultant team!) facilitate the seamless integration of technological innovations into instructional practices. I can’t wait to work with the AVI-SPL team and especially with Jodi Carroll, the Education Marketing Manager for Georgia. Look out, Georgia – we are ready to hit the road with technology for the classroom!  Just watch student engagement, achievement and success hit new heights in the classrooms with our products!”

Improve Your Classroom With AV Solutions by AVI-SPL

Take a look at our featured SMART solutions and discover how easy it is to enhance your learning environment with the latest interactive technology that benefits both students and teachers. Call one our experts at 1-800-282-6733 or email us at sales@avispl.com.

Specifically engineered (built/constructed) for use in K-12 classrooms, the TruLink controller is innovatively simple to install, program and operate.

TruLink product highlights include:

• Large, backlit buttons for easy identification and quick operation
• On-board real-time clock for easy time and date programming, including automatic start-up and shut-down capability, ensures equipment is ready when needed and powered off at the end of the day to extend equipment life
• Backup capability eliminates the need for reprogramming in the event of a power failure
• Up to 32 commands for control of numerous A/V devices
• Durable construction backed by a five year warranty ensures consistent operation in the demanding classroom environment

Ready to Take Control of Your Classroom?

For more information on the TruLink controller, contact an AVI-SPL sales rep by calling 800-282-6733, or click here to request a quote!

This 3000-lumen lightweight mobile model is 3D Ready and includes a 7W speaker, closed captioning and NEC’s Virtual Remote control software.

• Automatic Power ON via RGB (15-pin) input
• BrilliantColor™, including a 6-segment color wheel, provides accurate color reproduction
• Quick startup/cooling/shutdown minimizes projector setup and teardown between meetings
• ECO Mode™ technology helps extend lamp life and lowers power consumption
• HDMI input connects you to high-definition sources
• Dual computer inputs ensure quick switching between presentations
• Crestron RoomView Connected™ provides unified management, including the ability to switch the power on and off for multiple projectors connected to a network

To find out more info

Interested in bringing NEC’s latest projector to your organization? Simply click here to request a quote, or speak to an AVI-SPL representative by calling 800-282-6733 today!