User Guide
VTcite Users Guide
This Users Guide documents the history of the VTcite project and provides instructions for how to use many of the most common features found at VTcite.
(NOTE To Users/Members -- (dated 3/3/2010) ... because the user interface to the VITA-Learn (previously VTcite) portal is currently under construction, this user's guide does not accurately reflect how the site works or is organized. However, many of the basic steps, such as creating a forum post, are pretty much the same. So, please read the user's guide with this caution in mind. Once the web site interface becomes established, we will edit this Users Guide to more accurately reflect the current organization and use of the site. Thank you for your patience. -- The Drupalers Team)
About the VTcite Project
 participants
Vermont CITE (Vermont Commons for Information Technology Educators) is a web-based professional learning community for Vermont educators. Its origin can be traced to a Title IID, Enhancing Education Through Technology grant sponsored by the Vermont State Department of Education in November 2005.
In response to this initiative, VITA-Learn, Vermont Institutes, and the University of Vermont joined together to propose the development of a community of technology leaders to:
VTcite provides support for a growing community of technology integration specialists, librarians, media specialists, teachers, and administrators who focus on technology integration as a vehicle to support student achievement improvements.
The goal of VTcite is to build a professional learning community of technology leaders and Vermont educators to lessen the sense of isolation that many technology specialists and teachers feel in the struggle to provide leadership and professional development in their local schools.
The portal (VTcite) is an open space where educators with similar interests meet and exchange ideas. VTcite is a tool that provides a shared repository for field-recommended resources, a searchable database, communication forums for innovations and collaboration, and a calendar of events for professional development opportunities. Any educator interested in participating in VTcite is welcome to self-register and join our community.
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First VTcite Cohort
First VTcite Cohort
The first cohort of VTcite participants were a group of 30 talented and dedicated educators who worked together to build resources and provide reflection about the effective use of technology in K-12 classrooms. We want to acknowledge and thank these exceptional people for their efforts in initiating the development of VTcite.
They are:
| Robin Bebo-Long | Windsor Southwest Supervisory Union |
| Ed Bianchi | Chittenden South Supervisory Union |
Sally Bisaccio
| Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union |
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| Teresa Caron | Orleans Essex North Supervisory Union |
| Alida Ciampa | Norwich School District/SAU 70 |
| Margaret Cintorino | Bennington Rutland Supervisory Union |
| Vinnie Covino | Rutland Southwest Supervisory Union |
| Lucie deLaBruere | Franklin Central Supervisory Union |
| Brucie Donahue |
Washington South Supervisory Union |
| John Downes | Essex Town School District |
| Joanne Finnegan | Chittenden East Supervisory Union |
| Kevin Grace | Addison Northeast Supervisory Union |
| Eric Hall | Washington West Supervisory Union |
| Dave Hansen | Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union |
| Cecelia Hunt | Addison Rutland Supervisory Union |
| Brenda Macdonald | Southwest Vermont Supersiory Union |
| Kay Marcelle | Washington West Supervisory Union |
| Ann Margaret McKillop | Rutland-Windsor Supervisory Union |
| John McSweeney | Washington Northeast Supervisory Union |
| John Minelli | Hartford School District |
| Susan Monmaney | Montpelier Public Schools |
| Jerry Piette | Orleans Central Supervisory Union |
| Robert Sargent | Orange East Supervisory Union |
| Christina Scheindel | Orange Southwest Supervisory Union |
| Amy Truchon | Burlington School District |
| Tommy Walz | Barre Supervisory Union |
| David Webb | Orange Windsor Supervisory Union |
| Steve Webster | South Burlington School District |
| David Wells | Washington Central Supervisory Union |
| Jane Wilde | Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union |
Photos (1)
VTcite Photo Gallery (1)
March 2006 Kick Off Meeting
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Photos (2)
Dynamic Landscapes May 2006
VTcite participants attended the Dynamic Landscapes conference sponsored by VITA-Learn in May 2006. The following movie depicts a group work session that followed the conference.
VTcite Phase II
Phase I of the “Statewide Technology Integration Grant” set out to establish a professional learning community that would allow participants to support each other and other Vermont educators. By creating the Vermont Commons for Information Technology Educators, Phase I provided a rich experience for thirty Vermont educators. It was clearly effective in increasing participants understanding of the critical connection between effective teaching practices and technology integration, in expanding each individual’s “human network” through the use of electronic communication tools, in creating and identify resources that would support this learning community as it strove to support Vermont educators in effective technology integration, and in expanding participants leadership skills as they investigated the critical role that leadership plays in successful technology integration. There is evidence from the Phase I participants commitment to the project, where thirty participants were initially involved and thirty participants were still involved in the end, that we can count on them for participation and leadership in Phase II.
However, this newly organized professional learning community is still in its infancy and needs leadership and structured support to continue and expand its mission of providing assistance to Vermont educators to appropriately integrate technology to impact student learning. Further, it must construct a self-sustaining capacity that allows it to flourish and expand in the future without the benefit of monetary incentives but rather built on the realization that we can make greater and faster progress by adopting the idea that the whole possesses much greater power to effect change than the sum of all its parts.
During Phase I of this grant it became very evident that electronic networking alone would not meet the needs of the participants. Again and again, they articulated the importance of face-to-face contact between participants. In fact, the more the participants connected in person the greater became their communication in using the VTCITE web portal. This Phase II proposal will address this critical issue of combining face-to-face meetings with on-line communications to more broadly support this endeavor.
Phase II of VTcite
The program will...
- Re-engage the original participants while giving them more direct ownership in the project.
- Use the experience and expertise of the original participants to move the project forward and recruit new educators into the project for the purpose of expanding the knowledge and resource base available.
- Promote the VTCITE site as a valuable networking and resource tool for all Vermont educators by making linkages and connections with other educational organizations and entities in a variety of ways.
- Make direct and meaningful links to the Riverdeep Learning Village and promote the use of this tool for all Vermont educators.
- Utilize the existing Vita-Learn regional structure, human resource, and network to promote expanded participation in the professional learning community through the use of regional meetings and to foster regional leadership around the VTCITE work.
- Develop an effective plan for sustainability
- Continue the technical and human interface development of the VTCITE portal
Re-engaging the Original Participants
In Phase II of the “Statewide Technology Integration Grant,” the investigation between effective teaching practices and successful technology integration must continue for the original participants. They must continue to expand their own ability to support effective technology integration, continually increase their leadership skills, continue to identify resources, and actively participate in the professional learning community. They will accomplish this by leading other educators in their VITA-Learn geographic regions of the state in a process of building their local communities and then impacting the VTCITE community at large. This process will allow past participants to lead new participants through learning and sharing experience somewhat similar to those they experienced in Phase I. This grant will support them by providing opportunities to increase their capacity in these areas through structured regional and on-line activities. This will continue by having them provide leadership to participants in the project. They and those they work with will continue to create and identify resources to support technology integration specialists as well as Vermont classroom teachers.
Vermont Grade Expectations and NCLBA Requirements
The linkage between Phase II and the Vermont Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities and requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA) should be evident. The database of resources being built in VTCITE is directly linked to the Vermont Standards and are being referenced by a variety of criteria, including linkages to the Vermont Grade Expectations in Information Technology. In accordance with NCLBA expectations that all students be technologically literate by the end of eighth grade, this resource base categorizes and recommends technology-rich resources and activities that are both field tested and age-appropriate. By building the capacity of those who support technology integration in their schools, we support Vermont teachers in using technology to both improve student performance in all areas including the attainment of both basic technology 21st century literacy skills.
Professional Development Experiences
Led by one or more of the leaders of the Phase I grant, original participants will engage in a series of professional development activities dependent upon the role they wish to play. These will include...
- Offering an on-line learning experience similar to what they participated in during Phase I to new participants from their VITA-Learn regions and developing a regional project for new VTCITE participants that builds on the professional learning community.
- Become experienced users of the Riverdeep Learning Village and assist in promoting its use by Vermont educators.
- Planning for and leading regional face-to-face meetings
- Develop a program that allows them to promote and sustain on-line forums organized by state-wide participant interests.
- Develop a program that supports the addition, screening and dissemination of resources.
- Create a program that allows participation to build connections to all Vermont educators and establish linkages to other Vermont educational organizations in a variety of ways.
- Continue to develop the VTCITE functionality and interface.
Expand Active Participation
Phase II will involve new participants in this professional learning community and provide them with professional development experiences in the use of educational technology that will strengthen their capacity to support teachers in their schools, expand their “human support network,” and create/identify high quality resources. While expanding their human network through participating in this professional learning community, they will (learn how to) use electronic communication tools to collaborate between themselves and provide assistance for others. They will examine the role of leadership and seek to expand their own ability to provide appropriate leadership themselves while at the same time providing information and support for other levels of leadership (instructional leaders, teacher leaders, student leaders, etc.) in order that they may expand their vision and increase their capacity to support the use of technology for improved student performance.
The full proposal is attached below.
Community Projects
VTCITE Phase II Community Projects
Community Projects are one way to get more people involved in the Community. During Phase II of this building a professional learning community project we hope to bring up to 50 additional people into the VTCITE community through project participation.
If you are interested in participating in a project or just want to learn more about it, please contact the Project Facilitator.
Listed below is a brief description of some of the projects. Others are still under development and will be posted on the VTCITE web site when they are ready.
Learning in a Virtual Environment – VITA-Learn in Second Life
Facilitator: David Wells
Second Life is an engaging virtual environment that promotes learning and collaboration across geographic boundaries. Our group will establish a presence for VITA-Learn in Second Life where members can collaborate and learn both among themselves and with leading educators from across the globe.
Contact Information: dwells@ejhs.k12.vt.us
Number of Participants Needed: 5 additional ones welcome but no stipend.
Compilation of Professional Development Contacts to Support Technology
Integration Facilitator: Joanne Finnegan
Professional development is crucial for implementation and integration of technology in education. I propose to form a team to gather resources that other technology integration specialists have used/are using when they offer professional development in their schools and districts. Many of us tend to create what we need as we need it. If we have a central database of materials to choose from, including handbooks, tutorials, outlines for classes and workshops we have taught, reading materials we have used, and links to online resources, it would save us all time and effort as we prepare for our own in-house offerings. I also propose that we form a list of Vermont educators who are “experts” in one area of technology integration upon whom we could call for ideas, information and help.
Contact Information: Joanne.Finnegan@cesu.k12.vt.us
Number of Participants Needed: 5
Mapping Implementation of Tech GEs
Facilitator: Eric Hall
Our goal is to collect Vermont examples of integrated units and projects aligned with Tech GEs. Teachers who are just beginning to incorporate technology into their instruction need strong peer models and concrete local examples of successful and effective integration.
Contact Information: ehall@wdsdvt.org
Number of Participants Needed: 4
Professional Development to Go
Facilitator: Lucie deLaBruere
Mobile, flexible technology has increased our ability to participate in professional development where we participate from different locations and even at different times of the day.
This project is for the Teacher on the Go, who is looking for a way to distribute and receive professional development without the constraints of participating at the same time and from the same location as everyone else. We will learn to use I-Tunes, I-Pods or alternative mp3 players, and Web 2.0 tools to organize, distribute, and receive professional development. We will learn the tools and strategies, as well as develop a series of "playlist" around professional development topics that can be used by others who chose to offer professional development using these "PD To GO" strategie. Participants who don't already own an IPOD can apply their stipends towards the purchase of a a new I-Pod.
Contact Information: ldelabruere@gmail.com
Number of Participants Needed: 5
TANDBERG Video Systems Professional Development
Facilitator: Jerry Piette
The ORLEANS CENTRAL SUPERVISORY UNION (OCSU) become part of a USDA for Distance Learning Technology grant in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire. (documents detailing more specifics of the grant are available). It is my proposal to create a team of teachers from the various schools in this Supervisory Union to develop and implement a strategy plan that will best utilize this video system among teachers as well as members of the community.
Contact Information: jpiette@ocsu.org
Number of Participants: 3
GEOSS: Grade Expectations using Open Source Software
Facilitator: Bob Sargent
A group of teachers will work together to produce activities that address the Vermont Information Technology Grade Expectations (VITGE) using free and open source applications (FOSS). These might be pre-existing activities, like those made at the Milton school, that are adapted to open source applications, or brand new activities. The main idea behind the project is to develop a library of activities that support Grade Expectations using Open Source Software, GEOSS activities. The GEOSS activities would be posted as resources on VTCITE in the form of ISO CD images that could be downloaded and burned to make a project CD with everything a teacher would need in the way of support materials and computer applications to implement the activities on the CD. A project forum would be established for threaded discussions concerning the coordination and development of activities.
Contact Information: rsargent@wrvs.us
Number of Participants Needed: 5
Turning Data into Information
Tommy Walz twalzbsu@u61.net
Rob Stalling rstalbsu@u61.net
Click here for to download presentation given at Dynamic Landscapes, May 16, 2008
Core Expectations
VTcite II Core Expectations
The following core expectations must be considered an integral part of all Phase II work. As appropriate, these beliefs must be integrated into all program development. Professional development will be provided in these areas as deemed necessary by Core Team and Phase I leaders.
- Successful technology integration occurs when teachers use effective teaching practices. Activities must include professional development in this area.
- Teachers themselves must have/develop 21 Century Skills. Activities must include professional development in this area.
- Teachers must be knowledgeable and skilled in Media Literacy. Activities must include professional development in this area.
- A key to successful technology integration is to provide leadership and/or support for school leaders in all of the above areas. Activities must include professional development in this area.
- Riverdeep Learning Village is a powerful tool that will be available to all Vermont educators. VTCITE participants must be actively engaged in using the site by adding resources, and promoting effective use locally.
- A Learning Community in Vermont must “connect” both in-person and through electronic means. Projects & activities will be developed around the use of the VTCITE Forums to promote the core expectations. Participants will promote the development of this Learning Community through the use of VTCITE in their regions and local schools. Further, participants will commit to meeting at least 3 times a year in a face-to-face situation during professional development meetings developed and led by VTCITE core leadership team.
- Vermont has defined technology literacy through the Vermont Technology Grade Expectations. Projects and activities will promote & support effective and deeply embedded integration of the Grade Expectations into the content areas.
Phase II Cohort
VTcite Planning Team
| Ed Barry | Milton School District |
| Jon Bellum | University of Vermont |
| Peter Drescher | Drescher Educational Technology |
| Paul Irish | VITA-Learn and Burlington School District |
| Sandy Lathem | University of Vermont |
| Joyce Morris | University of Vermont |
Team Leaders
| Ed Bianchi | Chittenden South Supervisory Union |
Sally Bisaccio
| Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union |
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| Teresa Caron | Orleans Essex North Supervisory Union |
| Vinnie Covino | Rutland Southwest Supervisory Union |
| Lucie deLaBruere | Franklin Central Supervisory Union |
| Joanne Finnegan | Chittenden East Supervisory Union |
| Eric Hall | Washington West Supervisory Union |
Cecelia Hunt | Addison Rutland Supervisory Union |
| John Minelli | Hartford School District |
| Susan Monmaney | Montpelier Public Schools |
| Jerry Piette | Orleans Central Supervisory Union |
| Robert Sargent | Orange East Supervisory Union |
| Christina Scheindel | Orange Southwest Supervisory Union |
| Amy Truchon | Burlington School District |
| Tommy Walz | Barre Supervisory Union |
| David Webb | Orange Windsor Supervisory Union |
| Steve Webster | South Burlington School District |
| David Wells | Westford Elementary School |
| Jane Wilde | Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union |
Phase II Photos
VTcite strives to build a human network of Vermont educators through both face-to-face and virtual connections. The following are pictures of the many people involved in this work.
March 07 Meeting
March 2007 Meeting
Vermont Fest Meeting
Jim Moulton
Community Projects Group
Vermont Fest Meeting 2007
Phase II Photos - Dynamic Landscapes May 08
Dynamic Landscapes Meeting - May 16, 2008
 Ed Barry |
 Jerry Piette |
 Final Phase II Meeting |
 pd2go.wikispaces.com |
 Lucie delaBruere |
 Lauren and Hector |
| ... |  George Reynek |
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Phase II Photos - March 2008 Meeting
March 2008 Meeting
Capitol Plaza, Montpelier, VT
8:30 - 9:00 Coffee & Conversations
9:00 - 9:15 Introductions and Welcome
9:15 - 9:30 Introducing Peter Drescher
9:30 -- 11:00 Community Presentations (10 minutes each)
11:00- 11:15 Break
11:15- 11:45 Drupal Report - Jon and group
11:45 - 12:00 Users Guide - Sandy
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch
1:00-1:15 Forum - Sandy &Group
1:15-1:30 Resources - Joyce & Group
1:30- 1:45 Paperwork/Dynamic Landscapes - Paul
1:45- 2:45 Meet in Groups (future planning)
2:45- 3:15 VITA-Learn Regional Group Updates - Ed
3:15- 3:30 Closure
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Phase III - Creating 21st Century Classrooms: Connecting the DOTS
Creating 21st Century Classrooms: Connecting the Dots
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The third phase of the Title II D funding created a professional development program entitled Creating 21st Century Classrooms: Connecting the DOTS. This professional development program is made possible through a competitive application process sponsored by the Burlington School District.
The following institutes have been offered:
DOTS in 2011A DOTS Reunion for past participants was held on April 13 and 14, 2011 at the Capital Plaza in Montpelier. DOTS IV will be held during the Summer of 2011 at Champlain College in Burlington. |
Project Instructors
The Project Director for this VTcite/DOTS initiative is Ed Barry, formerly of the Milton Town School District.
Sandy Lathem (of Academic Research and Consulting Services and an adjunct professor at the University of Vermont) is co-facilitator of the program.
Paul Irish of the Burlington School District oversees project management and finances.
All of our work is supported by content area experts from the Vermont Department of Education (Peter Drescher, Arlyn Bruccoli, Sigrid Lumbra, Gail Hall, Lindy Johnson, Kathy Renfrew), and well-known Vermont consultants (Kathy Barwin, Sue Monmaney, Katie Reen, Shannon Leslie, Marny Frantz, and others).
The map (above) indicates the areas of the state from which educators have been drawn. These institutes have engaged approximately 180 Vermont educators in this collaborative learning experience.
Click on the map to learn more about the schools that have been involved to date.
What are the DOTS?
21st century classrooms are ones that incorporate the best practices and research about how students learn best. These practices are often facilitated and supported by effective and intentional technology integration. The DOTS institutes combine these practices with an introduction to Web 2.0 tools and applications. To see what we mean by "connecting the dots," please review this short slide show.
The Transformation of Education in Vermont
This professional development program serves to support the Vermont Board of Education's Transformation of Education in Vermont Initiative. To learn more about this initiative and its critical importance to Vermont's future, please click here.
To Learn More
Additional information concerning each of the DOTS - 21st Century Classroom institutes may be found by clicking on the links below for each institute.
For more information, contact Ed Barry, Sandy Lathem, or Paul Irish.
DOTS I -- Summer Institute 2008
DOTS I - Summer Institute 2008
The first offering of 21st Century Classrooms: Connecting the DOTS was held during the summer and fall of 2008. Thirteen teams (of three people each) were invited to attend. The organization of this institute depended heavily on a full week institute that was held at Champlain College. The teams involved in this institute created units of study with primary focus on either social studies or science.
We extended the deadlines for this initial group to allow more time to complete the units of study that eventually were uploaded to the Learning Village data base.
Associated files, such as the course syllabus, are attached.
Highlights from DOTS 1
Core Beliefs Podcasts -- http://vtcite.org/forum/204
The educators from DOTS I created a wonderful series of podcasts that describe 21st century skills. Each of these may be found in the VTcite forum entitled Core Beliefs Podcasts. These podcasts are as entertaining as informative and Vermont educators are urged to use them to spark discussion about these vital skills in your schools.
VTcite Resources - Web 2.0 Tools
DOTS I teams created creative and practical descriptions/tutorials of many web 2.0 tools. All these resources are available to anyone on VTcite.org.
- Google Earth, Google Sky, and Google Maps
- Google Sketch Up Quick Start Guide
- Blogging Presentation
- Moodle Handout
- Graphic Organizers (YouTube Video)
- Google Docs Information
- Picasa & Flickr
- Social Networking & Education
- YouTube & Education
Units of Study
The content teachers from each team created standards-based units of study which are accessible via the Vermont Learning Village Portal. To obtain an account to Learning Village, please contact Arlyn Bruccoli.
DOTS I - Teams and Participants
The VTcite Summer 2008 Institute involves over 40 educators across Vermont. They are:
Course Planners/Facilitators
 Ed Barry |
 Sandy Lathem |
 Paul Irish |
Vermont Department of Education
 Peter Drescher: Educational Technologist |
 Gail Hall: Science Content Specialist |
 Arlyn Bruccoli: Riverdeep Learning Village |
| ... |  Sigrid Lumbra: Social Studies Content Specialist |
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Participant Teams
 Nova Stars: Carol Renca, Laura Botte, Janelle Gendimencio Burlington School District |
 Localvores: Leslie Striebe, Jonah Ibson, Bob Sargent Waits Rivers and Orange East SU |
 Capitol Clickers: Donald Taylor, Melissa Pierce, Lauren ChabotMain Street Elementary, Union School, Montpelier |
 Barre Rocks: Linda McSweeney, Tom McSweeney, Jody EmersonBarre SU |
 Rutland High School: Pam O'Neil, Deb Jiloty, Ron EisenmanRutland High School |
 Glover: Jeff Coburn, Jerry Piette, Bob TownsendGlover |
 EMS Terrific Trip: Brent Truchon, Kathy Gallagher, Daryl KuhnBurlington SD |
 Milton Matters: Colleen O'Brien, Erica Goodrich, Catherine ReenMilton SD |
 Xstream Portal: Joanne Finnegan, Maria Germano, Bryant PlessBrowns River, CESU |
 Limping Along: Jeff Guilmette, Kurt Sherman, Dave DavidsonEssex Junction |
 Randolph Wizards: Tina Scheindel, David Roller, Lindsay MeterRandolph Elementary, Orange Southwest |
 Essex Eagles: Lisa Fernald, Susan Miyomoto, Joseph WhiteEssex Town School District |
| .. |  Irasburg: Gerry Whitaker, Karen Hamelin-Britch, Sean WallaceOrleans Central SU |
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Photo Gallery - Summer Institute
DOTS I memories from our week together at Champlain College, Summer 2008
 Morning Session: We begin August 4th |
 Morning Session: Our Work Begins |
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 Joyce Morris and Inquiry-based Learning |
 Podcasts Presentations |
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 Don Taylor |
 Lauren and Melissa |
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 Ed and Student-Centered Learning |
 Wikis to Go |
 Edmunds Team Presents |
 Google Earth and Much More! |
 Sandy and Dave |
 Kathy Barwin and Joe |
 Teams at Work! |
 Talking Together |
 Di and UbD |
 Getting Units into Learning Village |
 Hard at Work! |
 Team Work is Hard Work |
 Sandy Carriker Evaluates Progress |
 Thanks Craig For Helping |
 Ever Hear of YouTube? |
DOTS II North -- Summer Institute 2009
DOTS II North -- Summer Institute 2009
The second offering of Creating 21st Century Classrooms II: Connecting the Dots was held in 2009. A competitive application process was initiated in the fall of 2008 and twelve teams of three educators were once again selected to participate.
The format of DOTS II North in this second rendition shifted a large portion of the graduate course work to an online format (see syllabus). This online course began in January, 2009 and continued through May, 2009. During this time, participants were asked to participate in four of five online modules. The modules covered:
- Backward design (from Understanding by Design)
- Assessment (from Understanding by Design)
- Differentiated Instruction
- Student-centered Learning
- Project and inquiry-based Learning
- National Educational Standards and 21st Century Skills
Following this online portion, all teams convened at Champlain College for a five-day institute. During the institute, teams presented new web 2.0 tools and worked to complete their units of study to be stored in the Learning Village portal.
In addition, participants from DOTS I were invited to attend a five day short course on using Moodle to support their units of study. Eight participants from DOTS I attended the Moodle workshop.
Web 2.0 Highlights from DOTS II North
- Animation, GoAnimate
- Jing
- Voice Thread (pbwiki link)
- Photo Editing and Sharing
- YouTube, Teacher Tube, UStream, and Google Video
- Social Bookmarking
- Twiddla
- Wikis
Units of Study
The content teachers from each team created standards-based units of study which are accessible via the Vermont Learning Village Portal. To obtain an account to Learning Village, please contact Arlyn Bruccoli.
Teams and Participants
DOTS II North Participants (Names are listed left to right.)
 Team U32.0: April Peet, Christopher Grantz, Jane Tolassi, U32 Montpelier |
 Team Uplift: Kim Ransom, Beth Carini, Linda McCuen, Fair Haven Union |
 Team PDF: Deborah Rossell, Kathy Hevey, Kim Chase, Hunt Middle School |
 Team Blink: Nicole Pfister, Michael Eppolito, Lauren Baker |
 Team Sutton House: Robert Metz, Ellen Matthews, Eric Brunvand, Shelburne |
 Team Rebels: Kris Larson (far left; other members not visible), Central School, South Burlington with Sigrid Lumbra (in front of room), DOE |
 Team Humanities University: John Mitchell, Joe Guarino, John Minelli, Hartford School District |
 Team Thunder Cats: Alexa Hart, Dante Napolitano, Jerry Bowers, Missisquoi |
 Team Deep Thought: Bob Dunn, Richard Szymanski, Meagan Normand, North Country Career Center and High School |
 Team Kali: Dave Miceli, Meg Kenny, Kendra Larson, Burr & Burton |
 Team Team Pride: Erica Goodrich, Kendra Gorton, Jen Cummings |
 Team Northeast Hornets: Christina Boissoneault, Stephanie Stecklare, Thad Gembczynski, Enosburg |
 Peter and Ed at Lunch: Peter Drescher, Ed Barry |
 Paul Irish: Paul Irish, Burlington School District |
 Sandy: Sandy Lathem, University of Vermont |
 Arlyn: Arlyn Bruccoli, DOE |
 Gail and Lindy: Gail Hall, Lindy Johnson, DOE |
 Kathy, Paul, Sigrid: Kathy Barwin, Paul Irish, Sigrid Lumbra |
 Sue: Sue Monmaney, Montpelier |
 Sue and Sandy: Sue Monmaney and Sandy Lathem
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DOTS II South -- Summer Institute 2009
DOTS II South -- Summer Institute 2009
To increase participation from educators located in the southern regions of Vermont, another competitive application process was conducted. Participation in this case was restricted to teams of educators from Southern Vermont, defined as south of Route 4. The application process was conducted in early 2009 and participating teams were selected by early May 2009. The first meeting of the DOTS II South cohort was held in May at Southern Vermont College in Bennington.
The format of this institute did not include an online component and was compressed into face to face meetings held in July and August, 2009. The syllabus and course packet reflects this organization, although the expectations of the graduate course work remained fairly consistent. This cohort is still at work creating their standards based units of study which will be completed by January 15, 2010.
Web 2.0 Highlights of DOTS II South
Units of Study
The content teachers from each team will create standards-based units of study accessible via the Vermont Learning Village Portal. These units will not be available until after January 15, 2010. To obtain an account to Learning Village, please contact Arlyn Bruccoli.
Teams and Participants
DOTS South 2009 Teams - Southern Vermont College
 Jeremy Kelloway, Jeanie Phillips, Patricia Gutierrez Chester Andover |
 Christina Smith, Russell Williams, Sean Gould Bellows Falls |
 Kevin Coen, Kirsten Aiello Monday, Angelo Jardina Springfield High School |
 Emily Biolsi, Michele Ricci, Deb Burrell Stockbridge Central |
 Jeff Vandivere, Nathan McNaughton, Lisa Mobus Springfield/Riverside |
 Kristeen Chambers, Caitlin Reck, Cynthia Hughes Springfield |
 Sally Hayes, Shannon Walters, Dale Pecor CP Smith |
 Pam Hunter, Kathryn Byrne Grossarth, Jason Grote Wells Village |
 Kelly Ahlfeld, Cindi Roberts, Jennifer Bloomingdale Mettawee |
 Sally Bisaccio, Amy Thivierge, Mike DiMaio Mount Antony |
 Michelle Mazzola, Dan Sherman, Jennifer Parker Bennington Elementary |
 Amanda Bickford, Dinna Ivey, Lexi Rella Manchester Elementary |
Video Highlights
Video Highlights
Short video clips from DOTS professional development sessions.
DOTS III North - 2010
Twelve teams from the northern region of Vermont were selected to participate in DOTS III North, as follows:
DOTS III North - 2010
 Calais Elementary |
Elizabeth McCarthy (Technology)
Katrina Rob (Math, Grade 4) |
 Derby Elementary |
Hugh Handley (Technology)
Jeanne Beaudry (Social Studies, Grade 6) Nicole Laramee (Math, Grade 5-6) |
 Essex Town School District |
John Synnott (Social Studies, Grade 7-8)
Shawn Willis (Math, Grade 7-8) Kimberley Musante (Technology) |
 Hardwick Elementary |
Carolyn Aiossa (Social Studies, Grade 5)
Maria Everett (Technology) Elizabeth Miller (Math, Grade 5) |
 Hardwood Union |
Nicole Schaeffer (Social Studies)
Matt Henchen (Technology) Chris Whalen (English, Grade 11-12) |
 North Country High School |
Renee Berthiaume (English, Grade 9-12)
Marsha Middleton (Technology) Colleen Healey (English, Grade 9-12) (photo missing) |
 Rivendell |
Ellen Fisher (Social Studies, Grade 6-8)
Gabi Martino (Technology) Kathy McGowan (Math, Grade K-8) |
 Robinson Elementary |
Frank Spina (Technology)
Peg Brakeley (Social Studies, Grade 5-6) Ruth Beecher (Social Studies, Grade 3-4) |
 St. Johnsbury |
Andrew Morris (Technology)
Eric Matte (Math, Grade 7-8) Leslie Ercole (Math, Grade 7-8) |
 Walden School |
Tammy Russell (Math, Grade 7-8)
Sigurd Anderson (Technology) Melissa Piscitelli (Social Studies, Grade 7-8) |
 Washington Central - U32 |
Hollis St. Peter (Math, Grade 7-8)
Rachel Collier (Math, Grade 7-8) Jane Tolassi (Technology) |
DOTS III South - 2010
DOTS III South - 2010
Twelve teams were selected to participate in DOTS III South for 2010. The participants from these teams include:
 Bellows Falls High School |
Michael Norkun (Science, Grade 9-12)
Tiffany Tobin (English, Grade 9-12) Wesley Vaugh (Technology) |
 Bellows Falls High School |
Matthew Willis (Social Studies, Grade 11-12)
Holly Falzo (English, Grade 9-12) Wesley Vaugh (Technology) |
 Bellows Falls Middle School |
Emily Graves (Technology)
Mary Lou Martin (Science, Grade 7-8) Dennis Ladd (Language Arts, Grade 8) |
 Flood Brook Union |
Tracy Zaino (Math, Grade 7-8)
Darcy Perry (Technology) Victoria Winokur (Science, Grade 6) |
 Grafton Elementary |
Beth Ann Drinker (Literacy, Grade 5)
Katherine Kane (Technology) |
 Kurin Hattin School |
Richard Long (Social Studies, Grade 4-8)
Tom Fontaine (Science, Grade 4-8) |
 Manchester |
Seth Bonnett (Technology)
Scott Diedrich (Science, Grade 6-8) Matt Smithwick (Language Arts, Grade 7-8) |
 Monument Elementary |
Carrie Gardner (Language Arts, Grade K-5)
Barbara O'Callaghan (Technology) Kathleen Bacus (Science, Grade 4-5) |
 Mt. Anthony |
Laurie Jameson-Palmer (English, Grade 7-8)
Allison Brigham (Science, Grade 8) David Hansen (Technology) |
| Mt. Anthony Union HS |
Amy Moriarty (Social Studies, Grade 7) Orion Hazard (Technology) |
 Poultney High School |
Charles Adams (Science, Grade 7-8)
Melissa Kristiansen (Technology) Linda Paquette (English, Grade 7-8) |
 Twin Valley Middle School |
Anthony Daniels (Technology)
Yolanda D-Alessio (Math) Jessica Hammond (Science, Grade 7-8) |
Units and Resources from DOTS III
During the 2009-2010 school year, educators participating in 21st Century Classrooms: Connecting the DOTS III created units of study, movie trailers and web 2.0 resources that are now available to anyone via the VITA-Learn web site! The following tables will help you find this wonderful resources.
We'd like to thank the dedicated and committed educators who have contributed this work.
Math
| Title | Grade Level | Creators | Movie Trailer |
| Data and Me A four-week interdisciplinary unit on data in which students gather both categorical and numerical data on the human body and their community. |
4th | Katrina Rob Elizabeth McCarthy (Calais Elementary) |
Data and Me |
| No Representation Without Interpretation a sixth grade math unit dealing with basic economics and business success / failure. |
5th-6th | Nicole Laramee Hugh Handley (Derby Elementary) |
No Representation Without Interpretation |
| It's In the News Students select a current events item of interest and work in teams to extract the measurements embedded in the news reports. |
6th | Elizabeth Miller Maria Everett (Hardwick Elementary) |
It's In the News |
| Data Traveler The 5th grade data analysis goals will be meet through an integrated unit with social studies on immigration. Students will look at immigration data from various periods and predict what that tells us about settlement, jobs, reasons for immigration, how other current events impact immigration, what policy decisions come from data. Unit Presentation |
5th | Kathy McGown Gabi Martino (Rivendell) |
Data Traveler |
| Fantasy Baseball Students select a fantasy baseball team by analyzing the player’s statistics and using the data to make decisions about who would be a good fit on their team. |
7th-8th | Eric Matte Jon Morris (St. Johnsbury School District) |
Fantasy Baseball |
| Forensic Mathematics - Using Math to Solve Mysteries This mathematics unit designed for middle school students in the 7th and 8th grade examines the use of data and statistics to complete forensics investigations to solve mysteries of murder and mayhem. |
7th-8th | Leslie Ercole Jon Morris (St. Johnsbury School District) |
Forensic Math |
| Percent of My Impact Students change the world around them, understanding and increasing sustainability for the better by using percents to analyze their school's trash. |
7th-8th | Tammy Russell (Walden School) |
|
| Analyze This This 3 week statistics unit covering data analysis is for 8th grade. Students will develop an understanding of what data is and why it is necessary to record and collect it. |
7th-8th | Hollis St. Peter Jane Tolassi (Washington Central - U32) |
Analyze This |
| Modeling Life This unit is designed to provide students with the experience necessary to develop a deeper understanding of proportionality through the lenses of scaling and geometry. |
7th | Rachel Collier Jane Tolassi (Washington Central U-32) |
Modeling Life |
| A Real Power Tool This is a geometry unit focused on measurement, area, perimeter, surface area, volume, and scale drawings and models. Students work in groups of three to create scale drawings and a 3D model of a shed that the class will build. |
8th | Tracy Zaino Darcy Perry (Flood Brook Union) |
A Real Power Tool |
| Linear & Algebraic Functions Students will visit a local landfill and Windham Solid Waste in Brattleboro to discuss the amount of paper product dealt with on a daily basis. During these visits students will ask questions they have created regarding the amount of waste, its present disposal, future disposal and people involved. |
7th | Yolanda D'Alassio Anthony Daniels (Twin Valley Middle) |
Linear & Algebraic Functions |
Science
| Title | Grade | Creators | Movie Trailer |
| Human Body in Extremes By considering the limits of human endurance where the body is subjected to the most hostile environmental conditions; howdo we adapt to places wereally don’t belong? |
7th-8th | Shawn Willis John Synott Kimberly Musante (Essex Town School District) |
Human Body in Extremes (.wmv file download) |
| Ground Moving Phenomena This is an Earth Science unit focusing around the idea of uniformitarianism. |
9th | Michael Norkun Wes Vaughn (Bellows Falls High School) |
Plate Tectonics
Ground Moving Phenomena |
| Chemistry The purpose of this unit is to help middle school students understand the states of matter. |
7th-8th | Mary Lou Martin Emily Graves (Bellows Falls Middle School) |
Chemistry |
| May the Force Be With You The students will create and join the scientific community in which they will be able to discuss, reflect and learn. By using a formal structure of scientific inquiry students will engage in multiple experimental investigations as they learn about motion and gravity. |
5th-6th | Victoria Winokus Darcy Perry (Flood Brook Union) |
May the Force Be With You |
| Building of Balsa Wood Bridges This unit incorporates Social Science, Physical Science and Physics in the building of balsa wood bridges and their relationships to the social, political and economic impact on communities. |
5th-8th | Tom Fontaine Richard Long (Kurin Hattin School) |
Building Balsa Wood Bridges (download .wmv file) |
| Inheritance Students focus on how organisms reproduce and how the offspring will vary depending on the type of reproduction.The purpose for this study is for students to assist farmers and possibly people in low economic status to help improve their crop production and nutritional intake. |
7th-8th | Scott Diedrich Seth Bonnett (Manchester) |
Inheritance |
| Energy The unit is designed to have students progress from exploring relationships about energy through students exploring the consumption and conservation of energy. |
5th-6th | Kathleen Bacus Barb O'Callahan (Monument Elementary) |
Got Energy |
| This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land Students learn about and research ways in which land and natural resources are managed in VT and around the world. |
8th | Allison Brigham Dave Henson (Mt. Anthony) |
This Land is Your Land. This Land is My Land. |
| Exchange with the Environment The unit will explore the semi permeable nature of the cell membrane, and how the membrane allows for passage in to and out of the cell. Students will also investigate osmosis and diffusion, and relate those processes to movement of materials in to and out of cells. |
7th-8th | Charles Adams Melissa Kristiansen (Poultney High School) |
Exchange with the Environment |
| Green Up! Students will learn about regional natural resources and how they are currently used. There will be an emphasis on cycles and how humans can impact those cycles. A focus will be on recycling, trash, energy and making predictions for the future based on current uses. Students will be out in the community to see how trash and recycling are dealt with locally. |
7th-8th | Jessica Hammond Anthony Daniels (Twin Valley Middle) |
Green Up |
Literacy
| Title | Grade Level | Creators | Movie Trailer |
| The Grapes of Wrath & The Great Depression This unit will focus on the Great Depression in the U.S. from 1929 to 1941.The causes of the Depression will be studied,as well as the consequences, both societal and personal. |
9th | Chris Whalen Matt Henchen (Harwood Union) |
Grapes of Wrath & the Great Depression |
| Worth Fighting For? This unit will focus on the many challenges that people and groups face each and every day. Students will be asked to investigate these, make connections, and then determine how they can personally make a difference. |
9th-12th | Renee Berthiaume Marsha Middleton (North Country High School) |
Worth Fighting For? |
| Standing at the Crossroads This unit will focus on the choices people make and how those choices affect both themselves and others. Through a variety of literature and informational text, students will examine this topic, and make connections to their own lives and community. |
9th-12th | Colleen Healey Marsha Middleton (North Country High School) |
Standing at the Crossroads |
| 21st Century Media Literacy |
Melissa Piscitelli (Walden School) |
||
| Identity in Science Fiction This unit is intended to have students read two pieces of science fiction and consider how technology creates change in our world. Students may alos reflect on why some values stay the same and why some change both within ourselves and in the world around us. |
11th-12th | Tiffany Tobin Wes Vaughn (Bellows Falls Union High School) |
Identity in Science Fiction |
| Consider the Source: Understanding Bias in the Media Looking at the media’s messages with a critical eye is an essential skill for consumers of information. In this unit, students will analyze the way the media shares information. |
9th-12th | Holly Falzo Wes Vaugh (Bellows Falls Union High School) |
Consider the Source |
| Intolerance - What's the Difference? Students will understand that differences between and among people should enrich our lives rather than separate us from one another. |
7th-8th | Dennis Ladd Emily Graves (Bellows Falls Middle School) |
Intolerance |
| Biography and Community Heroes Connects reading and writing of biographies with community partnerships and recognizing local heroes. |
6th | Beth Ann Drinker Kate Kane (Grafton) |
Community Heroes |
| Our Place in the Universe A study of theme in language arts that includes music, art, reading and writing. |
7th | Matt Smithwick Seth Bonnett (Manchester) |
Our Place in the Universe |
| Destination: Information! Students explore information / expository texts and the relevance these texts have to their lives. Unit Presentation |
5th | Carrie Gardner Barb O'Callahan (Monument Elementary) |
Destination Information |
| Conflict, Courage, and Survival This grade 7 English unit explores themes of conflict, courage, and survival in varied texts, as well as plot structures of rising action, climax, and falling action. |
7th | Laurie Jameson Palmer David Hansen (Mt. Anthony) |
Survival & Courage |
| Are We Really in this Story? This unit focuses on making connections and the concept of theme in literature. |
7th-8th | Linda Paquette Melissa Kristensen (Poultney High School) |
Are We Really in this Story? |
Social Studies
| Title | Grade | Creators | Movie Trailer |
| Kingdom to Kingdom A study of the Feudal System during the Middle Ages that helps students understand the governing bodies, the hierarchy and logistics of this time period. |
6th | Jeanne Beaudry Hugh Handley (Derby Elementary) |
Kingdom to Kingdom |
| Making Connections Through the Crusades This unit looks briefly into what the Crusades were (European perspective) and what the impact of the clashing of cultures had on Medieval Europe. |
7th-8th | John Synott Shawn Willis Kimberly Musante (Essex Town School District) |
|
| Hardwick Heroes In teams, students will choose a Hardwick veteran and the conflict in which he/she has participated to investigate. |
5th | Carolyn Aiossa Maria Everett (Hardwick Elementary) |
Hardwick Heroes |
| Hurrican Katrina and the Social Contract | Nicolle Schaffer Matt Henchen (Harwood Union) |
||
| Close Encounters: Lessons from the Columbian Exchange In this unit, students will learn about the convergence of European and indigenous American cultures and its impact on both societies. Unit Overview |
6th-8th | Ellen Fischer Gabi Martino (Rivendell) |
Close Encounters |
| Transportation in Vermont Through the Years Through the study of many different media (photographs, oral histories, informational text, narratives, trade books, artifacts, field trips / museums, drawings, paintings, etc), and through interviews of Vermonters of different ages to find out how transportation affected their lives, students will research changes that have occurred over time with transportation in Vermont. Unit Presentation |
3rd-4th | Ruth Beecher Frank Spina (Robinson Elementary School) |
Transportation in Vermont Through the Years |
| World Geography The focus of this unit is on how the components of culture (or universals) develop differently from culture to culture depending upon physical environment. |
5th-6th | Peg Brakeley Frank Spina (Robinson Elementary School) |
World Geography |
| Witch Hunt in American History | 11th-12th | Matthew Willis Wes Vaughn (Bellows Falls Union High School) |
American Witch Hunt
American Witch Hunt |
| Ancient Mesopotamia Through Artifacts A civilization's geography and the resources provide it people not only with a means to live but also ways to create new technologies, some of which are still useful today. |
7th | Amy Moriarty Orion Hazzard (Mt. Anthony) |
Ancient Mesopotamia Through Artifacts |
Web 2.0 Resources
| Title | Creators |
| Comics in the Classroom A prezi presentation on Comics in the Classroom, highlighting various comic generators and examples of use. |
Elizabeth McCarthy & Kate Rob (Calais Elementary) |
| Google Apps for Education |
Hugh Handley, Jeanne Beaudry, Nicole Laramee (Derby Elementary) |
| Social Bookmarking | Kimberly Musante, Shawn Willis, John Synott (Essex Town School District) |
| Voice Thread A humorous presentation on Voice Thread. Presentation by the Hardwick Historionics. |
Maria Everett Elizabeth Miller Carolyn Aiossa (Hardwick Elementary) |
| Edu2.0 Learning Management System - edu20.org |
Matt Henchen Chris Whalen Nicolle Schaffer (Hardwood Union) |
| Visual Organizers A PowerPoint presentation that gives links to and an explanation of several online visual organizers, such as Freemind, eyePlorer, Mind42, Mindmeister, Visual Thesaurus, Cacoo, DropMind, Gliffy, Bubble.us, and text2mindmap. They are adaptable to all grade levels and all subject areas. |
Marsha Middleton Renee Berthiaume Colleen Healey (North Country High School) |
| Glogster Glogster Presentation in YouTube |
Gabi Martino Ellen Fisher Kathy McGowan (Rivendell) |
| Google Earth and Sky Links to resources/tutorials that will help the novice get started using this very robust Web 2.0 tool. |
Frank Spina Ruth Beecher Peg Brakeley (Robinson Elementary) |
| Timelines (Prezi presentation) |
Jon Morris Leslie Ercole Eric Matt (St. Johnsbury School District) |
| Web-Based Video Tools | Sigurd Anderson Melissa Piscitelli Tammy Russell (Walden School) |
| Screen Captures Using Jing | Jane Tolassi Hollis St. Peter Rachel Collier (Washington Central - U32) |
| Mind Mapping | Wes Vaughn Tiffany Tobin Michael Norkun (Bellows Falls Union High School) |
| Using SketchUp in the Classroom | Wes Vaughn Matt Willis Holly Falzo (Bellows Falls Union High School) |
| Using Wordle in the Classroom | Emily Graves Mary Lou Martin Dennis Ladd (Bellows Falls Middle School) |
| Twiddla & Skrbl | Darcy Perry Tracy Zaino Victoria Winokur (Flood Brook Union) |
| Google Earth | Kate Kane Beth Ann Drinker (Grafton Elementary) |
| Google Docs | Tom Fontaine Richard Long (Kurin Hattin School) |
| Social Bookmarking | Seth Bonnett Matt Smithwick Scott Diedrich (Manchester) |
| Glogster | Barb O'Callahan Carrie Gardner Kathleen Bacus (Monument Elementary) |
| Voice Thread | Dave Hansen Laurie Jameson Palmer Allison Brigham (Mt. Anthony) |
| You Tube | Orion Hazzard Amy Moriarty (Mt. Anthony) |
| Blogs, Twitter, and Skype - Oh My! | Melissa Kristiansen Linda Paquette Charles Adams (Poultney High School) |
| Screencasting | Anthony Daniels Jessica Hammond Yolanda D'Alessio (Twin Valley Middle School) |
DOTS I, II, and III Reunion
This reunion brough together former Dots participants and their building administrators to share and plan for extending the Dots in their school.
The goals of this two-day reunion were as follows:
- Network – participants network with each other
- Sharing their units and experiences
- Inform and promote sharing with their Principals
- Promote spreading the Dots in their schools
- New Learning
Please see the Dots Reunion web site for resources documenting this two day conference.
Many thanks to our participants for a successful conference!
DOTS IV
DOTS IV will be offered for one time during 2011. Please see the attached files for details.
This program is about change, significant change!
Teaching and learning in the 21st century is substantially different than teaching and learning in the 20th century. The recognition that new skills, instructional design and pedagogy, and effective application of technology are urgently needed in today’s schools can be witnessed by recent state and national initiatives. While the calls for 21st century classrooms are many, our ability to change long-standing teaching practices and traditions remains a formidable task. After all, what do 21st century classrooms and schools look like in practice? How are they really different? Where are exemplary models of 21st century teaching and learning to be found? What are the ingredients that make teaching and learning fit this new definition of learning?
Call for Applications
The Burlington School District and the Vermont Department of Education are seeking Vermont curriculum models that represent 21st century classroom concepts in actual practice. Because of this, we are looking for 8 teams of two teachers and their school administrator to take part in a challenging project to create 21st century curricular units using 21st century instructional practices.
When you take part in this project, you will be immersed in project/inquiry-based learning, Understanding by Design, true student-centered learning, differentiated instruction, effective use of technology, 21st century skills, and more.
It is important to note that this program requires teachers have their students reach out beyond the walls of their classroom and school and develop a significant collaboration with others in this learning experience.
Your team should consist of two teachers and one administrator, from the same school or district/supervisory union. Teachers on the team should teach in grades 3-12 and should be interested in working together to create one interdisciplinary unit that will be made public so it can be shared by other educators. The teachers (including co-teaching special educators) can teach any content area. The only stipulation is that you BOTH will be implementing the one interdisciplinary unit that you create (either together in a team-teaching model, or individually in your separate settings).
Administrators can be a school principal, assistant principal, or curriculum coordinator. The administrator will not be required to attend all sessions.
During our meeting time, your team will also make a presentation to the others in the Dots group on an assigned Web 2.0 tool/site.
See below for the schedule.
Attendance Requirements
Attendance is mandatory at ALL sessions. Please check your calendars carefully before applying.
It is REQUIRED that both teachers, either jointly or separately, implement the unit and lessons in the upcoming school year AND you must agree to participate in an evaluation process.
The group will meet at Champlain College in Burlington. We will have a limited number of spaces available for those who travel a long distance and wish to stay overnight.
If you participate in this program you must consent to assisting in the evaluation of the “Dots IV” program. The evaluation process may include responding to surveys, attending focus group sessions during the scheduled class meetings and, in some cases, allowing the program evaluator to visit your classroom.
The demands are great...
...the payoff is high!
The Process
• Submit a team application by December 31, 2010
• Be notified by January 31, 2011
• Teachers & Administrators - Full day meeting in May 25, 2011
• Teachers - Four days in June, 2011 – June 27 – 30
• Administrators – Three days in June, 2011- June 27-29
• Teachers - Two Days in July 18-19, 2011
• Teachers and Administrators – Final Day - August 1, 2011
Please note: Teachers will be expected to work as a team between the May and June meetings, between the June and July meetings, and between the July and August meetings. There is a significant amount of collaborative work to be accomplished between these sessions. We would advise that you do not schedule your individual summer trip/vacation at this time.
The Expectations
• Attend all meetings.
• Meet all deadlines.
• Implement your unit during the 2011-2012 school year.
• With your team, create a ½ hour presentation on an assigned Web 2.0 tool/site and present it to the group.
• Each team will develop and publicly share ONE 21st century unit of study and share it with other Vermont educators in a on-line location designated by the Instructor.
• The administrator will develop a modest plan for sharing the Dots unit within their school/district. Additionally, they will share the new Technology Grade Expectations as well as the “New Way of Learning Classroom Scenarios” with their staff.
• One page final reflection paper due one week after last session in August 15, 2011.
• Participate in the Dots IV program evaluation process.
The Payoff
• FREE graduate credits (3) from Saint Michael’s College (Teachers only)
• FREE (Teachers and Administrators) Netbook or iPad
• FREE books for the course
• FREE room and board for those who travel from a distance for the summer institute – Limited availability
• FREE meals for all participants
• For teachers... A $500.00 stipend upon successful completion of project expectations
• Satisfaction - priceless
The Details
This project is facilitated by Ed Barry, Kathy Barwin, Principal Founders School, Essex Town and Paul Irish Technology Director, Burlington School District, with funding provided by the Vermont Department of Education, Title IID: Enhancing Education Through Technology competitive grant program.
For More Information
For additional information, contact Ed Barry – edbarry101244@gmail.com
Online applications are attached below.
Deadline for Applications is December 31, 2011.
Email applications to edbarry101244@gmail.com (Printed signatures accepted) or mail to: Ed Barry, 505 Watkins Rd, Colchester, VT 05446
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- A typical "open" window will appear. Navigate through your computer files to find and select the image file you want to use. Click choose.
- Give the image a title that will appear with the image. This is not necessarily the name of the file.
- Choose how "Membership requests" are handled. Do you want anyone to be able to join? Do you want to accept/deny requests to join? Do you want to reserve the group for those who you invite? Do you want to assign membership? Click the bubble next to your selection.
- Choose how authenticated users can find your group using any of the following 3 check boxes. Choose "registration form" if the group is open or moderated and you want people to see to option to subscribe to the group when they join vtcite. Choose "list in groups directory" if you want the group listed in the group directory. Choose "private group" if you don't want the group to be visible to non members.
- Optional "File attachments"
- Click "Choose file"
- A typical "open" window will
appear. Navigate through your computer files to find and select the file you want to attach to your group main page. Click choose. - Choose "Attach."
- Submit. Click permit to create your group.
Navigating VTcite
VTcite is easy to navigate. You may move to various features in a number of ways:
- Tabs
- Breadcrumbs
- Side Bar Menus
- Up/Down Links
- Bottom Blocks
Tabs
VTcite uses Tabs at the top of your screen to help you move to major
features, such as Pure Vermont, Resources, Forums, Calendar,
Professional Development, News, User Guide, and About Us.
Breadcrumbs
As you click on Tabs and links (shown in orange), you create a trail of breadcrumbs that appear at the top left corner of your screen. You can click on the breadcrumbs to retrace your steps and return to previous selections. For example:
This example shows that the user started from the home page, then clicked on User Guide, then Groups. To go back a previous page, the user would simply click on the word in the breadcrumbs.To go back to the user guide or Home, the user would simply click on the word in the breadcrumbs.
Side Bar Menus
The Side Bar can also be useful when navigating. In the Users Guide, for example, the Side Bar displays the organization of the pages in this section. It can be used to move from page to page within the Users' Guide.
A further explanation of the Side Bar is shown here.
Up/Down Links
When you are working within a feature that has multiple pages, you are able to move up and down by pages within that feature. For example in the Pure Vermont section, you'll notice that the organization of the pages is listed at the bottom of each page. Use the Up link to go the first page, or click on the next link in the list to move to the next page. For example:
Bottom Blocks
Check out the bottom blocks at the end of every VTcite web page contains for lists of new resources, new forum topics, and to see who's online.
News
VTcite News
Items of interest to the VTcite community are posted periodically on the News page. You can read the news by clicking on the News tab at the top of the screen.
When you click on the News tab, you'll see a list of recent topics, as shown below. Click on the title of the post (in green) and you'll be able to read the full article. The news page allows you to add comments to postings
Side Bar Menus
After you have logged in to VTcite, your account name and menu options are listed in the side bar located on the top right side of your screen. For example:
The options displayed under your account name allow you to manage your account. With this menu, you can create groups, list the groups you belong to, change your account settings, or log out.
Log Out
Notice that the log out command is located in the side bar. Please remember to log out, especially if you visit VTcite on a public computer. If you don't explicitly log out, the next time you point your browser to VTcite, you will notice that you will still be logged in.
Side Bar Menus
The side bar menus are also used to display menu options that are available to you when you are using different features in VTcite. For example, when you first log in and are on the home page, the Right Side Bar includes a list of upcoming calendar events. For example:
The Left Side Bar provides options for searching and accessing VTcite resources.
To search for content found only in the Resources feature of VTcite, you may use the Search Resources box located in the left side bar of the screen.
Random resources are listed in the block below the Search Resources. The resources listed in the Random Resource section change as you navigate through VTcite.
You may also click on a word or phrase in the tag cloud to find resources contributed to VTcite after July 2009.
Resources
Resources may be viewed by all but only registered VTcite members can create a resource. Registration is free.
To begin, simply click on the Resources tab at the top of your screen or on the Resources link located on the VTcite home page.
Finding Resources
There are three ways to find resources:
1. You can use the links in the menu to drill down into specific categories.
• The Role of the User (i.e. classroom teachers, tech facilitators, administrators)
• Vermont Grade Expectations (i.e., the GE's)
• Grade Level Clusters (i.e. pk-3, k-6, middle, high school)
• Type of Resource (i.e. Software, blogs, courses, etc
2. You can do a site search for a specific term and see what comes up.
The search field is located in the upper right hand corner of all the main pages. Just put in your descriptor (Earth Science) and all resources, forums and posts with the term Earth and Science will appear with this term bolded.
You will probably need to do an advanced search and focus only on 'resources' because a site search will also find information in blogs, books, and forum topics, but hey, that's not all bad either.
3. You can use the advanced resource search to find specifically tagged resources. Click on the resources button and a submenu will appear.
Advanced resource search is located on the right of the brown submenu.
When this menu opens click the boxes pertaining to the information you are interested in locating.
Rating Resources
Rating Resources
An important part of managing resources is quality rating. Every resource at VTcite can be rated and there is an area for providing comments.
Resources can be organized by rating and the comments provide a place for educators to add important feedback about a resources value or application. You need to be a registered member on VTCITE to rate and comment on resources.
Please rate a resource after you have examined it. You are rating the usefulness of the site to you or others. You are not rating the way the resource has been written up.
Submitting Resources
Submitting Resources
*You need to be a registered member of VTCITE to submit resources.
Submitting resources is an important feature of VTcite and is part of our original mission.
Before submitting your resource:
- First check to see if the resource or something similar already exists. We have tried to organize resources by the name of their website.
- If this is a new resource, submit it, but when doing so, be very thoughtful about the tags you associate with a resource. Quality tagging helps others find resources and makes overall organization of the site more efficient.
To submit your resource:
- After logging in, click on the resource link and scroll to the bottom of that page. There you will find submit a resource.
- Please make sure to use the NAME OF THE SITE, not the subject, as the TITLE unless this is a reference to a subject in a specific blog or uploaded document.
- Weblink TITLE should reflect the name of the particular page
- Weblink URL: can include http:// The easiest way is to copy the URL from the website and paste it in.
- Field Tested: Please indicate if you have personally applied what you learned from using the site you are adding as a resource.
- Description: This is where you describe your resource and how you used it, if applicable. Please try to be specific in describing the recommended resource
- Click on Categories to add selection attributes to help users find your resource. To select more than one item in a pull down menu that are not necessarily contiguous
- in a MAC, hold down the APPLE KEY for non-contiguous items. To select contiguous items hold down the SHIFT KEY.
- On a PC, hold down the CONTROL Key to select non-contiguous items and the SHIFT KEY to select contiguous ones.
- Attached Images lets you easily browse and attach an image to help illustrate the recommended resource in your description.
- File Attachments enable you to browse for a document(s) on your computer and attach it for others to download. You can attach most of the standard file types: .doc, .ppt, .pdf, .mov, etc…
- Submit Just click and submit and your new resource will be added to VTcite.
Pure Vermont
The "pure Vermont" tab on VTcite is a listing of Vermont organizations and/or groups that support Vermont educators, especially in the area of educational technology.
To see more detail about each of the listings, click on the title.
The following image, for example, provides an illustration of the screen if the Vermont Department of Education, Educational Technology were chosen.
