Professional Development: Workshops Catalog

Note: These are description of all our workshops. To see which workshops we are currently offering, please use the Professional Development drop down menu above.

IVC=workshops delivered via Interactive Video Conference
Webinar=1 hour workshops delivered via a web browser
F2F=workshops delivered at the Media Center Lab at WOSU@COSI, New Boston or Mount Vernon (some are full day workshops, some are 1/2 day as noted)

Blogs: A Tool for Teachers and Students (IVC)
A blog, short for weblog and often referred to as an "empty book," is a free online space where teachers and students can post information and interact with one another. In this workshop we will look at examples of blogs created by teachers and students, discuss integration ideas and go through the simple steps of creating a blog.

Blogs and Wikis for the Classroom (F2F)
Blogs and Wikis are free online writing spaces that can be viewed and edited by multiple authors. These new tools can enhance your classroom materials, help engage parents, and provide a fun way for students to communicate with you. In this class, we will look at examples of blogs and wikis created by teachers and students, discuss integration ideas and go through the simple steps of creating a blog and a wiki for your classroom use.

Building a Classroom Wiki (IVC)
A wiki is a free online writing space that is created and edited by multiple authors. The process of building a wiki and contributing to it is fun, quick and encourages collaborative practices within the classroom. In this workshop we will look at examples of wikis created by teachers and students, discuss integration ideas as well as go through the simple steps of creating a wiki. .

Computer Microscopes (F2F)
Explore the world of digital microscopes in the classroom! Digital microscopes allow you to take your microscopic world to the next level. Now you have the capabilities to project the microscopic image for the entire class to see, students can view together and quickly share pictures and observations with the entire class, or produce images that can be emailed or added to the class website! Learn all the basics of digital microscope use while also enhancing your computer skills! Plus, the digital microscope is yours to keep!

Differentiating Instruction with Web 2.0 Applications (Webinar)
Meeting the needs of all students is certainly a complex task. Web 2.0 applications, such as blogs, wikis, online bookmarking, etc. are tools that enable teachers to creatively differentiate instruction so that students are actively engaged in the learning process.

Digital Camcorders and Editing with iMovie (F2F)
Come discover curriculum uses for creating digital videos projects using iMovie. In this hands-on session, participants will learn how to capture and importing video, as well as the basics of editing such as importing audio, editing clips, and saving. A digital camcorder is included in the face-to-face class for you to keep!

Digital Camcorders with Windows Movie Maker (F2F)
Encourage your students to express and embrace their creative voices to make movies about everything from How I Spent My Summer Vacation, science and math problem solving ,to complete fiction. Learn the skills to create and edit great movies and encourage the future filmmakers of tomorrow (or today!). The digital camcorder is yours to keep!

Digital Camcorders Video Projects (F2F)
Come discover curriculum uses for creating digital video projects using iMovie and Windows Movie Maker. In this hands-on session, participants will learn how to capture and import video, as well as the basics of editing such as importing audio, editing clips, and saving. A digital camcorder and bag are included in the face-to-face class for you to keep!

Digital Cameras and Digital Imaging (F2F)
Learn how to operate a digital camera and be introduced to the many resources available on the World Wide Web. This workshop will provide participants with a digital camera, information to help take great photos, basic editing tools, organization tools and sharing options. A digital camera is included in the face-to-face class for you to keep!

Digtial Cameras and ScrapbookFlair Freeware for Windows (F2F) ?
It's all the fun of scrapbooking with an educational twist! Combine journaling with digital images and the possibilities are endless for classroom activities. ScrapbookFlair is a FREE program that you can install on as many computers as you wish! The face-to-face workshop will include a digital camera and a CD of the program along with digital images to get you started. This software is only compatible with Windows XP. A digital camera, memory card and bag are included in the face-to-face class for you to keep!.

Digital Scrapbooking with Photoshop Elements (IVC, Webinar, F2F)
It's all the fun of scrapbooking with an educational twist! Combine journaling with digital images and the possibilities are endless for classroom activities. This course serves as an introduction to digital scrapbooking using Photoshop Elements (PSE). Skills covered include navigating the PSE work area, inserting and manipulating images, and photo restoration. Bring your own pictures (either digital or actual) and let the scrapbooking fun begin! The Photoshop Elements software is included with the F2F class for you to keep! Be sure to specify if you would like a PC or Mac version.

Digital Storytelling (Webinar, F2F)
In this class, participants will learn what project-based learning is and how it can be used as a framework to teach digital storytelling. Participants will learn how to plan and assess a project-based learning assignment, how to use the 7 elements of digital storytelling to enhance reading, writing, speaking and listening, and how to work with a variety of technology tools to plan and present material in digital format.

Digital Storytelling for Students (IVC)
Encourage your students to express and embrace their creative voices with digital storytelling. In this class offered to students, we will craft out storytelling skills and use tools like storyboards and easy digital imaging software to write about everything from "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" to complete fiction.

Digital Storytelling (Summer Workshop)
Digital Storytelling helps students to find their own voices and foster a sense of individuality through images, sound, narration, and strong emotional content. In this series, participants will learn how to plan and assess a digital story project; how to use the 7 elements of digital storytelling to enhance reading, writing, speaking and listening; and how to work with a variety of technology tools to plan and present material in digital format that will capture the interest and enthusiasm of many types of learners.

Digital Storytelling with Camcorders (F2F)
In this class, participants will learn what project-based learning is and how it can be used as a framework to teach digital storytelling. Participants will learn how to plan and assess a project-based learning assignment, how to use the seven elements of digital storytelling to enhance reading, writing, speaking and listening, and how to use camcorders with a variety of technology tools to plan and present material in digital format. Encourage your students to express and embrace their creative voices to write about everything from How I Spent My Summer Vacation to complete fiction. The digital camcorder is yours to keep!

Geocaching with GPS (F2F, IVC)
Everyone loves a treasure hunt! Use the technology of GPS units and the fun of hide and seek to teach about satellites, directions, map skills, natural wonders and more. We will learn how to incorporate GPS into every lesson imaginable, how to use the unit and actually go on a Geocaching adventure. A GPS unit is included with the face-to-face course for you to keep!

Google Tools (IVC, Webinar)
Google has created applications that help teachers and students organize information as well as communicate more efficiently and effectively. In this workshop we will look at what these applications are and how they can be used in the classroom.

Google Earth: Exploring (and SHARING!) Your World (F2F)
Dive into project-based learning using Google Earth as a tool for exploring topics from measurement and geometry to early American explorers or local environmental issues - the possibilities are endless! Participants will learn how find and use existing KML/KMZ files in their curriculum, as well as how to create KML/KMZ files to be shared with the local community, other classrooms and the public in general. Participants will work with digital cameras, Picasa (photo management software -it's free too!), geotagging and writing skills to create projects to share. This project-based learning class will model strategies for using these amazing tools in the classroom. And the best part - all the tools (except a digital camera) are free!

Google Earth for Students (IVC)
Ready to start using Google Earth with your students but still a little unsure about how? In this class offered to students, we will use Google Earth to teach an actual lesson to your class. Get your students excited about everything from geography to famous settings of sports, novels, and historical events.

Google Earth for Teachers (Webinar)
Dive into project-based learning using Google Earth as a tool for exploring topics from measurement
and geometry to early American explorers or local environmental issues - the possibilities are endless! Participants will learn how to find and use existing KML/KMZ files in their curriculum, as well as how to create KML/KMZ files to be shared with the local community, other classrooms and the public in general. Participants will work with digital cameras, Picasa (photo management software - it's free too!), geotagging and writing skills to create projects to share. This project-based learning class will model strategies for using these amazing tools in the classroom. And the best part - all the tools (except a digital camera) are free!

Google Lit Trips (F2F)
You may love Google Earth and love literature. Here is a great way to combine the two for the classroom for a fun and engaging lesson that will have your students reading like never before. Visit "sights" along the map that correspond with important settings and locations in a variety of literature.

Google Maps for Education (IVC, Webinar)
This workshop looks at Google Maps as a very powerful authoring tool for students and teachers. With Google's "My Maps," students can create "mashups" - maps that are augmented with images, video, audio and web links. This new Web 2.0 technology has implications for literature and writing, physics and biology, economics and mathematics - as well as for history and social studies classes. Spatial literacy and geospatial awareness can be incorporated across the curricula. And since it's from Google, it's fun and easy (Google prioritizes easy content creation and sharing) - and the learning experience is authentic when shared with a real audience.

Google Tools for the Classroom (F2F, IVC)
Google has created applications that help teachers and students organize information as well as communicate more efficiently and effectively. In this workshop, we will look at what these applications are and how they can be used in the classroom.

GPS, Geocaching, and Google Earth (F2F)
You've heard the terms; you may even have a navigational device in your car... now it's time to learn how these tools can be used for an educational and fun outdoor scavenger hunt to find "caches." Participants will learn how to use existing caches and plan their own to create engrossing Geocache trips for your students. We will also incorporate the power of Google Earth with GPS and Geocaching. A Garmin eTrex Legend GPS System is included in the cost of the workshop.

iNdepth with the iPod nano
In this extended workshop, we will focus on finding free content to supplement your curriculum, getting the content on to your iPod and, as an added bonus, we will help you get started creating your own podcasts. You’ll go home with an iPod loaded up with fabulous materials that will help you grow professionally as well as contribute to your curriculum, and the knowledge and tools you need to start producing your own podcast! A 4 GB iPod nano is included with the class for you to keep!

Interactive Videoconferencing with Webcams (F2F)
Communicate with classrooms, museums, zoo and aquariums, science institutions, universities and other places of interest across town to across the globe from the comfort of your classroom. No money for field trips? Take your students virtually! Learn engaging ways to use Interactive Video Conferencing and take advantage of webcams to help your students explore their shrinking worlds including setting up a conference, creating and using pre and post activities, and tips for a great connection. A webcam and IVC software (PCs only) is yours to keep!

Internet Safety for Students (IVC)
Have your students created a My Space or Facebook account? Do they chat or sign-up for various accounts and contests? This session will provide students with information about the dangers of the Internet and how to protect themselves from being a victim.

Internet Safety for Teachers (Webinar)
From researching the Constitution for a History report to chatting about Alicia Keys' new album, Internet has changed the way our students communicate and acquire information. This presentation will provide teachers with tools to help understand the dangers of the Internet.

Internet Searching (F2F)
The World Wide Web is a vast network of digital resources constantly communicating, changing and evolving. With millions of sites and people using the World Wide Web, it can easily become overwhelming and challenging to operate effectively. In this workshop, participants will define and explore information literacy while learning advanced search engine strategies to help find information and how to organize that information.

Intro to iLife (IVC)
Ready to discover new ways to edit and organize photos, produce movies, make your own music, create websites, and so much more? In this workshop you will become familiar with Apple's iLife's collection of applications which include the following: iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand, and iPhoto. After taking a tour of the five applications, participants will be shown how all the applications can come to life in one finished project!

iPods and Podcasts (F2F)
Interested in podcasting? Come discover the many educational (and cool!) uses for the iPod, including how to download and listen to podcasts and more. An iPod Nano is included in the face-to-face class for you to keep!

Mashups (IVC, Webinar)
Mashups are web applications that combine multiple Internet sources to create a one-stop experience. Noggin.com has a mashup that allows kids so create new stories by piecing together parts of old cartoons. Google Maps allows users to create trails that include pictures, links, movies and audio from other sources in one location. These are just two examples of the fun and innovative opportunities that Web 2.0 presents. This course will provide an overview for building and using mashups with students.

Media Integration in the Classroom (IVC, Webinar)
For many of us the film projector holds a dear place in our hearts. Through the years technology has advanced but teachers have always relied upon video to supplement and offer students perspectives and concepts related to topics outside the walls of our classrooms. This workshop will introduce teachers to new media technologies available for free through the World Wide Web.

Media Literacy for Students (IVC)
Media Literacy is much more than having the ability to interpret text. It is having the awareness and skill to access media through a variety of formats while having the ability to analyze and evaluate all media including video, audio and print as a consumer and as a producer. With advances in technology it is no longer only trained professionals creating media for society to consume, it is anyone with a computer and an idea. This session will introduce students to the five key elements of Media Literacy and how they can intelligently produce and consume media.

Media Literacy for Teachers (Webinar)
Media Literacy is much more than having the ability to interpret text. It is having the awareness and skill to access media through a variety of formats while having the ability to analyze and evaluate all media including video, audio and print as a consumer and as a producer. With advances in technology it is no longer only trained professionals creating media for society to consume, it is anyone with a computer and an idea. This session will introduce teachers to the five key elements of Media Literacy along with resources to help teach these elements to their students.

Microsoft Office 2007
Ribbons…Buttons…Banners…What’s all this about? Come learn the basics of Microsoft’s newest productivity suite. We will explore the new look and layout of Microsoft Office 2007 and learn how to create powerful presentations, superb spreadsheets, and dynamic documents all using the tools and templates included in this redesigned software package.

Office 2007 Overview (IVC, Webinar)
Are you spinning your wheels trying to find menus and commands in the new version of Office? The webinar courses will provide an overview of changes in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Open Office (F2F, IVC)
Open Office is a free Open Source Office Suite that aims to compete with Microsoft Office and emulate its look and feel. In this workshop, we will introduce the four major Open Office products: Writer (word processor), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), and Draw (desktop publishing). A flash drive with Open Office is included for you to keep in the face-to-face course.

Podcasting for Teaching and Learning (IVC)
Podcasting is an increasingly popular technology that has many educational values. In this class, participants will explore using podcasts for teaching, learning and professional development. Participants will explore the vast array of instructional examples that are out there and ready to use in your classroom.

PowerPoint XP in the Classroom (F2F)
Come see the many opportunities PowerPoint has to offer. PowerPoint is traditionally used as presentation
software allowing the user flexibility to create and present their project easily. During this session participants will be introduced to advanced features of PowerPoint, as well as given the opportunity to experience many additional ways to use the software.
PowerPoint provides educators a flexible tool allowing users to create an assortment of activities that can be easily incorporated into the everyday classroom.

RSS and Social Bookmarking (F2F, IVC)
Have you heard the term RSS and wondered what it is? In this workshop you'll be introduced to RSS and how to subscribe to RSS feeds so that they can be sent directly to you with one click of a mouse! Think of all the websites you visit every day; now the new content from those sites will be delivered to directly to you, saving time and energy! Do you still bookmark your favorite web sites to your computer? With Social Bookmarking you can save your favorite bookmarks to the Internet, build a community of users, search and share bookmarks with others. Participants will have the opportunity to subscribe to a free Social Bookmarking service, begin creating and sharing bookmarks and create a community of users for future collaboration.

ScrapbookFlair Freeware for Windows (IVC)
It's all the fun of scrapbooking with an educational twist! Combine journaling with digital images and the possibilities are endless for classroom activities. ScrapbookFlair is a FREE program that you can install on as many computers as you wish! The face-to-face workshop will include a CD of the program along with digital images to get you started. This software is only compatible with Windows XP.

SMART Boards: Take Teaching to the Next Level (F2F, IVC)
An ordinary whiteboard comes to life with SMART Boards, a hands-on tool that can take any standard lesson or presentation to the next level! In this workshop you will learn how to control your computer’s desktop with just a simple touch, utilize and understand the functions of each tool in the toolbar, as well as building your own interactive lessons in the Smart Notebook software. (The IVC course will focus on using the Smart Notebook software.).

Social Bookmarking: Managing Web Resources (IVC, Webinar)
The World Wide Web is a vast network of digital resources constantly communicating, changing and evolving. With millions of sites and people using the World Wide Web everyday, it can easily become overwhelming and challenging to operate effectively. In this workshop, participants will learn how to create, organize, search and share bookmarks. Students will leave the workshop with a greater understanding of the World Wide Web and how to organize it for their everyday use.

Spreadsheets with Microsoft Excel (F2F)
Spreadsheets provide an organized approach to the creation of charts, graphs and forms. Participants in this class will be given basic skills of operation to create simple spreadsheets they can use in their classrooms.

The iPod Nano and Podcasting (F2F)
During this course, we will focus on finding free content to supplement your curriculum, getting the content on to your iPod and, as an added bonus, we will help you get started creating your own podcasts. You’ll go home with an iPod loaded up with fabulous materials that will help you grow professionally as well as contribute to your curriculum, and the knowledge and tools you need to start producing your own podcast! A 4 GB iPod nano is included with the class for you to keep!

Virtual Pen Pals (F2F, IVC)
When you think of a pen pal, a paper and pencil initially come to mind. This is the Web 2.0 version of sharing. No paper and pencil are needed! All the excitement is still there, but digitally. Pen pals can be a great way to learn about geography, culture, language and history. In this class, participants will discover and explore resources to find digital pen pals, create lesson plans and collaborative projects, and even connect face to face with classes from across the state to across the world. With virtual pen pals, it can be almost instant to hear feedback. No more weeks of waiting for the postal service!

Webquests (Webinar)
Participants will learn WebQuest basics, evaluate existing WebQuests, and brainstorm ideas for their own WebQuest. Participants will focus on determining a topic and a task and will begin the planning process.

Web 2.0 Tools for Educators (F2F, IVC)
Heard of 'Web 2.0' but don't really know what it is? In this class, participants will gain a broad understanding of 'Web 2.0' and explore 'Web 2.0' applications such as blogs, wikis, RSS and more. We will look at examples of how teachers and students are using 'Web 2.0' applications, discuss integration ideas and learn how to get started with these cool, collaborative and free applications!

Web 2.0: Turning Tomorrow's Technology into Today's Best Practice (IVC - IVC Conference)
Join us as we use the power of interactive video distance learning to share ideas and success stories about the best use of Web 2.0. Staff members from the Ohio Educational Technology Service Agencies will share cutting edge information about wikis, blogs, podcasts, RSS, and other Web 2.0 tools. Presentations will be aligned with Ohio Academic Content Standards. Sessions will be held at ITSCO with lunch provided. ($20 for ATS members, $40 for Basic members)

What is Web 2.0 (IVC, Webinar, F2F)
Heard of 'Web 2.0' but don't really know what it is? In this class, participants will gain a broad understanding of 'Web 2.0' and explore 'Web 2.0' applications such as blogs, wikis, podcasts and more. We will look at examples of how teachers and students are using 'Web 2.0' applications, discuss integration ideas and learn how to get started with these cool, collaborative and free applications!

Wonderful World of Widgets (IVC)
Do you know how easy it is to make your own homepage full of all the tools you use on a daily basis? Bring together your calendar, updated news stories, tag clouds, photos, and hundreds more web-based widgets with the wonderful world of widgets. Participants will leave the session with a tailored home page and a whole new way of using the Internet.

Writing Across the Curriculum through Digital Scrapbooking Part 1 (F2F)
It’s all the fun of scrapbooking with an educational twist! Combine journaling with digital images and the possibilities are endless for classroom activities. Scrapbooking offers a way to use standard curriculum to allow students to create a personal relationship with the material. Information is gathered and transformed into meaningful learning as students find their own voice and present it in a way that others can understand. Scrapbooking can be an excellent motivator while providing a tool for organizing, analyzing and sharing information. This course serves as an introduction to writing across the curriculum and digital scrapbooking using Photoshop Elements (PSE). Skills covered include navigating the PSE work area, inserting and manipulating images and photo restoration. Two semester hours of graduate credit is available for the online course through Ashland University for an additional fee. The PSE software is included with the F2F and OLC for you to keep! Be sure to specify if you would like a PC or Mac version.

IVC=workshops delivered via Interactive Video Conference
Webinar=1 hour workshops delivered via a web browser
F2F=workshops delivered at the Media Center Lab at WOSU@COSI, New Boston or Mount Vernon (some are full day workshops, some are 1/2 day as noted)