ThoughtStream 2012:  Focus questions for TIL feedback forum

• Aside from bandwidth and filtering, what technology issues cause the greatest challenges in your school?
• In terms of curricular outcomes/subject areas/specific needs, what key "gaps" do you perceive in the software that is presently available to you?
• In terms of curricular outcomes/subject areas/specific needs, what key "gaps" do you perceive in the hardware that is presently available to you?
• Based on your experience over the past year, what is the most successful (important/significant) use of technology in your school?  (Please cite specific examples). 
• The role of the TIL group is to support teachers in their efforts to embrace technology in pedagogy?  In working with staff, what have you found to be the most effective ways of supporting teachers in their use of technology?

SUMMARY OF RESULTS - ThoughtStream Report

Technical Issues:

1.  Reliability

2.  Internet Access and speed of access

3.  Time to maintain equipment and provide support and direction

4.  Consistency with hardware

Software Shortcomings:

1.  Use of software not aligned with curriculum outcomes

2.  Standard, division-wide software for specific needs - ie Video Editing

3.  PD in existing Software and Hardware

4.  Age / Grade based knowledge bases

5.  Software targeting Elementary

Hardware Concerns:

1.  Accommodation for personal devices

2.  PD in effective use of hardware

Most important / significant use of technology in your school:

1.  Smartboards are being used effectively and creatively

2.  Mimio

3.  Projectors in classrooms

4.  Netbooks

5.  Elementary classrooms demonstrating greater confidence in technology use

Most effective ways to support teachers in their use of technology

1.  Team teaching

2.  Be a time saver for colleagues - demonstrate efficiencies and potentials

3.  Meet them where they are - work within their capacities and needs

4.  Provide cooperative suport in the classroom

5.  Sharing at regular staff meetings

6.  "How to" or "suggestion" pages - proactive and enlightening.

For the complete updated version of TIL Reference Manual - please go to the "TIL Shared Message Board" in DeskNow (email account) http://mail.nwsd.ca/ 

NWSD Email System - Level 1 Training (PPT)

NWSD Email Inservice

Identify PORTS on a computer:  Computer Ports

Smart Board Cleaning and Maintenance:  Smart Board Care

How to copy a CD:  Carmen Peasley 

Cleaning NEC Projectors:  Cleaning NEC Projectors

You now