Project ASSURE

Creators of the Project Assure:
Cindee Fowler, Linda Grigg and Tina Melicio

Project Title:
Aspiring Social Systems Unleashing Real Empowerment


Theme:
The ABC's of Project ASSURE
A - Authenticating
B - Behaviors
C - Collaborating in a
D - Digital
E - Environment

Florida Educator Accomplish Practices addressed through Project ASSURE are to promote
effective means of communication with all stakeholders (parents, students, colleagues and administrators) through the integration of technological tools for informing, instructing, including and ultimately increasing student learning gains.


Essential Question:
What are the possibilities of utilizing web 2.0 social networking tools in developing collaborative systems of communication to ASSURE authentic engagement with all stakeholders in the education process?

Supporting Questions:
1. What are the web 2.0 tools available for teachers to increase communication?
2. What are the ethical dilemmas when utilizing web 2.0 tools?
3. How does timely communication increase engagement?
4. What are the measures of success that demonstrate effective communication?
5. How can web 2.0 tool be used in instruction?
6. How can web 2.0 tool be used in supporting homework?
7. How can web 2.0 tool be used in supporting parental involvement?
8. Why should you engage in social networking?

Prior Knowledge and Background Information:
Teacher must have an understanding of the FEAP (Florida Educator Accomplish Practices) as it relates to Communication with all stakeholders and the utilization of Technology to ASSURE impact.
Teachers will participate in an Elluminate Session.

Project Duration:
The amount of time needed to implement Project ASSURE is 2 weeks.

Suggested Activities to participate in during the 2009-10 School year
1st - Discuss the essential and supporting questions. How is this relevant in our current reality?
2nd - Add to Wiki the web 2.0 resources available and the rationale on how it would be used to increase communication with all stakeholders.
3rd - Each participant must add a minimum of three resources sites and description of how it may be used for communication.
4th - Participate in an Elluminate session with the facilitator of IMPACT.
Share one idea on how Elluminate may be used with each stakeholder: student, parent/community, colleagues and administration to increase engagement.


Develop a communication web 2.0 tool for:
* updating all stakeholders on homework policies and assignments
* learning strategies
* recommended readings
* successes and accomplishments
* sharing stellar work
* upcoming events
* learning goals and objectives
* class rules and guidelines for success

Project Presentation:
Each teacher will share his/her web 2.0 project through two of the following venues:
1. Faculty/Staff Meeting at your school
2. School Based Team Meeting
3. Open House Presentation for parents and guardians
4. Elluminate session
5. Computer Lab
6. School Web Site
7. U-tube
8. Teacher-tube
9. Black Technology Awareness Week in March
10. Have an additional idea, let us know in advanced.

Technology Requirements:
Update Firefox on your computer.
Create a Wikipedia account.
Utilize the links on the blog to complete activities and assignments.
Create a Twitter account.
Communicate how you are increasing your communication with all stakeholders through Twitter.
Digital camera and subscribe to an online photo sharing network, as permitted by photo release permission.
Subscribe to gmail.
Optional Technology Integration as available by individual teachers and schools: ipod, Promeathean Board, Smart Board or interactive white board.
sfsuccessnet.com visit and subscribe to the site if useful for meeting professional goals and objectives.
Digital camera

Internet Sites applicable to this project are located on the right sidebar of the blog for you to connect easily

Publications applicable to the plan are as follows:
Media Release Form signed and on file from each parent or guardian.


Guest Speakers and experts in the field are sited on the right sidebar for connection via the web.

Assessment of Product and Process:
Teachers are asked to complete and submit each of the assessment rubrics provided on the sidebar of this blog. Teachers will self assess their project and submit the rubric to the course instructor.

Project Objectives for ASSURE
ISTE/NETS Performance Indicators:
Available at: NETS Profile Indicators
II.A. Design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.
II.C. Identify and locate technology resources and evaluate them for accuracy and suitability.
III.B Use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.
III.D. Manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment.
IV. B. Use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instruction practice and maximize student learning.
V.A. Use technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.
V.C. Apply technology to increase productivity.
V.D. Use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning.
VI.A. Model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use.
VI.B. Apply technology resources to enable and empower learner with diverse backgrounds, characteristics and abilities.
VI.C. Identify and use technology resources that affirm diversity.
VI.D. Promote safe and healthy use of technology resources.
VI.E. Facilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students.

Florida Educator Accomplished Practices
Accomplished Practice Indicators in Technology:
1. Routinely demonstrates a basic level of technology competency, and ensure that students have opportunities to attain basic technology literacy skills.
2. Models legal and ethical uses of technology.
3. Reviews and recommends educational software tools for instruction.
4. Participates in collaboration via technology to support learning.