1. New Technologies
focus group
December 9, 2008

2. Are you committed?
This focus group will meet twice
a month for an hour (3:30-4:30) until June 2009.
The group will be comprised of discussion,
show and tell and participation in a blog
community (http://summitfocusgroup.blogspot.com).
During this six month period you will focus on implementing one
technology into your classroom.
Pilot students will also help us to determine if the technology is
assisting our students in their everyday lives.
BONUS-participates will receive a monetary stipend for their
participation in this group.

3. Choosing a technology
Is the technology (software program, equipment,
etc.) supported by research?
What barriers do you foresee in making this
technology effective?
What support will you need?
Spend 5 minutes writing down your ideas

4. Implementing
Create lesson plans that center around the technology.
Keep data on this technology.
If necessary, the technology need only be used for one
or two students-don’t overwhelm yourself!
Keep notes of how things are going on the blog.
Come to the monthly focus groups ready to discuss your
progress and or lack of progress.

5. Possibilities for focus group
DT trainers
Edmark software
Laureate software
Classroom webpage (they are free!)
Earobics software
Kidspiration
Video modeling
Using one of Summit’s new technologies
Purchasing a new technology
(SMARTboard)-if money is available

6. Pilot group
5-10 students
Assess what technology is recommended for each
students.
What technology skills does the student possess
(i.e. can he/she use a mouse, etc.)?
Do they use technology for vocational and/or
recreational use?

7. New Technologies
Nano ipods
Nintendo wiis
Palm pilots

8. Nano iPods
Capabilities include listening to podcasts,
viewing videos and photos, uploading
PowerPoints and music.
Music can be added from a CD, iTunes or
the Internet.
There are a number of websites that offer
free stories (storynory, justonemorebook,
etc.)

9. Possible uses
Listening to stories
Watching videos
Watching a social story
Voice recording
Activity scheduling
Relaxation-listening to music

10. How to use the iPod
Watch this video:
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/tutorials/pla
y.html to learn how the iPod works.

11. Checking out an iPod
iPods should be checked out under the teacher’s name.
Every 60 days the iPods need to be re-checked out.
Any new item that is needed on the iPod will be
uploaded by Sarah Albanese.
At the end of the day the iPods should be kept in a
locked drawer or cabinet.
The contents of the iPod will be erased when it’s
returned.

12. Nintendo wiis
Capabilities include playing a variety of
games (wii fit, sport, music, etc.)
Connecting to the Internet for access to
the wii forecast and news channels.

13. Possible uses
Playing games
Competition
Encouraging exercise
Educational reinforcement (i.e. music,
science, math etc.

14. Checking out a wii
Wiis are to be checked out through the
media center. They MUST be returned the
same day that they are checked out!
A portable television is available for use
with the wiis.

15. Palm Pilots
Activity schedules can be created using
the palm pilot.
Allows one to watch videos.
You can download Microsoft office, excel
and PowerPoint.

16. Let’s get started!
Between now and
the next meeting
(December 18th @
3:30) brain storm a
technology you want
to use.
Leave comments on
the blog.
The possibilities are endless