Project goals:
Abstract:
The grant will continue the Technology Leadership Academy (TLA)
program and provide an additional mobile labs for classroom use
to implement student projects. Faculty who teach core subjects
will attend the Academy the first year. The TLA will provide 168
hours of professional development activities throughout the school
year. Activities will include training in classroom management,
learning styles, cooperative learning, multi-disciplinary approaches,
integration techniques, assessment, and the LA content standards
to enhance achievement with a focus on reading in the content
areas.
The grant will provide a SchoolTech Instructional Facilitator who will guide the faculty as they learn, develop, and implement standards-based, technology-rich lesson plans and activities incorporating challenging, authentic tasks with technology tools; participate in teacher collaboration and work in teams to design and implement projects; and utilize cooperative learning during implementation of instructional strategies that improve student achievement in reading and technology literacy.
The grant will also provide 30 laptops, projection systems, carts, printers and software for classroom use. The mobile, wireless lab will be shared by project teachers for student projects and products that meet stringent learning goals.
Abstract:
The project will expand the services of the Region 8 Teaching,
Learning, Technology Center (TLTC) in order to provide a well-defined,
coordinated, regional professional development program that promotes
integration of technology in teaching and learning and supports
school and district improvement efforts that focus on improved
teaching and learning, evidenced in increased student achievement.
Project funds will be used to provide professional growth and experiences to educators in 15 districts by offering activities designed to improve the teaching/learning process, including the following models: K-6/ 7-12 Louisiana INTECH, INTECH 2 Science/Social Studies, and LEADTech. Additionally, workshops on video editing, web page design, web quests, assessment, state-adopted databases, curriculum integration, and specific applications will be conducted. Integration strategies will focus on technology literacy, reading in the content areas, and real-world mathematics. The TLTC will also serve as a communication center, providing information concerning national, state, and local initiatives.
The TLTC is located on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The university is eager to continue as a partner in the grant and has generously offered a reduction in tuition for participants. The TLTC hosts 2 branch sites in order to better serve all parishes in the consortium.