M1. Machines That Think —

Presenter: Robert Sawyer
http://www.sfwriter.com
 
In this session, the presenter will discuss the state of the art in artificial intelligence, the rise of thinking machines, the barriers to creating consciousness in computers, as well as the societal impact if that ever does happen. The prehistoric origins of human consciousness as a model for the spontaneous emergence of self-awareness in complex systems, such as the World Wide Web will be included in the discussion.

Presenter: David Warlick
http://www.landmark-project.com
 
One of the earliest educational websites on the Internet, Landmarks has served teachers since 1995 with links to teaching and learning resources on the Net and to valuable Web tools. One of the more recent tools is SLATE. SLATE stands for Strategic Learning and Teaching Environment. Simply stated, SLATE is a web tool that helps administrators and teachers construct web pages designed to help their students achieve one or more specific instructional objectives.

Presenters: Jenni Donohoo and Keith Balkwill
Greater Essex County DSB
 
This session examines barriers to technology integration while modeling strategies that utilize a pod of computers or laptop computers in the classroom. Participants work in co-operative groups brainstorming, discussing, categorizing and evaluating various aspects of integrating technology into the curriculum. Stations include a ‘Computer Centre’ using SMART Ideas and Internet resources to brainstorm and order barriers to technology integration, a ‘Tools Centre’ which has participants consider and categorize tools for learning, a ‘Reading Centre’ where participants evaluate an article that focuses on integration strategies, an ‘Ideas Centre’ that has participants become familiar with the GECDSB Computers in Elementary Schools document and a ‘Debate Centre’ where participants debate whether they agree with or disagree with various statements about technology in schools. In the end, a de-briefing session allows the sharing of these discussions.

Presenter: Dan Walker
Hamilton-Wentworth DSB
 
Two years ago, the Hamilton-Wentworth DSB constructed an electronicwarehouse to store student information, EQAO, report card and DRA data. Participants in this workshop will hear about the development of the tool and the types of graphical reports that are available for principals, including a collection of school and student at-risk profiles.

Presenter: Diane Bedard
Windsor-Essex Catholic DSB
 
Using the application Adobe Photoshop Elements, explore both the physical editing of images for web-friendly design, and the ethical use of images in an educational environment. Great things are happening every day in your classroom such as successful research projects, positive use of the internet, enthusiastic reports and dynamic guest speakers. How can you have the broadest impact and share your success story with the entire school community? Capture these great events in picture and share these images on your school's web site. With simple access to a scanner or a digital camera you can easily include these photos in an online photo album.

PM Session Resources

A1. Riding The Edge of the Wave—

Presenter: David Warlick
http://www.landmark-project.com
 
This engaging and sometimes shocking presentation will examine some of the technologies that are on their way, approaching just over the horizon, and still theoretical ideas being worked out in the labs. ...And, this session will try to make sense of these new tools in terms of teaching and learning.

Presenter: Rob Scott
Grand Erie DSB
 
Explore the effective and innovative use of SMART Ideas, Flash MX and Dreamweaver MX to provide answers to the following questions.
What are they?
What do they do?
Why do administrators, students and teachers need to know about them?

Presenter: Cathy Paul
Thames Valley DSB
 
This workshop will address current and significant literacy issues and techniques that can be employed in your school using a standardized measure and software integration. Through effective timetabling and scheduling literacy blocks are established. blocks incorporate a wide variety of techniques that will be discussed in detail.

Presenter: David Petro
Windsor-Essex Catholic DSB
 
What students really need is something that they can interact with, not just read and watch...something that makes them active learners. The new version of Geometer’s Sketchpad is a tool that not only enhances the understanding of mathematical concepts through interactive manipulation, it also allows sketches to be saved as interactive Java Applets that can then be added to any web page. See how you can create entire lessons online that are interactive and require no special software for the student. See how easy it is to turn your sketches into interactive web pages.

Presenters: Rod Rychliski /Kate Vanderhorst
Waterloo Region DSB
 
Integrating Technology across the curriculum. A crime has been committed in the classroom. An object has gone missing! Student detectives are called into action to solve the mystery using their IT skills in searching websites and databases, creating story maps and dioramas of the setting, and mapping the crime town.

Presenter: Lynne Comartin
Greater Essex County DSB
 
This workshop will focus on integrating technology in the English classroom in addition to other helpful classroom tools. A large portion will be spent on using presentation software to enhance teaching.

Presenter: Brad Hughes
Waterloo Region DSB
 
Many administrators and French language teachers are discovering the positive impact computers can have on student interest, motivation and achievement. Discover how your French students can use Internet and multimedia applications to access, process and communicate information, with a focus on oral communication in French. This broad-based workshop introduces a variety of activities and projects using Ministry-licensed and other software including AppleWorks, KidPix, HyperStudio, Graphers, and iMovie. Learn how to overcome barriers to using computers in your French program! Leave with technology-integrated activities you can use right away!

Presenter: Paul Hatala
Hamilton-Wentworth DSB
 
Handheld devices offer affordable alternatives to laptop computers and networked systems.Ancaster HS in Hamilton was one of the first secondary schools to implement handhelds into senior science classes.In this session, learn how this teacher is using Palm Handhelds to help generate a near paperless classroom.Explore software uses, Pasco Science Probe Ware, teaching tools and see how Palm Devices in conjunction with other computer-based tools has enabled the classroom to connect with students from the digital age.Participants will have an opportunity to try some Palm based programs and see the benefits that this technology can bring to the classroom.The session will end with a discussion around funding and ways to purchase a class set of devices.Whether working in the elementary or secondary panel, you will find something of benefit to your practice.Demonstration Palm handhelds will be on hand.