best of bbworld 09: it's elementary! a "primary" focus on the use of blackboard...

Michelle Crabill, Technology Specialist Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia

preK-3 Primary School700+ students3 preschool classes8 kindergarten classes8 first grade classes7 second grade classes6 third grade classes

In the beginning:In the beginning:Why?What?When?How?Now:Now:What else?

“I’ve spent time creating this site and no one goes.”

“The kids can’t go on, I have to put things up there for the parents.”

“This is a waste of time!”

"Why do I stand here? I stand on my desk to remind myself that we must constantly force ourselves to look at things differently. The world looks different from up here. If you don't believe it, try it. All of you. Take turns."

-- Dead Poet's Society

To what extent does Blackboard create effective communication between staff, parents, and students and provide an avenue for teacher resources and instructional materials for use at school and at home?

Blackboard site created by: Miss Rhee, 2nd Grade Teacher Kings Park Elementary

Blackboard site created by: Tanya Siwik, 2nd Grade Teacher Kings Park Elementary

Blackboard site created by: Nancy Spaulding, 1st Grade Teacher Kings Park Elementary

Blackboard site created by: Nancy Spaulding, 1st Grade Teacher Kings Park Elementary

Blackboard site created by: Nancy Spaulding, 1st Grade Teacher Kings Park Elementary

Blackboard site created by: Nancy Spaulding, 1st Grade Teacher Kings Park Elementary

Blackboard site created by: Kathy Leith Kindergarten Teacher Kings Park Elementary

Blackboard site created by: Kathy Leith Kindergarten Teacher Kings Park Elementary

Blackboard site created by: Kathy Leith Kindergarten Teacher Kings Park Elementary

Photostory

Image Resizer

• Remembering logins• Remembering passwords• Initially setting passwords• Accessibility at home• Ease of navigation• Parent access

Flexibility Differentiation Choice Word Banks Login Cards Time to Access

Culture change Attitude change Model, model, model Encourage teachers/students to take risks

Practice what you preach, staff use Use a formative assessment tools Use rubrics for assignments and content on blog to focus students

Technology is just a tool. In Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids terms of getting the kids working together and working together and motivating them, the teacher motivating them, the teacher is the most important. is the most important.

-Bill Gates