About the VTcite Project

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Vermont CITE (Vermont Commons for Information Technology Educators) is a web-based professional learning community for Vermont educators. Its origin can be traced to a Title IID, Enhancing Education Through Technology grant sponsored by the Vermont State Department of Education in November 2005.

In response to this initiative, VITA-Learn, Vermont Institutes, and the University of Vermont joined together to propose the development of a community of technology leaders to:
  • Build a strong catalog of content-based technology integration resources that meet state standards and corresponding grade expectation criteria
  • Collect and develop resources to support technology planning
  • Provide strategies for professional development with technology

VTcite provides support for a growing community of technology integration specialists, librarians, media specialists, teachers, and administrators who focus on technology integration as a vehicle to support student achievement improvements.

The goal of VTcite is to build a professional learning community of technology leaders and Vermont educators to lessen the sense of isolation that many technology specialists and teachers feel in the struggle to provide leadership and professional development in their local schools.

The portal (VTcite) is an open space where educators with similar interests meet and exchange ideas. VTcite is a tool that provides a shared repository for field-recommended resources, a searchable database, communication forums for innovations and collaboration, and a calendar of events for professional development opportunities. Any educator interested in participating in VTcite is welcome to self-register and join our community.

Vermont CITE Planning Team

The following people were involved in planning Vermont Commons for Information Technology Educators.  

Paul Irish
Neil Manders
Mike Lambert
VITA - Learn
Peter Drescher
Phil Hyjek
Vermont Institutes
Jon Bellum
Sandy Lathem
Joyce Morris
University of Vermont

First VTcite Cohort

First VTcite Cohort



The first cohort of VTcite participants were a group of 30 talented and dedicated educators who worked together to build resources and provide reflection about the effective use of technology in K-12 classrooms. We want to acknowledge and thank these exceptional people for their efforts in initiating the development of VTcite.



They are:


Robin Bebo-Long Windsor Southwest Supervisory Union
Ed Bianchi Chittenden South Supervisory Union
Sally Bisaccio Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union
Teresa Caron Orleans Essex North Supervisory Union
Alida Ciampa Norwich School District/SAU 70
Margaret Cintorino Bennington Rutland Supervisory Union
Vinnie Covino Rutland Southwest Supervisory Union
Lucie deLaBruere Franklin Central Supervisory Union
Brucie Donahue
Washington South Supervisory Union
John Downes Essex Town School District
Joanne Finnegan Chittenden East Supervisory Union
Kevin Grace Addison Northeast Supervisory Union
Eric Hall Washington West Supervisory Union
Dave Hansen Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union
Cecelia Hunt Addison Rutland Supervisory Union
Brenda Macdonald Southwest Vermont Supersiory Union
Kay Marcelle Washington West Supervisory Union
Ann Margaret McKillop Rutland-Windsor Supervisory Union
John McSweeney Washington Northeast Supervisory Union
John Minelli Hartford School District
Susan Monmaney Montpelier Public Schools
Jerry Piette Orleans Central Supervisory Union
Robert Sargent Orange East Supervisory Union
Christina Scheindel Orange Southwest Supervisory Union
Amy Truchon Burlington School District
Tommy Walz Barre Supervisory Union
David Webb Orange Windsor Supervisory Union
Steve Webster South Burlington School District
David Wells Washington Central Supervisory Union
Jane Wilde Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union

Photos (1)

VTcite Photo Gallery (1)

March 2006 Kick Off Meeting

Photos (2)

Dynamic Landscapes May 2006

VTcite participants attended the Dynamic Landscapes conference sponsored by VITA-Learn in May 2006. The following movie depicts a group work session that followed the conference.

VTcite Phase II

Phase I of the “Statewide Technology Integration Grant” set out to establish a professional learning community that would allow participants to support each other and other Vermont educators. By creating the Vermont Commons for Information Technology Educators, Phase I provided a rich experience for thirty Vermont educators. It was clearly effective in increasing participants understanding of the critical connection between effective teaching practices and technology integration, in expanding each individual’s “human network” through the use of electronic communication tools, in creating and identify resources that would support this learning community as it strove to support Vermont educators in effective technology integration, and in expanding participants leadership skills as they investigated the critical role that leadership plays in successful technology integration. There is evidence from the Phase I participants commitment to the project, where thirty participants were initially involved and thirty participants were still involved in the end, that we can count on them for participation and leadership in Phase II.

However, this newly organized professional learning community is still in its infancy and needs leadership and structured support to continue and expand its mission of providing assistance to Vermont educators to appropriately integrate technology to impact student learning.   Further, it must construct a self-sustaining capacity that allows it to flourish and expand in the future without the benefit of monetary incentives but rather built on the realization that we can make greater and faster progress by adopting the idea that the whole possesses much greater power to effect change than the sum of all its parts.  

During Phase I of this grant it became very evident that electronic networking alone would not meet the needs of the participants. Again and again, they articulated the importance of face-to-face contact between participants. In fact, the more the participants connected in person the greater became their communication in using the VTCITE web portal.  This Phase II proposal will address this critical issue of combining face-to-face meetings with on-line communications to more broadly support this endeavor.

Phase II of VTcite

The program will...

  • Re-engage the original participants while giving them more direct ownership in the project.  
  • Use the experience and expertise of the original participants to move the project forward and recruit new educators into the project for the purpose of expanding the knowledge and resource base available.
  • Promote the VTCITE site as a valuable networking and resource tool for all Vermont educators by making linkages and connections with other educational organizations and entities in a variety of ways.
  • Make direct and meaningful links to the Riverdeep Learning Village and promote the use of this tool for all Vermont educators.
  • Utilize the existing Vita-Learn regional structure, human resource, and network to promote expanded participation in the professional learning community through the use of regional meetings and to foster regional leadership around the VTCITE work.
  • Develop an effective plan for sustainability
  • Continue the technical and human interface development of the VTCITE portal

Re-engaging the Original Participants

In Phase II of the “Statewide Technology Integration Grant,” the investigation between effective teaching practices and successful technology integration must continue for the original participants. They must continue to expand their own ability to support effective technology integration, continually increase their leadership skills, continue to identify resources, and actively participate in the professional learning community. They will accomplish this by leading other educators in their VITA-Learn geographic regions of the state in a process of building their local communities and then impacting the VTCITE community at large.  This process will allow past participants to lead new participants through learning and sharing experience somewhat similar to those they experienced in Phase I.  This grant will support them by providing opportunities to increase their capacity in these areas through structured regional and on-line activities. This will continue by having them provide leadership to participants in the project. They and those they work with will continue to create and identify resources to support technology integration specialists as well as Vermont classroom teachers.  

Vermont Grade Expectations and NCLBA Requirements

The linkage between Phase II and the Vermont Framework of  Standards and Learning Opportunities and requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLBA) should be evident. The database of resources being built in VTCITE is directly linked to the Vermont Standards and are being referenced by a variety of criteria, including linkages to the Vermont Grade Expectations in Information Technology.  In accordance with NCLBA expectations that all students be technologically literate by the end of eighth grade, this resource base categorizes and recommends technology-rich resources and activities that are both field tested and age-appropriate.  By building the capacity of those who support technology integration in their schools, we support Vermont teachers in using technology to both improve student performance in all areas including the attainment of both basic technology 21st century literacy skills.

Professional Development Experiences

Led by one or more of the leaders of the Phase I grant, original participants will engage in a series of professional development activities dependent upon the role they wish to play. These will include...

  • Offering an on-line learning experience similar to what they participated in during Phase I to new participants from their VITA-Learn regions and developing a regional project for new VTCITE participants that builds on the professional learning community.
  • Become experienced users of the Riverdeep Learning Village and assist in promoting its use by Vermont educators.
  • Planning for and leading regional face-to-face meetings
  • Develop a program that allows them to promote and sustain on-line forums organized by state-wide participant interests.
  • Develop a program that supports the addition, screening and dissemination of resources.
  • Create a program that allows participation to build connections to all Vermont educators and establish linkages to other Vermont educational organizations in a variety of ways.
  • Continue to develop the VTCITE functionality and interface.

Expand Active Participation

    Phase II will involve new participants in this professional learning community and provide them with professional development experiences in the use of educational technology that will strengthen their capacity to support teachers in their schools, expand their “human support network,” and create/identify high quality resources. While expanding their human network through participating in this professional learning community, they will (learn how to) use electronic communication tools to collaborate between themselves and provide assistance for others. They will examine the role of leadership and seek to expand their own ability to provide appropriate leadership themselves while at the same time providing information and support for other levels of leadership (instructional leaders, teacher leaders, student leaders, etc.) in order that they may expand their vision and increase their capacity to support the use of technology for improved student performance.

The full proposal is attached below.

Community Projects

VTCITE Phase II Community Projects

Community Projects are one way to get more people involved in the Community. During Phase II of this building a professional learning community project we hope to bring up to 50 additional people into the VTCITE community through project participation.

If you are interested in participating in a project or just want to learn more about it, please contact the Project Facilitator.

Listed below is a brief description of some of the projects. Others are still under development and will be posted on the VTCITE web site when they are ready.

Learning in a Virtual Environment –
VITA-Learn in Second Life

Facilitator: David Wells

Second Life is an engaging virtual environment that promotes learning and collaboration across geographic boundaries. 
Our group will establish a presence for VITA-Learn in Second Life where members can collaborate and learn both among themselves and with leading educators from across the globe.

Contact Information: dwells@ejhs.k12.vt.us

Number of Participants Needed: 5 additional ones welcome but no stipend.

Compilation of Professional Development Contacts to
 Support Technology

Integration Facilitator: Joanne Finnegan

Professional development is crucial for implementation and integration of technology in education. I propose to form a team to gather resources that other technology integration specialists have used/are using when they offer professional development in their schools and districts. Many of us tend to create what we need as we need it. If we have a central database of materials to choose from, including handbooks, tutorials, outlines for classes and workshops we have taught, reading materials we have used, and links to online resources, it would save us all time and effort as we prepare for our own in-house offerings. I also propose that we form a list of Vermont educators who are “experts” in one area of technology integration upon whom we could call for ideas, information and help.

Contact Information: Joanne.Finnegan@cesu.k12.vt.us

Number of Participants Needed: 5

Mapping Implementation of Tech GEs

Facilitator: Eric Hall

Our goal is to collect Vermont examples of integrated units and projects aligned with Tech GEs. Teachers who are just beginning to incorporate technology into their instruction need strong peer models and concrete local examples of successful and effective integration.

Contact Information: ehall@wdsdvt.org

Number of Participants Needed: 4

Professional Development to Go

Facilitator: Lucie deLaBruere

Mobile, flexible technology has increased our ability to participate in professional development where we participate from different locations and even at different times of the day.

This project is for the Teacher on the Go, who is looking for a way to distribute and receive professional development without the constraints of participating at the same time and from the same location as everyone else. We will learn to use I-Tunes, I-Pods or alternative mp3 players, and Web 2.0 tools to organize, distribute, and receive professional development. We will learn the tools and strategies, as well as develop a series of "playlist" around professional development topics that can be used by others who chose to offer professional development using these "PD To GO" strategie. Participants who don't already own an IPOD can apply their stipends towards the purchase of a a new I-Pod.

Contact Information: ldelabruere@gmail.com

Number of Participants Needed: 5

TANDBERG Video Systems Professional Development

Facilitator: Jerry Piette

The ORLEANS CENTRAL SUPERVISORY UNION (OCSU) become part of a USDA for Distance Learning Technology grant in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire. (documents detailing more specifics of the grant are available). It is my proposal to create a team of teachers from the various schools in this Supervisory Union to develop and implement a strategy plan that will best utilize this video system among teachers as well as members of the community.

Contact Information: jpiette@ocsu.org

Number of Participants: 3

GEOSS: Grade Expectations using Open Source
Software

Facilitator: Bob Sargent

A group of teachers will work together to produce activities that address the Vermont Information Technology Grade Expectations (VITGE)
using free and open source applications (FOSS). These might be pre-existing activities, like those made at the Milton school, that are adapted to open source applications, or brand new activities. The main idea behind the project is to develop a library of activities that support Grade Expectations using Open Source Software, GEOSS activities. The GEOSS activities would be posted as resources on VTCITE in the form of ISO CD images that could be downloaded and burned to make a project CD with everything a teacher would need in the way of support materials and computer applications to implement the activities on the
CD. A project forum would be established for threaded discussions concerning the coordination and development of activities.

Contact Information: rsargent@wrvs.us

Number of Participants Needed: 5

Turning Data into Information

Tommy Walz  twalzbsu@u61.net
Rob Stalling  rstalbsu@u61.net

Click here for to download presentation given at Dynamic Landscapes, May 16, 2008

Core Expectations

VTcite II Core Expectations

The following core expectations must be considered an integral part of all Phase II work. As appropriate, these beliefs must be integrated into all program development.  Professional development will be provided in these areas as deemed necessary by Core  Team and Phase I leaders.

  1. Successful technology integration occurs when teachers use effective teaching practices. Activities must include professional development in this area.
  2. Teachers themselves must have/develop 21 Century Skills. Activities must include professional development in this area.
  3. Teachers must be knowledgeable and skilled in Media Literacy. Activities must include professional development in this area.
  4. A key to successful technology integration is to provide leadership and/or support for school leaders in all of the above areas.  Activities must include professional development in this area.
  5. Riverdeep Learning Village is a powerful tool that will be available to all Vermont educators. VTCITE participants must be actively engaged in using the site by adding resources, and promoting effective use locally.
  6. A Learning Community in Vermont must “connect” both in-person and through electronic means. Projects & activities will be developed around the use of the VTCITE Forums to promote the core expectations. Participants will promote the development of this Learning Community through the use of VTCITE in their regions and local schools. Further, participants will commit to meeting at least 3 times a year in a face-to-face situation during professional development meetings developed and led by VTCITE core leadership team.
  7. Vermont has defined technology literacy through the Vermont Technology Grade Expectations. Projects and activities will promote & support effective and deeply embedded integration of the Grade Expectations into the content areas.

Phase II Cohort

VTcite Planning Team

Ed Barry Milton School District
Jon Bellum University of Vermont
Peter Drescher Drescher Educational Technology
Paul Irish VITA-Learn and Burlington School District
Sandy Lathem University of Vermont
Joyce Morris University of Vermont

Team Leaders

Ed Bianchi Chittenden South Supervisory Union
Sally Bisaccio Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union
Teresa Caron Orleans Essex North Supervisory Union
Vinnie Covino Rutland Southwest Supervisory Union
Lucie deLaBruere Franklin Central Supervisory Union
Joanne Finnegan Chittenden East Supervisory Union
Eric Hall Washington West Supervisory Union
Cecelia Hunt Addison Rutland Supervisory Union
John Minelli Hartford School District
Susan Monmaney Montpelier Public Schools
Jerry Piette Orleans Central Supervisory Union
Robert Sargent Orange East Supervisory Union
Christina Scheindel Orange Southwest Supervisory Union
Amy Truchon Burlington School District
Tommy Walz Barre Supervisory Union
David Webb Orange Windsor Supervisory Union
Steve Webster South Burlington School District
David Wells Westford Elementary School
Jane Wilde Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union

Phase II Photos

VTcite strives to build a human network of Vermont educators through both face-to-face and virtual connections. The following are pictures of the many people involved in this work.

March 07 MeetingMarch 07 Meeting
March 2007 MeetingMarch 2007 Meeting

Vermont Fest MeetingVermont Fest Meeting
Jim MoultonJim Moulton

Community Projects GroupCommunity Projects Group
Vermont Fest Meeting 2007Vermont Fest Meeting 2007

Phase II Photos - Dynamic Landscapes May 08

Dynamic Landscapes Meeting - May 16, 2008

Ed BarryEd Barry Jerry PietteJerry Piette Final Phase II MeetingFinal Phase II Meeting
pd2go.wikispaces.compd2go.wikispaces.com Lucie delaBruereLucie delaBruere Lauren and HectorLauren and Hector
... George ReynekGeorge Reynek ...

Phase II Photos - March 2008 Meeting

March 2008 Meeting

Capitol Plaza, Montpelier, VT

8:30 - 9:00 Coffee & Conversations

9:00 - 9:15 Introductions and Welcome

9:15 - 9:30 Introducing Peter Drescher

9:30 -- 11:00 Community Presentations (10 minutes each)

11:00- 11:15 Break

11:15- 11:45 Drupal Report - Jon and group

11:45 - 12:00 Users Guide - Sandy

12:00 - 1:00 Lunch

1:00-1:15 Forum - Sandy &Group

1:15-1:30 Resources - Joyce & Group

1:30- 1:45 Paperwork/Dynamic Landscapes - Paul

1:45- 2:45 Meet in Groups (future planning)

2:45- 3:15 VITA-Learn Regional Group Updates - Ed

3:15- 3:30 Closure

..

Phase III - Creating 21st Century Classrooms: Connecting the DOTS

Creating 21st Century Classrooms: Connecting the Dots

The third phase of the Title II D funding created a professional development program entitled Creating 21st Century Classrooms: Connecting the DOTS.  This professional development program is made possible through a competitive application process sponsored by the Burlington School District.

The following institutes have been offered:

DOTS in 2011

A DOTS Reunion for past participants was held on April 13 and 14, 2011 at the Capital Plaza in Montpelier. 

DOTS IV will be held during the Summer of 2011 at Champlain College in Burlington. 
 

Project Instructors

The Project Director for this VTcite/DOTS initiative is Ed Barry, formerly of the Milton Town School District.

Sandy Lathem (of Academic Research and Consulting Services and an adjunct professor at the University of Vermont) is co-facilitator of the program.

Paul Irish of the Burlington School District oversees project management and finances.

All of our work is supported by content area experts from the Vermont Department of Education (Peter Drescher, Arlyn Bruccoli, Sigrid Lumbra, Gail Hall, Lindy Johnson, Kathy Renfrew), and well-known Vermont consultants (Kathy Barwin, Sue Monmaney, Katie Reen, Shannon Leslie, Marny Frantz, and others).

The map (above) indicates the areas of the state from which educators have been drawn. These institutes have engaged approximately 180 Vermont educators in this collaborative learning experience.

Click on the map to learn more about the schools that have been involved to date.

What are the DOTS?

21st century classrooms are ones that incorporate the best practices and research about how students learn best. These practices are often facilitated and supported by effective and intentional technology integration. The DOTS institutes combine these practices with an introduction to Web 2.0 tools and applications. To see what we mean by "connecting the dots," please review this short slide show.

The Transformation of Education in Vermont

This professional development program serves to support the Vermont Board of Education's Transformation of Education in Vermont Initiative.  To learn more about this initiative and its critical importance to Vermont's future, please click here.

To Learn More

Additional information concerning each of the DOTS - 21st Century Classroom institutes may be found by clicking on the links below for each institute.

For more information, contact Ed Barry, Sandy Lathem, or Paul Irish.

DOTS I -- Summer Institute 2008

DOTS I - Summer Institute 2008

The first offering of 21st Century Classrooms: Connecting the DOTS was held during the summer and fall of 2008.  Thirteen teams (of three people each) were invited to attend.  The organization of this institute depended heavily on a full week institute that was held at Champlain College.  The teams involved in this institute created units of study with primary focus on either social studies or science. 

We extended the deadlines for this initial group to allow more time to complete the units of study that eventually were uploaded to the Learning Village data base. 

Associated files, such as the course syllabus, are attached.

Highlights from DOTS 1

Core Beliefs Podcasts -- http://vtcite.org/forum/204

The educators from DOTS I created a wonderful series of podcasts that describe 21st century skills.  Each of these may be found in the VTcite forum entitled Core Beliefs Podcasts.  These podcasts are as entertaining as informative and Vermont educators are urged to use them to spark discussion about these vital skills in your schools.

VTcite Resources - Web 2.0 Tools

DOTS I teams created creative and practical descriptions/tutorials of many web 2.0 tools.  All these resources are available to anyone on VTcite.org.

Units of Study

The content teachers from each team created standards-based units of study which are accessible via the Vermont Learning Village Portal.  To obtain an account to Learning Village, please contact Arlyn Bruccoli.

DOTS I - Teams and Participants

The VTcite Summer 2008 Institute involves over 40 educators across Vermont. They are:

Course Planners/Facilitators

Ed BarryEd Barry Sandy LathemSandy Lathem Paul IrishPaul Irish

Vermont Department of Education

Peter Drescher: Educational TechnologistPeter Drescher: Educational Technologist Gail Hall: Science Content SpecialistGail Hall: Science Content Specialist Arlyn Bruccoli: Riverdeep Learning VillageArlyn Bruccoli: Riverdeep Learning Village
... Sigrid Lumbra: Social Studies Content SpecialistSigrid Lumbra: Social Studies Content Specialist ...

Participant Teams

Nova Stars: Carol Renca, Laura Botte, Janelle GendimencioNova Stars: Carol Renca, Laura Botte, Janelle Gendimencio Burlington School District Localvores: Leslie Striebe, Jonah Ibson, Bob SargentLocalvores: Leslie Striebe, Jonah Ibson, Bob Sargent Waits Rivers and Orange East SU Capitol Clickers: Donald Taylor, Melissa Pierce, Lauren ChabotCapitol Clickers: Donald Taylor, Melissa Pierce, Lauren ChabotMain Street Elementary, Union School, Montpelier
Barre Rocks: Linda McSweeney, Tom McSweeney, Jody EmersonBarre Rocks: Linda McSweeney, Tom McSweeney, Jody EmersonBarre SU Rutland High School: Pam O'Neil, Deb Jiloty, Ron EisenmanRutland High School: Pam O'Neil, Deb Jiloty, Ron EisenmanRutland High School Glover: Jeff Coburn, Jerry Piette, Bob TownsendGlover: Jeff Coburn, Jerry Piette, Bob TownsendGlover
EMS Terrific Trip: Brent Truchon, Kathy Gallagher, Daryl KuhnEMS Terrific Trip: Brent Truchon, Kathy Gallagher, Daryl KuhnBurlington SD Milton Matters: Colleen O'Brien, Erica Goodrich, Catherine ReenMilton Matters: Colleen O'Brien, Erica Goodrich, Catherine ReenMilton SD Xstream Portal: Joanne Finnegan, Maria Germano, Bryant PlessXstream Portal: Joanne Finnegan, Maria Germano, Bryant PlessBrowns River, CESU
Limping Along: Jeff Guilmette, Kurt Sherman, Dave DavidsonLimping Along: Jeff Guilmette, Kurt Sherman, Dave DavidsonEssex Junction Randolph Wizards: Tina Scheindel, David Roller, Lindsay MeterRandolph Wizards: Tina Scheindel, David Roller, Lindsay MeterRandolph Elementary, Orange Southwest Essex Eagles: Lisa Fernald, Susan Miyomoto, Joseph WhiteEssex Eagles: Lisa Fernald, Susan Miyomoto, Joseph WhiteEssex Town School District
.. Irasburg: Gerry Whitaker, Karen Hamelin-Britch, Sean WallaceIrasburg: Gerry Whitaker, Karen Hamelin-Britch, Sean WallaceOrleans Central SU ..

Photo Gallery - Summer Institute

DOTS I memories from our week together at Champlain College, Summer 2008

Morning Session: We begin August 4thMorning Session: We begin August 4th Morning Session: Our Work BeginsMorning Session: Our Work Begins
Joyce Morris and Inquiry-based LearningJoyce Morris and Inquiry-based Learning Podcasts PresentationsPodcasts Presentations
Don TaylorDon Taylor Lauren and MelissaLauren and Melissa
Ed and Student-Centered LearningEd and Student-Centered Learning Wikis to GoWikis to Go Edmunds Team PresentsEdmunds Team Presents
Google Earth and Much More!Google Earth and Much More! Sandy and DaveSandy and Dave Kathy Barwin and JoeKathy Barwin and Joe
Teams at Work!Teams at Work! Talking TogetherTalking Together Di and UbDDi and UbD
Getting Units into Learning VillageGetting Units into Learning Village Hard at Work!Hard at Work! Team Work is Hard WorkTeam Work is Hard Work
Sandy Carriker Evaluates ProgressSandy Carriker Evaluates Progress Thanks Craig For HelpingThanks Craig For Helping Ever Hear of YouTube?Ever Hear of YouTube?

DOTS II North -- Summer Institute 2009

DOTS II North -- Summer Institute 2009

The second offering of Creating 21st Century Classrooms II: Connecting the Dots was held in 2009.   A competitive application process was initiated in the fall of 2008 and twelve teams of three educators were once again selected to participate.

The format of DOTS II North in this second rendition shifted a large portion of the graduate course work to an online format (see syllabus).  This online course began in January, 2009 and continued through May, 2009.  During this time, participants were asked to participate in four of five online modules.  The modules covered:

  • Backward design (from Understanding by Design)
  • Assessment (from Understanding by Design)
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Student-centered Learning
  • Project and inquiry-based Learning
  • National Educational Standards and 21st Century Skills

Following this online portion, all teams convened at Champlain College for a five-day institute.  During the institute, teams presented new web 2.0 tools and worked to complete their units of study to be stored in the Learning Village portal.

In addition, participants from DOTS I were invited to attend a five day short course on using Moodle to support their units of study. Eight participants from DOTS I attended the Moodle workshop.

Web 2.0 Highlights from DOTS II North

Units of Study

The content teachers from each team created standards-based units of study which are accessible via the Vermont Learning Village Portal.  To obtain an account to Learning Village, please contact Arlyn Bruccoli.

Teams and Participants

DOTS II North Participants (Names are listed left to right.)

Team U32.0: April Peet, Christopher Grantz, Jane Tolassi, U32 MontpelierTeam U32.0: April Peet, Christopher Grantz, Jane Tolassi, U32 Montpelier Team Uplift: Kim Ransom, Beth Carini, Linda McCuen, Fair Haven UnionTeam Uplift: Kim Ransom, Beth Carini, Linda McCuen, Fair Haven Union
Team PDF: Deborah Rossell, Kathy Hevey, Kim Chase, Hunt Middle SchoolTeam PDF: Deborah Rossell, Kathy Hevey, Kim Chase, Hunt Middle School Team Blink: Nicole Pfister, Michael Eppolito, Lauren BakerTeam Blink: Nicole Pfister, Michael Eppolito, Lauren Baker
Team Sutton House: Robert Metz, Ellen Matthews, Eric Brunvand, ShelburneTeam Sutton House: Robert Metz, Ellen Matthews, Eric Brunvand, Shelburne Team Rebels: Kris Larson (far left; other members not visible), Central School, South Burlington with Sigrid Lumbra (in front of room), DOETeam Rebels: Kris Larson (far left; other members not visible), Central School, South Burlington with Sigrid Lumbra (in front of room), DOE
Team Humanities University: John Mitchell, Joe Guarino, John Minelli, Hartford School DistrictTeam Humanities University: John Mitchell, Joe Guarino, John Minelli, Hartford School District Team Thunder Cats: Alexa Hart, Dante Napolitano, Jerry Bowers, MissisquoiTeam Thunder Cats: Alexa Hart, Dante Napolitano, Jerry Bowers, Missisquoi
Team Deep Thought: Bob Dunn, Richard Szymanski, Meagan Normand, North Country Career Center and High SchoolTeam Deep Thought: Bob Dunn, Richard Szymanski, Meagan Normand, North Country Career Center and High School Team Kali: Dave Miceli, Meg Kenny, Kendra Larson, Burr & BurtonTeam Kali: Dave Miceli, Meg Kenny, Kendra Larson, Burr & Burton
Team Team Pride: Erica Goodrich, Kendra Gorton, Jen CummingsTeam Team Pride: Erica Goodrich, Kendra Gorton, Jen Cummings Team Northeast Hornets: Christina Boissoneault, Stephanie Stecklare, Thad Gembczynski, EnosburgTeam Northeast Hornets: Christina Boissoneault, Stephanie Stecklare, Thad Gembczynski, Enosburg
Peter and Ed at Lunch: Peter Drescher, Ed BarryPeter and Ed at Lunch: Peter Drescher, Ed Barry Paul Irish: Paul Irish, Burlington School DistrictPaul Irish: Paul Irish, Burlington School District
Sandy: Sandy Lathem, University of VermontSandy: Sandy Lathem, University of Vermont Arlyn: Arlyn Bruccoli, DOEArlyn: Arlyn Bruccoli, DOE
Gail and Lindy: Gail Hall, Lindy Johnson, DOEGail and Lindy: Gail Hall, Lindy Johnson, DOE Kathy, Paul, Sigrid: Kathy Barwin, Paul Irish, Sigrid LumbraKathy, Paul, Sigrid: Kathy Barwin, Paul Irish, Sigrid Lumbra
Sue: Sue Monmaney, MontpelierSue: Sue Monmaney, Montpelier Sue and Sandy: Sue Monmaney and Sandy LathemSue and Sandy: Sue Monmaney and Sandy Lathem

DOTS II South -- Summer Institute 2009

DOTS II South -- Summer Institute 2009

To increase participation from educators located in the southern regions of Vermont, another competitive application process was conducted.  Participation in this case was restricted to teams of educators from Southern Vermont, defined as south of Route 4.  The application process was conducted in early 2009 and participating teams were selected by early May 2009.  The first meeting of the DOTS II South cohort was held in May at Southern Vermont College in Bennington.

The format of this institute did not include an online component and was compressed into face to face meetings held in July and August, 2009.  The syllabus and course packet  reflects this organization, although the expectations of the graduate course work remained fairly consistent.  This cohort is still at work creating their standards based units of study which will be completed by January 15, 2010.

Web 2.0 Highlights of DOTS II South

Units of Study

The content teachers from each team will create standards-based units of study accessible via the Vermont Learning Village Portal.  These units will not be available until after January 15, 2010. To obtain an account to Learning Village, please contact Arlyn Bruccoli.

Teams and Participants

DOTS South 2009 Teams - Southern Vermont College


Jeremy Kelloway, Jeanie Phillips, Patricia Gutierrez
Chester Andover

Christina Smith, Russell Williams, Sean Gould
Bellows Falls

Kevin Coen, Kirsten Aiello Monday, Angelo Jardina
Springfield High School

Emily Biolsi, Michele Ricci, Deb Burrell
Stockbridge Central

Jeff Vandivere, Nathan McNaughton, Lisa Mobus
Springfield/Riverside

Kristeen Chambers, Caitlin Reck, Cynthia Hughes
Springfield

Sally Hayes, Shannon Walters, Dale Pecor
CP Smith

Pam Hunter, Kathryn Byrne Grossarth, Jason Grote
Wells Village

Kelly Ahlfeld, Cindi Roberts, Jennifer Bloomingdale
Mettawee

Sally Bisaccio, Amy Thivierge, Mike DiMaio
Mount Antony

Michelle Mazzola, Dan Sherman, Jennifer Parker
Bennington Elementary

Amanda Bickford, Dinna Ivey, Lexi Rella
Manchester Elementary

Video Highlights

Video Highlights

Short video clips from DOTS professional development sessions.

Web 2.0 Presentations

Working with Consultants

Impact and Reflections

Free Food and Having Fun

DOTS III North - 2010

Twelve teams from the northern region of Vermont were selected to participate in DOTS III North, as follows:

DOTS III North - 2010


Calais Elementary
Elizabeth McCarthy (Technology)

Katrina Rob (Math, Grade 4)


Derby Elementary
Hugh Handley (Technology)

Jeanne Beaudry (Social Studies, Grade 6)

Nicole Laramee (Math, Grade 5-6)


Essex Town School
District
John Synnott (Social Studies, Grade 7-8)

Shawn Willis (Math, Grade 7-8)

Kimberley Musante (Technology)


Hardwick Elementary
Carolyn Aiossa (Social Studies, Grade 5)

Maria Everett (Technology)

Elizabeth Miller (Math, Grade 5)


Hardwood Union
Nicole Schaeffer (Social Studies)

Matt Henchen (Technology)

Chris Whalen (English, Grade 11-12)


North Country High
School
Renee Berthiaume (English, Grade 9-12)

Marsha Middleton (Technology)

Colleen Healey (English, Grade 9-12) (photo missing)


Rivendell
Ellen Fisher (Social Studies, Grade 6-8)

Gabi Martino (Technology)

Kathy McGowan (Math, Grade K-8)


Robinson Elementary
Frank Spina (Technology)

Peg Brakeley (Social Studies, Grade 5-6)

Ruth Beecher (Social Studies, Grade 3-4)


St. Johnsbury
Andrew Morris (Technology)

Eric Matte (Math, Grade 7-8)

Leslie Ercole (Math, Grade 7-8)


Walden School
Tammy Russell (Math, Grade 7-8)

Sigurd Anderson (Technology)

Melissa Piscitelli (Social Studies, Grade 7-8)


Washington Central
- U32
Hollis St. Peter (Math, Grade 7-8)

Rachel Collier (Math, Grade 7-8)

Jane Tolassi (Technology)

DOTS III South - 2010

DOTS III South - 2010

Twelve teams were selected to participate in DOTS III South for 2010.  The participants from these teams include:


Bellows Falls High
School
Michael Norkun (Science, Grade 9-12)

Tiffany Tobin (English, Grade 9-12)

Wesley Vaugh (Technology)
Using SketchUp


Bellows Falls High
School
Matthew Willis (Social Studies, Grade 11-12)

Holly Falzo (English, Grade 9-12)

Wesley Vaugh (Technology)


Bellows Falls
Middle School
Emily Graves (Technology)

Mary Lou Martin (Science, Grade 7-8)

Dennis Ladd (Language Arts, Grade 8)


Flood Brook Union
Tracy Zaino (Math, Grade 7-8)

Darcy Perry (Technology)

Victoria Winokur (Science, Grade 6)


Grafton Elementary
Beth Ann Drinker (Literacy, Grade 5)

Katherine Kane (Technology)


Kurin Hattin School
Richard Long (Social Studies, Grade 4-8)

Tom Fontaine (Science, Grade 4-8)


Manchester
Seth Bonnett (Technology)

Scott Diedrich (Science, Grade 6-8)

Matt Smithwick (Language Arts, Grade 7-8)


Monument Elementary
Carrie Gardner (Language Arts, Grade K-5)

Barbara O'Callaghan (Technology)

Kathleen Bacus (Science, Grade 4-5)


Mt. Anthony
Laurie Jameson-Palmer (English, Grade 7-8)

Allison Brigham (Science, Grade 8)

David Hansen (Technology)

Mt. Anthony Union HS Amy Moriarty (Social Studies, Grade 7)
Orion Hazard (Technology)

Poultney High School
Charles Adams (Science, Grade 7-8)

Melissa Kristiansen (Technology)

Linda Paquette (English, Grade 7-8)


Twin Valley Middle
School
Anthony Daniels (Technology)

Yolanda D-Alessio (Math)

Jessica Hammond (Science, Grade 7-8)

Units and Resources from DOTS III

During the 2009-2010 school year, educators participating in 21st Century Classrooms: Connecting the DOTS III created units of study, movie trailers and web 2.0 resources that are now available to anyone via the VITA-Learn web site!  The following tables will help you find this wonderful resources. 

We'd like to thank the dedicated and committed educators who have contributed this work.

Math

Title Grade Level Creators Movie Trailer
Data and Me
A four-week interdisciplinary unit on data in which students gather both categorical and numerical data on the human body and their community.
4th Katrina
Rob
Elizabeth McCarthy
(Calais Elementary)
Data
and Me
No Representation Without Interpretation
a sixth grade math unit dealing with basic economics and business success / failure.
5th-6th Nicole
Laramee
Hugh Handley
(Derby Elementary)
No Representation Without Interpretation
It's In the News
Students select a current events item of interest and work in teams to extract the measurements embedded in the news reports.
6th Elizabeth
Miller
Maria Everett
(Hardwick Elementary)
It's In the News
Data Traveler
The 5th grade data analysis goals will be meet through an integrated unit with social studies on immigration.  Students will look at immigration data from various periods and predict what that tells us about settlement, jobs, reasons for immigration, how other current events impact immigration, what policy decisions come from data.
Unit Presentation
5th Kathy
McGown
Gabi Martino
(Rivendell)
Data Traveler
Fantasy Baseball
Students select a fantasy baseball team by analyzing the player’s statistics and using the data to make decisions about who would be a good fit on their team.
7th-8th Eric
Matte
Jon Morris
(St. Johnsbury School District)
Fantasy Baseball
Forensic Mathematics - Using Math to Solve Mysteries
This mathematics unit designed for middle school students in the 7th and 8th grade examines the use of data and statistics to complete forensics investigations to solve mysteries of murder and mayhem.

Unit Presentation

7th-8th Leslie
Ercole
Jon Morris
(St. Johnsbury School District)
Forensic Math
Percent of My Impact
Students change the world around them, understanding and increasing sustainability for the better by using percents to analyze their school's trash.
7th-8th Tammy
Russell
(Walden School)
Analyze This
This 3 week statistics unit covering data analysis is for 8th grade. Students will develop an understanding of what data is and why it is necessary to record and collect it.
7th-8th Hollis
St. Peter
Jane Tolassi
(Washington Central - U32)
Analyze This
Modeling Life
This unit is designed to provide students with the experience necessary to develop a deeper understanding of proportionality through the lenses of scaling and geometry.
7th Rachel
Collier
Jane Tolassi
(Washington Central U-32)
Modeling Life
A Real Power Tool
This is a geometry unit focused on measurement, area, perimeter, surface area, volume, and scale drawings and models. Students work in groups of three to create scale drawings and a 3D model of a shed that the class will build.
8th Tracy
Zaino
Darcy Perry
(Flood Brook Union)
A Real Power Tool
Linear & Algebraic Functions
Students will visit a local landfill and Windham Solid Waste in Brattleboro to discuss the amount of paper product dealt with on a daily basis.  During these visits students will ask questions they have created regarding the amount of waste, its present disposal, future disposal and people involved.
7th Yolanda
D'Alassio
Anthony Daniels
(Twin Valley Middle)
Linear & Algebraic Functions

Science

Title Grade Creators Movie Trailer
Human Body in Extremes
By considering the limits of   human endurance where the body is subjected to the most hostile environmental conditions; howdo we adapt to places wereally don’t belong? 
7th-8th Shawn
Willis
John Synott
Kimberly Musante
(Essex Town School District)
Human Body in Extremes
(.wmv file download)
Ground Moving Phenomena
This is an Earth Science unit focusing around the idea of
uniformitarianism.
9th Michael
Norkun
Wes Vaughn
(Bellows Falls High School)
Plate Tectonics

Ground Moving Phenomena
(download .wmv file)

Chemistry
The purpose of this unit is to help middle school students understand the states of matter.
7th-8th Mary
Lou Martin
Emily Graves
(Bellows Falls Middle School)
Chemistry
May the Force Be With You
The students will create and join the scientific community in which they will be able to discuss, reflect and learn. By using a formal structure of scientific inquiry students will engage in multiple experimental investigations as they learn about motion and gravity.
5th-6th Victoria
Winokus
Darcy Perry
(Flood Brook Union)
May the Force Be With You
Building of Balsa Wood Bridges
This unit incorporates Social Science, Physical Science and Physics in the building of balsa wood bridges and their relationships to the social, political and economic impact on communities.
5th-8th Tom
Fontaine
Richard Long
(Kurin Hattin School)
Building Balsa Wood Bridges
(download .wmv file)
Inheritance
Students focus on how organisms reproduce and how the offspring will vary depending on the type of reproduction.The purpose for this study is for students to assist farmers and possibly people in low economic status to help improve their crop production and nutritional intake.
7th-8th Scott
Diedrich
Seth Bonnett
(Manchester)
Inheritance
Energy
The unit is designed to have students progress from exploring relationships about energy through students exploring the consumption and conservation of energy.
5th-6th Kathleen
Bacus
Barb O'Callahan
(Monument Elementary)
Got Energy
This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land
Students learn about and research ways in which land and natural resources are managed in VT and around the world.
8th Allison
Brigham
Dave Henson
(Mt. Anthony)
This Land is Your Land. This Land is My Land.
Exchange with the Environment
The unit will explore the semi permeable nature of the cell membrane, and how the membrane allows for passage in to and out of the cell.  Students will also investigate osmosis and diffusion, and relate those processes to movement of materials in to and out of cells.
7th-8th Charles
Adams
Melissa Kristiansen
(Poultney High School)
Exchange with the Environment
Green Up!
Students will learn about regional natural resources and how they are currently used. There will be an emphasis on cycles and how humans can impact those cycles.  A focus will be on recycling, trash, energy and making predictions for the future based on current uses.  Students will be out in the community to see how trash and recycling are dealt with locally.
7th-8th Jessica
Hammond
Anthony Daniels
(Twin Valley Middle)
Green Up

Literacy

Title Grade Level Creators Movie Trailer
The Grapes of Wrath & The Great Depression
This unit will focus on the Great Depression in the U.S. from 1929 to 1941.The causes of the Depression will be studied,as well as the consequences, both societal and personal.
9th Chris
Whalen
Matt Henchen
(Harwood Union)
Grapes of Wrath & the Great Depression
Worth Fighting For?
This unit will focus on the many challenges that people and groups face each and every day.  Students will be asked to investigate these, make connections, and then determine how they can personally make a difference.
9th-12th Renee
Berthiaume
Marsha Middleton
(North Country High School)
Worth Fighting For?
Standing at the Crossroads
This unit will focus on the choices people make and how those choices affect both themselves and others. Through a variety of literature and informational text, students will examine this topic, and make connections to their own lives and community.
9th-12th Colleen
Healey
Marsha Middleton
(North Country High School)
Standing at the Crossroads
21st
Century Media Literacy
Melissa
Piscitelli
(Walden School)
Identity in Science Fiction
This unit is intended to have students read two pieces of science fiction and consider how technology creates change in our world.  Students may alos reflect on why some values stay the same and why some change both within ourselves and in the world around us.
11th-12th Tiffany
Tobin
Wes Vaughn
(Bellows Falls Union High School)
Identity in Science Fiction
Consider the Source: Understanding Bias in the Media
Looking at the media’s messages with a critical eye is an essential skill for consumers of information. In this unit, students will analyze the way the media shares information.
9th-12th Holly
Falzo
Wes Vaugh
(Bellows Falls Union High School)
Consider the Source
Intolerance - What's the Difference?
Students will understand that differences between and among people should enrich our lives rather than separate us from one another.
7th-8th Dennis
Ladd
Emily Graves
(Bellows Falls Middle School)
Intolerance
Biography and Community Heroes
Connects reading and writing of biographies with community partnerships and recognizing local heroes.
6th Beth
Ann Drinker
Kate Kane
(Grafton)
Community Heroes
Our Place in the Universe
A study of theme in language arts that includes music, art, reading and writing.
7th Matt
Smithwick
Seth Bonnett
(Manchester)
Our Place in the Universe
Destination: Information!
Students explore information / expository texts and the relevance these texts have to their lives.
Unit Presentation
5th Carrie
Gardner
Barb O'Callahan
(Monument Elementary)
Destination Information
Conflict, Courage, and Survival
This grade 7 English unit explores themes of conflict, courage, and survival in varied texts, as well as plot structures of rising action, climax, and falling action.
7th Laurie
Jameson Palmer
David Hansen
(Mt. Anthony)
Survival & Courage
Are We Really in this Story?
This unit focuses on making connections and the concept of theme in literature.
7th-8th Linda
Paquette
Melissa Kristensen
(Poultney High School)
Are We Really in this Story?

Social Studies

Title Grade Creators Movie
Trailer
Kingdom to Kingdom
A study of the Feudal System during the Middle Ages that helps students  understand the governing bodies, the hierarchy and logistics of this time period.
6th Jeanne
Beaudry
Hugh Handley
(Derby Elementary)
Kingdom to Kingdom
Making Connections Through the Crusades
This unit looks briefly into what the Crusades were (European perspective) and what the impact of the clashing of cultures had on Medieval Europe.
7th-8th John
Synott
Shawn Willis
Kimberly Musante
(Essex Town School District)
Hardwick Heroes
In teams, students will choose a Hardwick veteran and the conflict in which he/she has participated to investigate.
5th Carolyn
Aiossa
Maria Everett
(Hardwick Elementary)
Hardwick Heroes
Hurrican Katrina and the Social Contract Nicolle
Schaffer
Matt Henchen
(Harwood Union)
Close Encounters: Lessons from the Columbian Exchange
In this unit, students will learn about the convergence of European and indigenous American cultures and its impact on both societies. 
Unit Overview
6th-8th Ellen
Fischer
Gabi Martino
(Rivendell)
Close Encounters
Transportation in Vermont Through the Years
Through the study of many different media (photographs, oral histories, informational text, narratives, trade books, artifacts, field trips / museums, drawings, paintings, etc), and through interviews of Vermonters of different ages to find out how transportation affected
their lives, students will research changes that have occurred over time with transportation in Vermont.
Unit Presentation
3rd-4th Ruth
Beecher
Frank Spina
(Robinson Elementary School)
Transportation in Vermont Through the Years
World
Geography

The focus of this unit is on how the components of culture (or universals) develop differently from culture to culture depending upon physical environment.
5th-6th Peg
Brakeley
Frank Spina
(Robinson Elementary School)
World Geography
Witch Hunt in American History 11th-12th Matthew
Willis
Wes Vaughn
(Bellows Falls Union High School)
American Witch Hunt

American Witch Hunt
(download .wmv file)

Ancient Mesopotamia Through Artifacts
A civilization's geography and the resources provide it people not only with a means to live but also ways to create new technologies, some of which are still useful today.
7th Amy
Moriarty
Orion Hazzard
(Mt. Anthony)
Ancient Mesopotamia Through Artifacts

Web 2.0 Resources

Title Creators
Comics in the Classroom
A prezi presentation on Comics in the Classroom, highlighting various comic generators and examples of use.
Elizabeth
McCarthy & Kate Rob
(Calais Elementary)
Google
Apps for Education
Hugh
Handley, Jeanne Beaudry, Nicole Laramee
(Derby Elementary)
Social Bookmarking Kimberly
Musante, Shawn Willis, John Synott
(Essex Town School District)
Voice Thread
A humorous presentation on Voice Thread.  Presentation by the Hardwick Historionics.
Maria
Everett
Elizabeth Miller
Carolyn Aiossa
(Hardwick Elementary)
Edu2.0
Learning Management System - edu20.org
Matt
Henchen
Chris Whalen
Nicolle Schaffer
(Hardwood Union)
Visual Organizers
A PowerPoint presentation that gives links to and an explanation of several online visual organizers, such as Freemind, eyePlorer, Mind42, Mindmeister, Visual Thesaurus, Cacoo, DropMind,
Gliffy, Bubble.us, and text2mindmap. They are adaptable to all grade levels and all subject areas.
Marsha
Middleton
Renee Berthiaume
Colleen Healey
(North Country High School)
Glogster
Glogster Presentation in YouTube
Gabi
Martino
Ellen Fisher
Kathy McGowan
(Rivendell)
Google Earth and Sky
Links to resources/tutorials that will help the novice get started using this very robust Web 2.0 tool.
Frank
Spina
Ruth Beecher
Peg Brakeley
(Robinson Elementary)
Timelines
(Prezi presentation)
Jon
Morris
Leslie Ercole
Eric Matt
(St. Johnsbury School District)
Web-Based Video Tools Sigurd
Anderson
Melissa Piscitelli
Tammy Russell
(Walden School)
Screen Captures Using Jing Jane
Tolassi
Hollis St. Peter
Rachel Collier
(Washington Central - U32)
Mind Mapping Wes
Vaughn
Tiffany Tobin
Michael Norkun
(Bellows Falls Union High School)
Using SketchUp in the Classroom Wes
Vaughn
Matt Willis
Holly Falzo
(Bellows Falls Union High School)
Using Wordle in the Classroom Emily
Graves
Mary Lou Martin
Dennis Ladd
(Bellows Falls Middle School)
Twiddla & Skrbl Darcy
Perry
Tracy Zaino
Victoria Winokur
(Flood Brook Union)
Google Earth Kate
Kane
Beth Ann Drinker
(Grafton Elementary)
Google Docs Tom
Fontaine
Richard Long
(Kurin Hattin School)
Social Bookmarking Seth
Bonnett
Matt Smithwick
Scott Diedrich
(Manchester)
Glogster Barb
O'Callahan
Carrie Gardner
Kathleen Bacus
(Monument Elementary)
Voice Thread Dave
Hansen
Laurie Jameson Palmer
Allison Brigham
(Mt. Anthony)
You Tube Orion
Hazzard
Amy Moriarty
(Mt. Anthony)
Blogs, Twitter, and Skype - Oh My! Melissa
Kristiansen
Linda Paquette
Charles Adams
(Poultney High School)
Screencasting Anthony
Daniels
Jessica Hammond
Yolanda D'Alessio
(Twin Valley Middle School)

DOTS I, II, and III Reunion

This reunion brough together former Dots participants and their building administrators to share and plan for extending the Dots in their school.

The goals of this two-day reunion were as follows:

  • Network – participants network with each other
  • Sharing their units and experiences
  • Inform and promote sharing with their Principals
  • Promote spreading the Dots in their schools
  • New Learning

Please see the Dots Reunion web site for resources documenting this two day conference.

Many thanks to our participants for a successful conference!

DOTS IV

 DOTS IV will be offered for one time during 2011.  Please see the attached files for details.

This program is about change, significant change!

Teaching and learning in the 21st century is substantially different than teaching and learning in the 20th century. The recognition that new skills, instructional design and pedagogy, and effective application of technology are urgently needed in today’s schools can be witnessed by recent state and national initiatives. While the calls for 21st century classrooms are many, our ability to change long-standing teaching practices and traditions remains a formidable task. After all, what do 21st century classrooms and schools look like in practice? How are they really different? Where are exemplary models of 21st century teaching and learning to be found? What are the ingredients that make teaching and learning fit this new definition of learning?

Call for Applications

The Burlington School District and the Vermont Department of Education are seeking Vermont curriculum models that represent 21st century classroom concepts in actual practice. Because of this, we are looking for 8 teams of two teachers and their school administrator to take part in a challenging project to create 21st century curricular units using 21st century instructional practices.

When you take part in this project, you will be immersed in project/inquiry-based learning, Understanding by Design, true student-centered learning, differentiated instruction, effective use of technology, 21st century skills, and more.

It is important to note that this program requires teachers have their students reach out beyond the walls of their classroom and school and develop a significant collaboration with others in this learning experience.

Your team should consist of two teachers and one administrator, from the same school or district/supervisory union. Teachers on the team should teach in grades 3-12 and should be interested in working together to create one interdisciplinary unit that will be made public so it can be shared by other educators. The teachers (including co-teaching special educators) can teach any content area. The only stipulation is that you BOTH will be implementing the one interdisciplinary unit that you create (either together in a team-teaching model, or individually in your separate settings).

Administrators can be a school principal, assistant principal, or curriculum coordinator. The administrator will not be required to attend all sessions.

During our meeting time, your team will also make a presentation to the others in the Dots group on an assigned Web 2.0 tool/site.

See below for the schedule.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance is mandatory at ALL sessions. Please check your calendars carefully before applying.

It is REQUIRED that both teachers, either jointly or separately, implement the unit and lessons in the upcoming school year AND you must agree to participate in an evaluation process.

The group will meet at Champlain College in Burlington. We will have a limited number of spaces available for those who travel a long distance and wish to stay overnight.

If you participate in this program you must consent to assisting in the evaluation of the “Dots IV” program. The evaluation process may include responding to surveys, attending focus group sessions during the scheduled class meetings and, in some cases, allowing the program evaluator to visit your classroom.

The demands are great...
...the payoff is high!

The Process

• Submit a team application by December 31, 2010

• Be notified by January 31, 2011

• Teachers & Administrators - Full day meeting in May 25, 2011

• Teachers - Four days in June, 2011 – June 27 – 30

• Administrators – Three days in June, 2011- June 27-29

• Teachers - Two Days in July 18-19, 2011

• Teachers and Administrators – Final Day - August 1, 2011

Please note: Teachers will be expected to work as a team between the May and June meetings, between the June and July meetings, and between the July and August meetings. There is a significant amount of collaborative work to be accomplished between these sessions. We would advise that you do not schedule your individual summer trip/vacation at this time.

The Expectations

• Attend all meetings.

• Meet all deadlines.

• Implement your unit during the 2011-2012 school year.

• With your team, create a ½ hour presentation on an assigned Web 2.0 tool/site and present it to the group.

• Each team will develop and publicly share ONE 21st century unit of study and share it with other Vermont educators in a on-line location designated by the Instructor.

• The administrator will develop a modest plan for sharing the Dots unit within their school/district. Additionally, they will share the new Technology Grade Expectations as well as the “New Way of Learning Classroom Scenarios” with their staff.

• One page final reflection paper due one week after last session in August 15, 2011.

• Participate in the Dots IV program evaluation process.

The Payoff

• FREE graduate credits (3) from Saint Michael’s College (Teachers only)

• FREE (Teachers and Administrators) Netbook or iPad

• FREE books for the course

• FREE room and board for those who travel from a distance for the summer institute – Limited availability

• FREE meals for all participants

• For teachers... A $500.00 stipend upon successful completion of project expectations

• Satisfaction - priceless

The Details

This project is facilitated by Ed Barry, Kathy Barwin, Principal Founders School, Essex Town and Paul Irish Technology Director, Burlington School District, with funding provided by the Vermont Department of Education, Title IID: Enhancing Education Through Technology competitive grant program.

For More Information

For additional information, contact Ed Barry – edbarry101244@gmail.com

Online applications are attached below.

Deadline for Applications is December 31, 2011.

Email applications to edbarry101244@gmail.com (Printed signatures accepted) or mail to: Ed Barry, 505 Watkins Rd, Colchester, VT 05446