TIES: TICT program at Osseo Area Schools
December 4th, 2006 | by Tim Wilson |Mary Klauck, Amy Kretsch, Darrell Olson
Osseo Area Schools
Osseo has started an innovative program called the TICT Initiative (Technology Integration Collaborative Teachers). The presenters are using some really cool technology in their presentation. They’re using a Smartboard and Google Earth to take us on an aerial view of their district. They’re drawing on top of the Google Earth map with the Smartboard.
The TICT mission: Empowering a cadre of teachers who seamlessly integrate technology with District 270 curriculum to create a more interactive, student-centered, and visually engaging classroom to ensure learner success. The TICT initiative includes coaching and collaboration between the TICT teachers and the teachers who comprise the cadre, professional development, and technology hardware including an LCD projector, cart, and wireless keyboard/mouse. Math teachers also get a document camera.
The program is designed with a one-computer classroom model. The teacher’s computer becomes an instructional tool instead of merely and data entry terminal. The wireless keyboard and mouse can be passed around the room to promote interactivity. The presenters say that this approach promotes cooperative learning, focuses on existing curriculum, and engages multiple intelligences. I’m not familiar with the “one-computer classroom model.” I’ll have to see what that’s about. Doesn’t it seem like that’s a step back from 1-to-1? It’s about 30× cheaper of course.
About 180 teachers have participated in TICT cadres so far. Ninety more teachers will be added next year in Cadre III. Each cadre member has to fulfill certain requirements. There is a ton more information at the TICT webpage.
Some of the software tools the TICT program provides are Inspiration, InspireData, Atomic Learning, and United Streaming.
What’s the key technology at work here? It’s the LCD projectors. Almost none of what the Osseo team is doing would be possible without the projector that each TICT cadre member has available. This is consistent with what I’ve heard from other teachers in other districts. Having a projector available all day, every day enables all kinds of innovative instruction. I need to figure out how to make that happen in my district.
Tags: google, google earth, osseo, technology integration, ties, ties2006
5 Responses to “TIES: TICT program at Osseo Area Schools”
By Tom on Dec 4, 2006 | Reply
I think that’s one of the big challenges even with a 1 to 1. Without the interactive abilities though I think it does tend to turn the computers into powerpoint kiosks.
I’ve been thinking of giving this a shot http://lumenlab.com/diyprojector.php?ref=
It’s all about making your own LCD projectors. I doubt it’s feasible on a huge scale but it’s tempting to try- makes it about 1/2 price but the time involved in making it might not be worth that. Now if you could only get high school shop classes churning these out.
Less dream world-
I wonder if enough schools got together if they couldn’t manage a better bulk purchase deal. Do you know of anywhere that’s tried something like this?
By Tim Wilson on Dec 4, 2006 | Reply
I think a lot of projector vendors are basing their education pricing off of state contracts, so theoretically we’re getting the benefit of a volume purchase. Someday it will be possible to communicate wirelessly with the projector. It’s possible now, but my impression so far is that the performance isn’t too good. That will make it a lot cheaper to mount the projectors to the ceiling.
By Chris on Dec 7, 2006 | Reply
I am interested to know what compensation the Osseo teachers receive for being a member of the cadre and when they find the time for staff development. Many of our teachers are less than enthusiastic if they are not paid and never seem to have the time . . .
One more comment-what about the price of LCD replacement bulbs-that will take your breath away!
By Amy and Darrell on Dec 8, 2006 | Reply
Chris –
Although the focus of the TICT Initiative is technology staff development, the carrot for many teachers is the equipment (between $1,300 – $2,000). In exchange for this equipment and training, cadre members agree to spend 15 hours outside of their contract time. 6 of those hours are structured (with us), 8 of those are of their choice and 1 hour is a “Show What you Know”.
We have 90 spots available and last year we had more than 130 apply to be in the Initiative so there is incentive (at least in our district).