eMINTS In Our Classroom Created by Melissa Timmerman A PowerPoint for Parents

How did we get so lucky? Over the summer I wrote a grant, asking for support from the state to become an eMINTS classroom. In September the approved districts and schools were notified. There were 100 grants given throughout the state This grant was made possible by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

eMINTS / METS eMINTS stands for enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies Governor Blunt started the METS (Mathematics, Engineering, Technology and Science) Initiative to address issues in student achievement.

eMINTS Philosophy The eMINTS philosophy is based on inspiring educators to use technology to create engaging learning experiences for students. The technology-rich environment provide students with the tools to demonstrate higher-order thinking skills as they learn. Technology provides students with an opportunity to push their learning outside of the walls of the classroom.

Action in our eMINTS Classroom eMINTS Professional Development Year 1 – 100 hours Year 2 – 75 hours Master’s Degree The technology will allow me to provide my students with opportunities to deepen their understanding of learning.

Curriculum and Technology: Communication Through Online Projects Technology will allow us to communicate beyond the walls of our classroom through online projects. Online projects provide opportunities to integrate the technology. We are able to communicate with other classes at other schools.

Scaffolding Technology also offers many opportunities for differentiating for all students. With projects for the whole class, I am able to provide scaffolding, which are extra steps and resources that may help students succeed.

Meaningful Assignments All of the opportunities that technology provides bring changes in my classroom. As a result there are less worksheets and more meaningful assignments. Students are able to interact with the technology and engage in higher-order thinking activities. They will constantly creating something or synthesizing information to use for a project.

Motivating Students Technology will allow me to motivate students to love learning. I am able to gear lessons specifically to what students enjoy. This is one reason that students enjoy interactive educational games! I believe students will become more internally motivated as the use of technology increases.

Classroom Website Towards the end of February I will begin creating a classroom website I plan to include easy access to information for students and parents such as: Our daily schedule Wyland Calendar Expectations / Policies Educational websites

In Summary… eMINTS is a beneficial program that involves students in higher-order thinking skills Students are able to explore beyond the walls of the classroom in many different ways Technology can be integrated into curriculum in meaningful ways

Resources eMINTS National Site Sarah Nepple – Valley Park Elementary x.html x.html A special thank you to Mr. Vargo and Mrs. Pfeifer for all their support!

Thank you for coming…