Empowering Educators by Sharing Technology Resources Presented by: Margie Brown and Therese Turman Georgia Tech Research Institute Presented by: Margie Brown and Therese Turman Georgia Tech Research Institute

Overview of Presentation u Foundations for the Future u Explorers Guild u Workshop Demonstrations u Questions and Answers

Foundations for the Future (F3)

Background of F3 u A collaboration of a higher education institution and industry representatives working with the support of key agencies and educators

Focus of F3 u Help accelerate the application of telecom technology for interconnecting K-12 schools for collaborative learning, remote access to educational facilities, and Internet-based resources in Georgia.

F3 Funding u Provided initially by the AT&T Foundation through a $2 million grant. u In July 1998, F3 was awarded an annual allocation of $295 from the State of Georgia.

The Team Dara O’NeilJeff Evans Claudia Huff Jim Demmers Margie BrownLeigh FitzpatrickVicki Ainslie Therese Turman Chris Evans Jay Sexton

What We Do u Provide technical assistance and resources u Provide proposal writing assistance u Provide policy input

What Else We Do u Sponsor and present at workshops and conferences u Provide a monthly community newsletter “OuttaSite!” u Provide training and information outreach to K-12 schools in Georgia

Explorers Guild

Objectives for Explorers Guild u Opportunities for teachers/administrators to learn:  new technology tools  cutting-edge applications to assist in the classroom  strategies for increasing funding base u Georgia Tech researchers lend their technical expertise in an informal setting

The Concept u The Explorers Guild mission is to develop a teacher-driven professional development component for F3 u Teachers take learning and technology savvy back to students, parents, and the community u Explorers Guild attendees receive SDU credits

The Forum u Key Functions  Professional Development Facility  Model Classroom  Learning Technology Testbed  Technology Transfer Center

In the Beginning u May 1999, the Explorers Guild began as the Internet Explorers Club u Facilitated first workshop to gather feedback from teachers u Examples of past workshops

Workshop Structure u Administer annual assessment of workshops as needed to:  redefine objectives  broaden focus  develop more proactive marketing approach u Survey the needs of our audience

Workshop Structure (cont.) u Facilitate workshops to get speakers/instructors for the audience u Evaluate all workshops for their effectiveness u Develop and maintain following via list and mailings

Future E.G. Outreach u list keeps teachers/administrators updated on technology related issues u DeKalb County School System–community focused workshops in conjunction with the Family Technology Resource Centers

Workshop Demonstrations HTML Web Design Online Funding Sources

Questions and Answers

Contact Information Margie Brown Therese Turman