The Rome City School District hosted its first-ever Technology Fair for all faculty and staff on September 6. The Fair, which was a joint effort of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Information Technology Department, offered valuable hands-on demonstrations of the technology available in the Rome City School District.
The Technology Fair featured presentation areas where District faculty and staff used demonstrated technology devices like the SmartBoard, SmartCart, and ELMO Visual Presenter to their colleagues. Teachers and instructional staff already familiar with some of these devices found many presentations offering new ideas for the use of District technology inside the classroom. Non-instructional staff also found useful information at the Technology Fair, with several presentations designed to increase understanding of the Districts computer systems and to introduce methods for improving efficiency and simplifying tasks.
In addition to the learning opportunities available at the Technology Fair, all District staff had the opportunity to win an iPod Shuffle that was generously donated by CDW-G. We are happy to announce that one of our Second Grade teachers was the winner of the drawing!
Below is a listing of the presentations that took place at the Rome City School District Technology Fair, as well as brief descriptions of each presentation.
Wide Area Network
Presented by Carol Meiss and Dorothea Iselo
At Wide Area Network, all staff will be familiarized with concepts like the use of the "home folder" for storing saved work, and methods for keeping network storage organized for quick access to important information.
Smart Carts
Presented by Wendy Hovey and Kathy Taraszkiewicz
Smart Carts are an innovative and mobile classroom tool that allows teachers to present interactive lessons as never before. Smart Carts are equipped with a laptop computer, digital projector, VCR, DVD player, and wireless remote control. At this presentation, teachers will see ways to engage students using a Smart Cart.
Smart Boards
Presented by Marli Adams and Mary Morrisroe
Smart Boards are interactive white boards that allow teachers to project, edit, and save hand-written notes or any digital content. Demonstration of Smart Board lessons for English and Music classes will be held at this presentation area.
Rome City School District Software
Presented by Laurene Zarnoch and Shannon Costello
The Rome City School District offers a wide range of software applications to support all subject areas. This presentation will showcase the software available in the District.
Classroom Performance System
Presented by Elaine Rotenberry and Theresa Calidonna
The Classroom Performance System is an interactive tool that can help teachers engage students in fun learning activities. Presenters will demonstrate the CPS, as well as how to get instant feedback on student performance, and how to grade multiple choice quizzes and tests instantly.
RFA Library Media Center
Presented by Marion Bartell and Cathy Woodruff
Rome Free Academy's new Library Media team will describe the Library Media program for faculty and staff, as well as demonstrate some online resources available at RFA.
Middle School Library Media Program
Presented by Karen Sperrazza
Strough Middle School Librarian, Karen Sperrazza, will describe the Library Media program to faculty and staff. There will also be a discussion of streaming video projects.
Staley Library Media Program
Presented by Amber Ripa
Staley Upper Elementary School Librarian, Amber Ripa, will describe the Library Media program for faculty and staff, as well as demonstrate resources available at Staley Elementary.
Elementary Library Media Program
Presented by Henry Zucker, Claudia Weatherby, and Lorayne Calicchia
Members of the elemenetary school library media team will demonstrate several available resources, including: World Book Online, Madison-Oneida Media, Electronic Resources, and our online catalog (OPAC) along with some attractive books used in elementary schools.
Tools for Non-Instructional Staff
Presented by Kathie Reilly and Jessica Albro
This presentation will focus on District technology used in our various office environments. Presenters will describe steps for using the Districts new electronic letterhead, some helpful features of the District telephone system, and a guide to working with attachments in email.
SchoolCenter
Presented by Mark Bratge and Rick Edmunds
SchoolCenter is a Web content management tool used by the Rome City School District to allow faculty and staff to easily update and maintain the District's new Web site. One powerful feature of SchoolCenter available to teachers is the ability to create Web sites specifically for their classrooms. Successful strategies will be described at this presentation, as well as a demonstration of an effective classroom Web site.
ELMO
Presented by Margaret Voci and Anthony Rotolo
An ELMO is a digital presentation device that goes way beyond an overhead projector. The ELMO will be demonstrated and ideas for instructional use will be offered.
Rome Teacher Center
Our friends at the Rome Teacher Center will provide information about the variety of resources offered at their location right in our neighborhood.
Rome Teachers' Association
The RTA will offer information and resources for its members.
Model Schools
Presented by Daniel Farsaci
This presentation will provide teachers with informational materials regarding the Model Schools program offered through Madison-Oneida BOCES, and will include a demonstration of video conferencing equipment as well as a list of video conferences available to teachers.
Data-Driven Instruction
Presented by Sue Martin and Maria Fallacaro
Answers to some frequently asked questions about data. What data does the Rome City School District collect and how is it used? What is a “benchmark analysis,” and how can teachers use it to inform instruction? What is the new testing process for grades 3-8, and why do we participate in field testing?
Internet Safety
Presented by Detective Kevin Simons of the Rome Police Department
Information will be provided on computer-facilitated crimes against children, and how to avoid dangers on the Internet.
