Technology Specialist Training

There are 8 Technology Specialists in our district. Each Technology Specialist assists in the integration of Technology Applications TEKS in the K-12 curriculum. The Technology Specialists will attend conferences, training sessions, and become members of professional instructional technology associations. This will allow the Technology Specialists and provide adequate training for educators administrators in our district and keep abreast of new emerging technologies.

Texas Computer Education Association 2004 Convention and Expo February 2-6, 2004 in Austin, Texas [ Click here ]

We will be sponsoring 6 middle school computer literacy teachers and 16 principals to attend the TCEA Convention. TCEA 2004’s theme invites us to look into the future and ‘experience a new vision for technology’. It also challenges us to learn about the latest and most up-to-date technology solutions and incorporate them into our teaching and learning. ‘20/20 Foresight’ inspires a renewed enthusiasm for our shared vision of professional development, training, technical standards, and commitment to the future.

Element K – Online Learning [ Click here ]

100 Element K accounts will be provided to MISD employees interested in taking on-line courses for T.E. credit. Benefits of taking on-line courses: Knowledge on-demand: MISD staff can access training instantly-at the office, at home, or on the road, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Education is available when and where you want (and need) it.; Self-Paced Courses: Through interactive self-paced courses, staff members can take advantage of an extensive on-line reference library; Variety: Hundreds of in-depth courses are available instantly-covering everything from “MS Office software” to “FrontPage” web editing software; No Cost to Employees: The accounts are free to employees, and will be assigned on a first-come-first-served-basis.

Texas Association for School Administrators Technology Leadership Academy [ Click here ]

The purpose of the academy is to increase technology knowledge and skills of principals and superintendents (also assistant principals, assistant superintendents, and associate superintendents in Harris County), including how to support integration of technology in the classroom, help administrators be more involved in making technology decisions or technology decision making, and help administrators model technology use to staff, students, and community.

Master Technology Teacher [ Click here ]

The 77th Texas legislature passed House Bill 1475 which mandates a Master Technology Teacher certification and grant program. This program is very similar to the Master Reading Teacher and Master Mathematics Teacher. Both the Texas Education Agency and State Board for Educator Certification are involved in the implementation of this legislation to ensure that there are teachers with special training to work with other teachers and with students in order to increase the use of technology in each classroom.

Instructional Technology Contests

• District Technology Teachers of the Year
• Region One Student Technology Contest
  • Win a digital camera! Students (3-12th grades) can enter projects in the following categories: Web Publishing Design, Desktop Publishing, Digital Video, Multimedia, and Digital Graphics.

PDA’s in the Classroom

This pilot program provides teachers the tools and training needed to utilize PDA’s in the classroom.

Technology Summer Share Fair

The Technology Summer Share Fair will provide MISD staff and the community with technology training opportunities and best practices workshops.

Campus Technology Team Meetings and Support

Each campus has a Campus Technology Team. The Campus Technology Team is usually comprised of the Principal or Assistant Principal, several teachers in different departments or grade levels, and selected office staff. The team shares the responsibility for setting goals, making and executing technology plans, and measuring success.

Projector Combos [ Click here ]

A teacher must attend a two day session in order to receive a Projector Combo (computer, projector, wireless hub, MS Office, and desk).

Hardware/Supplies

• LCD Projector
• Disk on Key
• Training Materials
• Other New Technologies