Instructional Technology Center
Room 262
dsilva@fallriverschools.org

Welcome to my Durfee Instructional Technology web page. My main goal here is to encourage teachers to understand the importance of integrating technology into their instructional lessons. I am at your disposal to help you understand and implement numerous technology-related strategies. Feel free to contact me at any time for assistance.

The use of technology in the classroom is well-suited to the 21st century learners we have before us and offers a wide array of options to help students better understand the material presented. To better appreciate the importance of these methods, I have included the following quick video. Please take a look.

During the month of February, the Instructional Technology staff will focus on the use of Khan Academy to enhance classroom instruction. Khan Academy features a library of videos which covers K-12 math, science topics such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and even reaches into the humanities with playlists on finance and history. Each video is approximately 10 minutes long, and especially purposed for viewing on the computer.

I will also continue to help teachers with the many benefits associated with using Discovery Education, which offers digital media content that is engaging and brings the world into the classroom to give every student a chance to experience fascinating people, places, and events. All content is aligned to state standards, can be aligned to custom curriculum, and supports classroom instruction regardless of the technology platform.

In addition, I am available for training on a host of other topics. Staff can learn about using aspects of X2, including the functional Gradebook and the features of Google Apps and e-mail. Training is also available for the Easiteach Next Generation software, that goes along with the newly installed eno Boards, FastStone Capture and Glogster.

Training Topic Links:

Google Apps

Savvy teacher websites

X2 Functional Gradebook

YouTube Alternatives

i-SAFE

In an effort to increase awareness of Internet safety, staff members are being asked to go through a training program which addresses numerous areas concerning web use. The training is self-paced and can be done anywhere there is Internet access. To get started, set up an appointment with me (dsilva@fallriverschools.org) to go over the how-to's of the training and from there, go about the online training at your convenience.

Upon completion of the training, you will receive a certificate, which you can pass in to the Tech Support office for 10 PDPs. Teachers who become certified will then have access to instructional materials that can be used to integrate into their instructional lessons.

Technology Tools & Ideas