Internship Proposal
To: Albert Canales, Fossum Middle School Principal
David Marcovitz, PhD, Loyola University of Maryland
From: Janet Johnston
Subject: Technology Internship Proposal, January 2012
As we have discussed previously, I am planning to begin implementing my internship in spring 2012. My coursework with Loyola University of Maryland over the last 3 years has given me the foundations to develop a plan to work with the Fossum Middle School staff to expand their technology skills. With the arrival of iPads in most of our students’ hands, I plan to focus my internship on basic iPad operation, transfer of documents and projects between teacher and student, and various apps and Web 2.0 tools that teachers can use in their classroom. We have discussed the change process at length in my courses: change comes slowly and starts with a few individuals. I am hoping to begin my work with a smaller number of individuals; as they learn new skills I hope that additional staff members will join or will learn from the first group. My focus will begin with teachers who are not part of the technology cadre, although cadre members are certainly invited to participate. My goal is that our school will have a significant group of teachers comfortably incorporating iPad use into their classrooms by April 2012.
I have already surveyed the staff in order to determine their strengths, weaknesses, and interests related to the iPad. This survey was very detailed to help me determine the best approach to take with my internship. I will use this information to help me plan appropriate sessions for staff, as well as develop some reference materials that all staff will be able to access electronically.
I recognize that much of our staff is involved before and after school with duty and coaching sports or UIL teams. Therefore, I will offer some sessions on different days in order to accommodate a larger group. I plan to begin with a few sessions of introductory iPad operation: how to navigate the iPad, use the internet, and introduce a few apps, such as QR readers, that are very simple for students and teachers to use in class. I hope to start these sessions (4:05-5) as early as the week of January 16. Next, I plan to include 1-2 sessions on Edmodo (social networking for schools), and Dropbox (online storage and file sharing). Both are Web 2.0 tools that are also free apps for the iPad, and allow students and teachers to transfer information. My next focus area will be on student tools to promote retention of material, such as Show Me, Doodle Buddy, Idea Sketch and Flashcards. There is a small group of staff interested in learning Pages and Keynote; my last focus area will be to assist teachers with these programs. I plan to remain flexible; the iPad initiative may create needs that we do not yet anticipate.
According to my survey, most interested teachers are available after school. However, for those who are coaches, I plan to offer occasional sessions during period 7 for 7th and 8th grade teachers. I am also willing to work with teachers on a 1-1 basis to follow up on the skills learned.
The final component of my internship will be the creation of a technology resources wiki. On it, I will post electronic copies of the resources I use in the sessions so that any staff member can access it if needed. Any staff member will be able to join the wiki and use it to add tips of their own as well as ask questions of the staff members. It is my hope that this resource will be used in the future as we move towards becoming a 1:1 iPad school.
Thank you for your assistance in helping me to implement my internship.
Internship Approval Form
David Marcovitz, PhD, Loyola University of Maryland
From: Janet Johnston
Subject: Technology Internship Proposal, January 2012
As we have discussed previously, I am planning to begin implementing my internship in spring 2012. My coursework with Loyola University of Maryland over the last 3 years has given me the foundations to develop a plan to work with the Fossum Middle School staff to expand their technology skills. With the arrival of iPads in most of our students’ hands, I plan to focus my internship on basic iPad operation, transfer of documents and projects between teacher and student, and various apps and Web 2.0 tools that teachers can use in their classroom. We have discussed the change process at length in my courses: change comes slowly and starts with a few individuals. I am hoping to begin my work with a smaller number of individuals; as they learn new skills I hope that additional staff members will join or will learn from the first group. My focus will begin with teachers who are not part of the technology cadre, although cadre members are certainly invited to participate. My goal is that our school will have a significant group of teachers comfortably incorporating iPad use into their classrooms by April 2012.
I have already surveyed the staff in order to determine their strengths, weaknesses, and interests related to the iPad. This survey was very detailed to help me determine the best approach to take with my internship. I will use this information to help me plan appropriate sessions for staff, as well as develop some reference materials that all staff will be able to access electronically.
I recognize that much of our staff is involved before and after school with duty and coaching sports or UIL teams. Therefore, I will offer some sessions on different days in order to accommodate a larger group. I plan to begin with a few sessions of introductory iPad operation: how to navigate the iPad, use the internet, and introduce a few apps, such as QR readers, that are very simple for students and teachers to use in class. I hope to start these sessions (4:05-5) as early as the week of January 16. Next, I plan to include 1-2 sessions on Edmodo (social networking for schools), and Dropbox (online storage and file sharing). Both are Web 2.0 tools that are also free apps for the iPad, and allow students and teachers to transfer information. My next focus area will be on student tools to promote retention of material, such as Show Me, Doodle Buddy, Idea Sketch and Flashcards. There is a small group of staff interested in learning Pages and Keynote; my last focus area will be to assist teachers with these programs. I plan to remain flexible; the iPad initiative may create needs that we do not yet anticipate.
According to my survey, most interested teachers are available after school. However, for those who are coaches, I plan to offer occasional sessions during period 7 for 7th and 8th grade teachers. I am also willing to work with teachers on a 1-1 basis to follow up on the skills learned.
The final component of my internship will be the creation of a technology resources wiki. On it, I will post electronic copies of the resources I use in the sessions so that any staff member can access it if needed. Any staff member will be able to join the wiki and use it to add tips of their own as well as ask questions of the staff members. It is my hope that this resource will be used in the future as we move towards becoming a 1:1 iPad school.
Thank you for your assistance in helping me to implement my internship.
Internship Approval Form