Tech+SI+Description

= **Technology, Writers and Writing:** **An Advanced Mini Technology Institute** =

Description
If computers could do nothing but word processing, they would be worth their weight in gold, for as William Zinsser so eloquently states in his seminal work, __On Writing Well__ (p.189), “The word processor is the writer’s dishwasher: it liberates you from a chore that drains your energy”. But computers can do so much more! Technology is a way of life for our “digital native” students. In this advanced mini technology institute you will learn how to unleash the power of technology to support your writing instruction and your students’ writing development. You’ll spend three “hands on” days exploring such technology tools as: Each day will be split between “hands on” time with these powerful technology tools and review of research with discussions on the implications of using these tools with students. Come immerse yourself in these powerful technology tools and discover how they can change teaching and learning for you and your students forever.
 * The word processor as a feedback tool – Employing Track Changes and inserting Comments to give students feedback on their writing
 * Online writing tools to assist teachers with writing instruction
 * Online collaboration tools – Blogs, Wikis, Google docs and what lies beyond
 * Information literacy skills and strategies – Searching and researching AKA :Separating the wheat from the chaff”
 * The “brave new world” of instant messaging and personal videoconferencing
 * Tools for teachers for designing simple Web pages

Objectives
As a result of taking part in this workshop, participants will:
 * Explore a variety of technology tools that are currently available to support teaching and learning.
 * Use the word processor as a feedback and collaboration tool.
 * Create a Blog or a Wikispace and post content to it.
 * Apply specific search and research strategies to find online resources that will support their students’ literacy development.

Audience
Teachers in all content areas in Grades 6-12, Technology Teachers, Technology Integration Specialists

Brief Bio on Jane Cook
Jane Cook has worked as a Staff Development Specialist/Literacy and Educational Technology Coach for EASTCONN for the past 22 years. She also serves as the Technology Program Leader for the CT Writing Project in Storrs. Jane has been working with teachers and students on integrating technology into education since the late 1970’s – in the days of the Apple II+ and the Commodore 64 computers - long before Windows was even a gleam in the eye of Bill Gates. She has experience in both the Apple and the PC platforms and expertise in designing curriculum that integrates technology as a tool for teaching and learning across all content areas.