The Internet, along with other education technology solutions, is becoming the best resource for teachers to enhance their teaching. Hundreds of sites populate the web with suggestions for lesson plans, test strategies, and collaboration, most for free.

Education World is one such site that is general in nature but has many articles of interest to school administrators, teachers, and IT personnel. There's also a wealth of information for professional development.

Dr. Bernie Poole, associate professor of education and instructional technology at the University of Pittsburgh, suggests several different free websites that offer free resources for educators.

- 4teachers.org provides platforms for creating quizzes, rubrics, and even classroom architecture, which provides help in the layout of the classroom.

- Web Collaborator is a free, web-based tool designed to help students work as a team on group projects. It takes the headaches out of communicating with different people working on the same task.

- Citation Machine from the Landmark for Schools project helps students correctly cite sources they use for research papers and projects.

Of course, this only scratches the surface of what is out there. EDTECH, an online discussion group for educators, is an excellent way to find resources and exchange ideas, etc.

Whether you have just joined the Blackbaud family or need a refresher on the numerous features of our software, many classes and resources are available. Being properly trained through one of the following options is the best way to ensure you get the most from your investment in Blackbaud's educational software solutions.

1. Classroom training at Blackbaud Headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina

Courses are available in a wide range of Blackbaud educational, fundraising, and data management software products. Plus you will have the benefit of visiting one of the most leisurely and historic cities in the United States.

2. Regional training available in 50 cities across the United States and Canada.

Just like traveling to our facility in Charleston, regional training sessions are held in state-of-the-art facilities. Each student is provided with their own workstation for hands-on learning.

3. Distance learning options available for busy professionals.

Can't travel anywhere? Distance learning can help you just like our in-class options. Instructor-led classes are available in an interactive, live group setting along with the eLearning library which provides self-paced online software lessons.

While these courses and resources can be purchased individually, Blackbaud recognizes organizations have budget constraints but also need a well-trained, passionate staff. For one affordable yearly fee, Blackbaud Training Pass offers unlimited classroom, regional, and distance learning courses along with unlimited access to the eLearning library.

Users of Blackbaud school administrative software or any of their other services can connect with other users through the Blackbaud User Society. Maintained by volunteers, it was developed by Blackbaud users to provide an informational resource separate from the company itself.

The user society includes many items that help school and non-profit administrators maximize the usefulness of their software products. Forums are available for each of Blackbaud's products, including the Raiser's Edge, Education Edge, Intelligence Edge, etc. Users can post questions regarding specific issues that are then addressed by others.

For instance, one recent post was from a college administrator having a difficult time importing test scores into their Blackbaud database. With a quick post to the forum, they received many helpful responses to their inquiry.

The Blackbaud User Society also includes news releases from the company and other topics of interest - with RSS feed capability so users can have those directly downloaded to their desktops.

Another great feature of the society is the user suggestion area. Each year, members from the society meet with developers from Blackbaud to share their insights and suggestions for making their products better. Suggestions are organized into several different categories and ranked by other users.

While the user society is free, you must create an account to fully utilize the site.

The revolution of the Internet expands students to a whole new medium of learning. Free software tutorial web sites as well as freeware are available to teachers and students on practically every subject. Teachers may find this collection of web sites and resources useful in lesson planning:

Technology to Support Learning: Why do teachers need to integrate technology into the classroom?

A Fish Called Megabytes: Elementary school technology program.  Teachers can download sample plans for various subjects.

Best of the Web for Students:  Teacher recommended resources for students categorized by grade level.

Teachers First: Lesson plans, ideas and activities for classrooms.

Access My Library: search publications from libraries nationwide.

Pics 4 Learning:  categorized list of copyrighted images for education

MIT World: a video collection of lectures and public events at MIT.

3D Science: free science clip art.

NetTrekker: educational search engine for parents and teachers.  Low monthly subscription.

S.W.A.L.K.: collection of abbreviations from the old days to modern-day text messaging.

Teachers can find it difficult to communicate with parents. Sometimes, problems that could have been resolved if parents were aware sooner go unaddressed and cause the student to fall behind. Proper communication of student attendance, progress, and grades is important in helping to ensure a child succeeds in the classroom.

Many schools across the country are turning to technology to address this concern. School administrators, like Debbie Hamilton in Albuquerque, New Mexico say the improved communication makes students more accountable for their work and eliminates unwelcome "surprises" on report cards.

For instance, the webmaster for Debbie Hamilton's school says their site receives at least 500 hits a day. He has calculated that students/parents that do not utilize teacher grading software are 400% more likely to receive a deficiency report.

Class scheduling software, in addition to grade reports, provides another benefit to online communication. Students and parents alike can log-on to view lesson plans, assignments, etc. to be fully aware of what's going on.

Grading and report card software not only provides greater communication between teachers and parents but also greatly reduces the need for printed reports. Many school districts across the country are facing tightening budgets so any help in reducing costs is very welcome.

Probably the biggest benefit to report card, class scheduling, and class attendance software is the enhancement of the teacher/parent relationship. Having easy access to their child's progress has greatly enhanced the idea that teachers and parents are partners in a child's education and development.

Enrollment management solutions available at Blackbaud allow you to use the Internet to connect your school community. Education Edge Internet Solutions provides all the benefits detailed above and reduces administrative burdens on teachers, allowing them to devote more time to actually teaching.

Google did it again.  Another FREE software debut in February: Google Sites.  Build a web site, shares video, images, files and centralize your information in one place.  This can be a good tool for teachers who can create web sites and eaily update information on class schedules, projects, exams, etc.

Quick Facts and Features:

>>Build websites easily. No knowledge of HTML required.

>>Customize the site to your look and feel

>>Upload files, videos, presentations, slideshows, etc.

>>Set permission as to who can view or edit your site i.e collaborators, viewers, etc.

>>Search function powered by Google Search Technology


View examples of sites customized for teachers and students:

Student Club

Teacher Classroom

More information on Google Sites >>

By Michael Bustamante

Online Teacher education offers a flexible approach that fits college coursework into busy daily lives. Leading schools offer Online Teacher programs that make possible teaching certification or teacher licensure (depending on the term used by different states and school districts) completely from the home office.

Online Teacher programs allow for the required practice teaching in a regular classroom, a critical component of any teaching program which is only way to integrate academic knowledge and teaching skills. Demonstration of teaching prepares for the challenges of actual classroom performance.

Bachelor's, master's, and post-baccalaureate Online Teacher programs are also available. These Online Teacher programs are ideal for those who need a bachelor's degree and want to become a certified elementary school teacher or middle school generalist. Online Teacher education programs are designed for students to earn degrees, and are suited for school paraprofessionals, unlicensed substitute teachers, and others who feel a call to teach.

The Online Teacher programs that offer Bachelor of Science in Education further the opportunity to pursue teacher certification in K-6 Elementary Education and 7-12 Secondary Mathematics Education. These Online Teacher education programs are rigorous and provide a strong background for pursuing careers in areas of human resources, corporate training, and other education-related careers.

Online Teacher education programs prepare for advanced studies and opportunities to pursue an Online Master of Science in Education. Online Masters programs prepare students with practical skills, knowledge, and experience, and provides a strong foundation for career advancement, executive and senior level positions, and future doctoral studies.

Some advanced Online Teacher programs are taught in groups over months completely online. There is no residency requirement, nor is classroom attendance required for such degrees. Students in these Online Teacher programs concentrate primarily in higher education administration and organizational management.

You can find your school and advance your teaching skills through Online Teacher programs at www.schoolsgalore.com..

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Teacher Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bustamante

By Linda Lea

Education is hungry for change and this will require a shift in thinking welling up from within the system to bring about a new consciousness. Teachers as leaders calling forth their students, asking powerful questions, listening from a place of non-judgment, is a concept whose time has come. In partnership, teacher and student will actively engage in learning because they are passionate about the subject and excited about the future of their world. Out of this place, a co-active role will develop to create the flow that is needed for teachers to lead and to allow their students to grow as individuals. In return, a mutual trust and respect will emerge. This is a description of what is possible when coaching is introduced into the classroom. Giving teachers coaching skills may be the answer to what is not working in Education today.

Research does not reflect the kind of success that teachers would like to claim for their students and their profession. It is a complicated mixture of socio- economic, personal, and emotional issues that challenges everyone who is involved in Education. And the public demands that tests reflect the measure of success that teachers are having on their students. Little attention is paid to the holistic emotional well being of children.

Daniel Goleman's work in Emotional Intelligence suggests that a skill set of six concepts is tantamount to address in addition to the academics taught in the classroom. Goleman perceives self-awareness, managing emotions, empathy communication co-operation and resolving conflicts, as necessary elements for the successful emotional development of the child. (Self-Science: The Subject is Me). He infers that pupil mediators could be available to teach the following skills outside of the classroom. Instead of outside pupil mediators teachers as coaches, leading the way, would open new doors in the holistic development of their students.

The idea of creating teachers as coaches is an intriguing one. Why not give teachers the skills to co-actively support their students in an environment that allows for everyone to be heard, an environment where no one gets to be wrong. Resolving conflicts through co-active communication would create a symbiotic relationship that would transform Education. A new energy would emerge, allowing students to grow both intellectually emotionally and spiritually This vision is embraced by coaches who are committed to making a difference in Education.

Teachers who design and implement change, instill creativity, listen to and hear their students are modeling leadership skills. One might say that they inspire through personal charisma, calling their students to action. There is an element of mystery as to how this actually happens that one person can ignite a fire in the human psyche big enough to cause someone to follow. And there is an aura around teachers who can feel the energy and produce what is needed to call forth greatness, in partnership with their students. However, there is a vast difference in co-actively leading versus telling students what to do and expecting an intended outcome.

Parker Palmer in his book, The Courage To Teach, asserts that good teachers join self and subject and students in the fabric of life. This points to a rich integration of concepts; a tapestry, woven together to produce results. Palmer sees communication, both listening and speaking, as essential for success. The lack of clear communication has a trickle down effect, from administrators to teachers, to students to the rest of the world. It is the single biggest component in a recipe for failure in the education system. Teaching the skills of listening, problem solving and leadership are tools that will empower the lives of everyone involved in the system. Coaching is the key to opening a new kind of communication in the classroom. Just as running into my former student helped me to reflect on the important role that I played in his life, teachers as coaches will transform education, one student at a time, until the impact is felt around the world.

Dr. Linda Lea is a former Professor of Teacher Education and currently, a Certified Coach and an Education Consultant. She is the Director of an International Education Program for a nonprofit organization working in East Africa. A world traveler and lecturer. Her work in coaching is with professional men and women and anyone who is passionate about Education. For more information go to http://www.LindaLea.com

Teaching Ideas: Teacher Grading Tips
Source: Teachnology: The Web Portal for Educators



"Making Testing Do-able"
Jody R., Prep Teacher: Newark, New Jersey

"It seems like towards the end of every year, all students are doing is taking tests. Students often will do less than their best work just do to the stress of it all.

What I did to combat this is pull them out of their stressed little world's in between tests. I would usually play a game with them that took their minds off of testing. In the end, a number students always thank me for making it a little easier on them."


The "BUG List"
Martha Loyless, 6th Grade Teacher: Science/Social Studies

"There are many students who will never make the honor roll list, but they do try hard and show improvements from grading period to grading period. I now post the "BUG List" which is an acronym for "I Brought Up My Grade." This list is posted along with the honor roll list to encourage effort. I also put a sticker of a bug on their report card or progress report. They love it, and it really seems to encourage those students who try so hard."


"Grading Papers"
Jenna Tullevier, Math Teacher

"I got tired of students claiming --"I turned it in. You must have lost my paper." After collecting an assignment, I automatically staple the stack together. That way, it is impossible to "lose" one student's paper. If I "lose" one, then I lose all! It is harder to lose a stack than just one."


"Grading Short Answers Fast"
Nancy Zest, Primary Teacher: Newberry, CT

"For years I hated grading short answer tests and quizzes. Then somebody taught this method of grading and all of that changed. What you do is: 1. Find a very long table, then lay all the papers side by side. 2. Get a chair with wheels. 3. Start from one side of the table and grade two problems at a time, then roll to the next problem and grade the first two questions on every test. 4. Then roll back the other way to grade the next two questions. 5. Repeat until you finish grading.

It sounds crazy, but it cut down my grading time by about 50%."


"The Homework Game"
Steve, 9th Grade Science Teacher

"I had trouble getting my students to participate in homework/class work reviews, so I created this game. I randomly choose one student, before we start the review. This student then chooses who answers each question throughout the review. He/She can not choose the same person twice throughout the review. Which usually means, that each student has to answer one question. As a class they are allowed to get three wrong. If they get four wrong (as a class), they don't get the prize. The prize usually is 5 points extra on everyone's homework grade. You can't believe how effective this has been. They even study together before the reviews now!"

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Gradebook: Teacher Grading Programs

Manage student activities through Gradebook, one of the best grading programs for teachers. Store student grades, track class progress and more with Gradebook, the leading electronic gradebook from Blackbaud.

The Education Edge^TM, a product of Blackbaud Inc., is a comprehensive student information system developed exclusively to enhance school administration and student management.

Source: Midland Reporter-Telegram

For the first time, Texas schools will have software and textbooks to help teach technology to students in grades kindergarten through six.

Midland Independent School District currently has curriculum for youngsters in grades eight through high school, but has to "do-it-yourself" for kindergarten through sixth grade students, Director of Technology and Information Management Betty Fowler said. Right now, seventh-graders don't have computer courses.

Fowler and four technology teacher trainers had their first session with Dorothy McAbee, sales consultant, career and technology with Pearson Prentice Hall in Coppell at the administration office Wednesday.

Another training session is set for July 29 with Learning.com Easytech for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, she said.

"I hope to be able to come back to you in a few months after we've been trained," Fowler told school board members at Tuesday's meeting.

The technology teacher trainers will fan out to the district campuses and train teachers the new software.

Also, teachers who taught computer literacy will work with other teachers on teaching students how to do a PowerPoint presentation for a book report, for example, she said.

"I'm very excited about it because we've never had these materials before," Fowler said. "... It's given us a boost."

"Now we will have more standardization. That's probably the key to why I'm so excited," she said.

Lead technology teacher trainer Ann Dixon agrees. "It will be wonderful for teachers to have the opportunity to integrate technology into their programs. This will provide materials they've needed for a long time," Dixon said.

"I like the materials we've adopted. I think they will make it easier for teachers to do the things they need to do to help students learn to use technology as a tool for learning and for life," she said.

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The Education Edge: Administrative Software for Independent Schools

How does the school administration benefit from the Education Edge?

The Education Edge is a comprehensive student information management system developed from the ground up to fulfill the needs of independent schools as they guide their students to success. The Education Edge integrated information management system connects daily operations in the school environment ranging from Admissions and Registration to Finance, Faculty, Medical and Business Development. This reduces data error and ensures that information is always up-to-date throughout the school.

View Demo: Blackbaud School Administrative Sofware

Complete Information on School Administrative Software