The Tech Fair Workshops

The Using the Internet to Improve Literacy K – 5 workshop presented by Cristina Crowell (Washington), Bruce Ryno (Cook), Edwin Ruiz (Jefferson) provided attendees with information on free websites that can be accessed from home to help students with reading and writing. It will also include a demonstration of how to create folders on the desktop to provide easy access to these sites for students. The Using Technology with Trophies/ Trofeos presentation demonstrated the Trophies software and the tools available through the Harcourt School learning sites. This workshop was facilitated by Daniele Dorcely, Technology Coordinator for Evergreen and Maxson. The CompassLearning Odyssey workshop facilitated by Robin Faltz (CompassLearning)exhibited strategies to identify and strengthen student weaknesses. A learning path of engaging and interactive lessons was prescribed which can be monitored by parents and allows them to participate in their child(ren)’s progress. The Read 180 presentation by Dwaine Millard (Scholastic) provided an overview of the capabilities of READ 180’s proven model to assist in growth in reading skills, as well as a demonstration of the classroom experience. John McCabe of Gateway Computers’ workshop: “Get the Best Deal for Your Home Computer Purchase” was very well attended as he focused on the research and purchase of computers for home use including benefits of desktop, notebook and tablet PC’s and after sale support.

Soft Phone.
 
About two years ago the PBOE decided to move to the latest in voice technology VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). This technology has enabled the district to move voice communications to the next level while saving the district thousands of dollars per year.
 
Soft Phone Technology will ultimately enable us to move all voice traffic to the data circuits and discontinue the need for the district’s voice lines . VOIP enables us to simultaneously utilize the district’s wireless WAN (Wide Area Network) for voice communications and wireless internet services. Once fully implemented, Soft Phone, an Avaya communications solution, will allow us to load their software to a computer and operate our computers as if it were an actual phone with all phone features. Included in the Soft Phone package as well is the popular directory button that enables district personnel to locate staff phone extensions and call them with one touch without needed to flip through the actual paper directory. By loading this software to a laptop computer you could carry your “district phone” to any district building and be equipped to make and receive calls as you were in your actual office.
 
IT staff members are presently testing this technology for future deployment across the district. One of the district’s goals with the Soft Phone Technology is to give teachers phone access in order to enhance their communication with parents on a more frequent and cost effective basis. We in Plainfield are excited about this new tool and look forward to taking advantage of this new technology.

Robotics and Digital Learning Community

The Plainfield School District also put on display some of its signature programs and technology initiatives. Victoria Gerstorfer, Charisse Parker and Ryan Sears of the Information Technology Department demonstrated the use of the district’s web-based gradebook Grade Quick Web. Mr. Zullo lead a Robotics Exhibitionto showcase the PHS Robotics Team robot they built through its paces! Teachers Marc Levenson (ABET) and Joseph Colodne (Maxson) along with District Administrators Steve Missal (Social Studies) and Louis Rivera (Community Relations) provided hands-on demonstrations of how video teleconferencing is bringing students, teachers, and administrators together across the district, the state and the world. Mr. Levenson also showcased the uses and benefits of podcasting in the classroom. Most Recently there was an article in The Star Ledger about Mr. Levenson and his history class in the Academy of Business Engineering and Technology which highlighted how technology is enhancing class assignments and participation while strengthening the production and exhibition of multi media student presentations.

Vendor Donations and Raffles

CompUSA donated two $50 gift certificates. Aspect Computers donated two printers. Hatch (preschool hardware provider) donated a backpack with educational software. CompassLearning donated portfolios with flash drives for participating district staff. Gateway computers donated a package of logoed items – mug, thermos, blanket, and umbrella. Apple donated two polo shirts and a portfolio. Scholastic (Read 180) donated a Twenty-Five book library. Harcourt donated educational software packages. The Plainfield Fire Department was well represented and distributed fire safety items and information.