February+-+March+2011


 * __ Virginia Department of Education Update __**

**__Free SketchUp Pro Licenses __**

SketchUp Pro is software used to create 3-D models of a variety of objects. A free version is available now, but the Pro version offers extra features. The DOE has entered into a statewide license agreement that allows all school divisions to use the software for free. Contact Teresa Coryell (Teresa.Coryell@doe.virginia.gov) for more information on obtaining a license number. There are several licensing variations. Licenses are available for individual users (recommended for teachers with a home computer, to prepare for lessons), Mac and Windows labs, and Mac and Window laptops (capable of connecting to a network but will also work off network). The software is being used in approximately 30 states thus far, with great success. The licenses last for three years with free updates. Instructions for loading the software onto a network are included along with a Google support page. The DOE plans to offer professional development at a later date. A superintendent’s memo, with details, is due out in a week or two.

__ **Thinkfinity in Virginia Community ** __

If you haven’t joined the Thinkfinity Community, you might want to do so: @http://community.thinkfinity.org/index.jspa It’s free, of course. Create an account, then make sure you join the [|Thinkfinity in Virginia group]. Also, visit the [|Thinkfinity in Virginia web site]. I’ve started a blog there to connect Thinkfinity resources with Virginia educational initiatives and SOL. The last two entries were on College and Career Readiness (focusing on the new English SOL) and developing skills kids need to participate in project-based learning.

**__New Thinkfinity Excellence in Teaching Award Competition __**

The DOE has received a new grant to support a competition to select 8 teachers (one from each Superintendent’s Study Region) who use Thinkfinity resources to teach content and 21st century skills. The purpose of the contest is to reward teachers who consistently use Thinkfinity resources in creative ways. Contestants need to submit 8 lessons plans (single-day lessons, or very short lessons, not whole units). Winning contestants will be recognized at an awards event (expenses paid for winner and two guests); $1,000 to attend and present at a local, regional or national conference; and an iPad. One of the 8 winners will also be named Thinkfinity Teacher of the Year and will receive $1,000 in cash. See the [|Superintendent's Memo] for more information.

**__New Online ThinkFinity End-user Training __**

The DOE is developing an online professional development class for end-users of Thinkfinity using a combination of Blackboard and videos posted to Virginia on iTunes U. The videos can also be used as stand-alone tutorials. The class should be ready this summer. The DOE is also working to create a facilitated online course for the new Intel Elements modules. The course will be much shorter than the usual Intel courses and will use an interactive Web site as the basis for learning about new approaches to teaching. These will be announced to the Tech Directors, ITRT and Librarian via email.

**__Six New Episodes for Infinite Learning Lab coming __**

The Infinite Learning Lab, which currently has lessons for Internet Safety, will be expanding to include 6 new lessons. All of the lessons are on character education. This next group of lessons will include English lessons. Infinite Learning Lab is the old Pokémon Learning League which had about 140 lessons. The lessons continue to be transitioned over to lessons using the Garfield characters. A superintendent’s memo, with details, will be released soon.

[|Infinite Learning Lab]

**__Update of Library Media Specialists Contact List __**

Your school division should have been contacted by Betsy Gragnani in our office in an effort to update our list of Library Media Specialists (LMSs) contacts in each school division. This is the person who is in charge of library issues for the whole division, not individual specialists; though we know sometimes an individual specialist takes on this role.

**__ March Update __**

__ ** Mini-Grants for High School Purchase of NBC Learn Archives on Demand ** __

An additional incentive has been offered through NBC by providing an 18-month subscription for the original price of a 12-month subscription, if the order is placed by **April 1, 2011.** This will give access for the rest of this school year and all of the 2011-2012 school year for the price of one year.

VDOE Funding for the Mini-Grants for High School Purchase of NBC Learn Archives on Demand Reimbursement Request Forms must be submitted to W. Terry Dougherty, grants administrator, career and technical education, prior to **June 10, 2011**.

See [|Superintendent’s Memo #053-11] for reimbursement form and additional information.

The goal of the company’s pilot program is to empower schools with the ability to design, develop, and distribute applications to iTunes. The system that teachers will be using is an internet based platform that enables them to create applications that can be customized to meet their curricular needs. Teachers only need to have a high degree of content knowledge and basic computer skills, as there are no programming or advanced technical skills required. This program is ideal for schools that have iPod Touch based labs that are currently being used, or will be ordered for next school year.
 * __ iPod App Development Pilot Program __**

This pilot program began on March 1 and will run through August 1, 2011. There are no costs or fees associated with the pilot program. Teachers may work on a single app as a team. The company will provide technical assistance to all involved parties.

For any school division interested in participating in this pilot program, please send me the names, email addresses, and titles of your ITRTs and/or teachers that you know will want to participate by Friday, April 1.

The only requirements are that those involved with the project must sign a non-disclosure agreement and all participants must have their own iPod device (not intended for iPads at this time).