The Media Spot

In September we will launch a two-year project-based media literacy program at Public School 124 in Brooklyn, NY. I will lead teachers in the 3rd-5th grades in conducting technology-based projects that support existing literacy, English language arts, and social studies curricula in accordance with New York State and national learning standards, while emphasizing the key concepts of media literacy. Teachers will gain experience developing and administering video, blogging, and other tech-based projects by working with me in the classroom, utilizing printable resources we will develop on the TMS and PS 124 websites, and by participating in professional development workshops. I'll also recruit and train student “tech teams” in each class that will lead in the use of digital technology in their classrooms, and help maintain classroom computers.

Andy and I will develop and maintain PS 124 Internet resources that will leverage existing "social networking" web sites and the TMS website, and be linked from the "umbrella" Region 8 PS 124 web site. These resources will allow TMS and PS 124 staff and students to actively publish writing, multimedia projects, and teaching resources to the Internet. In addition to general school information, the PS 124 web site will link to school blogs, uploaded photos and videos, and TMS technology integration documentation.

We will apply our digital technology expertise and lessons learned from this program to enhance the existing PS 124 technology plan at the end of the year. A 2006-2007 year-end staff assessment and review of emerging technologies will inform the plan for 2007-2008. We can't wait to get started!