I wish to compliment each of you for your intensity level, dedication, and commitment to high level technology implementation during the three-day LoTi Mentor Certification Institute at the Irving ISD Administration Building. Earlier today, we focused on (1) implementing the LoTi Observer as a component of your Next Steps Action Plan, (2) modeling sample professional development interventions involving Differentiated Instruction & Technology Use and EBAM (Experiential-based Action Model), and (3) maximizing the use of your LoTi Mentor Certification manual and LMC CD for professional development purposes.
LoTi Observer
To try out the Texas Demo version of the LoTi Observer with your Palm Handheld, follow the steps below:
1. Go to the LoTi Lounge (http://www.lotilounge.com)
2. Enter Group ID: txlotiadmin
3. Enter User Password: txlotiadmin
4. Select LoTi Observations (lower left corner of webpage)
4. Follow online instructions to (1) Download Handheld LoTi Observer Component, (2) Download Teachers to Handheld for Observation, and (3) Upload Results from Handheld Observations.
In lieu of the handheld LoTi Observer, you can manually conduct a LoTi Walkthrough using the walk-through forms on pages 191-197 of the LoTi Mentor Certification manual.
Sample Professional Development Interventions
Over the course of the 3-day mentor certification program, I modeled several interventions to bolster technology implementation at the campus level. Remember the Clapping Simulation, Few Computer Classroom (reaction time vs gender), Monster Exchange, Bell-Starters, Differentiated Instruction and Technology Use, and lastly, EBAM (Experiential-based Action Model).
It is important to remember that implementing LoTi does not follow a cookbook receipe; rather, the entire process can be woven into an existing instructional initiative (e.g., Complex Thinking Skills, Questioning Strategies, Formative Assessment Practices, Differentiated Instruction) or become the de facto Whole School Reform Model for your district.
LoTi Mentor Certification Manual and CD
Yesterday, I modeled how to maximize the use of your manual and CD to conduct either small or large scale professional development interventions for staff. I coined these interventions as LoTi Skill Sets. Provided below is a summary.
LoTi Skill Sets - Rubrics
• Clapping Simulation
LMC Manual - Page 139
• Good, Better, Best Simulation
LMC Manual - Page 142
• online Rubric Makers (e.g., RubiStar)
http://ww2.ikeepbookmarks.com/lotischools
LoTi Skill Sets - Target Tech Units
• The Great American Apple Pie Simulation
LoTi Mentor CD - Session #10
• Apollo 13 Presentation
LoTi Mentor CD - Session #11
• Experiential-based Action Model Units
LMC Manual - Page 164
LoTi Mentor CD - Session #12
LoTi Skill Sets - Differentiated Instruction
• Roll the Dice PowerPoint Simulation
LMC Manual - Page 163
• Evaluating Web Projects - Differentiation
LMC Manual - Page 98
• High/Low Simulation
LMC Manual - Page 162
LoTi Skill Sets - Thinking Skills
• Bloom Review - Chris in Texas
LMC Manual - Page 40
• Bloom Workout Videos
LoTi Mentor CD - Session #3
• Complex Thinking Simulation
LMC Manual - Page 46
LoTi Mentor CD - Session #6
LoTi Skill Sets - LoTi Framework
• Classroom Technology Case Study
LoTi Mentor CD - Session #1
• LoTi Framework
LMC Manual - Page 55
LoTi Mentor CD - Session #2
• LoTi Observations
LoTi Mentor CD - Session #3
• LoTi Review - Manatee Cards, Teacher Narratives, WebQuests, Sample Lesson Plans, LoTi Mentor CD -
Session #4
LoTi Skill Sets - Performance Tasks
• Evaluating Web Projects
LMC Manual - Page 145
LoTi Mentor CD - Session #8
• Supersizing Lesson Plans
LMC Manual - Page 102
• Designing “High-Octane” Performance Tasks
LoTi Mentor CD - Session #7
LoTi Mentor CD - Session #9
LoTi Skill Sets - Extreme Tech Makeovers
• Evaluating Web Projects Handout
LMC Manual - Page 89
• Introduce Makeover Candidate (e.g., lesson plan, instruction unit, learning experience, Web project)
• Conduct Makeover
• Show Before/After
LoTi Lounge Subscription
Let us know if you would like a free subscription to the LoTi Lounge for one of your campuses. To take advantage of this offer, go to the LoTi Connection website and fill out the form. At the prompt, Purchase Order Number, put in the following: Free Access for One School: C. Moersch.
Videoconference
Some of you expressed interest in a follow-up videoconference. If there is sufficient interest, I would be happy to organize a video session in early April. Please let me know of your interest.
Thank you again for becoming an active participant in the LoTi Mentor Certification Program. As a reminder, your LMC submissions are due no later than May 15th, 2006. In the meantime, if there is any aspect of the program that you would like clarified, please let me know.
Chris
