Westonka Teachers 'TILT' Toward Technology

by Lorrie Ham

A new Technical Integration Learning Team (TILT), comprised of 13 teachers representing each school in the Westonka School District, has been tasked with integrating technology programs that personalize learning and to embed 21st century skills in the Westonka curriculum.

The team is led by Technology Integrationist Sue Simonson, who said interested teachers were asked to apply for a spot on the team last spring. Simonson initially envisioned a nine-member team, but there was so much interest, the team ended up with 13 members.

“Everyone on the team is passionate about technology and how we can make it work,” said Simonson.

The team met in August for the first time and meets once each month. Surveys were conducted in each building to determine technology needs. Training is scheduled in each building, and members of TILT serve as the go-to staff members for teachers who have questions or need help with software related issues.

Each student now has a Google Apps account. Members of the team are certified to be instructors for the system, which allows for greater organization and more opportunities for collaboration. A few classrooms are already making use of Google Apps, and more are expected to do so in the future.

"As a member of TILT, I am learning and exploring technology that will engage students in my classroom,” said Julie Thomas, a seventh-grade language arts teacher at Grandview. “One of the most beneficial tools that I am utilizing is Google Docs. Google Docs is primarily used for writing papers in my class. Students are able to draft a paper and share it with other Google account holders. When a paper is shared, students can receive feedback directly on a document without printing or sending it in an email. I have noticed that my students are more engaged in the writing process now that they are able to collaborate so easily.”

TILT is planning to put together a summer “boot camp” for teachers, to provide a focused learning opportunity in at least a week-long format. Teachers at Shirley Hills are using such things as iPads, iTouches, laptops and Smart Boards to personalize student learning and help embed crucial 21st century skills.

“Through the dedication and creativity of our elementary staff, we are continually using technology to create meaningful projects, solve problems and think critically on a collaborative level," said Aaron Thorpe, a kindergarten teacher at Shirley Hills. "Being part of the TILT team has allowed my colleagues and me to find new and creative ways to integrate technology into the daily routines of the classroom. Doing this has really boosted the motivation level of my students and allowed them to work at a level that meets their needs. They are taking charge of their learning and it doesn’t get much better than that!"

Kindergarteners are also working on a daily blog that students create and maintain, as well as projects on the iPads.

"All of these things have transformed my classroom and has deepened our sense of community," Thorpe said. "Technology is more important than ever and is shaping the world our students live in.”

TILT is providing a nice challenge to its members, who are having fun sharing their passion for technology.

“There is lots of learning going on,” said Simonson. “It will really be great once we’re in full motion.”

Team members include Meagan Anderson, Sarah Morinville and Kristin Wallace from MWHS; Brenda Hoogeveen, Megan Lhotka, Julie Thomas and Roger Whaley from GMS; Michelle Hempel and Chantelle Jordahl from Hilltop; Aaron Thorpe and Sarah Wright from Shirley Hills; Kristi Woods from preschool and early childhood ed, and Sue Simonson, Technology Integrationist.

“Being part of TILT is such a joy!” said Sarah Morinville, a chemistry/physics teacher at MWHS. “Helping teachers and staff use technology to prepare students for the unknown problems of the future is so rewarding.”