Learning to use Garage Band

WOW! Today was a huge success for the principals and other administrators who attended. Dr. Tim Tyson presented the happenings at his school, Mabry Middle in Marietta, GA. Then he took everyone to multiple AH AH moments with hands on learning. Everyone had a brand new fresh out of the box MacBook to learn to use Garage Band to produce a podcast. It was great hearing many PC users say, "This is so easy." One of my colleagues, Pat Sutton, who uses a PC only said, I can't believe I'm thinking I want a Mac especially if I can run Windows XP with Boot Camp. I could do everything with one machine."

By the end of the day we had shown 30 principals and assistant principals how easy producing a podcast can be and how digital tools can motivate students to learn what we as educators need to teach them. Corey Harris, principal at Longview Middle from Memphis City Schools, and Tyson both shared real stories of things happening in their respective schools that have changed what happens at school. At the end of the day, two Nano iPods were drawn for as door prizes. Rhoda Stigall, principal at Gardenview Elementary, and Ken Strong, supervisor for safety in MCS, each won with screams and shouts of excitement. I'll soon have a podcast posted of the day. It's great to show others how technology tools can impact teaching and learning. The Commercial Appeal and the Memphis Flyer, local papers, sent reporters over during the day. Stories will follow in each.

Podcasting with Principals

We have been working hard all day to prepare for an exciting day with district principals, assistant principals, mental health supervisors and more. Wednesday, June 21 we will have Dr. Tim Tyson visiting from Georgia. Many of you may have heard him speak at conferences. Tim will share his experiences with podcasting, then teach administrators how easy it is to get started with podcasting. We are expecting between 35-40 for an all day session including hands on training with brand new never used MacBooks ( the black ones). After lunch our own Corey Harris, principal at Longview Middle will share experiences of leading a one to one wireless school and his beginnings with podcasting. It will be an exciting day. More to come tomorrow.
We had lots of help today so thanks to the group that helped get ready, Jess Feldman, Jeff Baxter, Kevin Reed, Frankie Sharp and Diane Raley. Cindy Putnam helped sort laptops when they arrived and Scott Holcomb along with Jess and Jeff will be helping in the sessions tomorrow. Thanks everyone. Couldn't do it without the team!