Echo is delivered as a web-based service that is accessible 24/7 via any web browser with an Internet connection. It is built on New Tech’s deep experience with technology-enhanced, PBL instruction and assessment practices, and it includes access to hundreds of exemplary projects that can be easily customized and implemented by teachers. As a result, Echo is an integral component of New Tech Network’s professional development programs.
Tools to support school-wide, project-based learning
- Course agendas
- Project management tools
- Outcome-based gradebook
- Student journals
- Discussion forums
- Peer feedback tool
- Behaviour tracker tool
- Tools to award and encourage
- School and Network-wide groups
- Community directory
School and instructional resources
- Training materials for principals, teachers and support staff
- Searchable library of standards-based projects developed by teachers in the New Tech Network
- Sample rubrics
- Sample school policies and procedures
- Student/parent handbook examples
- Staff handbook examples
- Digital portfolio guidelines
- Staff recruitment and training tools
- Student recruitment samples
- Partnership development materials
- Master schedule and calendar samples
- Counseling and college planning materials
- Technology infrastructure and support guidelines
- Software tutorials
Echo Screenshots
Homepage
The Echo homepage enables easy access to personalized content for each user as well as featured, Network-wide content.
Gradebook
The Echo gradebook allows teachers, students, and parents to track student progress on multiple learning outcomes.
Groups
Echo groups enable users to share ideas, resources, and calendars to collaborate within schools and across then entire Network.
For those teachers who teach electives, students take electives too. Not all classes are integrated with other subjects. For example, Spanish is a stand alone class and they offer three years in both new tech schools we visited. The difference is that PBL is required and they have to have a major project every nine weeks. They can have smaller projects throught the entire year. Group work is required too. Also, students must have at least one integrated class a day. That means two subjects combined in one classroom (double size room), two class periods, with two teachers, one for each subject (certified), with interdisciplinary projects. Not all core classes are integrated. Algebra two and up are stand alone. Each school decides what combinations will work for them. We'll learn more as we go through the training in May.
ReplyDeleteIf you think of any questions you want us to ask when we are in Texas, email them to the Texas team: Mary Anne, Alex, Heather, Sunda,Josie, Angela, April,and me, Teresa.
Teresa
You should post this as a new entry to the blog, Teresa. I'm sure a lot of teachers have questions about this very thing but may not thing to look under comments.
ReplyDelete