Please find an excerpt from the KLRN Conversations that goes into more detail about the Technology Integration Lead Teacher (TILT) Program in San Antonio ISD.

Conversation between Dr. Duron and Dr. Don Knezek regarding the TILT Program

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND LINKS:

More information on TILT Online here.

SAISD'S GOAL:
Achieve Level 5 Technology Integration - Using technology to extend learning beyond the classroom walls in ways that encourage creativity and collaboration at a distance. This is supported by ISTE National Education Technology Standards for Students, Levels of Technology Implementation (LOTI), and State Board for Educator Certification Technology Standards for Teachers, and Target Tech of the Texas STaR Chart.

TILT Purpose
Develop capacity in the District to implement National Education Technology Standards for Students and Teachers as articulated in the Texas School Technology and Readiness (STaR) Chart and achieve Level 5 Technology Use.

WHAT IS THE TILT INITIATIVE?
San Antonio ISD teachers from across the district are participating in the Technology Lead Teacher (TILT) Program. A major part of the TILT Program--to help SAISD teachers meet State Board of Educator Certification Technology Applications Standards for All Teachers--is the PBS TeacherLine/ISTE Capstone Certificate Program. This year-long professional development program is designed for teachers who have experience integrating computer-based technologies into their classroom practice and want to earn certification in the International Society for Technology in Education National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers while further developing their knowledge and skills.

By participating in the Online Capstone Program, teachers will take part in an in-depth study of how technology can improve teaching and learning while developing a professional digital portfolio. The PBS TeacherLine/ISTE Certificate Program consists of a "Capstone Introduction" which SAISD TILT teachers have just completed and two 15-week Capstone Courses. The courses are organized around the learner's creation of portfolio exhibits.

A "capstone" represents a culminating achievement, and as such, the Capstone courses are intended to develop and demonstrate proficiency in the ISTE NETS•T, culminating in two multimedia online portfolio exhibits. Capstone I: Teaching with Technology focuses on teacher use of technology; Capstone II: Empowering Students with Technology concentrates on students as the primary users of technology. Each Capstone exhibit contains digital artifacts of the learner's classroom practice and reflections on how classroom projects demonstrate particular standards in action.