Sandra Chisholm, a computer technology teacher at Piccowaxen Middle School in Newburg. (Submitted Photo)
The award recognizes outstanding prekindergarten through grade 12 teachers who have made an exemplary contribution to instructional computing practices through the use of technology in classroom lessons in a Maryland School. Chisholm was nominated for the award on behalf of Piccowaxen Vice Principal Laura Coffren.
“I am humbled and absolutely tickled that Piccowaxen staff and Charles County Public Schools have selected me for this honor. I feel extremely fortunate to be a part of the school system’s technology vision for the 21st Century,” Chisholm said.
Chisholm will also compete with teachers from other Maryland counties for the state Outstanding Educator Using Technology award as Charles County’s recipient.
In her two years as the computer technology teacher at Piccowaxen, Chisholm created a “Moodle Rooms Project Unit” in which eighth graders can access a virtual learning environment, or an online classroom, to discuss academic subjects and projects. In order for each student to participate, they must first demonstrate good behavior and that they understand computer and Internet usage rules. Chisholm also teaches each of her classes the components of Microsoft Office, and creates lessons, such as “A Digital Holiday” in which students create projects that require them to demonstrate their understanding of each program.
Chisholm also incorporates technology into exciting lesson plans for her students, including creating book summary audio podcasts to post on the Internet, making a movie for graduation ceremonies in June through Microsoft Photo Draw, and recording and producing a video called “Here’s What’s Happening at Picco,” that features school activities. The video will be used during sixth-grade orientation to demonstrate the school community to new students.
Chisholm, who previously taught in Virginia before joining Charles County Public Schools, also serves as a mentor to another second year computer teacher, and visits this teacher regularly to provide support and assistance with curriculum. She has also joined with other Piccowaxen staff to create a “SMART Club” staff development session that highlights SMART Board use in the classroom, and is the sponsor of the school’s computer club.
Visit http://www.miccaonline.org/ for more information on MICCA.
Source: Charles County Public School System