COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 13

January 21, 2005

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Fifth Annual Governors Innovative Technology in Education Awards

The Department of Education is pleased to announce the Fifth Annual Governors Innovative Technology in Education Awards, sponsored by America Online and the Virginia Department of Education. The purpose of the awards is to recognize teachers and library media specialists in Virginias public and private elementary, middle, and high schools who have developed the best methods for using the Internet in instruction. A recipient will be selected from each of the eight Superintendents Regional Study Groups and also from entries submitted by private school teachers and library media specialists. Each recipient will receive an unrestricted award of $2,500 from America Online.

To be eligible for the awards, entrants must create a technology portfolio that represents innovative uses of the Internet in the classroom. Employees and immediate family members of America Online, including parents, subsidiaries and affiliates, and others living in their households are not eligible. Past award winners also are ineligible.

A portfolio is a collection of classroom work samples that represent an instructors talents, proficiencies, and competency in the use of educational technology and media. It is a subjective document and the entrant has broad latitude in selecting and submitting documentation of his or her competency. To be eligible for the awards, entrants must create a technology portfolio that represents innovative uses of the Internet in teaching and learning.

A Blue Ribbon Panel appointed by Governor Mark Warner will evaluate the portfolios. A portfolio may consist of a lesson plan, website, video, or an electronic presentation. Each portfolio will be judged on the basis of the competency level reflected in each of the following indicators: Technology Skills, Curriculum Integration, Research, Communication, Teaching/Learning Styles, Motivation, Evaluation, and Peer Coaching. A set of rubrics has been developed to rate each indicator on a 10-point scale. Complete guidelines and instructions for submitting a portfolio may be downloaded from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Technology/OET/

The Governors Innovative Technology in Education Awards will be presented at a ceremony planned for late May 2005. Entrants should send two copies of their portfolios to Ms. Charlie Makela, school library media and research services specialist, Division of Educational Technology, Virginia Department of Education P.O. Box 2120, Richmond VA 23218-2120, no later than April 8, 2005. Recipients will be notified upon receipt of their portfolios, which will be returned at the conclusion of the selection process.

Please encourage teachers and library media specialists from your school division to submit their portfolios in the Governors Innovative Technology in Education Awards competition. Should you have questions regarding the awards, please contact Ms. Makela at mailto:mailto:Charlie.Makela@doe.virginia.gov, or (804) 786-9412.

JLD/LWN/cbm