Connecting Educators
May 2021
TEAMJXN Innovation Camp
When: June 21st-25th
(A flexible 1 hour a day commitmet)
Where: Virtual (Zoom)
Who: PreK-12th grade Teachers and Students
What: Teachers will join the program with a team of 2-3 students for this week-long virtual event that will cover design thinking/digital game design.
Go to bit.ly/campjxn to learn more and register your team!
EdTech Kickoff Call for PRESENTERS!
Never presented before? That's okay. We're happy to help you prepare.
For more information go to bit.ly/kickoffjxn2021
Educator Spotlight! When School Feels Like Home, Something Wonderful Happens
Check it out! When School Feels Like Home, Something Wonderful Happens
We'd love to hear what you're doing to make remote learning fun! Please share with us at edtechteamjxn@gmail.com.
Google Updates
Google Meet: Updates coming Mid-May
There are a number of updates in this latest blog. Check them out using the link below.
Google Meet: More space for content and control over layouts.
Google Maps + Google Calendar: Maps now available in the Quick Access Side panel
Make it easier to:
- See place details such as location and opening hours
- Make sure you’re adding the correct location to a Calendar event.
- Get travel times and directions to plan ahead your trip to an upcoming event location. You can add trips to your Calendar to help arrive on time by knowing when to leave.
Cybersecurity: What are YOU doing to protect yourself and your students?
Cybersecurity for Educators - How to Become a Human Firewall
Setup a 2-Step Verification process on your Google Account
With 2-Step Verification (also known as two-factor authentication), you add an extra layer of security to your account in case your password is stolen. After you set up 2-Step Verification, you’ll sign in to your account in two steps using:
- Something you know, like your password
- Something you have, like your phone
To learn more check out Google's step-by-step guide and the how-to video below.
Google Authenticator App: Free security to protect your accounts against password theft
2-Step Verification provides stronger security for your Google Account by requiring a second step of verification when you sign in. In addition to your password, you’ll also need a code generated by the Google Authenticator app on your phone.
LastPass: Password Manager
The videos below will help get you started:
Tech Tools & Resources
Keyboard Shortcuts to Access Emojis
- PC: Windows Key + period button
- Mac: Ctrl + Command + Spacebar
- Chromebook: Settings - Advanced - Manage Features - Enable On-screen Keyboard
Would You Rather Ice Breaker Questions
Whether it's a writing prompt, daily class meeting, or a Zoom ice breaker there are some great ideas here for ALL ages!
1. Would you rather be a detective or a pilot?
2. Would you rather go skiing or go to a water park?
....and many more!
https://conversationstartersworld.com/would-you-rather-questions-for-kids/
Feed your students' curiosity with Ted-Ed Lessons
What could you do with this video from TedEd: How do wind turbines work?
Browse hundreds of TedEd Animations and TED Talks - designed to spark the curiosity of your learners. You'll also find thousands of other video-based lessons organized by the subjects you teach. How to use a TED-Ed lesson
How to create your own TedEd Lesson:
- Pick a video (Visit ed.ted.com/videos)
- Use the TED-Ed lesson editor to build your lesson
- Publish and share your lesson!
Want to explore on your own?
Elementary School lessons.
Middle School lessons.
High School lessons.
The Joy of Coding: U of M Summer Course for HS Students
The course will run from July 5, 2021 – August 13, 2021
More information: Joy of Coding
Michigan OER Network Listserve & Resources
The Michigan OER (MI-OER) Network serves as a collective voice for the community to encourage the development and use of OER for educational, instructional, and public information purposes.
We are a community of practice among higher education institutions and the K-12 sector to promote, advocate, and support OER use and facilitate collaboration among its members.
To subscribe to this group, send a blank email to: mdeoer-l+subscribe@remc.org
MACUL Grants - Applications Accepted Until June 14th!
Purpose: To encourage and support members interested in promoting effective instructional uses of the computer or related equipment.
Grant Goal: Each project should focus on an instructional use of the computer or related equipment, which has the potential of being replicated in other educational settings.
2021 MACUL GRANT GUIDELINES & INFORMATION
Grant Limit per Application: $1,000
*NEW* Updates from Powerschool!
End of Year Workshop: 5/19/2021 Workshop for administrative steps to prepare PowerSchool for the 21-22 school year. Also, preview upcoming new features.
- Missed the PowerScheduler workshop? No problem! The recording is available on our Workshop Website.
- Join PowerSchool Admin Email List
- Join PowerSchool Teacher Email List
PD Opportunities
Computer Science Workshops
Code.org
The MiSTEM Network is excited to share multiple no-cost opportunities to learn about computer science and implement the curriculum in your district. Code.org provides curriculum and professional learning for AP Computer Science Principles (HS), CS Discoveries (MS), and CS Fundamentals (Elem). These robust professional learning opportunities will equip instructors with the necessary tools to implement new courses regardless of the educators' background in computer science.
Join the growing 600+ Code.org educator network in Michigan!
Middle & High School - Summer Workshop Details.
This is a robust five-day summer series followed by four follow-up workshops throughout the school year to implement a middle or high school computer science curriculum.
Elementary Workshop - Spring Workshop
This is a 12-hour virtual learning series that instructors can learn how to implement computer science lessons at the elementary level. Great for first time computer science instruction.
Save the Date: MI OER Summitt
More information: MI OER Summitt
Earn SCECHs for FREE with REMC
Is your teaching certificate renewal coming up and you still need to earn more SCECHs?
Tech support
Connect with Us!
Email: edtechteamjxn@gmail.com
Website: edtech.jcisd.org
Location: 6700 Browns Lake Road, Jackson, MI, United States
Facebook: facebook.com/teamjxn1
Twitter: @edtechjxn