EdTech@NSCDS
All the Tech & Innovation News You Can Use • Issue #28
Tech@NSCDS Website
Click here to find important information and resources related to technology at North Shore!
Happy New Year!
Here's the 27th issue of EdTech@NSCDS, an occasional newsletter for the faculty at North Shore Country Day! Back issues can be found here.
Here are a few important announcements from the Ed Tech Department!
- Are you looking for recommended tools and resources organized by subject area or task? Take a look at the curated collections available on the Tech@NSCDS website. We add resources on a continual basis.
- Don’t forget to register for our next Lunch and Learn by THIS WEDNESDAY. Come find out about Nearpod on Friday, January 10th. Nearpod is an app that will let you create interactive presentations for students. Nearpod is particularly great for formative assessment purposes. To register and for additional details, click here: https://www.smore.com/frmue-lunch-learn-pd-north-shore
- Our second Make and Take weekend workshop will be held on Saturday, January 25th. Come explore the Live + Serve Lab’s Garage equipment and imagine the possibilities for student learning. Drop Lucy an email at lgray@nscds.org if you would like to participate.
- Save the Date! North Shore will be hosting EdCamp Chicago, an unconference for area educators, on Saturday, May 2. Please share this registration information with friends and colleagues outside of NSCDS.
Thanks for reading!
PRODUCTIVITY TIPS
Use Siri on your iPhone and iPad to Get Things Done
Siri is Apple's voice-controlled personal assistant. Learning how to leverage Siri can increase the productivity of you and your students, so take a few minutes to play with this feature on your iPad or iPhone. See the video below and this guide for support.
How to use Siri on your iPhone or iPad — Apple Support
APP RECOMMENDATION
Nearpod
Nearpod is a cross-platform tool that allows teachers to design interactive lessons. There is a free version as well as a premium version with full features. Nearpod provides a lesson library or teachers can create their own lessons from scratch or using existing PowerPoint presentations. If you would like Nearpod installed on your iPad, send Lucy and IT an email. You can also create an account on your Mac. Find out more by viewing the two following videos!
What Is Nearpod?
Formative Assessment with Nearpod
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Learning About the Australian Bushfires and How to Help
PROFESSIONAL INSPIRATION
Beyond Screen Time: Better Questions for Children and Technology in 2020
Here's an EdSurge piece penned by Chip Donohue, the former director of Erikson Institute's Technology in Early Childhood Center.
The 100 Worst Ed-Tech Debacles of the Decade
Audrey Watters has written about ed tech trends for the last 10 years, and this summary is an important read in order for us to understand how we can leverage tech thoughtfully and intentionally.
Easing the Transition Back From Winter Break
We Are Teachers provides some tips for getting back into the routine of school. Take a look at this post here.
REMINDERS
Apple Teacher Information
- Apple Teacher is a self-directed, professional learning program that focuses on the use of iPads and Mac computers. Apple tools such as Garageband, Pages, Keynote, etc. are featured. Teachers at North Shore should complete the 8 modules for either the Mac or iPad track.
- Congratulations to our current Apple Teachers: Alejandra M., Ann G., Anne Marie D., Austin G., Beatrice M., Brian P., Caitlin M, Caroline M., Claire D.., Dana S., David K., Donna F., Drea G., Ellen R., Irene M., Julia M., Kathy M., Laura C., Leanne M. , Lee B., Sharon L., Stephanie W., Susan S., Christina B., Darcy T., Zoe F., Jordan H., David G., Tim M., Ceil F., Rebecca R., Kathy I., and Amy S. ! If Lucy missed anyone, let her know!
- Send Lucy a copy of your Apple Teacher report when you've completed either the iPad track or Mac track. All North Shore teachers are required to finish one track by now. The other track will need to be completed by June 2020.
General Information
- Thanks to tech MS/US integrator Kenyatta Forbes, we have a new set of resources to support the use of core apps at North Shore. Kenyatta has thoughtfully curated examples and tutorials for apps installed on student and faculty iPads. Take a look!
- If you need a specific app installed on your iPad or on your students' iPads, please send an email with your request to tech@nscds.org. Please also include Lucy and your division's academic tech integrator on this email.
- Do you need support with using our laser cutter? Fill out this form and the IT/ET departments will work with you.
- Breakout Edu is a platform for educational escape type games that are perfect for this time of year! We have two Breakout Edu kits plus access to hundreds of games. Some games are digital and do not require the kits. Browse or search for games here. If you need help getting started with Breakout Edu, including teacher access to the platform, send Lucy an email at lgray@nscds.org.