Tech Talk
Volume: 1 Issue #1
Smart Schools
Due to the length of time that this has taken, we will re-survey teachers' needs as they may have changed. Once we're ready, we'll place the order; begin assembly; and deploy. We're hopeful to utilize spring break for assembly. When I have a more exact timeline, we will communicate that with you.
Hello Kami!
- Viewing & Editing PDF Documents: Add Text, Highlight, Underline & Strikethrough, Freehand Drawing, Add Shapes, Add Blank Pages, Split & Merge Documents, Insert/Overlay Images, and more.
- Equation Editor: There are a whole host of tools here especially for Math and Science.
- Google Drive and Google Classroom Integration: You can create and assign work directly in Google Classroom.
- Accessibility Tools: Including but not limited to Text-to Speech.
- Ed Law 2D Compliant: Meets data protection standards
Our entire district now has a free trial to the full version of Kami for the remainder of the 19/20 school year. Furthermore, if we find that we really like using it, we can continue using it next year at a fraction of the normal cost. We are in the process of scheduling grade level and/or department meetings with our local Kami rep so she can present these tools to you directly. Please stay tuned. With that being said, it is active NOW. Give it a try!
Visit the Kami Youtube Channel for some quick tips, or check out the help center.
Tech Teachings
Elementary 4pm-6pm
Tues March 31 Google Tips & Tricks for Gmail, Drive, & Calendar
Tues April 21 Visible Thinking in Seesaw
Tues May 5 Google Classroom for beginners
Mon March 30 Padlet
Wed April 22 Google Classroom Tips & Updates
Mon April 27 Flipgrid & Wakelet
Copy That
Oh, did I mention these copiers support Chromebook and iPad printing?
Promethean
Based on the feedback provided by the technology committee, and other volunteers, the decision was made to move forward with Promethean Boards. Promethean is an excellent company that has designed these boards for the sole purpose of education. Furthermore, they have a firm commitment to professional development and support. We look forward to these upgrades and working with Promethean.
What to Expect:
In most situations these boards will be 75" 4K interactive boards that will be mounted to the wall (a little wider but shorter than the current boards). They offer multiple points of touch, updated software, and integrated speakers. Click here to see more!
One of the deciding factors in this selection was the flexibility of the board with its software. Whether you utilize SMART Notebook, Google Slides, or PowerPoint; you'll still be able to continue with that work. With that being said, all staff will now have access to an updated software called ActivInspire. This software offers many new and improved features. In most cases you can even convert your current presentations into the new format. Furthermore there is a web-based program called Classflow that works with Promethean. One of the best things about this software is that it works on Chromebooks and offers interactive capabilities with student devices. It is a free software and you can actually give it a try now if you are interested.
Deployment of the boards will begin in the High School and work their way down. In this effort we will be replacing the oldest devices first. Any viable projectors that are taken down will be saved and re-used as needed during this transition. Stay tuned for more details and updates.
Nicholas Hill
Lewiston-Porter Central Schools
For immediate technology needs please call (716) 821-7171
On campus technicians: Ken Bass (Monday & Tuesday); Jeff Murphy (Wednesday-Friday)
Tech Integrator: Melanie Kitchen (Mondays & Tuesdays)
Email: nhill@lew-port.com
Website: www.lew-port.com/technology_services
Phone: (716) 286-7295
Facebook: Facebook.com/LewistonPorterCentralSchools/
Twitter: @lewportcsd