Educator Alexander's Newsletter
FEBRUARY NEWS
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โฅ๏ธ๐ฅSOOOO MANY UPCOMING EVENTS๐ฅโฅ๏ธ
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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**********FEBRUARY WEBINARS/EVENTS**********
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๐ THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future: Discovering Black History through Digital Innovation on February 21
Join us for an engaging webinar that will take you on a journey through black history and culture! You will discover how to use virtual museums, Flip and AI to explore and celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of black culture in America and around the world. You will travel to historical sites, see artifacts, hear stories, and be inspired make your own projects and presentations based on black history throughout the year. You will also learn from experts and educators on how to use these tools effectively and responsibly. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find something new and exciting in this webinar. This is a unique opportunity to learn from the past and shape the future with virtual museums, Flip and AI!
Register today at aka.ms/FlipEvents and join us with your class Feb. 21 at 10 am PT/ noon CT
PBLWorks is Accepting Nominations for its 2024 PBL Champions and John Larmer Lifelong Learning Awards
The deadline to nominate is March 6, 2024 for both awards. Honorees will be announced and recognized on June 25, 2024 at PBLWorksโ PBL World conference.
The 2024 PBL Champions Awards recognize an individual, a school, and a district for quality, lasting PBL work that has shown evidence of a positive impact on students. For more information and to submit a nomination, visit https://www.pblworks.org/pbl-world-pbl-champions-awards.
The John Larmer โJLโ Lifelong Learning Awards are presented to three educators who are impacting and expanding PBL at their schools. The award is named after PBLWorksโ former director of publications and editor-in-chief, John โJLโ Larmer, and recognizes his significant contributions to PBLWorks and the field of education over three decades, advancing high quality PBL for all students. For more information and to apply for the award, visit https://www.pblworks.org/pbl-world-jl-lifelong-learner-award.
Free Learning Resources for Black History Month (And Beyond) from Common Sense Media
Help learners celebrate Black history with these videos, lessons, podcasts, and more. (WAY too many to post here!!!)
Pear Deck is Now Pear Deck Learning
Why Pear Deck Learning?
Dive into why we created Pear Deck Learning and how itโll elevate your classroom experience.
Explore resources
Learn more about each Pear Deck Learning product family member with helpful how-to articles and much, much more.
Google Bard is Now Gemini
Bard is now known as Gemini, the best way to get direct access to Gemini models. You can chat with Gemini to supercharge your ideas. Learn more in our blog post.
Please note that:
โขThis branding update does not change your Activity and Extension settings
โขYour data is handled as explained in the Google Privacy Policy and the Gemini Apps Privacy Notice, which are updated to reflect these branding changes, and the availability of Gemini as a mobile app
โขYour use remains subject to the Google Terms of Service and the Generative AI Additional Terms of Service
Teaching Beyond Textbooks With Pear Deck's Black History Month Lessons
February is Black History Month, and weโve curated a set of lessons developed in partnership with Everfi and our African-American/Black Employee Resource Groups. Get the templates here.
Google Innovator Academy Applications in Chicago, Illinois are OPEN
The application for the Innovator Academy in Chicago, Illinois (English language), is now open, and you can apply now. If you are looking for a different location, please remember that applications open at different times for each Academy, so look at the site to determine which Academy youโre interested in, and mark your calendar for when to come back and check for the live application.
If you are new to our Community, a little background on the Innovator community and why you should apply is listed below.
What is the Innovator Community Program?
The Google for Education Certified Innovator Program recognizes and supports top educators excited to grow professionally, advocate for impactful technology, and innovate to improve classrooms, schools, and local communities.
Who is this program for?
The Innovator program is for educators who want to make a change within their Community by finding solutions.
Where are current Innovators located?
Regions (NA- North America, EMEA- Europe Middle Eastern and Africa, APAC Asia Pacific, LATAM Latin America Spanish, and EMEA Spanish) who want to make a change within their Community by finding solutions
How to become an innovator?
This is a top-level application program where educators can obtain a Google certificate by invitation after applying. After 12 months, to develop an innovative project that could benefit counties, schools, and districts.
Black History Month Resources from PBS LearningMedia
10 Black Scientists That Science Teachers Should Know About
To celebrate Black History Month, you can inspire your students to explore careers in STEM fields and provide them with diverse role models! From George Washington Carver to Katherine Johnson, feature the stories and voices of acclaimed Black scientists, engineers, inventors, and mathematicians and bring their work into your classroom with these engaging media resources.
Read NowLearn About Black Leaders with Bingo
How well do your young learners know about the accomplishments of influential Black leaders such as Zora Neale Hurston and Jackie Joyner-Kersee? Use these fun classroom printables to identify contributions of famous figures and celebrate the important roles these individuals played in the story of our country.
Play NowDiscover New Resources for Black History Month
Showcase Black excellence in your classroom through the contributions, achievements, and ideas of Black Americans across multiple subjects and eras! From learning about African American roots in country music to the creation of the Negro Baseball Leagues, these robust resources will inspire educators like you to intentionally include Black stories in all curricula, even after Black History Month is over.
Explore More PBS LearningMedia Resources
- Explore Historically Black Colleges and Universities (6-12)
- Printable: Learn About Maya Angelou with Xavier Riddle (K-2)
- Learn About the First African American Woman in Space, Mae C. Jemison (6-12)
- How James Brown Invented Funk (6-12)
- Jackie Robinson: The Importance of African American Role Models (6-12)
- Meet the Tuskegee Airmen (3-5)
International Journal of Modern Education Studies ๐ฃ Calling all Educational Experts! ๐
We at the International Journal of Modern Education Studies (IJONMES) are on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our esteemed panel of reviewers. Help us uphold the standard of excellence for global educational research!
As a reviewer for IJONMES, you will:
- Critically evaluate and peer-review submissions
- Contribute to the advancement of educational sciences
- Join a vibrant community of international scholars
- Stay abreast of the latest research and trends
We need you if you have:
- Expertise in the education field
- A keen eye for detail
- Commitment to impartial and constructive feedback
- Ability to adhere to deadlines
Why volunteer as a reviewer?
- Expand your professional network
- Have a voice in shaping emerging research
- Enhance your own scholarship and review skills
- Receive recognition for your contribution on our platform
Interested? Send your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting your area of expertise to editor@ijonmes.net
Mote-Powered Black History Month Celebrations
Check out our new post: Mote-Powered Black History Month Celebrations written by @mr_isaacs_math Foster more inclusive and immersive classroom environments using these Mote-powered ideas for Black History Month https://www.mote.com/classroom-ideas/mote-powered-black-history-month-celebrations
Valentine's Day Resources from PBS LearningMedia
Learn the Origins of Valentineโs Day
Who was Saint Valentine and why do we honor him with a holiday? Some myths suggest that there could have been three different Saint Valentines! Listen to one legend of Saint Valentine and discover why we celebrate a day of love on February 14.
Why Do We Love Sugar?
From candy hearts to boxes of chocolate, exchanging sweet treats on Valentineโs Day is a delicious tradition! But what does sugar really do inside our bodies? How much sugar does the average American consume every day? Explore the science of why we love sugar and dive into the fascinating history, starting with our ancestors' quest for the sweet taste.
Talk About Friendship with PBS KIDS
Do your students know what qualities make a good friend? This Valentineโs Day, spread some love by exploring the meaning of friendship, what to do when you or someone you know is being a bully, and how to be a good friend to others.
Explore More PBS LearningMedia Resources
- Learn About Heart Structure and Function (6-8)
- Printable: Valentineโs Day Vocabulary Word Search (K-5)
- Analyze the Story of Romeo and Juliet (6-12)
- Celebrate Halentineโs Day with Nature Cat (K-2)
- Explore Relationships Between Variables with Valentine Cards (3-12)
- Listen to Grover's Cute Little Heartbeat (PreK-K)
Google AI in Education
In it youโll hear from fellow educators , school admins , and #EdTech experts on their experiences with this technology and how it can be incorporated into the classroom. Tune in to our YouTube channel for the series first episodes on Duet AI: goo.gle/48bIPBV
Swift Student Challenge Applications Open February 5 for Three Weeks
Apple is proud to support and uplift the next generation of developers, creators, and entrepreneurs with the Swift Student Challenge. The Challenge has given thousands of student developers the opportunity to showcase their creativity and coding capabilities through app playgrounds, and earn real-world skills that they can take into their careers and beyond. Weโre releasing new coding resources, working with community partners, and announcing the Challenge earlier than in previous years so students can dive deep into Swift and the development process โ and educators can get a head start in supporting them.
Applications are open in February 2024 for three weeks. Learn more about and apply for the Swift Student Challenge 2024.
Apple Learning Coach Program Information Sessions in February
Attend an info session in Dec., Jan., or Feb. to join Apple Learning Coach, a free program for instructional coaches. Find more information and register here!
Become a Guest Blogger for EduMatch
Calling all education enthusiasts! Write a guest blog post for EduMatch! Your voice is valued here! We're thrilled to provide a platform for you to share your educational journey, showcase innovative strategies, and spark meaningful conversations. Let's build a dynamic community that inspires and empowers! https://buff.ly/3Cl1u0r
TCEA TECH BLOG GOODIES
THREE PROJECT MANAGEMENT TIPS AND A DE-IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
A TEACHER RUBRIC AND CHECKLIST FOR ASSESSING AI TOOLS
USE CANVA MAGIC STUDIO TO AMPLIFY YOUR MESSAGE
FIVE WAYS TO MAKE CHATGPT YOUR TIME-SAVING AI ASSISTANT
HOW TO PLAN FOR TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
IPAD APPS AND FEATURES THAT SUPPORT EMERGING BILINGUAL STUDENTS
FIVE CANVA HACKS FOR FUN, CREATIVITY, AND PRODUCTIVITY
HOW TO TEACH TYPING IN UPPER ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
โ๐๐๐5 Minute Tips of the Month
๐ฅ Webinars of the Month
๐ FREE Extension of the Month
This extension allows you to resize your tabs with the click of a button to show
two, three or four tabs on your screen at one time.
Click on picture below for more information.
๐ป ๐ฑ Tech Certification of the Month
๐ซMICROSOFT SUPPORT
Educators Can Get Office 365 for FREE
Flip Blog with Updates
๐ Google Updates
A Couple More Google Updates
To Stay Updated, Watch ALL Here or EDU in 90: The Latest: Black History Month & Product Updates
Celebrate Black History Month with Applied Digital Skills
Dive into our Celebrate Black History, Culture, and Identity Collection! Engage your students with exciting lessonsโinterview historical figures, craft song lyrics, and explore the vibrant history of African American contributions.
Explore 35+ Product Announcements from Google for Education
Learn more about the latest innovations in Chromebooks and Google Workspace for Education! Explore our commitments to personalise learning and enhance productivity with AI, build greater connectivity across platforms and products, and foster an inclusive, sustainable, and secure learning environment.
Educators: Consider Becoming a Google For Education Champion
The Google for Education Champions Program recognizes and unites members of our three certified communities - Innovator, Trainer, and Coach. Each certification recognizes exceptional educators who inspire, enable, and personalize educational transformation, and who wish to share their expertise with others.
The 2024 Google For Education Innovator Academies
The Google for Education Innovator Academies are back and in person! The dates and locations have launched and are live on the Google For Education website.
AI Guidance For Schools Toolkit
We're honored to support the TeachAI team in creating a toolkit to help school leaders, IT admin and educators incorporate AI into their institutions safely and beneficially. Check out it here.
๐กSee Me Here
Click on the pictures below for more information and to register and find more information such as dates, times, room numbers and links to register HERE.
๐ฏ FREEBIES
โ๏ธ Commenting to Educator Alexander
Dr. Desiree Alexander, Educator Alexander Consulting
Dr. Desiree Alexander is an award-winning, multi-degreed educator, speaker, and author who has been in the educational field since 2002. She is the Founder CEO of Educator Alexander Consulting, LLC and the Deputy Director for the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana. She consults with members of several schools/businesses and presents at conferences globally.
Dr. Alexander is lifetime certified in Louisiana in Secondary English Education, as a Reading Specialist, as a School Librarian, as an Educational Technology Facilitator, as an Educational Technology Leader and in Educational Leadership 1. She is certified in Texas as a Principal, in English Language Arts and Reading for grades 4-8 and grades 8-12, as a Reading Specialist for grades EC-12, and as a School Librarian. She holds multiple technology certifications, including, but not limited to, IC3 certification, Google Certified Trainer, Innovator and Partner, Apple Teacher, and Microsoft Office Specialists.
She holds a Bachelor, a Master + 30, and an Education Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Louisiana State University, a Master of Library Science from Texas Womanโs University and a Master of Educational Leadership with a concentration in Educational Technology Leadership from Nicholls State University. She also holds a Doctorate in Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership from Lamar University.
She is the author of Ready to Be an Educational Leader: Your Guide for Passing the SLLA 6990, a 2024 Illinois Digital Educators Alliance Conference (IDEAcon) Thought Leader, 2023 Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators (LACUE) Conference Featured Speaker, 2022 & 2021 Texas Computer Education Association Conference (TCEA) Featured Thought Leader, 2020 International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Featured Voice, 2020 Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) Featured Presenter, 2019 Customer Commitment Award Honoree from Better Business Bureau's (BBB) Torch Awards for Ethics, a 2019 Shreveport National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Mover and Shaker, a 2017 Young Professional Initiative 40 Under 40 Awards Honoree, 2017 Center for Digital Education Top 30 Technologists, Transformers & Trailblazers, 2017 Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Learning Media Digital Innovator for Louisiana, 2016 Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana Member of the Year, 2015 Librarian of the Year for Louisiana Librarian Association, 2015 Campus Teacher of the Year in the Zachary Community School District and 2014 Leader of the Year for Region 2 Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators.
Email: educatoralexander@gmail.com
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