Connecting Educators
March 2021
Session Topics Survey for 2021 EdTech Kickoff
Session Topics Survey for 2021 EdTech Kickoff
Bonus: when you complete the survey, you will be entered to win a prize from our super, awesome, spectacular, EdTech closet of goodies!
Instructional Educator Spotlight!
This month's Instructional Educator Spotlight goes to the Torrant Transition Grade Band for their integration of technology into the classroom. The Transition grade band teachers include Ashleigh Moro, Connie Tisch, Sam Avis, Erik Baum, Charles Newhouse, and Terrance Vance with the support of the TAs in those classrooms.
This group of individuals works together, especially during Covid-19, to deliver educational services to their students via Zoom and Google Meet. They have created lessons using the program BoomCards and Google Slides. This team has also created a weekly Zoom meeting where they have played game show games via zoom with students such as, "Who wants to be a millionaire", "Jeopardy", "Wheel a Fortune", and "Hollywood Squares".
The Transition Team has spent a lot of time and done a really nice job of shifting gears from the in-school setting to the virtual setting using these technology tools to help support students with special needs.
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: Mute all Participants at Once
The meeting host is the only user in a meeting who can use the “mute all” feature. Once all participants are muted, the meeting host cannot unmute them. However, users will be able to unmute themselves as needed.
The mute all feature will only be available for hosts who are joining from a desktop browser, but will be launching on other platforms in the coming months.
Google Docs: Improvements for locating new comments and important conversations
Google is making it easier to view comments meant for you in Google Docs. Look for the blue dot or use the new filter view.
Improvements for locating new comments and important conversations in Google Docs
Big Future Updates Coming to Google
Google Classroom
- Rich Text formatting – You will [finally] be able to format text in your assignments. Google Classroom will support text formatting including bold, italics, and bullets.
- Improved grading on mobile devices – Providing student feedback and grades using your phone is about to get easier!
- Improved photo submissions – Asking students to take a photo of their homework is becoming increasingly common. The Classroom mobile app is being updated to make scanning documents easier
- Offline Support – Students who don’t have a reliable internet connection will be able to use Google Classroom and Drive offline.
Google Meet
- Co-moderators – Teachers and co-teachers in Google classroom will receive moderator controls in Google Meet.
- Virtual meeting roster – To join your virtual meeting students must be listed on your Google Classroom roster.
- Easier classroom management – Moderators can mute all participants AND lock microphone access to minimize interruptions. Moderators will also be able to remove all meeting participants with a single click.
- Updated quick reactions – In addition to raising their hand, students can select from several emoji reaction icons similar to the Nod Chrome Extension.
Google Drive
- Search to Cite – Google Docs will now help students build an MLA / APA citation.
- Jamboard revision history – track who made edits just like Docs and Slides.
- Draft Form Responses – Google Forms will now automatically save partially completed responses.
- Document Approvals – create a workflow to make sure that critical changes are approved before they are finalized.
Chromebook Updates
- Improve screen capture & record – Take screenshots and screencasts natively, no need to install an extension!
- Live Captions & translation – Chromebooks are getting a Pixel phone feature that will auto-caption media.
Tech Tools & Resources
Google Meet Video Series
Google Experiments: Play with Arts & Culture
Teachers Teaching Teachers Webinar Recordings
Did you miss out on our Teachers Teaching Teachers: Google Classroom webinars last month?Don't worry, we recorded them!
Make sure to check out the webinar recordings page on our website for those webinars and more.
Updates from Powerschool!
- Learning Preferences are live! Entering historical student delivery methods into PowerSchool can make end of year data collections much easier. Watch this short video if you are not already inputting this data for students.
- 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
MACUL 2021 Virtual Conference - Featuring Keynote GERRY BROOKS!!!
You can join the VIRTUAL 2021 MACUL Conference from anywhere! This four-day virtual conference format (March 17-20) provides opportunities for educators to attend sessions before/after school hours and during the weekend. Join to gain insights, skills, and ideas to bring to the classroom in 2021 and beyond! Register today: maculconference.org
Seesaw Workshop Series - Winter/Spring 2021
This is NOT basic Seesaw but designed to support teachers currently using Seesaw.
Instructor: Andy Leiser, Seesaw Ambassador and trainer
All workshops are from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (room will be open at 3:45)
Mar 9 - Accommodation Tips for Seesaw
Mar 23 - Building Distance Learning Activities
Apr 13 - Reading Activities for SeesawApr 20 - Math Activities for Seesaw
Apr 27 - Folders, Blog and Skills for Seesaw
May 12 - Revisiting Skills and Connecting with the Community via Class Blog
Computer Science Workshops
Code.org
The MiSTEM Network is excited to share multiple no-cost opportunities to learn about computer science and implement curriculum at 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 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
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