Taylor ISD DuckLink #32
empowering student success and school improvement
November 5, 2014
Building Good Relationships through Digital Citizenship
Many of us did not have to face the challenges of the Internet growing up but now we have students that do. They face interactions on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Kik, Vine, Ask.fm, Ooovoo, etc. Many of these websites and apps have potentially dangerous consequences associated with them. Let's do our part to model for our students. Here are some resources that may help.
Make Gmail Better with Labs
Here are some of the labs you might consider activating.
- Canned Responses- automatically respond to emails based on who sent you the email or the subject line
- Google Calendar Gadget- make the calendar appear in your Gmail screen
- Preview Pane- read mail right next to your list of conversations
- Right-side chat- Use this lab to move the chat feature on the right side of your screen
After selecting Enable on each lab you want, be sure to click Save Changes at the bottom of the screen. You can then adjust those lab under the General tab.
Note: You may need to complete a search for these and other labs.
Upcoming EdCamps
Here are two EdCamps coming up soon in our area. Click the links to learn more and signup.
November 15- EdCamp Austin- http://www.edcampatx.org/
December 6- Del Valle EdCamp- http://bit.ly/DellValleISDEdCamp
Apps to Check Out
- Tackk- Use this tool to easily create flyers, announcements, or organize class projects. This is both an online tool and recently made an app.
- Slides- Google has a slideshow app called Slides. Use this simple slideshow tool to add layouts, text, and pictures. Then share with others to collaborate or send them a copy. You can also save it as a Powerpoint if you wish. Students can work on the same slideshow online or in the app.
- colAR Mix- This is a fun app for young kids. Print a picture, color it, and then use this app to interact with it. Learn more.
Apple TV Pilot Participants!
Thank you to the following teachers who will be testing out Apple TVs in their classrooms for two weeks. This will give us valuable information to see if these devices will make in impact on instruction. We look forward to reading their reflections on the pilot.
- Renee DeHoyos, Librarian- Taylor Middle School
- Heather Bowman, 1st Grade Teacher- Pasemann Elementary
- Nicole Jones, Kindergarten Teacher- TH Johnson Elementary
Items You May Have Missed
Google Apps Resources
- Taylor ISD Google Support Site (located at top of district site)
- Office Editing for Chrome Extension
- Google Drive: Organizing Shared Files
- Taylor ISD Staff Calendars
Help Desk Contact
Phone: 512-365-5015 or x1900
Be sure to visit the Taylor ISD Technology site for more information.
Contact Information
Director of Instructional Technology
Taylor ISD
Email: jphale@taylorisd.org
Website: http://it.taylorisd.schoolfusion.us
Location: 3101 North Main Street, Taylor, TX
Phone: 512-365-5015
Twitter: @edtechminute