Elementary Ed Tech Update
September 2019
Q: What did one leaf say to another?
A: I’m falling for you.
It's been a busy and amazing start to the 2019-2020 school year! The Technology Department has rolled out new teacher desktop computers, new Dell 5290 2-in-1 tablets, and have provided several days of PD! We love doing everything that we can to support you! Every month, we'll send you our "Elementary Ed Tech Update" newsletter, informing you of what's happening, what's planned, and celebrating the great things happening in your classrooms!
As always, we hope you'll take the time to read about what's going on regarding Ed Tech in Pearland ISD! Please let your ETS know if we can assist you with your Technology Integration!
Save the Date!
The ETS Professional Development catalog has gotten a makeover! We know that coming to training at ESC can sometimes be impossible with everything you do. To balance that fact with the need for continuing professional development, we've made our PD much more accessible! From now on, you can get your learn on in the comfort of your own home (or anywhere). We will be pushing out our professional development through TEAMS, so you can do your PD in your PJs, if you wish!
Tech on the 2ues
The Littles' first Tech on the 2ues will be available on September 10th, but watch for an email from us on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. These will be self-paced courses in Teams on different topics each month!
- September's topic: Flipgrid!
Pirate Challenges
Better yet, we're also going on a Treasure Hunt! This is an opportunity to show us how you're implementing the tools we've taught you in Tech on the 2ues. You can earn extra PD credit from completing these assignments, and it'll be a great way to demonstrate how you're going above and beyond in TTESS. You'll also receive a "treasure tracker" to display your gems that you've hunted down! A gem will be "found" every time you complete a monthly assignment.
Technology Tuesdays
MyTech Mondays, now called Technology Tuesdays, will be in the form of webinars. They will be broadcast live on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, but archived so that you can watch any time!
- September's topic: ClassKick!
EdTech Spotlight
Classkick PRO Accounts for Everyone!!!
Nancy Everts and Marie Liu applied for and were awarded grants for PRO subscriptions to Classkick for all elementary teachers!!
Classkick allows teachers to create and share assignments, monitor students, and give feedback in real-time as students work from iPads or computers. It also allows teachers the ability to differentiate assignments for students.
We were excited to see many teachers attend a training session on August 12, 2019, during the district staff development day. Take a look at some pics!!
Contact your ETS to help you upload your students into the program.
Windows 10 Tips
Dell Active Pen
Now that you have your new Dell Teacher Tablets, we'd love to know what you think!
Click here to let us know on this one (required) question survey!
Your new tablet came with a Dell Active Pen, which objectively, is much better than a plain stylus! In the stylus box, you have the stylus, a thin stylus lanyard, and it requires (included) one AAAA non-rechargeable battery and two “319” coin-cell batteries. When the batteries are properly installed (see the video below) you can pair the pen to your tablet and configure what the buttons do when you click them.
To enable the useful functions, you need to pair your pen to the computer with Bluetooth. Click here to view instructions for pairing your pen with Bluetooth. Once you do, go into Settings (Devices > Pen & Windows Ink) to configure what the buttons do!
Seth’s favorite is setting the top button to open OneNote! With a single click, you can open OneNote and start writing (by hand or typing)! OneNote can even open in “Quick Note” mode when the computer is locked, allowing you to jot down quick notes and choose where to save them once you log in to the computer. Windows Ink is also great because it can take a screenshot of the page you’re on, then allow you to write/draw on top of it – perfect for classroom/lab explanations!
When you try it out, let your ETS know what you think! We’d love to feature your idea in a future newsletter!
Student Voice with Flipgrid
Flipgrid is where social learning happens! Used by millions of PreK to PhD students, and educators around the world. Flipgrid helps learners of all ages find their voices, share their voice and respect the diverse voices of others. Flipgrid is an engaging way for teachers to foster discussion and collaboration with students. It is a tool which allows students to respond at their own pace without feeling "on the spot" in the classroom. It allows for creativity and is very fun! Teachers can sign up with their Microsoft account.
Cyber Savvy Tips
Moby Teaches Digital Citizenship
Once again, your ETS team is helping teachers develop good digital citizens. What is a good digital citizen? BrainPOP has the answer. This program offers a Digital Citizenship collection that covers 14 topics related to Digital Etiquette, Digital Communication, Digital Literacy, Digital Law, Digital Security, Digital Access. This link to BrainPOP educators outlines lessons on what's available.
Things We Found "Pinteresting"
Classroom Procedure Ideas
Fresh 'Getting To Know You' Ideas for Students
Mental Health Check-in
Engaging Gifted Readers
Organization Poster
Sub Tub
Connected Corner
- Twitter - @pearlandlittles
- Facebook - Feed the Penguins
- Pinterest - Feed the Penguins (or search "The Iceberg" in the Pinterest app
- Instagram - @pearlandlittles
- Blog - Feed the Penguins
- YouTube - Pearland ISD Littles