Instructional Technology Digest
September 2017
Welcome!
Welcome to the first Instructional Technology Digest of the 2017-18 school year. I will periodically send these out to help share resources and information with you throughout the year. Please read this entire issue carefully as there are lots of items I think you will find helpful for your classroom.
...AND WE ARE OFF!
Please find below some of the top links you might need as we kick off a new year:
- If you have issues, please make sure and put in a work order! That process is very streamlined and will be your best way to get help quickly!
- Link to all the programs and passwords for the district subscriptions
- K-2 Tech Resources link here
- Branson SD Route Sheet
- Chromebook Cart Managment - You might revisit this document with your students so they know the expectation for chromebook use! Since many of our classes have devices for each student, it is important that students use the same device each day. This helps when we have to identify issues and helps it login faster as well. If you have a desire to have some removable labels, please contact Michelle Youngblood or Brock Glidwell
- All PD and PDC hours can be logged & checked in your Kickup Dashboard. Go to pulse.kickup.co to activate your account or check your hours! Don't forget to log all PD activities (tech or non-tech related).
- Check out the new Staff page on our website here!
Don't Forget...
...in Canvas, if you have 'Files' on your left menu, your students can see any files you upload into Canvas (tests, assignments, etc). Make sure and click on Settings, then Navigation and hide that particular link.
Book Creator now online
Big News this summer at the ISTE conference - book creator now has a web version that will work on the Chrome browser. Click the link here to learn more info...
RCET Conference
Just a reminder that the RCET conference is on March 6-7, 2018 at MSU in Springfield, MO. You will need to get approval from your principal if you plan to attend.
6 C's of Education for 21st Century
Great article and visuals on the 6 Cs for 21st Century learning
7 Reasons you Need to Try Voice Typing in Google Docs
Love these suggestions for our littlest learners as well as yourself! #efficiency
THIS IS FABULOUS!!
This is the most comprehensive list of google resources and templates I have found! They are even sorted by grade level. Check it out!!!
Netflix Style Learning, check it out!
Check out this post on using screencasts and video in your classroom! Awesome examples of how to use it!!
Google Digital Citizenship Curriculum
Did you know Google has developed it's own FREE Digital Citizenship Curriculum? It reminds me of a "Minecraft-type" environment for all students. You can get the curriculum FREE by downloading it here! Check out Interland here as well.
Mind Mapping & Brainstorming Apps & Websites
Check out this great list of apps and websites on using mind maps in the classroom.
Fun Links for your Classroom
- Using Canvas and want to have SSO (single sign on) with BrainPop? If so, check out the instructions for setup HERE!
- Potato Pirates Coding Card Game
- Students Not Doing Homework? Check out this resource on Alternatives to Homework!
- More than 30 Digital Citizenship Resources
- Making a QR code that plays your video (or your students video) Awesome!!
- Check out some updates from Osmo this summer
More Googly Ideas/Resources
- Want to keep tabs on the latest updates from Google for Education, but don’t have much time? Check out EDU in 90, a new video series from Google for Education. Each episode, we focus on an important topic for educators, administrators, and school leaders - things like product updates, new programs, and helpful resources for the classroom. Subscribe to the Google for Education YouTube channel to make sure you don’t miss an episode.
- Available for Chromebooks, EquatIO allows students to easily create mathematical equations, formulas, and quizzes. Type of handwrite virtually any mathematical expression directly on your keyboard or touchpad - there’s no need for any complicated code or programming. EquatIO is compatible with Google Docs, Forms, Slides, Sheets, and Drawings.
- Earlier this summer, Google Arts & Culture launched 'We Wear Culture’, looking at the history of fashion and the stories behind what we wear. From the story of the Sari in India and lace making in Switzerland; this project covers a wide range of designers, fashion icons and subjects. There are 6 Google Expedition tours to accompany the project.
- This Google Resource is PACKED FULL of templates, website, ideas and resources for any curriculum!
A few additional links that may be helpful:
Tech Student Spotlight
This year in each issue of the Instructional Technology Digest, I would like to feature a student who is "techy" or who has done something amazing using technology. This issue's tech student spotlight is on Landon Quiring! Landon is a 6th grader at Buchanan Intermediate and is also the son of Linda Quiring who teaches 1st grade at Buchanan Elementary. Landon is a fabulous young man who, this summer, after listening to his mom brainstorm ways to get her students to memorize their lunch pins quickly, decided to take matters into his own hands! He used the program Scratch to develop a program to help her students memorize their lunch pin! Simply put, if students get their lunch pin correct, their name appeared on the screen, if it was incorrect, nothing appeared. We appreciate Landon's dedication and desire to help those 1st grade students! Great job Landon!!
If you would like to nominate a student to be recognized, please send me an email!
GOCSD Innovation Summit is Coming to Branson!!
This year's GOCSD Innovation Summit will be held in BRANSON!!! The event is scheduled for May 29th and 30th at the Convention Center at the Landing! Many of you have presented and attended this event in the past! Mark your calendars, request your PDC funds and be ready for a great learning opportunity in May!! Flyers and more details to follow!
Coming Soon...
Look for info via email or the next digest on the following items:
- PD opportunities for ALL teachers
- Canvas and Discovery Science Integration
- What is the SAMR Model for Tech Integration?
- Android Chromebook Apps for the Touch Screen Chromebooks (2nd grade!!)
Dr. Michelle Brenner
Director of Digital Learning & Accountability
Email: brennerm@branson.k12.mo.us
Phone: 9820
Twitter: @vb4mb