Taylor ISD DuckLink #33
empowering student success and school improvement
November 18, 2014
Celebrating Thanksgiving
Spotlight on Innovation
In this edition of the DuckLink, we celebrate art teacher, Jean Barnett, as being a teacher that exemplifies innovation by communicating with students and parents. Jean spends valuable time preparing a digital newsletter that highlights the great things students are learning in class. Mrs. Barnett uses an online tool called Smore to share with her students and parents on a regular basis. Taking this time has helped her celebrate the great things students are doing and keep parents engaged in learning with their children. Great job Mrs. Barnett!
Do you have someone that is doing great things to exemplify our TISD Core Values? Submit a request to feature them in a future issue of the DuckLink.
Great Resources from Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media produces great quality videos in Technology Integration and Digital Citizenship. These can be useful to you and your students. The Digital Citizenship videos would be valuable to share with your students while the Technology Integration videos will help you better understand the SAMR model, best practices in using technology with students, etc. Be sure to especially watch the videos by Ruben Puentedura who created the SAMR Model.
Edit Office Files in Google Drive
Upcoming EdCamp- Del Valle ISD
Here is an EdCamp coming up soon in our area. Click the link to learn more and signup.
December 6- Del Valle EdCamp- http://bit.ly/DellValleISDEdCamp
Office for iPad Now Available for Free!
Just recently Microsoft has made the iPad app for Word, Excel, and Powerpoint free for iPad. If you still like to use Office and have an iPad, these are wonderful apps. The only trick is if you have enough memory on your iPad to install them. Click the links below to download the app. Keep all your files in sync using OneDrive.
Check out these apps!
Class Dojo
Monitor your students behavior with this easy to use app and send reports to parents via email.
Parents and students can also download this app to monitor their progress.
Penultimate
Volunteer Spot
Learn more ...
Items You May Have Missed
Digital Citizenship Resources
- Classroom Posters from Common Sense Media
- Digital Footprint Resources
- NetSmartzKids
- 15 Social Media Tools Parents Need to Know About Now
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