The EdTech Connection
Making the connection between ed and tech: 17 Sept 2018
Learning Paths in itslearning
What does a learning path do, you ask? It allows you to set conditions on how students are able to progress through course content.
To experience it yourself, go to your Staff Info course in itslearning and find the Learning Paths Tour folder. You will find it in your itslearning folder under Technology if you have one, or just in the Technology folder if you don't have a specific folder dedicated to itslearning.
You can also watch the video below to see just how easy it is to create a Learning Path!
Chrome Extension Spotlight: Doctopus & Goobric
Technically, Goobric is the Chrome extension and Doctopus is an add-on in Google Sheets. But they work together to cut your grading time DRASTICALLY! And...wait for it...you can even give AUDIO FEEDBACK using the rubric (see what I did there? Taking us back to last week's theme!)!
To get started, you'll need to install the Goobric Chrome extension and the Doctopus Add-on in Google Sheets. You'll also need student writing to grade in Google Classroom.
HERE's a quick start guide to get you started. Or reach out and ask for a session on it at your school using the PL survey below!
Pedagogy before technology...but don't forget about the tech!
I saw a Tweet this weekend that just made me giggle:
Susan: Can you fax me the update?
Jane: No, I can't fax from where I am.
Susan: Oh? Where are you?
Jane: I'm in 2018, Susan. We don't fax.
Now, I know that's not completely true. We do sometimes still have to fax. But when newer and better technology comes along that gets the job done better and more efficiently, maybe it's time to let go of the old and learn the new.
That being said, it is VITAL that we apply sound pedagogy to the technology that we're using in our classrooms. We can't grab hold of every "new shiny" that comes along just to say that we're using technology. It is important that we are intentional about why, how, and what we add. THIS ARTICLE from a few months ago talks about applying the SAMR model to evaluate our technology integration. I also really like the PICRAT matrix (which we'll be talking more about) because it evaluates both teacher AND student use of technology.
With all the tools that are available to a teacher today, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Don't! Start where you're comfortable and take baby steps. And above all, don't get so hung up on what might go wrong that you forget to add the tech in!
Angela Burgess
Forsyth County Schools, GA
Check out previous newsletters on my profile page!
Email: aburgess@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/forsythk12.org/mmeburgess/home
Location: 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, GA, United States
Phone: 770.887.246 203371
Twitter: @MmeBurgess