High Tech Tips
Vol 2: February 2019
iPad Teachers: VR & Nearpod
I spent a lot of time learning about new Virtual Reality apps and devices while at TCEA. Virtual Reality is identified as one of our high-tech focus areas, and we will learn more about it and ways to use it in class in the future. For now, I want you to know that you can provide VR experiences right through one of the apps already loaded on your iPads - Nearpod! Nearpod has a huge library of virtual field trips from 360 Cities. You can search for locations all over the world - and beyond - including underwater coral reefs, the great wall of China, even the moon. You can easily include these in a Nearpod lesson to give your students that virtual experience right now.
If you haven't explored Nearpod, it's a great tool for teaching days. Nearpod lessons are a mix of content slides, videos, activities and formative assessment options that are delivered right to the student's iPads and controlled by the teacher. Collect formative data throughout and respond to learning while it is happening!
https://youtu.be/4VliWohdvAg
Chromebook Teachers: Coding With Chromebooks
I just returned from the TCEA conference and it was spectacular! As an authorized Google Trainer, I have the pleasure of presenting in the Google room each year, and this year I was asked to present on coding with chromebooks. Coding is one of our focus areas for our high tech compass schools, so I would like to share these resources with you as well.
Chromebook Teachers: Creative Uses for Google Docs
Now that our Lending Grant chromebooks are here, our students have more opportunities to use our Google Tools. Google tools are beneficial for students because they promote communication and collaboration, and allow for opportunities for creativity.
In Google Classroom, when you create a document and assign it, you can choose from three options:
- Students can view file (when students open the doc they will only be able to view it)
- Students can edit file (all students will be able to open that one document and work on it collabortatively)
- Make a copy for each student (when students open the file, they each get their own copy with their name on it)
There are so many different ways to utilize Google Docs, Slides, and Draw. Click below to view some of these ideas.
Tech Clubs
We have started 4 C-STEM clubs on our campuses. Both Royalwood and Monahan have a coding club and a robotics club, facilitated by Ms. DelaGarza, Ms. Foreman, Ms. Cantu, and Ms. Shields. Additionally, Ms. Hargrove at RE has started a Dash and Dot robot club for our first graders! If any teachers at ME are interested in sponsoring a Dash and Dot robot club, contact me!
Share Your High Tech Success on Twitter!
Use Your Campus Hashtag #rehightech #mehightech
Tag People You Want to See Your Tweet!
@RoyalwoodLions @MonahanElem @EdTechClark
Reminder: Kyte Learning
Don't forget that you have access to Kyte Learning (www.kytelearning.com). Login with your district Google credentials to learn how to use and implement a huge variety of tech tools. We have this subscription for one year, so be sure to make the most of it!
Tips for Your High Tech Transition
- Work with your team to plan meaningful tech integration and support each other with implementation.
- Seek recommendations or assistance from your Instructional Coaches.
- Practice your tech before you use it with students.
- Set a goal for yourself. For example: I will incorporate at least 1 tech activity into my lesson plans each week.
- Plan ways for teachers to support teachers. Consider a monthly morning get-together where teachers can take turns demonstrating what has worked for them in the classroom.
Annette Clark, M. Ed
Coordinator of Innovative Programs
Email: annetteclark@sheldonisd.com
Phone: 281-727-1330
Twitter: @EdTechClark