CCSD Instructional Tech Newsletter
Fall 2018 (Editor: P. Siano)
NEW FREE TOOL FOR THE 3-12 ELA CLASSROOM: COMMON LIT
This FREE tool integrates nicely with Google Classroom. It provides texts, assessments (multiple choice - automatically graded and short answers easily assessed on a 0-4 rubric) for formative and summative tasks and so much more! It is designed for use in grades 3-12!
Check out the website for a brief overview:
https://www.commonlit.org/en/about
Reach out to any of our HS English teachers who are using this incredible tool: Christina Taylor (Department Chair), Michelle Pita, Laura Bascue and Liz O'Connell! Thank you for sharing!
SPLASH MATH for K-5!
A tip of the hat to Margaret Watkins for getting everyone started!
https://www.splashmath.com/features/teachers
Please reach out if you need any support with this tool!
Splash Math in Action!
What a great use of technology to build fluency, do formative assessment checks, monitor progress and engage students!
Math in Google Classroom!
Linked below is one of her blogs filled with resources: 60 Ways Math Teachers Can Use Google Classroom:
https://alicekeeler.com/2015/04/13/60-math-teachers-google-classroom/
Reach out to Grade 6 Math teacher, Nicole Griffiths or Grade 8 Math teacher, Tina Peck, to see how they utilize Google Classroom!
Virtual Math Manipulatives!
Thank you to Susan for sharing this innovative teaching tool!
SCREENCASTIFY at CHS!
New to CCSD? Here is an overview of the application:
https://www.screencastify.com/faq/
I shared examples of my students using this app last spring to record speaking in the target language.
This fall, CHS English teacher, Christina Taylor, began utilizing Screencastify for flipped learning in her classes. Check out her video below to see how Christina makes use of this great digital tool to improve instruction!
Introducing students to the CCSD data bases (C. Taylor):
DID YOU KNOW THAT OUR LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER HAS A GREEN SCREEN?
How does a green screen work? Click on the link below to learn more:
https://www.videomaker.com/article/c10/17026-how-does-green-screen-work
Check out 2 examples of student work below using the Green Screen.
Grade 6 Science teacher, Ms. Maureen Kuntz, and our K-12 Library-Media Specialist, Mrs. Tracy Lescault, collaborated on a project where students used their Chromebooks to research biomes and share what they learned using our green screen technology! If you would like to make use of this tech, please reach out to Mrs. Lescault to schedule a time!
BREAKOUT EDU - Escape Rooms at CMS!
November 14th, CMS Math Club and NJHS students, facilitated by advisers, Mrs. Tina Peck and Mrs. Kathy Newell, created a number of breakout "puzzles" with science and math content for our CMS family night!
Check out the link to some free resources on this tool:
https://www.breakoutedu.com/freegames/
There is also a free site for ready-made digital breakouts that have been utilized by Mrs. Darcy Dunbar, Mrs. Penny Skinner, Mrs. Susan Hernandez and Mrs. Patricia Siano:
https://sites.google.com/site/digitalbreakoutjb/sandbox
Reach out to our colleagues to learn more about this tool that promotes student engagement in all content areas!
PROMETHEAN DISTRICT!
There have been many PD sessions offered over the last year and a half. However, please continue to reach out (sianop@corinthcsd.org) if you would like additional support.
It is our Tech Committee's hope that we have become a professional learning community of Promethean users, sharing our skills and experiences, as we all use the boards differently!
Class Flow offers a variety of ready-to-use resources in both CF lessons and Active Inspire Flip Charts! Please take a moment to to check them out when time permits.
Due to many requests, I did research the legality of downloading the Active Inspire software on a home computer. (Chromebooks do NOT allow for downloading any software.) There is a basic version available to all. The full software is available if you add your board's ID Code. Please reach out for more information.
Interested in learning about more Promethean features? Check out their website:
https://video.prometheanworld.com/
As we all know, the company is committed to continuing updating features in response to feedback from users.
Many school districts are now moving to Promethean boards. Our WSWHE BOCES and other districts have asked to visit to see them in action at CCSD. If you are open to sharing your classroom for a few minutes during instruction, please let me know!
CCSD District Technology Support Team
Roger Tripp - Computer Network Manager
Sarah Giaculli - Network Support
Patricia Siano - Instructional Technologist K-12
Robert Bush - BOCES Network Support Liaison