December Highlights
Tech Tips
iPad Clean Up & iOS Update
Most importantly: Please update your iPads' software to the latest iOS 9.1. To do so, go to Settings>General>Software Update>Install Now
*Make sure your iPad is charging while you update.
*You may also want to update your Apps.
Reflector Update
*A restart is required, so make sure your work is saved and preferably closed before installing.
Give your SMARTBoard a rest
Student Certificates in Google Slides
Hour of Code
Hour of Code Week Dec. 7-11
Don't forget Hour of Code week is coming up next week. To participate, all you have to do is have your students code for an hour (you can divide the time throughout the week) on either an iPad, Chromebook, Thinkpad Laptop, desktop computer, VDI in Computer Lab, or even unplugged. If you don't have your class scheduled for HOC, please let me know. I still have some slots available to help out in your classroom!
For more information, go to studio.code.org
See below or go to Thinglink for iPad Coding Apps.
December Curriculum Ideas
Winter Traditions Thinglink NEISD Challenge for K-12
Technology Services continually strives to provide you with engaging tools that support your classroom instruction. One tool we have been promoting is Thinglink Edu. This site allows students and teachers to layer images with text, video, links, audio, polls, and various Google Products.
In an effort to promote the use of Thinglink and to showcase student created products, Tech Services will be facilitating a district wide Thinglink challenge open to all students in grades K-12. Students can work individually or collaboratively to create an interactive image describing a winter tradition or celebration from anywhere in the world. The final submission date is January 15, 2016.
All of the information needed to participate in this challenge will be housed in a Google Classroom. Login to your Google Classroom account and click on the plus sign in the upper right corner. Click on join and enter this code: 1gv52o. You will find step by step instructions on how to create your accounts, tutorials on how to use the Thinglink platform, and the link to submit your image. There will be a total of 5 winners throughout the district. If your student or class wins, you will receive a free Thinglink Edu Pro account for 1 year. You students will also have the opportunity to present their image during a live webinar. For more information please email Laura Moore at lmoore4@neisd.net
Learn Moore Stuff
It’s that time of year again. Follow the link to find a list of December Themed Technology Lessons that are perfect for the computer lab or stations in your classroom. Enjoy!
Chat with Santa!
TCEA is sponsoring a live video chat with Santa on December 14, 2015 from 2:00-2:30 PM, Central time.
Santa will answer pre-submitted and live questions from children about goings-on at the North Pole via a Google Hangout. He’ll talk about his big ride and the preparations leading up to the Christmas Eve deliveries, what the elves are doing, his favorite cookies, and more. He may even have time to read a short story to the kids.
No registration is necessary; the link to the Hangout will be posted on TCEA’s website by 9:00 a.m. Central on December 14. If your students would like to submit a question for Santa to answer, you may use this form to do so. Children may also submit questions during the live chat. Mark your calendar to join the Chat with Santa on December 14!
Winter Holiday Activities from Pintrest
*You may need to bypass the filter by going to filmsite.org and entering your credentials before accessing Pintrest.