Tech Tidbits...and Bits and Bytes

September 2020

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News You Can Use

Model Schools Update

Over the next couple months we will be meeting with districts to determine how we can best help you incorporate technology into instruction. Remember, if you are a member of the Model Schools CoSer and have paid the base fee, your district is able to take advantage of:


  • two days of embedded professional development
  • use of the instructional technology equipment (VR headsets, coding, robotics, and more)
  • attendance at four sandbox events each year
  • membership on the Model Schools Liaison Committee
  • software purchases and support


There is still room in the schedule to book embedded professional development in your districts too. Contact me if you are interested. Thank you for your continued support of Model Schools!


~Kerrie Burch

Model Schools Liaison Meetings 2020-2021

Please mark your calendars. Our meetings this year will take place on the following dates:


October 22nd: 9 - 11 am

January 5th: 9 - 11 am

March 30th: 9 - 11 am

May 6th: 9 - 11 am


At this time we will plan on meetings being virtual, but if circumstances change and we can meet in person, we will let you know. Registration emails will be sent ahead of each meeting.

Model Schools Sandbox Events 2020-2021

Our Sandbox Events will take place on the following dates:


October 22nd: 1 - 3 pm

January 5th: 1 - 3 pm

March 30th: 1-3 pm

May 6th: 1-3 pm


At this time, we will plan on Sandbox Events being virtual, but if circumstances change and we can meet in person, we will let you know. Click on date above to register.

Instructional Resources

The Epic eBook of Web Tools and Apps

Educators from across the country collaborated to bring together in one place a treasure trove of teaching resources. The eBook showcases some of the best EdTech tools that focus on collaboration, student agency, and creativity. Check it out!

ENL Tech Toolbox

Created by the RBERN team at Questar III, this tech toolbox showcases tech that can be used specifically with ELL students. Many of the tech tools listed can enhance learning for all students. For more information or to speak with someone in the RBERN, please contact Carmen Diaz.

A Digital Librarian's Survival Guide

Not only for librarians, this digital toolbox is a great resource for educators to use when integrating technology into hybrid lessons. Created by some of the leaders in the library field, this resource helps educators prepare lessons that tap into critical thinking skills.

Articles of Interest

Professional Learning Opportunities

Introduction to SeeSaw

Friday, Sep. 11th, 3-5pm

This is an online event.

Seesaw is an educational platform that connects teachers with students and parents. It is an authentic way for students to show their learning. Participants will walk through creating an account, class, activity, and learn about the features of SeeSaw as an educational resource for teachers to use with students and families. Access information will be sent via Frontline the day before the event. If paying by check, please make checks payable to Questar III Model Schools and mail to 10 Empire State Blvd., Castleton, NY 12033. Be sure to indicate the workshop for which you are paying.

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15197&I=3579944

Introduction to Nearpod

Tuesday, Sep. 15th, 3-5pm

This is an online event.

Nearpod is an engaging instructional platform that allows for formative assessments and real-time collaboration between students and teachers. By simply importing existing Google Slides/PowerPoints into Nearpod, teachers can add interactive elements to captivate all types of students. Teachers are able to assess student learning in real time through polls, collaborative boards, game-based quizzes and virtual reality. Nearpod allows every student to have a voice and take ownership of their learning. Participants will learn how to set up a free Nearpod account, discover all the interactive features available, and learn how to import/create lessons within the Nearpod Platform. Access information will be sent via Frontline the day before the event.

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15197&I=3579798

Intermediate Google Classroom

Tuesday, Sep. 22nd, 3-5pm

This is an online event.

For those participants who have experience using Google Classroom, this session will provide more advanced tips and best practices to make your classroom organized and easy to navigate. Join Stephanie Carbone, Questar III Model Schools Specialist, as she shares best practices to differentiate instruction/assignments, assigning questions to use as forums, and organizing information. Access information will be sent via Frontline the day before the event.

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15197&I=3580040

Sora Basics Refresher

Thursday, Sep. 24th, 3:30-4:30pm

This is an online event.

The Questar III School Library System provides, for free, access to a wide selection of ebooks and audiobooks through Sora. Join us for an overview of Sora to learn how to navigate and use it to its fullest potential.
We will go over how to borrow, return, and renew titles, use search options, highlight and take notes, define words, use accessibility options, and other valuable features including ePoint Plus titles and other simultaneous access information.
A Zoom link will be emailed via Frontline to registered participants on the day before the webinar.

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15197&I=3576115

Introduction to HyperDocs and ThingLink

Tuesday, Sep. 1st, 3:30-4:30pm

This is an online event.

HyperDocs engage students in authentic learning experiences, are visually stimulating, and provide for student agency. In this session participants will learn how to create HyperDocs using Thinglink, an interactive learning tool. Participants should bring an existing HyperDoc they want to improve or have an existing plan for creating a HyperDoc based on a current lesson with them as this will be a hands-on session.

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15197&I=3580424

SLS Provided Resources

Wednesday, Sep. 30th, 3:30-4:30pm

This is an online event.

The Questar III School Library System provides, for free, valuable resources to all schools within the Rensselaer, Columbia, and Greene counties. Join us for an overview of those resources: PowerKnowledge Science Suite, Rosen Interactive eBooks, NewsBank, TeachingBooks, and Sora. We will also delve into NovelNY; the free databases provided to all NYS residents by NYS.

This webinar is for Questar III member schools. We cannot accept participants from schools outside of Rensselaer, Columbia, and Greene counties.
A Zoom link will be sent to you on the day of the webinar.

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=15197&I=3546370

Questar III School Library System and Model Schools

Questar III School Library System and Model Schools

Questar III School Library System and Model Schools

Kerrie Burch, Director of School Library System, Model Schools, and Arts

Stephanie Carbone, Model Schools Specialist

Amanda Karian, School Library System Specialist

Kimberly Harris, Administrative Assistant

10 Empire State Boulevard, Castleton-on-Hudson, NY, USA Kerrie.Burch@questar.org 518-479-6976 questar.org/services/educational/model-schools/