Summer Newsletter
MSD 25 Instructional Technology
Changes in the Instructional Technology Department for 2022-2023
As we are approaching the half-way mark for summer break, the Instructional Technology team wanted to take the time to share some changes that will be happening for the 2022-2023 school year:
- New Learning Pathway Options for Technology PD Training (see more information below)
- Non-Renewal of Paid Version of Screencastify (free version will still be available)
- Introducing Loom and Other Alternatives for Screen Capturing/Recording Videos (more information below)
- Amy Hooper Now Flying Solo as the Instructional Technology TOSA (more information below)
**Reminder about the Summer Summit is also included at the end of this newsletter.**
New Learning Pathways for 2022-2023
Look for an email on August 1st to sign up fo your chosen Technology PD Learning Pathway.
Good-bye, Screencastify
With the failure of the two levies back in April, we have had to make some tough decisions on ways to trim our technology budget. One change we are making, in order to create some financial relief, is to part ways with our paid version for Screencastify. This change will take place in August. Both staff and students will still have access to the free version of Screencastify. The free version still allows the following:
- 10 Videos Per Video Library
- 30 Minute Max Per Video
- Limited Video Storage
- 1 Active Assignment Per User
- 30 Minute Export Max
- Watermarked YouTube exports
**Due to the limitations stated above, we recommend making copies of any Screencastify videos you want to keep and saving them to a separate folder in your Google Drive.**
How to use the Screen Recording feature on a Chromebook
Hello, Loom!
Loom is another screen recorder tool that offers many of the same features as Screencastify but for FREE! Loom offers a special Education version that is free to all school employees and students. This past spring, the technology team had the MSD Google domain verified by Loom. All you need to do is to sign-in using your Google single sign-on information and your account will be verified in about a day. See more information below on everything that Loom offers free to educators! Click on the image to the left to begin using your free Loom Education account.
Loom Tutorial for Teachers
Loom Tutorial (for Teachers)
A quick reminder that Kami has its own screen capture tool! Look for it under the Comment Tools.
How to use Kami's Screen Capture tool
Instructional Technology TOSA Update
Many changes are happening in the Technology Department and with the Instructional Technology team. This coming school year, the Instructional Technology team will be down to one TOSA as Melissa Dilling was selected to join the CTE team as the CTE Work Based Learning and High School and Beyond Coordinator. This means that Amy Hooper will be the Instructional Technology TOSA contact for all school buildings. Please be patient as we navigate this change within the Technology Department. As always, keep an eye open for communication regarding how these changes may affect the duties and support of the Instructional Technology TOSA position.