MWISD Tech Tip Wednesday
February 19, 2020
Digital Learning Day & Open House- #74
What is Digital Learning Day?
With so many new types of digital devices, educational software and mobile apps continuously developed, it’s hard to keep up with the latest and greatest advancements in educational technology. In some classrooms and out-of-school programs across the country, educators are doing some pretty amazing things with technology. Yet, these pockets of innovation are confined to a small number of schools and communities. Digital Learning Day was started as a way to actively spread innovative practices and ensure that all youth have access to high-quality digital learning opportunities no matter where they live.
Started in 2012, Digital Learning Day has provided a powerful venue for education leaders to highlight great teaching practice and showcase innovative teachers, leaders, and instructional technology programs that are improving student outcomes. This grassroots effort blossomed into a massive nationwide celebration as teachers realized that Digital Learning Day is not about technology, it’s about learning. It’s not about laying off teachers for laptops, it’s about enhancing the role of the teacher in America’s classrooms. Digital Learning Day promotes the effective use of modern day tools afforded to every other industry to improve the learning experience in K-12 public schools.
What Do We Mean by Digital Learning?
Digital learning encompasses many different facets, tools, and applications to support and empower teachers and students, including online courses, blended or hybrid learning, or digital content and resources. Additionally, digital learning can be used for professional learning opportunities for teachers and to provide personalized learning experiences for students.
Digital learning advances school reform by increasing equity and access to educational opportunities, improving effectiveness and productivity of teachers and administrators, providing student-centered learning to ensure college and career readiness for all students, and recognizing teachers as education designers.
Open House Ideas
QR Codes and Flipgrid
Did you know that you can print out every student's response as a QR code? This would allow parents and visitors who walk by to use their cell phone camera (yes, you don't need a QR code app) to view their child's response. This leads to so many ways you can use this tool:
- Students use the iMovie app on their cell phone. Then, they can upload that video to a Flipgrid response. As the teacher, print out the QR codes and place them in the hallway to allow visitors to view their product.
- Have you used ChatterPix? If so, it's the same process as above... Download the video and upload it to the Flipgrid topic.
- Have students share a self-reflection piece of their learning this semester.
- Have students read one of their writing response.
There's so much to do with this tool that the ideas are endless! For more information about Flipgrid, visit the past Smore by clicking here.
Remember the Google Sites for Parent-Teacher Conference?
A great way to show student's growth over time is to create a digital portfolio using Google Sites. With Google Sites, students are able to upload their Google Docs, Google Slides, images, videos, and more.
Having students create a digital portfolio gives ownership to their products. Let them get together their best pieces and show them off to their parents.
Pre-Work
- Collaborate with students on talking points to have with their parents regarding their work.
- Make sure students know how to access and navigate through the pages. Don't forget, you'll be talking to parents so you may not be able to help every student.
- Let students choose what they want to add to their Google Site.
Don't have enough Chromebooks? Just ask to borrow some from your neighbor... Just be sure you're able to identify whose Chromebook belongs to who.
For more information about Digital Portfolios, click here.
Google Form
Check out Padlet's New Feature Below
Padlet's New Timeline
Check out this Padlet Map (did you know that feature existed). Now check out this same map, but using the Padlet Timeline feature instead.
Check out these other examples:
Explicitly Teach Chromebook Use
1:1 Campus: Take three minutes at the beginning of your class to remind students that Chromebooks should be in Chromebook case and charged at the beginning of the day. Please remind students of the Student Device Agreement and the Student AUP that they agreed upon before receiving a Chromebook. If this is not happening, please take the time to follow the procedures your administration has set in place.
2:1 Campus: At the beginning of your Chromebook use, briefly remind/teach students how to hold a Chromebook, walk with a Chromebook, etc.
Thank you for all you do to continue the success of our 1:1 and 2:1 programs!
MWISD Instructional Technology Specialist
As the Instructional Technology Specialist, I will strive to serve the academic and digital needs of our students and provide equitable opportunities to prepare students for our ever-changing global community.
I will strive to assist teachers in appropriately incorporating and implementing technology in their classroom by being available for one-on-one meetings, PLCs, staff meetings, and providing professional development that meets our teacher's technology needs.
Email: jmartin@mwisd.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/mwisd.net/edtech/home
Location: 906 Southwest 5th Avenue, Mineral Wells, TX 76067
Phone: 940-325-6404
Twitter: @janaleemartin