Welcome Back
2020-21
2020-21 The One Where We Teach Virtually
Welcome back to a new school year that is guaranteed to stretch us all in ways we didn't think possible. While there are many unknowns for the year ahead, I am excited to be alongside you as we continue to tackle virtual learning and grow professionally together. In Spring, it felt like we were thrown into the deep end, but I saw amazing technology growth in our staff as a whole and know we learned things through that journey we wouldn't have learned otherwise. Below are announcements and updates from the instructional and technology aspects of my role. Please take time to read through this newsletter and save it for reference as we move through the next several weeks.
Virtual Office - Technology Resources
I have created a virtual office that has a collection of resources including Canvas, MasteryConnect, DyKnow, Istation (reading), iReady (math), Bitmoji, How-to guides, and more. I have added my virtual office to the homepage of my website. Clicking on it will open a public Canvas course that will allow you to explore the resources. My hope is that you will be able to find the answers to your questions within these resources as you integrate these resources into your instruction.
Click the image above to access my virtual office, or use the link below to access my website.
Canvas Homepage Template - Required
To ensure consistency across the district, all certified staff will use Canvas There is a template all teachers will be asked to use. Step by step directions, with video tutorials are linked below for creating your sandbox course and importing the homepage template that all teachers need for their course. This information is also posted in my virtual office for future reference.
PD Opportunities
Canvas PD Opportunities
Canvas 101 - launched Spring 2020
- Enroll Link
- NCEES Link (CEU)
- 1.0 Digital Learning Competencies CEU
Growing with Canvas - launched Summer 2020
- Enroll Link
- NCEES Link (CEU)
- 1.0 Digital Learning Competencies CEU (0.2 per badge completed)
Google Classroom to Canvas - NEW! Available NOW!
- Enroll Link
- NCEES Link (CEU)
- 0.1 Digital Learning Competencies CEU
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams Training - updated Summer 2020.
- Enroll Link
- NCEES Link (coming soon)
Miller's: Remote Learning 101
Miller's Remote Learning 101
- Enroll Link
- NCEES Link (coming soon)
I've personally started working through this course and strongly recommend it. The instructional videos are thoughtful and help provide some useful tips when considering designing instruction for the remote environment.
Tech Tool Updates
Canvas - Elementary Theme
A new feature has been enabled for Canvas that allows teachers to set an elementary theme for their Canvas courses. This will change the way the font looks throughout your course. Click here for directions.
Flipgrid - Screen Recording
Flipgrid has a new feature that allows you to record your screen when setting up a topic for students to respond to. This can be a great way to present a mini-lesson by sharing content on your desktop to which students then respond. Students can also record their screens to share a presentation or project they've created digitally.
- Click here for more information (Twitter)
- Click here for a brief YouTube Video
Canva
Canva is great tool teachers can use to design online posters or anchor charts. Teachers can also sign up for a free (for now at least) Educator account to have access to additional design features. Click here for an example of a poster I designed through this platform.
1:1 Device Deployment K-12
Each student in grades K-12 will receive a chromebook. Device distribution for CMES will occur on August 13. In your initial communication with families, please encourage your families to get a device. This will be beneficial as the technology department helps to troubleshoot issues remotely throughout the year.
Boundaries
During the next few weeks, just as in March when we were thrown into the deep end of remote learning, you are going to have LOTS of questions that likely need an answer from me. Please reach out via email or work order when you run into a bump in the road that needs some roadside assistance. Please save text messages for personal "checking in on you " messages during these times :-). With emails, I will able to prioritize the needs coming in and will reach out to connect via Teams if needed. If you don't hear back from me in 24 hours, text away ;-).
You can also submit your questions by clicking here.
A Note of Encouragement
This year is bound to come with unique challenges we've never faced before, but remember you've got someone in your corner and we are stronger together than we are separate :-). Watch the video below (only 10 seconds) for a little smile.
I'll Be There For You
Mrs. Adrienne Parker
Email: adrienne.parker@cabarrus.k12.nc.us
Website: https://www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/Domain/7150
Phone: 704-467-9308
Twitter: @TheNewAgeTech