Tech Talk
Ms. Cissel's 9th Grade History
Welcome Parents
This year we will be using a variety of different communication/collaboration tools in order to keep parents involved and students informed. I am also excited to use these because then students will be able to communicate and work together on projects from the comfort of their home. I have chosen four tools that I want to focus on this year.
WordPress
I have created a blog using WordPress for open communication with parents and students. I will be posting each day our lesson plan so that parents are informed exactly of what we are working on in class. For students, I will be linking the assigned reading and homework. This way everything will be in a centralized location and very easy for the students to find. Also parents can make sure students are keeping up with assignments because they will be able to see all the assignments as well. My goal with this is to keep everyone on the same page and so that students can never say they didn't know about an assignment. This website will create some accountability for both students and parents.
Some Other Awesome Tools
Google Drive
I am asking that each student create a Gmail email address so that each can utilize all the features that a Google drive can offer. This tool with provide email for communication but also using Google Docs, Google Slides and etc that can help students collaborate. I realize that many students can not meet to work on projects outside of school so this is my solution. With the various Google features, students can share their documents or slide shows with each other and can work on them from their own computer. This tool will be used heavily for projects or if students want to collaborate and share notes.
Jing
Jing is a technology I am so excited about! With this I can create quick 5 minute instructional videos for various topics. This will be a great way for communication with the students and parents. Parents can look at these if your student is struggling and you want a way to help them.My hope with these is that they will clarify any confusions students may have on a topic. I will also be using Jing to create review videos for tests and project instructions in order to make sure of clear communication on all topics.
TopHat
TopHat is an application I will be using to make sure students are understanding our current lesson. I will finish each day with a couple TopHat questions, so basically a mini quiz at the end of each day. I will be using this to make sure that I am affectively communicating the main points of the lesson that day. I am hoping this will prompt students to stay more engaged in class. Before each test I will open the questions for review, then students can use the application as another study tool.
Helpful Hints
These technologies will be available to all students and parents. If you need help understanding how to use any of them please do not hesitate to contact me.
Ms. Cissel's Contact Info
Contact me via my website anytime!
Email: cissel@gmail.com
Website: emilycissel.weebly.com
Phone: 888-888-888