Instructional Technology Newsletter
November 20, 2020
What's new on the IT Website?
myON
Teachers can also create a projects with multiple books for students to read. Projects might include biographies, books with a similar theme or books from the same genre. Teachers can use myON books for guided reading, book clubs or independent reading. myOn will soon be adding books that are recommended by TC Units of Study.
Below are some examples of the types of books available to students and teachers. Take a look at the thousands of books on this platform.
Fiction Chapter Books
Shakespeare Graphic Novels
Social Studies Nonfiction
Nearpod
There are Phet simulations built in to lessons, as well as virtual field trips. New Rochelle teachers also have access to the entire Digital Citizenship platform, which includes lessons on coding, keyboarding, social media, technology applications and evaluating media.
Take a look at the pictures below. These are actual lessons that are part of Nearpod. Nearpod lessons reach all grade levels and can be customized and added to personal and shared libraries within the application. Additionally all lessons can be shared with students as live lessons or student-paced. Nearpod works with Google Classroom so all lessons can be shared as assignments in each Classroom.
If you are looking for more help on Nearpod, click on this link to get to their page on how to teach with Nearpod. You can also access professional learning resources on their Help Center page.
Newsela
There is a Google integration so to login you only need to go to Newsela.com and sign in with your Google credentials. You can also use Google Classroom to assign articles, quizzes and writing prompts to your students. Teachers can also customize the writing prompts and grade them in the application. Additionally, teachers can provide valuable feedback to students accompanying their rubric grades.
If you are looking for more information or professional learning on Newsela, check out their Educator Center. It has many resources for using Newsela in the classroom and remotely.
Ed Law 2-D
This law effects everyone in school districts using technology and software applications. Each software application needs to be approved by the Data Privacy Officers (DPO). The DPO has to ensure compliance with Ed Law 2-D. There are many more restrictions on software applications than previously. Software vendors are required to have privacy policies that adhere to the components of the law. Additionally, they need to sign the Parent Bill of Rights and agree to protecting student information and data and teacher/principal APPR data.
Below is a brief video on what teachers need to know about Ed Law 2-D and keeping student data secure.