MPS iTech Weekly Newsletter
December 11, 2020, Volume 1, Issue 7
Spotlight on Success
"As we're working in the hybrid environment, I have learned that it's okay to let go of control and to take risks. I have found it incredibly helpful to ask the students how they like to learn in the hybrid environment, and I have tried many tech tools to support their learning.
At this point, I have found that different technology works better for certain assignments, and that it's not always the same for each group of students. My students have taught me a lot about themselves as learners and thinkers, and they have reminded me that technology isn't that scary once you give it a try. I've been able to better meet the needs of all students by letting them make choices when it comes to technology, and by letting them take the lead, too."
Tidbits!
New MPS iTech YouTube Channel!
Update your new Surface Pro!
These new devices do require the most recent Windows updates, which you can do. Complete directions for completing the Windows update can be found on this document.
As always, reach out to the Tech Department with a SchoolDude ticket if you would like assistance with this.
Peardeck introduces the Shared Teacher Dashboard!
- From your Teacher Dashboard, click the three-dot menu.
- Choose "Invite co-teacher".
- Select the Copy button to copy the link to your Dashboard.
- Send this link via Gmail or chat to the co-teacher.
This video demonstrates the above steps.
Turn on your Google account sync!!
What this does it links your MPS Google account across all of the devices you are logged in to. If you create a bookmark on your desktop PC at school, you will see the same bookmark on your Surface Pro when logged in at home. You will also have access to your browser history which can facilitate accessing the various websites you use throughout the day!
Zoom Meeting Issues
If the last time you created a meeting link was early in the school year, it is recommended that you create a new link for your class. Also, if you created a link with a recurring date/time and you are noticing increasing issues with your link, it's time to update!
As you are likely communicating the virtual meeting times with your students using Google Classroom, Seesaw, Class Dojo, or email, your students will know when they need to logon. Therefore, when you create your new Zoom link, you can create a recurring link with no fixed time. The date or time of the meeting does not make the link active, you starting the meeting as the creator and host makes the meeting active. Removing the recurring date and time seems to have fixed most issues thus far.
As usual, reach out to matthewss@mpsct.org with questions!
Professional Development
Next week we will be completing our December MPS Professional Learning Cycle on Engagement. Thank you to everyone who has participated. It has been a time of thoughtful, collaborative learning that can be made immediately actionable in the classroom. The facilitators from the Office of Teaching & Learning appreciate your active participation and willingness to collaborate with your colleagues. As are reminder, these were the topics that were considered during the month of December:
- Adaptive Challenge: How to engage the disengaged/absent learner?
- PearDeck: Engaging the Reluctant Learner
- Zoom: Strategies for Face-to-Face Learning
- Seesaw: Engaging the Reluctant Learner
Next week's drop in session includes:
- Getting to Know Your Surface Pro
- Self Care
Our January MPS Professional Learning Calendar will be shared before you leave for winter break. Please contact Michelle Gohagon should you have any additional questions.
MPS Instructional Technology
http://middletownitech.weebly.com/
Email: matthewss@mpsct.org
Website: http://middletownitech.weebly.com/
Location: 310 Hunting Hill Avenue, Middletown, CT, USA
Phone: (860)638-1466
Twitter: @MPSTechCoach