Tech Topics Newsletter
Ideas & Support to help implement technology
CPS Teacher Focus
Elise Suer - Silverton Paideia
Elise Suer is in her 11th year teaching and 5th here at Cincinnati Public Schools where she teaches 6th grades at Silverton. How do you get 6th graders excited about Social Studies? Elise found a way to utilize the look and feel of a commonly used technology app- Instagram! So, how did she do it???
Her students had the option to choose their own country and answer the following questions:
If you could run your own country, or take over the one you live in, how would you make things better? If you could relocate to a different climate or location on Earth, where would you go? What type of government would you have? What laws would be most important to make your country a safe and happy place to live and work?
Create a slideshow for your nation's Instagram Story. Be sure to include slides for:
1. your government type
2. three key laws in your nation
3. your climate
4. characteristics of your nation's culture
This was a really clever way to introduce a new way to use technology. She took something that students were already using and mocked up an Instagram Story by using Google Slides. She tied in traditional work, however, engaged students while being creative and connecting them to the content. It allowed students to use deeper level thinking by how they represented their country. It also provided a way for students to collaborate by using the feedback option.
Student Example: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1dEWx_s-vaUColYyREUE3Vk3zfDNSVGfsrcy-qVbXFJs/edit#slide=id.p
Schoology Tip
Schoology Enhancements
Event News
Hour of Code
Thank you to all that used Hour of Code activities and participated in Computer Science Education Week. Here are a few examples from CPS teachers:
During tech class this week, students have several options of online activities for Hour of Code. I also have a Code and Go mouse that has been a hit with my K students, and some older students are working with my Kano lightboards and Tech Will Save Us gamer kits. I'm making sure each student gets one of the certificates for doing Hour of Code (although we're at 45 minutes with my class time). - Melody Riggs, Rothenberg Preparatory Academy
We are also using code.org Hour of Code tutorials. All students in grades K-6 will complete a tutorial & receive a certificate, a sticker, & a treat. In addition, our K students started last week with some unplugged activities to get ready for their Kodable tutorial. 6th graders are using code blocks in Tinkercad to create snowflakes. 5th graders are creating holiday themed mazes on Scratch. 2nd graders are coding with Dash & Dot. Our 5th grade gifted students are using Tynker to code drone flights. Our 6th grade gifted students are using coSpaces to code virtual reality winter wonderland scenes. Finally, we are offering a Family Coding Night this year where parents & grandparents can come in, enjoy some hot "codecoa", cookies, & learn to code from their kids!!! We are all in this year for CSEdWeek!!!!! - Jessica Hughes, Hyde Park School
l of my 3rd-6th grades did the tutorials on Code.org last week and this week they are doing the "real" deal with Dance Party. I plan to present some of the most creative ones on our TVs around our building. - Sara Redman, Covedale
Application News
PowerSchool News
E1 Reporting Term is the term where the Exam Assignment must be placed. The due date MUST be 12/21.
All regular classroom assignments must be given a date between 10/15 - 12/19 to appear in Reporting Term Q2.
PowerSchool maintenance is a necessary task. Below are the planned dates for maintenance, please plan accordingly:
12/26/2018 - 4:00 pm
1/2/2019 - 4:00 pm
1/21/2019 - 4:00 pm
Watch this short video on reporting terms, switching to Q2 and E1 terms, entering comments, and adding assignments. This 2:30 minute video will save you time from calling the help desk during the end of the semester busy time.
Google Team Drives
We recently opened up the use of Google’s Team Drive for district use. During a training session, we were cautioned about not having proper safe guards in place to manage them long term. We were introduced to a lot of things that we were not aware of in Google. We are taking a step back to make sure that we can provide proper long term support of Team Drives.
No new team drives can be created while we review the Google policies and best practices. All existing Team Drives can still be used and Google Drive can still be used.
If you have a strong requirement for a Team Drive before we complete our review, please contact Eric King for discussion.
Opportunities for Learning
Innovative Practices Conference: Seeking Presenters
Formerly the DSS Summer Institute and Tech Conference, Cincinnati Public Schools is in its second year of offering the Innovative Practices Conference free to all employees (contact hours are given). Last year we had over 400 individuals attend the two-day conference!
Keynote speaker and other details are still being planned, but the event will be held May 29 and 30, 2019 at Woodward Technical High School. Both days will be filled with sessions that meet the needs of all teachers from K-12 no matter your content area!
Training Feedback
Personalized Training
Are you aware that all staff can get personalized training at their convenience? Yes, even you can request training! Simply fill out the Training Request Form and we will confirm time/place regarding of your training.
Here is the link to the form for reference: https://tinyurl.com/CPStrainingrequest
Courses offered through Mayerson
Monthly Webinars
You are invited to partake in Wednesday Webinars. Please sign up through Mayerson for your desired webinar. There are also some offered on Saturdays!
Using Schoology Assessments
17252 - Wednesday, January 9 @ 7:30 pm
17253 - Saturday, January 12 @ 9:30 am
Adding a Page in Schoology
17254 - Wednesday, February 6 @ 7:30 pm
17255 - Wednesday, February 13 @ 4:00 pm
Using YouTube in the Classroom
17246 - Wednesday, March 6 @ 7:30 pm
17247 - Wednesday, March 13 @ 4:00 pm
Converting Tests/Quizzes to Assessments in Schoology
17256 - Wednesday, April 3 @ 7:30 pm
17257 - Wednesday, April 10 @ 4:00 pm
17258 - Saturday, April 13 @ 9:30 am
End-of-Year Schoology Cleanup
17259 - Wednesday, May 1 @ 7:30 pm
17260 - Wednesday, May 8 @ 4:00 pm