Wavelengths
Tech Integration Newsletter
Volume 11 | Issue 26 | October, 2018
IMS DIrector's Update
We have a new Outlook Web experience being rolled out to our Office 365 accounts. There is a toggle button which can be turned on or off so that users can try this feature if they wish.
If you do choose to try this early version of Outlook, you're able to go back to the classic experience as often as you want by simply turning the toggle button off (see the image below).
Tech Tip: Run Those Updates!
To update your Windows 10 device, click on the button below and follow the instructions in the supplemental Sway.
Technology & Learning Survey in November
Our district will be partnering again with BrightBytes, an educational research and analytics organization, to learn more about our schools’ technology use for student learning. Our goal is to gather metrics on technology access and skills, and on our district's technology environment, in order to understand the connection between technology use and student achievement. This will be done through a comprehensive framework called CASE that looks at the Classroom factors, Access to technology, teacher and student Skills and Environmental factors.
When is the survey?
Collection will be open November 1st and close November 21st
Who takes the survey? All surveys are anonymous
- Students 3rd-12th grade
- Certified Staff All buildings
- Parents **NEW 2018-19**
More detailed information will be sent out soon! Thank you in advance for helping us gather this important information.
We Are Digital Citizens: New Resources for a New School Year
Introducing the new and improved K–12 Digital Citizenship Curriculum from Common Sense Education.
Any questions regarding digital citizenship or Common Sense Education should be directed to Keegan Korf at keegan.korf@ops.org.
OPS School STEAM Events
Microsoft's Annual Skypeathon: November 13th and 14th
Save the date for the annual Microsoft Skypeathon on November 13th and 14th. Last year we had a number of guest speakers including the North High Robotics team, Moby from BrainPop, and a virtual tour of Microsoft's augmented and virtual reality products. We are rounding up a great list again! This opportunity will allow you to break down the walls of your classroom as students connect with other students, experts, and classrooms across the globe. Look for a more information via email soon!
Technology Integration Tip: Classflow Activities
Did you know you can find premade activities or create your own activities in Classflow? This is a great engagement strategy as well as a way to check for understanding during your lesson.
Check out this short 2 min. video to get a Classflow Activities Overview.
Learn how to locate, create, and deliver activities in this full hour webinar recording.
Future Ready Schools
The Future Ready Framework is a robust structure for digital learning visioning, planning, and implementation focused on Personalized Student Learning.
The research-based Framework emphasizes collaborative leadership and creating an innovative school culture. All content focuses on seven key areas (called gears), plus leadership, each of which are addressed during the comprehensive planning process. This framework keeps student learning at the heart of all decision-making.
Watch for more Future Ready information, resources, and other opportunities in upcoming Wavelengths Newsletters!
Elementary Spotlight: Dani Alderson, Rose Hill Elementary
In Dani Alderson’s ESL classroom, students are engaged in interactive learning opportunities through the incorporation of instructional technologies. Ms. Alderson develops lessons and activities that directly align with ESL and cross-curricular learning targets while supporting students’ fluency and speaking proficiencies. Students shown here are using Seesaw, Flipgrid, and Classflow to utilize and practice their verbal acquisition skills.
Technology Training Team
Debra Bordenkecher:
Technology Trainer, Classified/Certified Staff/TAC
Rebecca Chambers:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Mobile Learning Unit Lead Teacher
Melissa Cleaver:Instructional Technology Trainer, Project Coordinator
Eileen Heller:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Elementary Lead Teacher
Keegan Korf:
Common Sense Media, Digital Citizenship Lead Teacher
Kelly Means:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Project Coordinator
Amy Vester:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Secondary Lead Teacher
McKenzie White:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Library Lead Teacher
Email: techtrainers@ops.org
Website: http://techhub.ops.org/
Location: Omaha Public Schools, NE, United States
Phone: (531)299-9624
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Opstechtrainers
Twitter: @OPStechtrainers