MCSD ED TECH NEWSLETTER
Special Elementary Edition
iPad Updating
If you DO have a District-Issued iPad for yourself or your students, then please read the following message carefully!
- First, we issued notice a few weeks ago for all iPad users to upgrade their Teacher or Student iPads to iOS 9.3.1. There are still many who have not yet done so. This is an urgent matter, as later this month we will be upgrading to a new management utility from Apple that will only work with devices running 9.3 or higher. You can always confirm what version of iOS you are on by going to “Settings” -> “General” -> “Software Update.” If you are unsure how to update iOS on your devices, please follow the instructions for “Update Your Device Wirelessly”: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204204.
- Second, regardless of whether or not your devices have already been updated to iOS 9.3.1, all iPads need to be “woken up” and checked for network connectivity ASAP. This is as simple as turning on the iPad, and making sure that it can connect to the Internet. If you can bring up the Manheim Central website (www.manheimcentral.org), that is the best test. If you have an iPad (multiple iPads) that is (are) unable to connect to the Internet, please submit a Tech Request so that our staff can assist you.
- Finally, in the near future we will be transitioning our iPads over to a new WiFi network, with upgraded security and additional functionality. As long as you complete the two items above, you’ll be all set and you won’t notice a thing when this switch happens! However, if you do not complete the two steps above, your iPads will lose connection to the wireless when this transition occurs… don’t let this happen to you!
from the desk of...
Dan Lyons | Director of Technology
Storyline Online
"Reading to children has been repeatedly shown to improve their reading, writing and communication skills, logical thinking, concentration and general academic aptitude… as well as inspire a love of reading. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation records well-known actors reading children’s books and makes graphically dynamic videos so that children around the world can be read to with just the click of a Storyline Online video book image.
Many teachers play SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Storyline Online videos for their students. Doctors and nurses play Storyline Online videos for children in hospitals. And parents and children around the world watch Storyline Online videos millions of times every month." National Director of Literacy Programs: Michelle Shegda
I provided a sample video below.
Woot Math - FREE
"Designed for 9-13 year olds, the app teaches students basic math and fractions through equations, diagrams, pictures and games. Depending on how well the student performs, the difficulty of the games and problems scales up or down. App review site, Balefire Labs applauded the games for being “engaging” and “easy-to-use.” In addition, the National Science Foundation found that students using Woot Math scored significantly higher on their summative assessments than the control group. Privacy flag: Woot Math collects personally identifiable information, which it may use to target users with advertisements. Woot Math has also signed the Student Privacy Pledge and met the requirements of California's Student Online Personal Information Protection Act."
All of my Social Studies Peeps...have you engaged with iCivics yet?
iCivics is a non-profit organization dedicated to reinvigorating civic learning through interactive and engaging learning resources. Our educational resources empower teachers and prepare the next generation of students to become knowledgeable and engaged citizens.
Founded and led by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, iCivics provides students with the tools they need for active participation and democratic action, and teachers with the materials and support to achieve this. Our free resources include print-and-go lesson plans, award-winning games, and digital interactives.
The iCivics games place students in different civic roles and give them agency to address real-world problems and issues. They are rooted in clear learning objectives and integrated with lesson plans and support materials.
Want to know how to get started with iCivics in the classroom?
WE NEED YOUR INPUT!
Let's Collaborate!
Liz
Email: lubeskiem@manheimcentral.org
Website: manheimcentral.org
Location: 261 White Oak Road, Manheim, PA, United States
Phone: (717)664-8404
Twitter: @EDULLubeskie