Dive in2 EdTech
Back-to-School Basic Building Blocks for EdTech in RPS!
In this edition of Dive in 2EdTech, you will find resources gathered by the Cluster 1 ITRTs to help you get started with the following tools and supports:
- The Role of Your ITRT Point of Contact
- Aspen (attendance, gradebook, referrals)
- Mobile Laptop Carts
- RPSTech.org (curriculum pacing guides, SOL Support pages, online resources, etc.)
- Clever (teacher sign in and student sign in)
- Classroom Community Tools (Class Dojo, Seesaw, Class Tag)
- ICTS Service Desk (hardware & software support, password support, surplus removal info)
Let's start building...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvbr9fgaRNU
ASPEN: How do I turn in my Attendance, Grades, and Referrals?
Aspen is our student information system! Your attendance, grades, and discipline referrals are kept here! Below are quick reference guides to help you get started:
1. Taking Attendance (video)
2. Setting Gradebook Preferences (Thinglink interactive image)
3. Initiating Discipline Referrals (video)
https://youtu.be/s4TVMS3rhbE
To set up your Gradebook, you will want to make sure you have set up your preferences in Aspen. After logging into Aspen, click on your name and select the "Set Preferences" option. Below is a Thinglink (interactive image) of the preferences you will want to set for your Gradebook as well as descriptions for each. (Your preferences should remain in place from year to year) Once you've done that, create your categories and set the category defaults to make adding assignments a breeze. *You can use the directions below to import categories from last year if you are keeping the same category weights.
Create Categories
Click here to learn to add and import categories.
https://youtu.be/mIgzkRnRbDI
Mobile Carts: How do I take care of the laptop cart in my classroom?
Please use the slides presentations below to train your students on Laptop Cart Usage. Be sure to label the devices, keep them organized, and alert the Service Desk of any needed repairs!
RPSTech.org: Where do I find pacing charts, curriculum and SOL resources, and information about technology integration?
RPSTech.org contains the following resources:
- RPS Pacing Guides
- SOL Support Pages
This site is password protected. Please reach out to your ITRT for the password.
This password should NOT be shared outside of RPS.
Integration
Explore different ways to integrate technology in your instruction!
Online Resources
Discover the digital resources available to RPS teachers!
SOL Support
Search through this bank of resources for teaching English, Math, Social Studies, and Science SOLs!
CLEVER: What is Clever and how do my students and I use it?
Clever is a single sign on app that synchs information from our student information system (Aspen) to all of the phenomenal digital learning resources we use in our district! See below how you and your students should sign in to access this wealth of instructional and learning resources!
Building Classroom Community: How can I use technology to connect with my students and their families?
At the beginning of every school year, it is critical that we build positive relationships with our students and their families. The apps below can help make this process seamless!
Class Dojo
Introduction Video This site provides a way for you to easily build classroom community for your students and parents! It can help you keep track of student behavior, send messages to students' guardians about their progress, and so much more!
Seesaw
Register for Webinar Find out how Seesaw can help you build classroom community through interactive learning journals!
Class Tag
Watch this video. See how Class Tag can help you turn your parents into partners with Class Tag
ICTS Service Desk: Technology hardware and/or software support, password support, removal of technology surplus items, etc.
Please note that please note that our excellent ICTS Service Desk Department handles support for hardware &/or software concerns for ALL RPS devices in your classroom. All RPS Employees should alert the Service Desk of any concerns regarding the RPS devices assigned to them or their classroom. The Service Desk's website provides details regarding the array of resources and support that the Service Desk provides to RPS employees, including the following four important tasks: (A) help with username and password support (Active Directory, RPS email accounts and CIMS Employee portal) , (B) make requests for technology support for devices assigned to RPS employees and their classrooms, (C) check the status of a submitted service request (USER ID = Your RPS 6 Digit Employee ID Number. PASSWORD = Last 4 numbers of your Social Security Number), and (D) obtain and complete the Technology Surplus Form necessary to have non-working technology removed from your classroom (requires administrator's signature and should be submitted to Damone Harris in Plant Services). Information regarding how to contact the Service Desk for support is provided below...
Instructional Technology Resource Teachers contribute to the infinite possibilities, to lead our teachers and students to be innovative thinkers, engaging learners, and change agents who shape the future through providing instructional technology knowledge and skills in unique and powerful ways.
The ITRTs that currently support Cluster 1 schools are
Natalie Davis, Sarah Webster, Stacy Green, Joselyn Verdi, and Cyndi Robinson.