EdTech@NSCDS
All the Tech & Innovation News You Can Use • Issue #22
Here's the 22nd issue of EdTech@NSCDS, an occasional newsletter for the faculty at North Shore Country Day! Back issues can be found here.
REMINDERS
Apple Teacher Information
- Apple Teacher is a self-directed, professional learning program that focuses on the use of iPads and Mac computers. Apple tools such as Garageband, Pages, Keynote, etc. are featured. Teachers at North Shore should complete the 8 modules for either the Mac or iPad track.
- We are moving towards having all teachers use managed Apple IDs. Managed Apple IDs will NOT work with the Apple Teacher program. This is because IT administrators can delete managed IDs from a school's setup and Apple wants teachers to keep their AT credentials if they change schools etc. Please use a personal Apple ID to complete the Apple Teacher program if you have not completed these modules yet. Also, do not use a shared Apple ID; this applies mainly to lower school faculty.
- Congratulations to our current Apple Teachers: Alejandra M., Ann G., Anne Marie D., Austin G., Beatrice M., Brian P., Caitlin M, Caroline M., Claire D.., Dana S., David K., Donna F., Drea G., Ellen R., Irene M., Julia M., Kathy M., Laura C., Leanne M. , Lee B., Sharon L., Stephanie W., Susan S., Christina B., Darcy T., Zoe F., Jordan H., David G., Tim M., Ceil F., Rebecca R., Kathy I., and Amy S. ! If Lucy missed anyone, let her know!
- Send Lucy a copy of your Apple Teacher certificate and/or report when you've completed either the iPad track or Mac track. All North Shore teachers are required to finish one track by the end of August 2019. The other track will need to be completed by June 2019.
General Information
- If you need a specific app installed on your iPad or on your students' iPads, please send an email with your request to tech@nscds.org. Please also include Lucy and your division's academic tech integrator on this email.
- Check out the Tech@NSCDS website! This is your home base for all things technology-related. Find curated resources, app recommendations, help desk information, and more.
- The NSCDS dashboard provides important links for staff and faculty. Bookmark it (Command + D) for easy access!
- Adobe accounts! Did you know that you and your students can get a free Adobe account through the tech office that will allow you to use Adobe products such as Photoshop and Illustrator? Stop by their office or send an email to tech@nscds.org for further info.
- Do you need support with using our laser cutter? Fill out this form and the IT/ET departments will work with you.
- Breakout Edu is a platform for educational escape type games that are perfect for this time of year! We have two Breakout Edu kits plus access to hundreds of games. Some games are digital and do not require the kits. Browse or search for games here. If you need help getting started with Breakout Edu, including teacher access to the platform, send Lucy an email at lgray@nscds.org.
POWER PRODUCTIVITY TIP
Taking Screenshots and Using Markup on Your iOS Device
Knowing how to take a screenshot is important and useful! Document and share work from your device via this maneuver. Create visual tutorials through screenshots, too. Screenshotting is also helpful when one is troubleshooting problems in order to share information with the IT department.
Below is a short video that will show you how to take a screenshot on your iPhone. This same technique can be applied when using your iPad. With either your iPhone or iPad, you can use Markup to edit and annotate your image.
If you are interested in video recording your screen rather than taking a screenshot, view these directions from Apple Support. The ability to screencast is built into iOS devices!
How to take, mark up, and share a screenshot on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch — Apple Support
APP RECOMMENDATION
Apple Clips
Apple Clips should be installed on your iPad as well as on the MS and US student iPads. If you own an iPhone, you can also download this app from the app store for free. Apple Clips allows users to create short videos with ease. View the video below to see how it works! Additional tutorials are available here and ideas for classroom use can be found in the Apple Teacher Center. Math teachers also might be interested in this blog post about using Apple Clips to document student work in Desmos.
Record Video using the Clips App [Clips for iOS Tutorial for Beginners]
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
- September 15th is International Dot Day inspired by Peter Reynold's wonderful book, the Dot. Celebrate creativity, courage, and collaboration by reading the book and participating in various activities. Details are located here and see how first graders used iPads to create art a few years ago!
- Looking to bring experts into your classroom? Browse the virtual offerings from Exploring By the Seat of Your Pants which was started by an award-winning educator. Suitable for all ages, these mostly science-oriented events take place in a webinar room and are also broadcast on YouTube. Here's more information on how it all works.
- The Flipgrid Book Club invites younger students to reflect upon various books throughout the school year. Check out their website and selected books here.
- The Climate Change Project runs during October. Students from across six different continents will explore, brainstorm, discuss, create, connect, present and share their findings via weekly videos. During the final week of the project, all participants will have the opportunity to have a live, virtual interaction with their global peers. There also will be a global tree planting as part of this project. Grade levels involved are not clear, but it's probably open to all.
These two organizations' projects require fees. If interested in participating, let Lucy know and she'll coordinate.
- Flat Connections is facilitating structured technology-based projects this fall for students in grades 3-12. 4th Grade participated in the Windows to the World project last year which is being offered again. Additionally, a debate project for older students and an endangered animal project are scheduled. Learn more here. Registration is taking place now!
- iEARN-USA is one of the more established global education organizations out there. This non-profit host a variety of structured projects for teachers year-round. iEARN's Learning Circles run from the end of September through January. All grade levels can participate and circles focus on a variety of topics and themes. Click here for details.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Seeing America
Seeing America was created by Smarthistory with 16 leading museums and examines the long history of the United States, from before European settlers to the modern era.
I'm the Peace Teacher
The Getting Smart blog features a post by a teacher who had developed the social-emotional learning curriculum at her school.
10 Powerful Community-Building Ideas
Here's a practical list of activities from Edutopia for all grade levels that will encourage community building.
ABOUT THE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENTS
There are two departments that work closely together around technology at North Shore Country Day. The Educational Technology Department is focused on instructional uses of technology. Our crackerjack Information Technology Department is responsible for our technical needs. See the graphics below for detailed information about each department.
The IT Department
Mike Peccia, Manager of Information Systems;
Chris Jurack, Help Desk Manager;
Froy Reyes, Help Desk Manager
Chris Jurack, Help Desk Manager;
Froy Reyes, Help Desk Manager
The ET Department
Lucy Gray, Director of Educational Technology;
Kenyatta Forbes, MS & US Academic Tech Integrator;
Jeff Shaw, LS Tech Academic Integrator
Kenyatta Forbes, MS & US Academic Tech Integrator;
Jeff Shaw, LS Tech Academic Integrator