Tips and Updates
August 8, 2023- #123
Tips and Updates
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Instructional Technology PD
If you are looking for some fun ways to learn instructional tech tools throughout the year and earn some prizes from the spinner, be looking ahead at the optional Instructional Technology PD.
If you are a new educator/staff in our district, a staff who is new to Google Drive, or new educator with 0-3 years experience, please reach out to me if you would like to start the Google Drive PD/see the details.
Start Small
If you are new to the teaching world or if you're still not sure what EdTech tool to use, I always encourage educators to start small and grow from there. Too many tools in a short amount of time, will not improve your classroom. If your students have multiple classes a day, they might have multiple tools to learn. Not only are you learning a new tool, but your students are learning as well. I recommend the following tools to start with:
- Padlet
- Flip
- Canva for Education
Padlet
Padlet is a free, online "virtual wall" tool where users can express thoughts on topics of their choice or teacher's choice. You have several formats to choose from, but I love the map and timeline format the best! Teachers and students can have discussions, share web links, post images, and more. The free version allows for only 3 fully customizable Padlets; however, I clear the posts and reuse them. They literally just got an update... check it out, here.
I do recommend for the older grade levels to set content to require manually approve all post.
Flip
Flip is a video discussion platform that allows teachers to create groups (class periods) and topics (classroom discussions) for those groups. Flipgrid encourages creativity and discussions through recordings by uploading videos, images, attaching files, attaching websites, and so much more. Students are able to react and respond to each other's videos.
Canva for Education
Canva is a great way to create and collaborate in the classroom and beyond. Students have access to over thousands of free, high quality templates on any subject or topic imaginable. Students can create posters, flyers, infographics brochures, and so much more. To get a Canva for Education account, click here.
With all of these tools, start with 1 and learn all of its features before moving on to a new tool.
EdTech Updates
Padlet
Google Classroom
(see image below)
The new option to disable submissions after a due date allows you to stop accepting submissions for an assignment past the due date.
When creating a new assignment, you can decide whether or not to require a strict due date. By default, the assignments tool will still allow submissions after the due date.
This also allows you to choose to stop submissions for an assignment at any point, regardless of the strictness or presence of a due date. For example, you could allow submissions for any assignment during the semester or year, but turn off submissions once the period is completed.
EdPuzzle
Update Phone Mailbox Recording
If you are needing to update your mailbox recording, walk through the steps below:
- Dial your extension and enter your password. Your password could be 0000 or it might be the number of your extension. If you unable to figure out the password, let us know.
- It will say "You have no messages"
- It will then say "Press 0 for mailbox options". It will then go through and ask what you would like to record.
Here is an example of what your recording might sound like:
Hello, this is Janalee Martin, Instructional Technology for Mineral Wells ISD. I am unable to answer your phone call at this time, please leave your name and number and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Don't forget, you can also reach me through our free, class communication system, Class Dojo as well. Have a great day!
AmpED⚡Up is happening on Friday, October 6th and we want YOU to present! This PD is combining EdCamp and Techapalooza together to provide our teachers with different tools, strategies, and a variety of ways to AMP UP their teaching.
We are looking for sessions that are curriculum and technology related. Click here to access the Google Form to present.
If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Hammond or Janalee Martin
Cathy Hammond- chammond@mwisd.net. ext. 4129
Janalee Martin- jmartin@mwisd.net. ext. 9980
To narrow down more information, if you are a classroom teacher with 0-3 years experience in public education, please fill out this Google Form. You must be logged into your MWISD Google Account.
MWISD Instructional Technology Specialist Mission:
As the Instructional Technology Specialist, I will strive to serve the academic and digital needs of our students and provide equitable opportunities to prepare students for our ever-changing global community.
I will strive to assist teachers in appropriately incorporating and implementing technology in their classroom by being available for one-on-one meetings, PLCs, staff meetings, and providing professional development that meets our teacher's technology needs.