Tiger Tech Update
Week of September 28
Students First, Tech Later
Welcome to the second year of Tiger Tech Updates!
I chose to start the first update of the year with this sketchnote by Syliva Duckworth because nowhere in the image is the word "technology" used. So often we start with the question, "How can I used this app?" or "How can I incorporate more technology in this lesson?" Instead we need to initiate the teaching decisions we make with goals based on increasing student-centered learning. The image above encourages questions like:
"How do I create a classroom where students can share and learn from each other, as well as experts in the field?"
"How can I provide choices for students in the learning and tailor it to challenge each student as his/her level?"
"How do I encourage students to follow their own curiosity and struggle with challenging ideas?"
George Couros, the Canadian principal upon whose ideas this sketchnote is based, states that although these goals are not dependent upon technology use, tech tools can help to magnify them.
So, before incorporating the newest app or a flashy website into your curriculum, I encourage you to first reflect upon the 8 images described above. Consider what your goals for your students are first, and then choose the technology that best supports those goals.
The image and entire blog post about Couros' "8 Things to Look for in Today's Classrooms" can be found HERE.
Spotlight on Classrooms
Ms. Roeder, Mrs. Hauger, Mrs. Steve
Denise's sixth grade students are using Pic Collage to reinforce learning of their vocabulary words. They incorporate the word, images, a personal definition, and the word used in a sentence into one Pic Collage creation and submit it via Schoology.
I peeked into Alyssa's classroom last week and saw her students using Plickers. This is a quick way to assess a class without the need for each student to have a device. Instead, the teacher gives each member of the class a set of papers that look somewhat like QR codes. Each paper stands for a choice: A, B, C, or D. The teacher reads the question, the students each hold up the paper that represents their answer, and the teacher scans the room with an iPad to collect the data on the answers. The photos and video below show the process better than I can explain it!
Need To Know
Technology Questions
Mrs. Kaseforth
Roseanne is available between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. most school days. The best way to reach her is to fill out the HelpDesk Request form on the school website under the Technology tab. Filling out this form automatically generates an email that is sent to her with a description of the request. Roseanne can help you with a wide variety of technology issues, including the following:
- Printers & Copiers that aren't working
- Internet connectivity
- Log-ins for school accounts (TIES, SchoolView, lunch accounts, AR, IXL, etc.)
- Projectors and SmartBoards
- AirServer (projecting your iPad on your SmartBoard)
- Broken, damaged, or non-functioning iPads or parts
Mrs. Meyer
I am available between 12:30-3:00 p.m. each day, as well as before and after school hours as needed. I also have some flexibility with the 11:00-12:30 time. The best way to reach me is to send me an email (I don't receive the information from the online HelpDesk Request form). My goal is to respond to every email within 24 hours, but I often try to get back to you sooner than that, especially if it's during the afternoon. My role includes the following responsibilities:
- Teacher technology training (one-on-one and in groups)
- Student technology training (one-on-one and in groups)
- Facilitate communication between teachers & administration
- Maintenance of the student iPads
- Manage the district Schoology accounts and settings
- AirWatch (restrictions, permissions, app uploads, AirWatch Teach)
With that said, Roseanne and I definitely have some ability overlap each other on the questions we can answer, so don't agonize too much over who to ask for help. If we can't find your answer, we'll refer you to someone who can!
Student Questions
If a student is having problems with a device, printer, or software, they should be sent to either Roseanne or myself based on the responsibilities described above. Please send them with a pass. Roseanne is based out of the Technology Office in the District hallway, and students should look for me in my classroom. However, if it's between 8:10-11:00 a.m, expect that I will be working with my classes and may not be able to help that student right away. Also, since Roseanne and I are often out of our rooms working on tech issues, it would be good practice to send us an email first to check if we're available, before sending a student to us.
I hope this helps clear up any confusion about technology help for this year. The most important part of all of this is that if you're having problems with any aspect of technology, please let one of us know ASAP. Communication is key!
Looking For More?
TED-Ed Video Lessons
Using the TED-Ed website tools, you can choose a YouTube video and craft it into a lesson for your students by adding learning objectives, multiple choice or open-ended questions that pop up at different points of the video, links to other articles or applications, and online discussions. You can track how your individual students interact with the video. Finally, you are free to use any video lessons that other teachers have shared on the site.
Below are some of the favorites of my own two boys. One is a logic riddle and the other is about the history of the treadmill as a torture device!
*Image from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfJ5XG5i2aw