T3: Teachers Taking-on Technology
November/December 2015 : volume 2: Issue 3
Virtual T3 Meeting Recorded: Getting Ready for Hour of Code
Click here to access the event page with the recording.
Google Hangouts also is available as an iPad app for those of you who would like to use your GISD device instead of your laptops/ desktop computers.
Wednesday, Dec 2, 2015, 04:00 PM
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Join #TeamGISD in participating in the HOUR OF CODE during December 7th - 13th
Great Websites for introducing Students to Coding:
MadeWithCode.com
If girls can be inspired to see that code can help them pursue their passions, whatever they may be, then hopefully they will begin to contribute their voices to the field of technology for the benefit of us all.
CodeCombat.com
CodeCombat is a web (and soon to be iOS) fantasy game that teaches players the basics of computer science. Players don’t learn to be engineers by playing CodeCombat: they learn the more important foundational skills like formal syntax, conditional logic, and variables.
The game itself is set in a fantasy realm in which the player must code to defeat the forces of the marauding ogre hordes.
Studio.code.org
The Code Studio tutorials enable students to cover programming topics such as repeat loops, conditionals, and functions, as well as broader concepts such as how the internet works, or the role of digital citizenship in modern society.
Great FREE Apps for New Coders
The Foos
A great way to introduce coding concepts to ages 5+ through it's engaging fun game-play.
Available in the following platforms:
- iOS (apple iPad & iPhone)
- Mac app store
- Android (Google Play store)
- Kindle Fire app (Amazon)
- Web browser for PC
Kodable
The basic coding curriculum is available to everyone for free. Teachers can set up unlimited classes and student profiles.
Available in the following platforms:
- iOS (apple iPad & iPhone)
- Mac app store
- Android (Google Play store)
- Web browser for PC
LightBot
Puzzle solving game based on coding logic
Available in the following platforms:
Junior coding (ages 4-8)
- iOS (apple iPad & iPhone)
- Android (Google Play store)
- Kindle Fire app (Amazon)
- iOS (apple iPad & iPhone)
- Mac app store
- Android (Google Play store)
- Kindle Fire app (Amazon)
- Windows app store
Come share your mobile learning story in 2016. Submit an iPadpalooza proposal!
iPadpalooza is looking for exciting and inspiring speakers for our 3-day Learning Festival in Austin, TX from June 22-24, 2016. We can all learn from each other’s stories and experiences! Our call for proposals is now open (link below) and will remain open until Monday, February 8, 2016. Before you fill out a proposal, here’s a few nuggets of information that will help with this unique process.
Optional Video Sneak Preview
This year we are asking for a little bit extra from our speakers in the form of a “sneak preview” video of what their session would be. This video doesn’t need to be a comprehensive overview of what you’ll cover and it doesn’t need to be epic. To increase your chances of getting your proposal selected, we’re asking that you make a short (2 minutes or less) video/animation that highlights what attendees will learn during your session. We’ll use these videos in the schedule guide so attendees can get a sneak peek at what you’ll be offering.
“Summer Blockbuster” theme
This year’s theme of “Summer Blockbuster” focuses on the explosive ideas and learning taking place in your classrooms with mobile devices. We encourage you to take risks and step outside your comfort zone when designing your presentation. As our theme is movie-related, keep that in mind when creating your clever session title.
Session Types
15-minute Swift Talk - These are mini sessions designed to get a single idea or story across in a short amount of time.
30-minute Smackdown – This session takes guts. It’s two presenters with opposing points of view on a particular topic or subject willing to lay their beliefs on the line. In the end the audience will actually vote for the winner.
1-hour round-table expert – At various sections of the event, we’ll have opportunities for round-table discussions on a variety of topics.
1-hour Plenary Talk – This is more of the standard “sit n’ get” style of session. Speakers presenting in this style need to be highly engaging and audience participation and back-channeling is encouraged!
90-minute interactive conversations – Leverage the brain-power in the room to solve a problem. The format is the introduction of an idea or problem in the first 15 minutes, followed by 60 minutes of problem-solving, brainstorming and ideating. The final 15 minutes of the session are spent on teams sharing out their ideas or solutions.
90-minute Make n’ Take Learnshop – These sessions are meant for smaller audiences and are focused more on developing or creating something that attendees can use in their schools.Speaker Benefits
If your session is accepted you will have your registration fees waived or refunded. Accepted speakers also get VIP access to certain events like the iPadpalooza Youth Film Festival on the night of the 23rd and access to the legendary “Green Room” throughout iPadpalooza. We’re also giving away our “Best Presenter” awards for the highest rated sessions during our event. (more details on that contest after sessions are accepted)
Ready to share your story? Click Here!TCEA: Texas Computer Educators Association Blog
TCEA's blog is a great free resource to stay on top of tips, tricks and trends in erducational technology. The access is free and you can subscribe to the newsletter by clicking on the above link.
TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association) is a member-based organization supporting the use of technology in education. Founded in 1980, TCEA has been playing a vital role in increasing technology funding and access for PreK-16 schools for 35 years. Our 16,000-member association is led by a grass-roots board of directors, all of whom are professional educators, and TCEA’s offerings all support educators in the field who are enhancing curriculum with digital tools.
If you are interested in becoming a TCEA member, you can contact me for more information at coburnc@georgetownisd.org
Yearly dues are $45 and some of the featured benefits include
- 80+ hours of annual, free CPE credit
- Membership in the TCEA Social Community
- Access to online and in-person learning events
- Recommended iOS and Android App List
- and more...
From the Desk of the Editor: Cori Coburn-Shiflett
Happy Holidays (& Coding) to you and yours,
Cori
Email: coburnc@georgetownisd.org
Website: tnttower.com
Location: 1313 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX, United States
Phone: 512-943-5000 5083
Twitter: @CoburnCori