Digital Learning Bytes
LUSD ~ Technology Services ~ November, 2016
IDEA2 Educator Underway
The newly named IDEA2 Educator (formerly the Google Challenge) is underway! Fifty teachers district-wide have completed the first session of the PD. Teachers have focused on a multitude of tools for the classroom, from Google Classroom to YouTube playlists, in which they are incorporating in their curriculum unit. The second session for both elementary and secondary teachers will be held the second week of November. We will have a second cohort in January and February; let your administrator know if you are interested in participating in the next session.
#iCanCode Initiative
Our youngest students are coding! In just a short time, a pilot group of TK-2nd grade students in our elementary schools have conquered the basics of block coding via our #iCanCode Initiative. They are using Code.org to learn coding, as well as their iPads to program their robots. Seeing the excitement on their faces as they have success with the programming is not only enlightening but motivating. Their teachers receive an hour a month of supportive PD, and they are just as excited as our students!
Hour of Code: Save the Date!
The Hour of Code™ is a nationwide initiative by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org to introduce millions of students to one hour of computer science and computer programming. This year's event will be held during the week of December 5-11, 2016. Save an hour during that week to participate in a global movement to introduce your students to computer science. More information can be found at https://hourofcode.com. We'll be sharing resources with you on how you can be a part of the Hour of Code™ this year.
Educator Spotlight
This month, we throw the Spotlight on our IDEA2 Innovators. This cohort of elementary teachers meets monthly to focus on pedagogy and technology embedded lesson planning. The energy level of this group is phenomenal, and the ideas for lesson plans are amazing! Soon you'll be able to access their tech-enhanced lesson plans on our website. A secondary cohort will be held in the spring for those educators who completed the Google Challenge in Summer 2015 or Spring 2016. Secondary teachers can look for registration information next month.
Try this IDEA
If you like Kahoot, you may like Quizizz. It is another formative assessment tool for teachers and students. As a teacher, you can set up the quiz as either a live quiz in class or set it up for homework or learning center. Students do not have to be online at the same time to complete a quiz. There is a large online community of teachers who have created and shared quizzes on Quizizz. You can use them or tweek them to meet your needs. Check out Quizizz, and let us know what you think about this IDEA!
Welcome to our Newest Coach
Esther Noh, our new digital learning coach, has been with Lynwood USD for over nine years. She taught 3rd grade at Marshall Elementary School for first two years of her teaching career, and she taught 7th and 8th grade English at Cesar Chavez Middle School for the past seven years. Esther holds both Multiple-Subject and Single-Subject credentials and has a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She truly believes in the powerful impact of the effective use of educational technology in the classroom and is very excited to work with the awesome teachers in Lynwood USD. We are happy to have her on the Digital Learning Team!
Education on Air Conference
Join Google for Education for a free, online conference December 2 @ 3:00 pm through December 3, @ 4:00 pm. Their Education on Air: It Takes a Teacher conference will provide you an opportunity to share and learn from other educators around the world. Themes of breakout sessions include CS & STEM, Going Google, Managing the Classroom and 21st Century Skills to name a few. If you are interested in this free event you can register here!
IDEA2 Bar Help Sessions
- November 17, 2016 3:00-4:30 @ District Office Lab
- December 1, 2016 3:00-4:30 @ Marshall Elementary School
- December 15, 2016 3:00-4:30 @ District Office Lab
Ask for help with GAFE tools, Gradebook, and other tech tools.
Digital Learning Coaches
Kathleen Graham, Elementary Digital Learning Coach
Esther Noh, Digital Learning Coach
Dena Duong, Secondary Digital Learning Coach
Email: digitacoaches@mylusd.org
Website: digitallearning.mylusd.org
Location: 11321 Bullis Road, Lynwood, CA, United States
Phone: (310) 886-1491
Twitter: @lusdidea2