CR6 Tech4Learning
9.21.15 - 9.25.15
Tech Updates!
Here are your tech updates for this week!
1. Jeff has noticed that some of our computers have been renamed through System Preferences. He has requested that if you have changed your computer name through System Preferences that you include your building and room number. It makes it easier on him to know where to go so he can get to you faster. If you haven't changed your computer name through System Preferences, Jeff has requested that you leave the name the way it is.
2. Jeff is going to add the Luna Document Camera software to our Mac server so he can push it out to our MacBooks. If you have a Luna Camera and need the software, send him a QNS ticket. He also said that if you have an ELMO document camera, you can download the ImageMate software for your particular camera here: http://www.elmoglobal.com/en/html/product/03.aspx
3. In an effort to get everyone caught up with their essential technology skills, I'll be having short, before/after-school workshops for the next month. Come in the morning 7:30-8 or after school 3:30-4. It will be in the library on the day that I'm in your building, so CES Monday, CIS Tuesday, etc. We'll start this coming week (9/28-10/2). First up - iPad Basics! We'll focus on these skills:
- Use Touchscreen Gestures
- Adjusting Settings (setting the volume, setting the screen brightness)
- Organizing Apps (moving apps, deleting apps, closing apps, creating folders, using Spotlight to search, switching between apps
- Camera Basics (taking pictures, taking screenshots, using FaceTime, using Messages)
As always, let me know how I can support you in our technology adventures!
~Sarah :)
Tech Tip!
Organize your Charging Cords!
App / Website of the Week!
iOS 9!
http://www.cnet.com/products/apple-ios-9/
And learn how to install iOS 9 by watching the video below. iOS 9 is a huge upgrade, so be a good digital citizen, and download and install it either at home or before or after school.
Tech Try of the Week!
You can also create a course with iTunes U. Just like with Google Classroom, you can create and assign tasks, grade tasks, and incorporate resources, including apps. Students can then use their iPads to access and download all the course content they need. Because lack of Internet is a concern for our kids, using iTunes U helps alleviate this problem because students can download just the resources they need for that evening to their iPad. Plus, iTunesU seamlessly integrates 3rd party apps, which means kids can finish their task in a separate app and upload it to your classroom in iTunes U. It has an integrated gradebook that allows you to see one assignment or an entire semester, as well as a discussion feature that allows you to create and host rich class discussions.
If you're a Google Classroom user, using iTunes U doesn't mean you have to give up Google Classroom. I set up an iTunes U course that linked to the Google Classroom app where I posted assignments that use Google Drive. Since iTunes U has the ability to create unit "folders", I could set up my curriculum through iTunes U and then use Google Classroom as an organizational tool for my students' Google Drive work.
Needless to say, iTunes U is an awesome resource. If you'd like to learn more, check out this link: http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/itunes-u/
Spotlight On...
Misty Williamson!
Tech Resources!
Framework for Purposeful Technology
Upcoming Learning Opportunities!
Webinars:
Understanding and Integrating the 4Cs in Your Classroom - What Does the Research Say? - Thursday, 9/24, 3-4
Mathcraft: Combining Minecraft with Math for Exponential Learning - Monday, 9/28, 2-3
Workshops:
Google Tools - Wednesday, 10/14, 9-4, MORENet Training Building, Columbia
SMART Board Beginning - Thursday, 10/15, 9-4, MORENet Training Building, Columbia
Don't Forget to Back Up Your H:// Drive!
When you need me...
Email: sarah.rausch@catnet.gen.mo.us
Website: http://www.pinterest.com/edtechcr6
Phone: 126
Twitter: @EdTechCR6