September - Welcome Back!
Technology Integration Newsletter - September 2015
Hello!
I am Katy Berner-Wallen - your BOCES technology integrator (aka the iPad lady). Many of you met me last year as I shared the role with Marley Smith. This year I will be taking on the role solo, but am very excited to serve as your technology integrator.
As we move into the school year, I am available to help you integrate the iPad and other technology into your classroom. I have created an iTunesU course for you and for students with Tips and Tricks to help you plan/integrate/collaborate in building 21st century skills into your classroom. The student course includes picture-based how-to instructions to help them navigate the technology as well. The links for these courses appears later in this letter.
When I am in Silver Creek, I am here to serve you. My schedule is mostly yours to dictate; I can make myself available before/after school, during your planning periods, and visit your classrooms if desired. If administration receives requests, I can also run workshops and staff development to help meet your tech needs. I am in the process of creating a shared calendar where you can schedule time with me to work with you and help you and your students with your technology needs in the classroom.
My September calendar is at the bottom of this newsletter. Please feel free to contact/visit with me anytime I am scheduled in the building.
What do I do? How Can I help you?
Skill Building & Planning
Looking for an app to do a quick formative assessment? Need a great way to create a writing portfolio online? Hoping to engage parents in student learning? Still struggling with iTunesU?
I can come help you do this...and more.Align Work to 21st Century Skills
Have an idea for a project but aren’t sure how to get it off the ground? Trying to come up with a new way to do something you always did?
I can come help you plan AND come in to help you teach or provide an extra set of hands.
Find iPad Apps & Websites
Ever thought “I wish there was an app that _________”? There probably is and I can do the research to find it.
OR if you too many apps for one type of activity I can help you decide which app best suits your needs.
Provide In-Class Support
Integrating tech can be hard especially when you’re still learning the technology yourself. I can come in and help teach the students how to use the technology and stick around and provide support.
One-on-One Support
I can make myself available to help you build your tech skills and develop your 21st century classroom.
Staff and Student Access to iTunesU Resources
TEACHER'S RESOURCE GUIDE
- best apps for specific content areas/grade levels
- step by step directions for using iTunesU, Showbie, and more
- resources for Showbie/iTunesU
- discussion boards to ask for assistance
- best practice resources for online/technology
Enroll Code
Teacher Course (For Teacher's ONLY) - CAC-TTN-LFF
STUDENT'S RESOURCE GUIDE
Student Quick Reference Cheat Sheets
I have also created step-by-step guides for Showbie and Notability for Students. I have added some basic iPad resources as well. **More resources will be added to the Student Course as it is suggested/requested by staff members.
Enroll Code
Student Course -DJP-ALK-YDB
While You Were Gone: Summer iPad App Updates
iTunes U
iTunesU did a full update in early July that included the addition the ability to annotate and turn work in using iTunesU, it also includes a "gradebook" and the ability to add discussion boards. Although this would simplify the process of submitting work, it is still “glitchy” and does not provide the same user-friendly interface that Showbie still provides. Unfortunately, previous iTunesU users would need to re-add all of their course work in order for this feature to be available; Therefore, Showbie is still the recommended program for student submissions.
For more information on the iTunesU Upgrade: Article
Showbie (2.2)
Check Out What is Coming Up at E2CCB
Katy Berner-Wallen
Technology Integrator/Staff Development Specialist
Integrated Education Services
Email: kberner-wallen@e2ccb.org
Website: http://engagee2ccb.weebly.com/
Location: 75 Chestnut St. Fredonia, NY 14081
Twitter: @kjberner