Grain Valley Technology Tidbits
February 2019
Spotlight on EdTech: Jeff Bowman, High School
Instead of a traditional research paper, Mr. Bowman wanted his AP Lang & Comp students to try something new--creating a podcast to research and interview those connected to the Vietnam War. He explains that using a podcast creation tool, "changed teaching and learning by allowing my students to be more creative. Using Anchor is an easy way to get students to record in short sections and still be able to edit and add music. I have noticed that my students really want their podcast to sound professional. This means they put in more time researching information to include in their podcasts. I will definitely be using Anchor.fm again and with other classes. Additionally, using Anchor required little time to implement before the students took off and began working." Bowman also explains, "The most important impact [the technology had] would have to be that the students wanted their podcasts to sound good and be a reliable source of information. They realize that this podcast gets published and could be heard by many people later on down the road. This has forced them to take their time and dive into the work and research necessary to be successful."
Spotlight on EdTech: 4th Grade Team, Matthews Elementary
Fourth-grade teachers Tammy Jackson, Sheilah Harber, and Amber Henson just finished up a unit on the American Revolution with their classrooms full of authors. Students had studied specific parts of the American Revolution and wrote their own non-fiction books based on their learning. Each student then created an audiobook using Book Creator. Students found pictures to support each chapter of their book and then recorded themselves reading their book. Book Creator was so easy for them to use and they had so much fun! Once their books were completed, teachers were able to compile their books into a class book to share with parents.
EdTech Tip of the Month
Have you noticed some of the cool graphics Grain Valley teachers are posting on Twitter and Instagram? Many of these were made using Adobe Spark. This site is free for educators and allows you to create high-quality images, collages, flyers, and more. Many of our teachers have been communicating important information through this format, but it's great for student use as well. Kids have been crafting infographics, book summaries, and PSA's. Audrey and Emily are doing tech PD over this topic in most of the buildings, but if you'd like to know more, please reach out!
Update from the Technology Coaches
Between conferences and snow days, it's been a hectic couple of months (which is why there wasn't a January newsletter and this one is late). At the beginning of February, we had the opportunity to attend the TCEA conference in San Antonio, TX. We were able to connect with EdTech gurus and expand our knowledge on various ways to use technology in K-12 classrooms. We've also been busy with the expedition kit and co-teaching in a variety of classrooms. The high school has had two tech meetings, and teachers first learned about creating graphics, websites, and videos in Adobe Spark. Our next meeting was super exciting because teachers got to try out the new iPads with pencils. Teachers rotated through three stations to learn about notes, video creation, Pages, and accessibility features. Teachers at South Middle School tested their Google Apps knowledge by playing a game in Gimkit. Many of them jumped right in and have created Gimkits for their students to play. Teachers at North Middle School have been learning about the blended learning model called whole group rotation. They were challenged to design an upcoming lesson in this format and have come up with some creative ideas! The elementary schools are experiencing 'FlipGrid Fever' by making their own videos and creating grids to get their students talking about reading, math, science, and more. Ready to try something new this semester? Please reach out to us!
Stony Point teachers learning to use Flipgrid.
High school teachers learned how to use "clips" to make short videos.
Miss Hannah used Adobe Spark to create an informational poster on iPads.
Ready for a day of learning at TCEA.
Fourth graders at Matthews working on their American Revolution eBooks.
Mindy Stokes' class participating in a Mystery Skype with a school in southern California.
Want free stuff?
Respond to this email if you'd like a Pear Deck tote bag, code.org notebook, or Screencastify t-shirt.