The Elementary Tech Times
A parent newsletter about technology in our schools
June 2017
Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2
Additionally, we used the Nearpod app to learn together about animals. Nearpod allows a teacher to share digital images, activities, and more directly to student ipads all at the same time, with the teacher controlling when the screen changes. It's a bit like putting a Smartboard in every child's hands.
Finally, many classes are having a final conversation about all the great things they can do when it's time to "go unplugged". We're talking about how we can make smart choices by putting away the devices frequently and playing actively with others... growing healthy bodies and healthy relationships. It's all about BALANCE. (See the list of activities students recommended up above!)
Grade 3 & 4
We are wrapping up our Tech Talks for the year with a quiz & survey in the three key areas we've focused on: word processing skills, research skills, and digital citizenship.
Grades 5 & 6
Our elementary 'juniors' and 'seniors' used Stupeflix.com to create videos in ONE class period. This free website allows students to choose a theme, insert images and text, choose a soundtrack and put it all together in a video. The options provided are a bit more than Animoto and less than iMovie. This can be a great tool for projects in other school subjects to share their learning.
Other Student Tech Opportunities
Additionally, several GCS students met for lunch once a week as the Student Tech Team. (This was a pilot this year in just one school, but should be an opportunity in all three schools next year.) They spent that time learning how to fix some of the most common problems on the Chromebooks, iPads, and even Smartboards. Three students really took the lead with this project, going into classrooms to help teachers fix problems, and even interviewing teachers about what the Student Tech Team can do next year to help. Thank you Mackenzie, Carma, and Lucy for your dedication and hard work!
Miss the previous newsletter?
Sarah Miller
Email: smiller@rsd6.org
Twitter: @skmillerteach