Open House
January 25, 2022
When I think of Open House, technology comes to mind. I think of Google Forms, Google Sites for portfolios to let students show off their work, Flipgrids for parents to view, and students showing their parents how to access their applications through Classlink, e.g. Google Classroom, Seesaw, Canvas, etc.
Google Sites- #101
I absolutely LOVE Google Sites to show off student's work. If your students have completed any type of technology this school year, think about letting them showcase their work through Google Sites.
This does take some extra prep from you as a teacher. I would have students create a folder in their MyDrive and title it "Open House Google Site". In that folder, would be a subset of folders that correspond with the page that will be on the Google Site.
Some ways to think about organizing the pages on the Google Site:
- If you teach all subjects, each subject could be a page
- If you teach only two subjects, you can have two pages on the website
- If you teach one subject, you might think about having a page for each six weeks: 1st Six Weeks, 2nd Six Weeks, 3rd Six Weeks, etc.
Students pull information from their MyDrive and place it into their Google Site. On Open House night, students can open up their Chromebook and access their MyDrive to show their parents their Google Site.
What types of assignments would you put in the Google Site? I would have students put in their Google Docs, Slides they've created, Google Draw, link to the Podcast they listened to, and/or anything that students have created.
Teachers- have students put in your BreakoutEDU so they can show their parents the fun, engaging lesson they did.
Google Forms
During open house, especially in the Elementary campuses, parents like to discuss their child's learning, their academics, and how to work on improving in a concept. Teachers are needing to greet each caregiver and thank them for coming, so there is not always time to have those discussions. Also, those discussions can sometimes require a one-on-one setting where the conversation does not need to be public. Think about creating a Google Form for parents to sign-up for a conference time. After creating a Google Form, make sure you have the setting on to where anyone with the link can access. I like to use the free qr-code-generator to create my QR codes. Think about copying this qr code and placing it into a Google Slide to project on your classroom whiteboard.
Flipgrid
Flipgrid is a free, dynamic tool that allows teachers to create groups to share topics and encourages creativity and discussions through recordings, uploading videos, uploading images, attaching files, and attaching websites. Students are able to react and respond to each other's short videos. Flipgrid gives power to student's voice and encourages collaborative community.
Did you know that you can print out every student's response as a QR code? This would allow parents to access their child's response by using their cell phone camera (yes, you don't need a QR code app).
1. Have the topic set to not allow responses from other students. Have students share a self-reflection piece of their learning this semester or have students read one of their writing responses.
2. Download it as a QR code
3. Have students place it on their desk in a folder so their parents can view it.
Seesaw
Did you know you can create a QR for a post a student turned in? In Seesaw, click on the three dots at the bottom right corner of the student's post. Next, choose 'Get Post QR Code'. See picture below.
Mathematics, Literacy, Bilingual, ESL, and more... Click on the image below.
Professional Development
- January 27th- SOS for Social Studies. This is a virtual event from 3:30- 4:30pm. Click here for more information.
- Saturday, January 29th- EdCamp Birdville 2022 (in-person event). Click here for more information.
- February 15th- Discovery Education, Increase Engagement with SOS Instructional Strategies. This is a virtual event from 4:00- 5:00pm. Click here for more information.
- February 23rd- Blended Learning: The Basics. This is an in-person event from 8:30am- 3:30pm. Click here for more information.
- February 23rd- Choice Boards for Little Learners. This is a virtual event from 4:00- 6:00pm. Click here for more information.
- March 8th- 9th- Elementary Blended Learning Academy. This is an in-person event from 8:30am- 3:30pm and you must attend both days. Click here for more information.
- March 22nd- Discovery Education, Explore the Basics. This is a virtual event from 4:00- 5:00pm. Click here for more information.
- March 29th- Blended Learning: Beyond the Basics. This is an in-person event from 8:30am- 3:30pm. Click here for more information.
MWISD Instructional Technology Specialist
As the Instructional Technology Specialist, I will strive to serve the academic and digital needs of our students and provide equitable opportunities to prepare students for our ever-changing global community.
I will strive to assist teachers in appropriately incorporating and implementing technology in their classroom by being available for one-on-one meetings, PLCs, staff meetings, and providing professional development that meets our teacher's technology needs.
Email: jmartin@mwisd.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/mwisd.net/edtech/home
Location: 906 Southwest 5th Avenue, Mineral Wells, TX, USA
Phone: (940) 327-5124
Twitter: @janaleemartin