Wavelengths
Tech Integration Newsletter
Volume 6 | Issue 21 | February, 2018
Celebrate Digital Learning Day- February 22, 2018
Digital learning is any instructional practice that effectively uses technology to strengthen a student’s learning experience.
How can your class participate?
- Check out the resources by visiting the link below.
- Plan learning activities that include digital learning on February 22nd.
- Take pictures/videos and share to social media with the hashtags #DLDay and #OPSProud.
- Include a mention of @opstechtrainers in your Tweets and Facebook postsand we will spread the greatness!
Introducing OPS Anywhere
Website Link: Click HERE
Email Questions or Concerns: ops-anywhere@ops.org
Project Hotline (Message Receiving Service): 531-299-0277
Technology Professional Learning Opportunities
Interested in learning more about technology opportunities such as ClassFlow? Below is a list of sessions you can sign up for on inservices.ops.org. Use your district e-login as the username and your employee number as the password. These training sessions are open to elementary and secondary school teachers and stipends for attendance will be paid when offered during non-duty hours.
A sneak peek of the technology training opportunities are also pictured below. Check inservices.ops.org regularly as NEW training sessions are added often.
Tech Tip | Microsoft Forms
- there is a branching feature?
- a share to collaborate link can be utilized to work with other teachers on Form creation?
- users are able to upload their own picture/image to be used as a background?
- specific start and end dates can be added to automatically open or close the form for response submissions?
- two more question types have been added: Ranking & Likert?
If it has been awhile since you've explored Forms, perhaps it is time to revisit. If you are currently using Forms and need assistance, please contact your school's technology trainer.
Check out this Microsoft Forms Tutorial
Learn about branching here: Microsoft Forms Branching Video
Elementary Spotlight
Secondary Spotlight
Once again, for the 2017-2018 school year, the secondary technology trainers are looking to showcase innovative secondary educators who are incorporating technology into their classroom content.
Click on the sway below to submit a nomination!
Digital Citizenship Corner with Common Sense Education
Consider Joining in on the "40 Minutes for 40 Days" campaign, created by local Omaha leaders.
Create boundaries with media in your home by having conversations and limiting screen time. Check out this 10 Minute Teacher podcast episode for more great tips!
As always, visit Common Sense Media for more useful advice and feel free to share any of these resources out to your school's social channels as part of your parent outreach efforts.
Hosting a Family Event at Your Building this Spring?
Is your building planning to host a STEAM night this semester? Family Math Night? Another event related to science, technology, engineering, art, or math?
Microsoft has some amazing STEAM activities and resources available for Omaha Public Schools to use! Whether it's coding with Minecraft, measuring velocity with hot wheels cars, building machines, or experiencing virtual realities, there is an interactive activity that your community will love. The best part- a Microsoft employee or district technology trainer could facilitate with you!
Email rebecca.chambers@ops.org if you are interested in reserving a date! Limited dates are available- so first come, first served!
Check out examples of activities and find free STEAM lessons here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/education-workshop/default.aspx
Mobile Learning Unit
Omaha Public Schools Mobile Learning Unit was created to address issues of digital equity in the North Omaha area. Anchored on a powerful district vision and community partnerships, this innovative initiative targets high poverty neighborhoods and schools. The goal: to use a whole-community approach to bring high-technology learning and digital citizenship skills to students and their families. We want more than merely high-quality access and devices for our students - we want to build the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex community challenges in today’s digital age. Every Student. Every Day. Prepared for Success.
To see the MLU in action, check out our blog HERE.
Technology Training Team
Debra Bordenkecher:
Technology Trainer, Classified/Certified Staff/TAC
Rebecca Chambers:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Mobile Learning Unit Lead Teacher
Melissa Cleaver:Instructional Technology Trainer, Project Coordinator
Eileen Heller:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Elementary Lead Teacher
Keegan Korf:
Common Sense Media, Digital Citizenship Lead Teacher
Kelly Means:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Project Coordinator
Amy Vester:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Secondary Lead Teacher
McKenzie White:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Library Lead Teacher
Email: techtrainers@ops.org
Website: http://techhub.ops.org/
Location: Omaha Public Schools, NE, United States
Phone: (531)299-9624
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Opstechtrainers
Twitter: @OPStechtrainers