Educational Technology
Update May 4, 2020
Happy May!
Providing Direct Instruction at a Distance
Our classrooms are empty of students now, but our classrooms are still full of learning supports to help set the stage for learning. Posters, agendas, objectives, schedules, even a periodic table on the wall gave some context and continuity to the learning environment. We provided a safe consistent environment where exceptions and behaviors were set just by walking in the room. What about now?
Our students are learning in very different environments, with different distractions and different tools. They no longer have the consistent, familiar, learning environment of your classroom. This one of the reasons we have all been encouraging students and families to set up a work area and have a schedule for the day.
We can use Google Classroom and Schoology to create virtual environments that provide consistency with some of those same features; whether a folder of supportive information, or a landing page to locate everything needed to get work done and stay on track.
We also need to provide direct instruction and for most of us that will be done by creating a video. A well-done video can help students make connections to past learning, provide suggestions for time management, organization, and visually based instruction for content concepts. Most teachers have been creating a variety of videos; replicating morning meeting and demonstrating how to find and complete the week's expectations. It is time to level up and take your video making new heights.
For more information on creating and sharing videos visit our resource page.
Screencastify
Upcoming PD
With the need to make instructional videos to support direct instruction; we will be offering some general sessions to explore what goes into one, and tools for a smoother work flow.
We will also offer PD around creating a slide deck to support direct instruction, promote organization and how to make the most of Screencastify to take your videos to the next level.
Look for the PD schedule in your email.
Ongoing Support
If you are experiencing difficulties using web resources visit the staff resource page, and join us for PD/Support web meetings or our virtual office hours.
For Ed Tech help please send your email to EdTechHelp@mybps.us to help us better share the work load. Please do not send requests to individual team members. This will help ensure your request will be handled in a timely manner.
If you are having a problem with your device please send these support requests to infrastructure@mybps.us.