MPS iTech Weekly Newsletter
October 7, 2020 , Volume 1, Issue 3
Spotlight on Success
We contacted the Algebra teacher and asked that she answer the following question:
Do you have any words of wisdom or tips for your colleagues on how to be successful in this hybrid environment and/or integrating technology with your students?
Taylor's response:
My best words of wisdom would be: I know technology can be frustrating at times, but keep pushing yourself to learn new things! I have been taking risks in the ways I use technology in class, sometime it is great...other times it flops! But I always have a good time with my students!
Rich Cordaway, the Secondary Math Curriculum Supervisor had this to say about Taylor:
Ms. Garboski's enthusiasm and ability to connect with her student helps make Math an interesting experience. She helps them understand and believes that all of them can learn Math at a high level.
Thank you Taylor for your words of wisdom, and dedication to your students!
Do you have a colleague that should be recognized for their success integrating technology into instruction or implementing successful hybrid learning practices? Please let us know by emailing Michelle at gohagonm@mpsct.org
Tech Reminder: Tech Assist vs. SchoolDude
- Tech Assist: The techassist email and phone number is now used for families ONLY. This switch has been made so that we can better track internal technical needs, as well as creating a backlog of requests that may prevent the Tech Department for serving families.
- SchoolDude: SchoolDude is for internal MPS educators and staff. Please use SchoolDude when you are having technical issues such as connectivity issues, inability to use device, or connecting to a printer. Be as detailed as possible in your completion of the form and a technician will assist you as soon as they are able. A SchoolDude can be accessed through ClassLink. If you do not remember your password, you can reset via email. Once you are logged into SchoolDude, the ticket submit password is visible at the top of the page.
- Instructional Technology Professional Development/Training: Please contact Steve Matthews for technology questions related to instruction and learning. If you need training, a specific tech, tip, support for your students, or ideas for integrating technology into your instruction the MPSiTech will assist you. Steve Matthews can be contacted for small training or professional development, and Michelle Gohagon can be contacted for school/district wide professional development planning.
Tech Tip of the Week: Monitoring Student Usage in Hapara
- Login to Hapara at teacherdashboard.com
- Select the current class on the "My Classes" page
- Select "Highlights" from the upper left (see screenshot below)
- Navigate to "Browser Tabs" to see which sites students currently have open.
View all of your students' current screens at once!
Professional Development
- LINCspring (All MPS educators at designated times): Through professional development provided by LINCspring all teachers will explore Formative Assessments in a Hybrid Environment. (supported by MPS iTech Team)
Next week, the MPS iTech team will make asynchronous PD available to middle school teachers to participate in at their own pace on the following topics:
Effective Instructional Strategies in a Hybrid Learning Environment
Station Rotation in a Hybrid Learning Environment
Playlists to Support Synchronous and Asynchronous Environments
If your school or department has specific professional development needs or wish to discuss specific professional development needs please reach out to Michelle or Steve.
MPS Instructional Technology
http://middletownitech.weebly.com/
Email: matthewss@mpsct.org
Website: http://middletownitech.weebly.com/
Location: 310 Hunting Hill Avenue, Middletown, CT, USA
Phone: (860)638-1466
Twitter: @MPSTechCoach