Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Technology Newsletter 9/27

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Discovery Education

GPB has upgraded its contract with Discovery Education to include student accounts and teacher tools.  Moving forward, you will need to use the Google Sign In instead of typing a username and password.  You can access resources on their website and via this 10 step guide.


Youtube

After Fall Break, a heavily restricted version of Youtube will be open for students, but teachers will see no change.  Youtube can be an excellent resource for your classroom should you choose to use it.  If you have any questions please review this document or contact your local ITS.


Storytelling with My Maps - Lee Green I'll edit/update from a PC.

A little known feature within Google Drive is a tool called My Maps. My Maps allows you to plot waypoints or significant locations anywhere in the world. Do you want to follow the path of Louis Zamperini from Unbroken? Do you want to chart German formations through Russia and compare with Napoleon’s trek? You can do all of the and more with My Maps! My favorite thing is My Maps is easy to create and offers students a larger understanding of the world.

To get started, go to Google Drive, select new, more, and then My Maps. For more information, click here!


FCS TALKS - What's Current in FCS Tech

Ghostery Retraction

We have a report of the Ghostery Extension blocking clicks in SLDS.  We are investigating the matter.  To be on the safe side, please uninstall this extension.  Click here for the directions to remove Ghostery.

Share a digital tip or tool at the September 29th Demo Slam!  Take a few minutes to share something great from your classroom for a chance to win a door prize!  More details here.

The cardboard challenge is coming in October.  Click here for the Cardboard Challenge Flyer.

Floyd County Schools will be hosting a Twitter Chat on November 1st @ 8:30 pm using the hashtag #FloydPLN.  Learn more by exploring these resources: General Twitter Guide and What is a Twitter Chat?

Apply for a classroom set of Chromebooks via the Grant Page by October 9th at 11:59 PM.



Google Classroom - Nathan Medley
Google Classroom has changed the way a lot of teachers give assignments in class. It has become one of the most engaging ways to keep students focused and interested in completing assignments. It has also decreased certain behaviors in the class that have distracted and kept kids from focusing on their assignments. While there must be a balance with everything, including technology, Google Classroom has enhanced learning possibilities in today’s classroom.  Students in Mrs. Plunkett’s class at Alto Park have thoroughly enjoyed completing many of their assignments on Google Classroom.
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Twitter- Jaki Day

Final Twitter Advice:
  1. The best way to get better at any new skill is to use it. Just remember, you start out as a consumer (follow people, read tweets, learn from others…); but don’t stop there. The real advantages come when you become a creator of Tweets. You share too.  Remember that conversations run two ways.  
  2. Don’t keep the good stuff to yourself.  One of the best ways to really get your feet wet is to Re-tweet resources you found helpful.  If it is useful or meaningful to you, chances are that it will be to others as well.
  3. Don’t give up...keep going. Just like exercising once a month isn’t going to help you perform at your best, neither will the infrequent Tweet.  You don’t have to be an “overachiever” here, but you should be checking in, hitting reply and participating in conversations to keep them going.  Asking questions is a great way to interact and get the conversation rolling.  Tweet On!
A helpful infographic:

TKES

According to TKES Standards, Level VI educators are “continually seeking ways to serve as role models or teacher leaders”. Do you want to demonstrate your Professional Knowledge (TKES-Standard 1) and set yourself apart as a Level VI Educator? If so, consider sharing what you have learned about technology by volunteering to present at a Floyd County Demo Slam. For more information click here.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Technology Newsletter for 9/20

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A Doodle so nice, I will mention it twice…


Google has announced the details of the Doodle 4 Google Contest. The theme for this year is, “What I see for the future…” Students are challenged to submit a Google Doodle, describing what they see coming for tomorrow. The winning submission receives a $30,000 scholarship and a $50,000 grant for the winner’s school. With the artistic talent we have in Floyd County Schools, there is no reason we can’t have a winner here!


If you have submissions, send them to your Instructional Tech Specialists as well as Google!

More information found here!


Geek Week is here!  There are great opportunities for student application of STEAM, view showcases, and participate in community activities.  Read the details by clicking here.  


Share a digital tip or tool at the September 29th Demo Slam!  Take a few minutes to share something great from your classroom for a chance to win a door prize!  More details here.


The cardboard challenge is coming in October.  Click here for the Cardboard Challenge Flyer.


We have created a MobyMax Guide for teachers.  Keep in mind that MobyMax support usually replies same day to many issues.


Floyd County Schools will be hosting a Twitter Chat on November 1st @ 8:30 pm using the hashtag #FloydPLN.  Learn more by exploring these resources: General Twitter Guide and What is a Twitter Chat?


GPB has upgraded its contract with Discovery Education to include student accounts and teacher tools.  You can access resources on the website and via this 10 step guide.

Apply for a classroom set of Chromebooks via the Grant Page by October 9th at 11:59 PM.


Google for Education - Nathan Medley
Do you love using technology in the classroom? If so you may be interested in getting Google Certified! Google offers two educator certifications so that you can show mastery at the level that's right for you. Use the content in the training center and your own teaching experience to best prepare you for the performance-based exams. Once you feel adequately prepared, exams are available online and the educator certifications can be achieved at any time.


Twitter- Jaki Day
Ok, this is about to get a little more wordy.  Yep, Twitter just announced that as of September 19th, it will no longer count @names in replies and media attachments; like GIFs, photos, videos, polls and quoted Tweets in the 140 characters you are allowed before they cut you off.  This doesn’t mean you can write a paragraph or your first novel on Twitter, but it does give you a little more wiggle room when you hit that Retweet, Quote Tweet or add media .  Consumerist Report


If you take a traditional worksheet (paper copy)  and convert it to a digital worksheet (Google Doc), are you really using technology effectively? While this approach may streamline your personal workflow it does not necessarily mean improved instruction and engagement for students. Effective integration of technology in the classroom should allow teachers to create a more academically challenging environment for students (TKES-Standard 8). As educators, we should keep in mind that technology is a powerful tool that can be used to create challenging and engaging learning experiences for students.
Let’s practice effective integration as a group! Check out this simple digital worksheet and make your suggestions as to how this simple digital worksheet could be transformed into a meaningful learning experience for students.


Resources:














(Must be on campus)


Youtube Playlists:
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Classroom Tech       SharpSchool