In the last post about communication with parents and students I wrote about reasons to have a webpage. This post is going to showcase another great communication tool called Remind. Remind allows a teacher or school to contact their students and parents through texts. One of the important features to know about Remind is the teacher sending the text does not see the student cell number and the student does not see the teachers cell number. Another great feature is the ability to schedule posts in advance for a future date or time. These along with a few more features are available for free for teachers and schools and only takes a minute to set up.
Top ten messages to send through Remind:
1. Remind students of an upcoming test or quiz.
2. Remind students about a homework due date.
3. Send positive life messages to students.
4. Send event updates including sporting, drama, club, etc events.
5. Send schedule changes to teams and clubs.
6. Ask parents to volunteer for events or activities.
7. Remind Staff about meetings.
8. Send messages to cancel an event.
9. Send a quick voice message.
10. Send professional development opportunities to your staff.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Westerville Teacher Web Pages
As I meet and work with students at the beginning of the year I am reminded how important it is for teachers to spend time creating and supporting communication in their classrooms. There is no substitute for a teacher to meet and interact with a student or parent face to face but I would like to offer suggestions how we can support this process using a few technology tools.
The first tool I would like to offer teachers is the creation of a teacher webpage. In Westerville City Schools we have the choice to create a webpage using the district teacher webpage creator or an outside creation tool like Google Sites. Either way, creating a classroom webpage is an excellent way to support communication with your students and parents.
10 reasons to host a classroom web page:
1. About Me - Create a paragraph or two about yourself. Students and parents love to know a little bit about you.
2. Contact Information - At the minimum every teacher can provide their email account. Email accounts are already posted online so placing it on your webpage makes it a couple clicks easier for students to reach out for help.
3. Calendar - Using Google Calendars gives teachers a place to post due dates and classroom events as well as a link for parents to follow the calendar.
4. Classroom Expectations - This should be posted in the classroom and on your webpage. Communicating to students and parents our expectations is vital to maintaining open communication.
5. Homework Policies - Do you specific ways your students need to turn in homework. Post the process to your site. This helps parents understand how the classroom operates and allows them to support your classroom.
6. Forms and Handouts - This can be beginning of the year Forms that need completed and returned to newsletters to homework sheets.
7. Announcements - Announcements should be a summary or description of upcoming events and can be linked in your Calendar.
8. Class News - Post items about your classroom. What we did today, topics we are working on or anything positive about the classroom and your students. This is another great way for parents to feel more in tune with what is going on in the classroom.
9. After School Care information or Homework Help Lines - Information for parents about district provided after school programs including care and homework hotlines. This can also include community programs.
10. Links to technology and digital resources - We all have our favorite web resources. Give students and parents an easy place to find the resources we use inside and outside our classrooms.
This is a short list and there are more reasons to maintain a classroom webpage but this is a good start. What are your reasons for maintaining a teacher webpage? Over the coming days I will continue to offer additional digital tools to support teachers communication process. As always, contact your WCSOH EdTech Coach for more information.
The first tool I would like to offer teachers is the creation of a teacher webpage. In Westerville City Schools we have the choice to create a webpage using the district teacher webpage creator or an outside creation tool like Google Sites. Either way, creating a classroom webpage is an excellent way to support communication with your students and parents.
10 reasons to host a classroom web page:
1. About Me - Create a paragraph or two about yourself. Students and parents love to know a little bit about you.
2. Contact Information - At the minimum every teacher can provide their email account. Email accounts are already posted online so placing it on your webpage makes it a couple clicks easier for students to reach out for help.
3. Calendar - Using Google Calendars gives teachers a place to post due dates and classroom events as well as a link for parents to follow the calendar.
4. Classroom Expectations - This should be posted in the classroom and on your webpage. Communicating to students and parents our expectations is vital to maintaining open communication.
5. Homework Policies - Do you specific ways your students need to turn in homework. Post the process to your site. This helps parents understand how the classroom operates and allows them to support your classroom.
6. Forms and Handouts - This can be beginning of the year Forms that need completed and returned to newsletters to homework sheets.
7. Announcements - Announcements should be a summary or description of upcoming events and can be linked in your Calendar.
8. Class News - Post items about your classroom. What we did today, topics we are working on or anything positive about the classroom and your students. This is another great way for parents to feel more in tune with what is going on in the classroom.
9. After School Care information or Homework Help Lines - Information for parents about district provided after school programs including care and homework hotlines. This can also include community programs.
10. Links to technology and digital resources - We all have our favorite web resources. Give students and parents an easy place to find the resources we use inside and outside our classrooms.
This is a short list and there are more reasons to maintain a classroom webpage but this is a good start. What are your reasons for maintaining a teacher webpage? Over the coming days I will continue to offer additional digital tools to support teachers communication process. As always, contact your WCSOH EdTech Coach for more information.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
New Tools Available for Read Write for Google App
New Tools:
Voice Notes - it permits you and/or your students to create an
audio file on a document in two clicks. This is great for teachers that are
collecting classwork online. Rather than writing out their feedback, they
provide a simple 1 minute audio clip. Super easy! Here is a 2 minute video to demonstrate the tool
and what it looks like.
Word Prediction for Internet use!
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Read Write for Google Extension Added to District Accounts
Introducing Read and Write for Google
What tools does it have?
A new tool is now available on your Google account. It is called Read and Write for Google. This single tool has many instructional pieces that can be utilized in any setting - whole class, small group or one on one. This tool is available to EVERY teacher and student in the district through their Google Chrome login. This is a magnificent and powerful instructional tool to meet all of your students where they are at academically. This tool contributes to our district efforts in facilitating a UDL academic atmosphere, (Universal Design for Learning) - for all students. Equal tools, equal access and equal opportunities to be successful for all students.
Where can I use it?
This tool can be accessed on any device that is internet capable - either at home or at school. (This includes desktops, Chromebooks, and iPads. At this present time, the phone app is in beta and not fully implemented) However, the app can function on many tablets other than the iPad. This tool will be accessible as soon as anyone in the Westerville Google domain logs in, no downloading necessary! The first time they login, the student will be prompted to click "accept". Please have them do this, so that the program has permission to operate. For staff as well, the app should be there as soon as you log into Google Chrome. This tool will constantly run on the URL bar, as long as you are on your computer and logged in. In the event, there is an issue - you can use the link below to add it to your account, and/or notify your ETIS representative.
What tools does it have?
This tool will read anything on the web for the student, anything on the Google Drive, permit them to type on PDF'S, and the tool will scribe for the student. It also has a fantastic option for vocabulary that will truly empower you and the student to differentiate! In addition to this, it has a dictionary, picture dictionary, translator tool, highlighter, fact finder, simplification tool and word prediction. The tool bar and options within it are very simple and intuitive. It will be excellent addressing reading and written expression challenges!
Opportunities to Learn More:
Please contact Jennifer Fry, David Hayward, Kim Niles or Lindy Whitson to schedule a training.
Need additional opportunities to learn about this tool?
Please contact Ms. Niles and/or Ms. Fry to schedule additional demonstrations and/or professional development.
Resources to use right now: To preview this tool and what it can do, click on the items below.
A power-point presentation developed by the ETIS team to breakdown quickly what the product is and does.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1COA3M-SzyFEhcxGZmNddU7G_flZhrnOUtteZM7BBFqU/edit?usp=sharing
A video provided by the Read and Write for Google Rep -
*********************************************************************************************
Troubleshooting - In the event you log in and don't see the icon, notify an ETIS member and/or you can also use the steps below.
App link to attach to your Google account:
Website with pictures and tutorial on how to use Read and Write for Google:
Site with the link for the iPad:
http://www.texthelp.com/north-america/rwtablets
http://www.texthelp.com/north-america/rwtablets
Please contact Mrs. Lindy Whitson Special Education Coordinator for any questions or additional information:
614-797-5940 (direct line), whitsonl@wcsoh.org .
Friday, March 13, 2015
Digital Learning Day: Online Conference
Digital Learning Day Online Conference
Streamed live via YouTube on 3/13/15!
Ohio looks forward to celebrating the fourth annual Digital Learning Day, a national campaign to spotlight successful instructional practice and effective use of technology across the country. This year, Ohio Ed Techs will hold a FREE virtual conference via Google Hangouts (and streamed live via YouTube) full of sessions highlighting great tools and resources for the classroom.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Digital Learning Day: Add an Activity
Thursday: Add your Digital Learning Day Activity! Click the link to see others who have added an activity.
http://www.digitallearningday.org/Page/66
Digital Learning Day: Perspectives
#EdTech Perspectives is a Digital Learning Day blog series dedicated to reflecting on key issues and challenges surrounding the use of digital learning.
http://www.digitallearningday.org//site/Default.aspx?PageID=358
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Digital Learning Day: Online Resources
Online Resources for Digital Learning Day: We know that our collection of digital tools and lesson plans are only a tiny fraction of the free classroom and program resources available to educators. The below websites will help you search thousands of free tools and ideas by grade-level, teacher ratings, and more!
Monday, March 9, 2015
Digital Learning Day March 13, 2015
Celebrate Digital Learning Day, Friday, March 13 all week! We will be sending out links and blogging resources every day this week in Schoology Users Group, on our web site, etc.
On Friday, we will share a link for the Ohio-only all day streaming video series sponsored by ITSCO for your own Integration PD! More information and a schedule of sessions can be found at Ohio Ed Tech's Digital Learning Day
Please join the Schoology Users group to receive updates and join the conversation: Access Code: 6CNK6-8J8R6
What do we mean by digital learning?
Digital learning is any instructional practice that effectively uses technology to strengthen a student’s learning experience. It emphasizes high-quality instruction and provides access to challenging content, feedback through formative assessment, opportunities for learning anytime and anywhere, and individualized instruction to ensure all students reach their full potential to succeed in college and a career.
Digital learning encompasses many different facets, tools, and applications to support and empower teachers and students, including online courses, blended or hybrid learning, or digital content and resources. Additionally, digital learning can be used for professional learning opportunities for teachers and to provide personalized learning experiences for students.
Digital learning advances school reform by increasing equity and access to educational opportunities, improving effectiveness and productivity of teachers and administrators, providing student-centered learning to ensure college and career readiness for all students, and recognizing teachers as education designers.
Why celebrate Digital Learning Day?
With so many new types of digital devices, educational software and mobile apps continuously developed, it’s hard to keep up with the latest and greatest advancements in educational technology. In some classrooms and out-of-school programs across the country, educators are doing some pretty amazing things with technology. Yet, these pockets of innovation are confined to a small number of schools and communities. Digital Learning Day was started as a way to actively spread innovative practices and ensure that all youth have access to high-quality digital learning opportunities no matter where they live.
Started in 2012, Digital Learning Day has provided a powerful venue for education leaders to highlight great teaching practice and showcase innovative teachers, leaders, and instructional technology programs that are improving student outcomes. This grassroots effort blossomed into a massive nationwide celebration as teachers realized that Digital Learning Day is not about technology, it’s about learning. It’s not about laying off teachers for laptops, it’s about enhancing the role of the teacher in America’s classrooms. Digital Learning Day promotes the effective use of modern day tools afforded to every other industry to improve the learning experience in K-12 public schools.
More information:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)