#D65iTech
News and updates from the the D65 Instructional Tech Team
OCTOBER 2016
The D65 iTech Team
Our current schedule and contact information can be found at the bottom of this page. We try to visit all schools on a weekly basis and can also make appointments to work with your schedule.
The D65iTech Website
- Login & support for D65 databases and administrative systems
- Recommended Instructional Tech tools for your classroom
- Guides for using Prometheans, Epson projectors, Macs & more
- iTech PD Workshop resources & follow-up
- Ipads - guides for use in classrooms, App request form, D65 app list
- Digital Citizenship, student gmail (grades 6-8)
- 3rd grade keyboarding program
- 21st Century teaching guides: SAMR, 4C's, & ISTE Standards
The website is a work in progress and we welcome suggestions. Please bookmark the site as it will be a valuable resource for using tech in your classroom.
Requesting Apps for Student iPads
Digital Citizenship
Here are some ways to get started:
- Take the Digital Citizenship Pledge with your students.
- Share the #devicefreedinner challenge with families.
- Have The Talk with Students - This resources has links to some game-based lesson plans on how to be safe, responsible and respectful online.
- Edutopia has a list of 6 of their favorite Digital Citizenship online resources.
Tech to Check
- The ed-tech world is constantly changing, which is good! It can also be overwhelming to keep up with the innovation. A good place to turn is Common Sense Education's Edtech Eleven, a monthly list of trending ed-tech tools that are worth checking out. This month's tools include some of our favorites including BreakoutEdu, SeeSaw and Swift Playgrounds. Contact us for ideas to use these tools in your classroom.
- Common Sense also does a yearly list of the Best Learning Websites. Most are free, can be accessed from any device, and if they made CS's list, they are worth your time!
- It's election time! With so much focus on the presidential candidates, it's an opportunity to teach students about the elections process. Here's a list of 12 U.S. election resources to use in your classroom now.
- With the school year rolling along and parent-teacher conferences complete, it's time to give yourself a high-five, take a deep breath, and spend some time to think about a few cool digital learning activities your students will love.
Below is an infographic of ideas to get started - pick one or two that spark interest for you and your students. Not sure how to begin? That's where the iTech facilitators can help. We have knowledge of the tools and resources to make these ideas a reality in your classroom.
PD Opportunities
Google Educator Cohort
Are you interested in learning more about how Google Apps for Education can positively impact teaching and learning in your classroom? If the answer is yes, please join with your ETHS colleagues in the next joint district Google Level 1 Certified Educator Cohort, which will begin in November. Participants will enroll in a Google Classroom intended to provide structure and support for teachers to work through Google's 13 Google Educator Level 1 units and prepare for a final certification exam. All work can be done remotely and at your own pace. If interested, signup here. Registrants will be sent an email with more information prior to the start of the November cohort.Congratulations to these D65 staff members who completed the summer cohort and are now Level 1 Google Educators:
Gary Cipinko
Regina Colquitt
Jennifer Olson
Kathleen Woodward
Upcoming Events
10/26/16 - NICE meeting - BreakoutEDU
10/29/16 - EdCamp Northshore
11/1/16 - November Google Level 1 Cohort - signup
1/28/17 - NICE Minicon
Breakout EDU
What is Breakout Edu?
Breakout Edu is a way to use a game-based approach to teach critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and can be used by all content areas and grade-levels. It is engaging, fun, low-tech, and Breakout games are free. It's a great way to spark student's interest in learning.New Teachers and Breakout Edu
It's not just for students. New teachers in D65 experienced a Breakout session as their last activity of orientation week. The large group was split into 6 teams, each with a Breakout box and a minimal set of instructions. Each team was tasked to solve the puzzles and open the box so they could celebrate the end of their week. Not only was this a fun, collaborative experience, it helped new teachers see how and why to try something like Breakout Edu in the classroom. One of the new teachers even tried a breakout session with her 1st grade class the very first week of school, inspired by the book "If you Take a Mouse to School" by Laura Numeroff.
How to get Started
- Find out how it works at breakoutedu.com/how-it-works
- Find a game at breakoutedu.com/games
All games are password protected to prevent players looking up solutions during play. To get the password, email Fred or Janet - Get a box - no need to purchase a Breakout box. We have 4 complete kits available for a 1 week checkout. Email Fred or Janet for details. We are also available to help setup or facilitate a Breakout session.
- Prepare - carefully go through game instructions, set your locks, print items
- Breakout! - This Facilitation Presentation has tips, a timer, signs & debrief questions
- Celebrate - take a picture, tweet it out or send it to us so we can celebrate with your class.
Breakout EDU - new staff picture
Breakout EDU - New staff picture
Breakout EDU - New staff picture
Contact Us!
Janet Woods
Email: woodsj@district65.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/district65.net/d65itech
Phone: 224-633-3395
Twitter: @jancwoods