Instructional Tech Weekly

The New York Times Learning Network offers teachers a multitude of resources and information for educators. They offer lesson plans, webinars and activities for teachers to use with their students. There are both live and recorded webinars on their site that support the teaching of literacy. Teachers can also join New York Times' led communities such as: A New Professional Learning Community: Teach Writing With The New York Times. There are sections devoted to Writing Curriculum, Race, Racism and Racial Justice Resources, Professional Growth Resources and Webinars, Coronavirus Resources for Students and Resources for Teachers. Take a look at the variety of learning activities to engage students in critical thinking, writing, reading comprehension and collaborative discussions.

Smart Learning Suite is the online platform of Smart Notebook. You can upload Notebook, PowerPoint and pdf files into a new online lesson. Lessons in the Smart Learning Suite can be created as interactive learning sessions. When building a lesson, there are many activities to add to enhance student engagement. The application includes, games, quizzes, graphic organizers and opportunities for students to collaborate. If you want more information about the online platform, take a look at this 15 min video, which will help you get started in using Smart Learning Suite.

If you are looking for digital materials, check out myON on the Renaissance site. Students and teachers login with their STAR credentials to access myON. They have just added a new collection of books on our site. Renaissance provides resources to help teachers use myON in a remote, hybrid or in-person learning environment. There is also a dedicated support guide just for myON. They also offer ideas for creating reading projects using myON.

Third graders around the District will be given the opportunity to take the InView tests after the February Break. If you are looking for more information, take a look at this incredible website created by Dan Cocciardi.

Nearpod is always adding new features to its platform. To learn more about regular updates in Nearpod, visit their Updates Page. Check out their new whiteboard feature. Teachers can access this whiteboard during a live lesson. Here is a short video about how the whiteboard works. Nearpod is always producing new tools for teachers to highlight various ways to use their software. Check out these 10 ideas from the Nearpod blog.

There are three ways to progress monitor within STAR. You can use the modified benchmark assessment. There are also Curriculum Based Measures as well as Customized Assessments. There are pre-made Customized Assessments or they can be teacher-created. The Customized Assessments can be created based on standards and focus skills. To learn more, check out these resources put together by Dawn Huston. Here is a recording of a training Dawn Huston presented to colleagues. She also shared her Google Slide Deck.

If you are looking to procure new software, you need to fill out the Software Recommendation Form. To speed up the process, remember to take a look at EducationFramework.com for compliance with Ed Law 2-D.

All new software must be compliant with Ed Law 2-D. This law requires software vendors to have more stringent privacy policies to protect student privacy and data. If you are looking for a new software title, check out the privacy policy. Use EducationFramework.com to see how the software is rated. Everyone in the District has access to Education Framework by using your Google Credentials.

There are also ways that teachers can protect student data during virtual and classroom settings.

Ways to protect student data include:

• Make sure during screen shares that student data is not shown.
• Do not use software applications that require student logins that have not been vetted by the district.
• Do not share student login information, especially if their username includes student IDs
• Take a look at this short video on protecting student data