CSDNR Instructional Tech Weekly

In order to be in compliance, network passwords will need to be changed every 60 days. Once you change your network password, it will automatically change your Google password to the new one. In order to change your password, go to https://password.nredlearn.org/. This will only work when you are on a District network or on a District desktop. You will be prompted to put in your old password prior to changing it.

Additionally, there are no longer grace period logins for password resets. If you get a message that your password has expired, you need to change it at that point. If you do not, you will not be able to access the network. If you lose access, you can call the service desk at 914-922-3002 or you can have someone else place a help desk ticket for you in order for your password to be reset.

Here is a short informational slide deck on step by step instructions on changing your password. Additionally, this tutorial includes how to change your other District passwords including One Drive and Google Workspace.

Nearpod offers a game similar to Kahoot. Teachers can assess student knowledge on a particular topic, create an interactive exit ticket or obtain formative assessment information. Teachers can create simple Time to Climb activities and launch them a live lessons in front of a class. Students use their devices to play. Time to Climb lessons are engaging, fun and easy to create.

After students play a Time to Climb game, the teacher can access all student data via the Reports Section in Nearpod. This will include all the questions in Time to Climb and how each student answered each item. Teachers can use this data to inform instruction. Nearpod has a report for each lesson that is launched, whether it is self-paced or live.

If you are interested in creating your own Time to Climb, take a look at this five minute video. It will walk you through the steps to creating your own game. Time to Climb allows 30 seconds per question as a default, but that can be customized to any amount of time. The time for each question can also vary.

The Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Social Studies ELA site is down right now. Currently, you will not be able access it. Look for updates as to when it is accessible again. You will not need to put in a help desk ticket. Also, if you have not created an account yet, you will not be able to do so until the site is up and running.

Both Raz-Kids and Reading A-Z are Learning A-Z products. They have similar features in that they both provide students with leveled texts. Both have texts that are fiction and nonfiction and some of the texts are the same. However, they vary when it comes to delivery. Raz-Kids is a platform, where students login and read books independently. The District offers that mostly to grades K-2.

Reading A-Z has thousands of books that are both projectable, sharable and downloadable. Teachers can use Reading A-Z to model think alouds or provide guided practice for reading instruction. This platform also offers benchmark books at every level to use for quick formative assessments. It also comes with lesson plans that focus on specific reading skills and strategies.

For more information on both platforms, take a look at this Google Slide Deck from Jeannine Shields. It highlights some of the differences between Reading A-Z and Raz-Kids. It also has an informational video about both platforms.

Don't forget to check the list of District Approved Applications to see what is approved. The list is always being updated. The list includes third party vendors who have signed our Parent Bill of Rights and Data Privacy Agreement in order to be compliant with Ed Law 2D. All vendors who collect student personally identifiable information (PII) must sign these agreements. If you are interested in new software not on the list, fill out the Software Approval Form. If you are looking for training on software that is approved, fill out the Request for Training Form.

Teachers can use Nearpod to show YouTube Videos. In order to use this application, teachers need to login to Nearpod, have their YouTube URL handy and click on Create. From there, select Video and add your URL into the YouTube dialogue box. YouTube videos will play on student chromebooks. If you want an easy tutorial on how to do this, take a look at this short video.

If you are looking for fun games to use with your classes, check out Lumio. Lumio, formerly known as Smart Learning Suite Online, offers 12 game templates for teachers to use with students. Lumio is easy to use and is accessible in your Google Waffle. Take a look at this short video on how to create and launch a game.

The District has access to a new writing program for grades 6-12 called No Red Ink. This program helps to build stronger writers through authentic writing experiences. There are four components in the application; Practice, Writing, Assessment and Standards & Tests. Practice includes skill and grammar work. The Writing section is comprised of Quick Writes and Guided Drafts. This section also includes Peer Review and Self Review.

To get started with No Red Ink, go to noredink.com and use your Google credentials to login. Choose your school to take you to the premium content. To learn more about the platform take a look at the Getting Started Section and Video, Video on Quick Writes or Diagnostic Assessments. Additionally, the Instructional Technology Team will provide training for teachers.

The Instructional Technology Website is always being updated. Recently, the site was overhauled to feature the professional learning resources that are available to all CSDNR faculty and staff. Last spring, the Team began vetting and creating resources to help educators learn how to use software applications. The resources include step-by-step videos as well as Google Slide Decks. There are also Google Docs and PDFs. Over the last year, we have added many resources to this collection.