#EMSISDITS Tech Talk

Techy Talk for Teachers

Trending Topics include Global Learning, and Learning Has No Boundaries: How OneNote Can Help with Accommodations for All Students.

This week's Tips & Tricks include Email Signature in Outlook 2016 and "Tell Me What You Want To Do" in Office Applications.

Our Campus/District Shout-Outs include students and staff from Creekview, Bryson, Wayside, Northbrook, District Math Specialists, and a special shout out to all of the Skype-a-thon 2018 participants!

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Global Learning- NOT a Fad!

Global learning isn't a new concept. People have been corresponding with others around the world for decades because we all have an innate desire to explore our world and cultures.

So what makes Global Learning so exciting right now? It's the fact that students are able to collaborate and learn from others across the globe in real time using various media forms. How many of us wrote to pen pals when we were in school? We typically had to wait several weeks to get a reply, if we got one at all.Today's video apps like Skype and FlipGrid allow students to expand their horizons beyond the four walls of a classroom, district, and community.

As they learn about other cultures, they are also acquiring skills such as communication, tolerance and empathy. As students become more proficient in global learning, they are able to think about and solve the global issues that we will face in the future.

Want to learn more? Read about Global Learning and 8 more hot topics in #EdTech here.

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Learning Has No Boundaries: How OneNote Can Help with Accommodations for All Students

OneNote is a great tool for organization, collaboration, lesson plans, professional development and a whole lot more. Did you know that the learning tools baked into One Note are ideal for all learners including those with special needs? This site lists available accessibility features built into Microsoft technologies. The features are listed under broader categories of vision, cognitive, hearing, and mobility, which allow people with specific disabilities to see which features work best for them.

Our very own #Jenallee (Jeni + Sallee = Jenallee) have put together this comprehensive resource detailing how One Note can help all students succeed with accessibility technology.

If you're interested in learning more, please contact any member of the Instructional Technology Team - we'll be happy to work with you individually, as a team, or full staff!

Click here or on the image below to download your own copy of Learning Has No Boundaries now!

Click to download Learning Has No Boundaries Notebook

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#EdTechAppreciation Day | December 5

Yesterday, December 5, was #EdTechAppreciationDay in Texas and I couldn't be prouder of this team! Check out this Facebook post to learn more about these awesome educators that make up the #EMSISDITs Team!

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Have you seen the new Tech tools page?

We have a new and improved Tech Tools page in the Instructional Technology section of our district website. It is awesome because you can search digital tools for teaching, apps by learning activity, or our top 10 learning tools. You can also check out devices.

When you dig a little deeper, you will find apps for assessment, presentation creation, classroom management and you can search by subject area. You can even search for resources based upon what you want you students to do like study, collaborate, create a mind map or take notes. These resources are a quick click away on our Tech Tools page.

Do you know of an #edtech tool that should be included in our collection? Reach out to any member of the Instructional Technology Team today!

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Check us out ... Seriously, you can CHECK US OUT.

Did you know that the Instructional Technology department has a wide variety of technology tools available for check out for student/classroom use? We have everything from iPads to Merge Cubes to Augmented Reality goggles. See our current list of available items here.

When your submission is submitted, the IT team will verify that the devices are available at that time for checkout and will schedule delivery/pickup. You will receive an email with this information within 48 hours. If you don't hear anything after that time period, please email ITs@ems-isd.net to check the status of your request.

We would love to plan with you about how you will be using these devices, or even assist you in the the classroom with your students. How cool is that?!?!?

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Spice up your Signature in Outlook 2016

End your email messages with a signature that reflects you unique style.

In an email message, select Signature > Signatures.

Select New, give your signature a name, and create your signature. Add graphics and links or get creative with fonts and colors.

Select OK start using your new signature.

We suggest that you include your campus name and your position in your email signature. You can even include links to your webpage, your public Canvas course or your professional social media pages.

For more info, watch this quick video or follow the directions here.

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Tell Me What You Want To Do

"Ok, I need to add a text box, but I can't remember where it is in the ribbon."

How many times have you been working in an Office document and can't find a particular command or button? When this happens, you either have to Google it or ask a co-worker (or the nearest student!)

Now, you can simply ask Office 365. Tell Me What You Want To Do is probably one of the most under-utilized tools available to us! Need help with something? Find the light bulb in the ribbon and type in what you need. Easy-Peasy!

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Tech day at CMS

Teachers at Creekview Middle School had their very Tech Day! They learned about effective ways to use their Promethean Panels and many other useful technology tools. Way to go Colts!

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Flipgrid at BES

Students in Ms. Foster's class at Bryson are showing off their learning by using Flipgrid. They are having so much fun and learning a ton in the process! Remarkable!

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Math Specialist Break Out!

These math specialist are learning how to make a digital breakout using One Note. They know that student engagement is the key to learning and growing.

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Global Collaboration

Students at Wayside are Skyping and learning with a class from Argentina. Everyone is having a blast and learning about cultures around the world. Outstanding!

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Green screen fun at NES

These Northbrook students are using TouchCast's awesome green screen feature to present their research on the weather and climate around the world.

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Skype-a-thon 2018 is in the books!

EMS ISD Students and Staff participated in Microsoft's Skype-a-thon 2018. We connected with 16 different countries through 31 Skype connections and traveled 136,866 virtual miles.

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EMS Single Sign-On

Sign in to sso.ems-isd.net with your district username and password on any computer or mobile device to have quick and easy access to many of our district digital resources.

Reserve an #EMSTechspert

We want to help you successfully infuse technology into your classroom. We would love to train you on how to create tech infused lessons, co-teach the lessons, or even share our favorite tech tools with you!

Email your IT today to set up an appointment! (Find contact info here.)