Tech Talks

November is here and we are ushering in the season of gratitude, pumpkin spice and everything nice! We're finally seeing some seasonal, cool weather and now is the time to think of family and friends as we look forward to a new year. This is also the time of year that educators have the opportunity to engage students in unique learning activities for reflection and learning. Read further for more ideas on engaging students in this month's issue of Tech Talks.

The Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) is hosting a virtual chat with Santa Claus on Tuesday, December 6th, at 2:00 pm via YouTube. The chat is free for all to attend, and the link for the live stream will be posted here on the day of the event.

Not only will Santa give updates on the elves, the reindeer, and Mrs. Claus, but he will also read one of his new favorite holiday books, Mistletoe by Tad Williams.

Tech Tool

With a free account, gain access to almost 4000 icons and 600 templates to create beautiful infographics, illustrations, and 3-D maps. Once created, export your creation as a PNG or JPG file. The water cycle infographic to the right is one example of a template which can be found within the Icograms Designer.

You Tube Channel

Videos over everything we love from National Geographic Kids. Visit this channel to learn more about animals, science, and far off lands. Students are sure to find a video they enjoy at Nat Geo Kids as they explore "how things work," the "weird but true!" or "things you wanna know."

Podcast

Who doesn't love a great story? Also from National Geographic Kids, Greeking Out!, retells classic ancient Greek myths in a kid-friendly manner. With seven seasons of episodes, students can listen to all the stories or search for the stories surrounding their favorite gods and goddesses.

Teams Assignments Updated View

Microsoft has announced a new updated view for teachers when viewing assignments in Teams. Teachers will now have four tabs in which to organize and view assignments. Along with Returned and Drafts, teachers will now see Upcoming for those assignments scheduled that day or in the future, and Past Due for assignments that have passed the due date but have not been submitted by all students.

Students will also see an updated assignment view with tabs for This week, Upcoming week, and Further out to help students focus on more immediate assignments that need to be completed that week.

Grateful Digitally!

Reflecting on the end of a year can be a great, engaging time for teachers and students. This year, Instructional Technology has provided multiple activities and slides to brighten up your classroom and assist in this reflection process. Activities include My Gratitude Jar where students list things they are grateful for and keep an ongoing digital jar, a Thankful Tree where they decorate with leaves and a Thankful Bitmoji Room with links to short stories on YouTube that reiterate gratitude. No time for activities? Enjoy a Bitmoji, festive interactive slide you can personalize! Please know Instructional Technology is thankful for you and all you do for our students!

During the month of November, Mrs. Johnson, High School Instructional Technology Support, has guided teachers through virtual field trips. From Machu Picchu in Peru to the Louvre in Paris to Frida Kahlo's home in Mexico and many places in between, teachers have had the opportunity to experience several examples of interactive trips which could be used to introduce new units, explore settings in novels, or identify examples of vocabulary terms used in class.

Native American History Month

• Indian Health Services
• Native American History Month.gov
• National Archives Foundation
• National Museum of the American Indian

We are happy to share Mrs. Tami Imel, Baker Librarian, was awarded a grant funded by the Education Foundation. With the grant, Baker students will engage in Harry Potter themed learning activities aligned to the content during the last week of school. La Porte ISD Librarians/Library Specialists work hard to cultivate inviting library spaces, prepare rich learning events and lessons, and build strong collections to align with campus goals and district vision.

Relax with a good book over the Holiday!

You and your students have access to the vast ebook and audiobook collections from Harris County Public Library. Students have the ability to search, locate, and borrow books from their desk. Using district credentials, login with the Harris County LIbrary ebooks link on the Student Portal of the LPISD website. Follow the prompts to add Harris County Public Library to your account. You can print the following pdf to post on your wall or share with your students and parents.

Mondays are great days to visit the La Porte Public Library and participate in STEAM activities. Looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit? Don't miss the Polar Express Pajama Party. Download the La Porte Public Library Calendar for daily events in December and find something fun and engaging for all ages.

The Technology Services Department serves to facilitate and support your technology needs. For help, submit a work order using Track It! or call the Help Desk at Ext. 7070. You may also find the information you need using the Technology Reference Manual accessible using the button below.

Technology Services

Website: https://www.lpisd.org/departments/technology-services
Location: 9832 Spencer Highway, La Porte, TX, USA
Phone: (281) 604.7128
Twitter: @lpisd_itc