CSDNR Instructional Tech Weekly

Classlink is a tool that offers single sign on access for a variety of software applications and websites. Students and teachers login to the Classlink Launchpad and from there they can access instructional and other types of software used at school. Classlink also provides rostering support. We are currently rostering IXL through the Classlink application. For more information, take a look at this short video on how Classlink works. The Instructional Technology Team will be providing more information about this platform when we are ready to launch.

The Hour of Code began as a simple hour-long introduction to computer science, accessible to all students. The initial objective was to demonstrate that anyone can learn the basics of coding. Once students complete fun and engaging basic coding lessons, this would open up access to the field of computer science for all students.

Hour of Code promotes coding for all ages. It has computer-based and unplugged activities for students K-12. This year's Hour of Code week occurs from December 6-12, 2021. This event is a global movement to bring computer science to millions of students worldwide. The goal is to inspire kids to learn more about coding and computer science. During this introduction, students work through a coding challenge with video tutorials and guidance along the way.

Hour of Code is just the beginning of the experience. This event is to kick off or expand teaching computer science. There are many resources to support learning basic coding and computer science. The resources include lessons that engage students of all ages. There are many fun, student-guided tutorials for various age groups and experience levels. The site also includes many lesson plans for teachers to guide discussion or extend the activity as well.

Hour of Code does not require students to sign up or login to their site. Students can create and run programs without providing any personally identifiable information. Students can practice coding utilizing the online activities or even the unplugged activities. There are a multitude of ways that kids can learn how to code and there are many reasons to do so. Take a look at the statistics in New York State alone on the number of technology-related jobs available.

Discovery Education is continuously adding new content to its site. Check out the new video content called Teaching with Testimony. They have also added a list of activities for students to do on their own over the winter break. There are activities for students in grades K-12. This includes many videos and at home activities.

Don't forget that Discovery Ed offers a wide variety of virtual field trips. They are offering one to the International Space Station. Students will be even be able to submit questions for the astronauts to answer. This comprehensive application also offers thousands of videos addressing all subject areas. The next time you are looking for an engaging, content-related video to show, go to Discovery Ed and search the robust repository on their site.

Discovery Ed is offering two webinars this December. One is called A Few of Our Favorite Things and is taking place on Tuesday December 14th at 7:00 pm. DE community members will share their favorite resources of 2021! Click on Register for the Webinar to sign up.

The other webinar is Maximize Your Merry onThursday December 16th at 7:00 pm. During this webinar, DE community members will share their best time-saving tips and strategies so you can get a head start on 2022. Click on Register for the Webinar to sign up.

Google released lessons for teachers to use to integrate technology skills into the curriculum. These lessons are in the form of project-based experiences. For example, there are lessons that focus on a variety of subject areas while addressing students' digital skills. Take a look at these three lessons. They include: Showing Appreciation, Creating a Digital Scrapbook and Creating a Cookbook.

All the lessons include detailed plans, how-to videos and examples. Some also include rubrics which are customizable. There are lessons that can be searched by grade band. They span upper elementary to high school. You can also search for lessons by digital tool as well as subject area. While searching, you may find projects employing various Google applications in engaging ways. Did you know that you could use Google Sheets to make crossword puzzles or Battleship boards?

Kami has now added its own templates for teachers to use with students. These include a variety of graphic organizers. There are also tools to assess learning or provide opportunities for back channelling during a lesson. Kami templates can be shared with whole classes, small groups or individual students. Teachers can also provide feedback to students using a Kami lesson.

If you are not familiar with Kami, take a look at their video tutorial library. They provide teachers with step by step instructions on how to get started using Kami in the classroom. There are also resources for teachers to use to gain a better understanding of Kami. Check out this short video and this Google Slide Deck. Teachers can always request training by completing the Request for Training form.

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.

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.

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.

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.