

Heartland AEA Digital Learning News
November 2023
AI in Education Webinar 🎥
We are so excited to host Greg Kulowiecvfor an hour of learning centered on artificial intelligence in education. Even if you're not able to join us that afternoon, you will want to click the button below to register so you can access the recorded session at a time that's convenient for you.
Goodbye Jamboard, Hello FigJam 👋
Google has announced that Jamboard will be phased out in 2024. While you still have several months left with Jamboard, we encourage you to explore alternative options to ensure a seamless shift in your teaching and collaboration methods.
One fantastic alternative we recommend is FigJam! FigJam not only preserves some of Jamboard's best features but also enhances them. Here's why you and your students should consider making the switch:
- Collaborative Freedom: FigJam offers an expansive canvas for collaborative work, where you can use stickies, images, pens, and highlighters to bring ideas to life.
- Media Integration: Seamlessly embed videos, Docs, and Slides within your FigJam boards to create dynamic and engaging content.
- Voice Memos: Enhance communication by including voice memos, making it easier than ever for students to express themselves.
- Templates Galore: FigJam provides a wide range of pre-built templates to kickstart your projects, saving you time and effort.
Get ahead of the curve and start exploring FigJam today. It's a free and versatile tool that will empower you and your students for improved collaboration. If you work with students under 13, click here for approved use with your students!
As the 2024 transition approaches, our team can help you explore and implement FigJam. Additionally, Tom Mullaney has put together a great resource to help with the transition!
STEM Best Grant Applications Now Open 🔬
The application portal for the Iowa STEM BEST Grants is now open. Working side-by-side, teachers and industry professionals will craft curriculum and projects that prepare students for developing the skill sets for success in STEM pathways.
Applications are due by December 13, 2023.
From the Iowa STEM website:
- The goal of this STEM BEST+ H.D. fund is to support the launch of new or expanded STEM BEST K-12 models specifically focused on creating work based learning opportunities that allow students to develop future focused, high demand skills through authentic real world experiences (Future of Jobs Report 2020, World Economic Forum).
Course for Administrators and Evaluators 👩💻
We are offering another section of our technology course for administrators. This course is a great opportunity for leaders to become more comfortable with technology, while considering ways to leverage EdTech to improve teaching and learning. This section will be held on Nov. 29th and Dec. 7th and is an excellent way to earn an evaluator approval credit!
👇 Click the button for more information!
Native American Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month 🗓️
Celebrate Indigenous & Native Heritage Month with the folks from Flip!
Register and join the webinar for a conversation and resource share to learn about the diverse cultures of Indigenous and Native peoples in November and all year long!
Upcoming Fall Technology Courses from HAEA 🧑🎓
EP Part 1: Collaboration
Date: Spring 2024
Credit: Participant Only (Free) or 1 LR ($35)
Course #190117
Instructor: Marisa Dahl and Emily Reynolds
Register for EP Part 1: Collaboration
EP Part 2: Equity and Student Choice
Date: Spring 2024
Credit: Participant Only (Free) or 1 LR ($35)
Course #190453
Instructor: Marisa Dahl and Emily Reynolds
Register for EP Part 2: Equity and Student Choice
EP Part 3: Universal Design + Blended Learning
Date: Spring 2024
Credit: Participant Only (Free) or 1 LR ($35)
Course # 203331
Register for Part 3: Universal Design + Blended Learning
Education Technologies for Administrators
Date: Nov. 29 & Dec. 7
Course # 203354
Credit: 1LR or Evaluator Approval
Instructors: HAEA Digital Learning Consultant Team
Designing With Canva in the Classroom: Basics
Date: Self-Paced, register and get started today!
Credit: 1 LR ($125)
Instructor: Marisa Dahl
Register for Designing with Canva in the Classroom: Basics
Maximizing Seesaw
Date: Self-Paced, register and get started today!
Credit: 1 LR ($125)
Instructor: Marisa Dahl
Register for Maximizing Seesaw
The Integrated Approach: Blending the K-5 Comp Sci Standards into Existing Instruction
Date: Spring 2024
Credit: Participant Only (free) or 1 LR ($35)
Instructor: Marisa Dahl, Janelle Thompson and Ashley Delaney
Course #: 204723
Register for Integrated CS Approach
Learning UDL Through Podcasts and Videos
Date: Self-Paced or join the June 2023 Section
Credit: 2 LR or 2 Grad
Instructor: Marisa Dahl
Course #: 204715
Register for Learning UDL 2 Grad Credits or Learning UDL 2 LR Credits
Heartland AEA Digital Learning Consultant Team
Our team of five consultants serves the 8 regions of Heartland Area Education Agency and designs and delivers the Heart of Innovation Summer Summit and Webinar Series. We are ready to deliver professional learning focused on effective digital learning and technology integration. Please reach out if we can design learning just right for you!
Email: haeatech@heartlandaea.org
Website: https://www.heartlandaea.org/educators/cia/digital-learning/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/heartlandaeainnovativeeducators/