Empowering Learners with EPIC!, Global Read Aloud, and Tech Assistance

FALL into Reading

Our focus on the ISTE standards entitled Empowering Student Learning with Technology continues with September's focus, the Empowered Learner. This week's post will also tie into our October standard:  Global Collaborator

This week's focus is using EPIC books!

For those of you who may not be familiar with EPIC!, we have created a brief tutorial to help you get started.  EPIC! is the Netflix of books!  You can simply add students, and even create groups to choose specific books (collections) and levels for that particular group of students.  For the week of October 1-5, they have challenged all classrooms to log 50 books, and those classrooms will receive a certificate for each student!

October begins the Global Read Aloud

 If you'd like to know more, please click here.

Week 1:  October 1-5- My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray Smith
Lucky for us, this story is part of EPIC!  We encourage all teachers to read or listen to this book in their classrooms for this week.  You can read it whole group, or assign it to your students!

You can also have the author read it to your class with this link.

Global Collaborator: 

Once you've read the book, we encourage you to share your reading experiences with another teacher in the district.  Perhaps your classes will share via FlipGrid or Padlet?  Perhaps you'll all read the book and Skype together to discuss the book!  Please keep Chris and I in mind when planning to collaborate with another class!  Let us know if you're looking for a class to share with!

Seesaw Corner:  Week 1- My Heart Fills with Happiness- Seesaw Activity- click here!

Note:  Week 2:  October 8-12- Wild Berries by Julie Flett

The last 2 posts today are review from past posts, but are beginning of year reminders!

2.  iPad Use and Cleaning techniques

 It is very important that students close down app AND websites on the iPad when they are done using the iPads.  Most students are familiar with closing down apps by clicking the home button 2 times, and then swiping the app up and off the screen.  However, it's also important to close down any websites used, so student information, test scores, etc. is not shared.  To close down a website, you will click on the website and see 2 squares at the top right (see picture).  By clicking on them, it will show you all websites open and make it easy to "x" them out from there.

Please teach your students both techniques to "clean up" before the next class uses the iPads!

 In addition, if you are a teacher who uses iPads often, please be sure to take a look at iPad Management!  Attached here are iPad use posters you can easily print and display in your classroom!  (All of these links are also found on the Tech Integrator's website under Tutorials for Teachers).

3.  PowerTeacher Gradebook

If you are having trouble viewing your students in your gradebook, please make sure that you have selected the appropriate year and class in the top left. If you are not using Gradebook and you'd like to know more, please reach out to Chris or me.  It is an unbelievable tool, and we'd be happy to help!

Empowering Learners - Seesaw

1.  Empowering Students With Technology

Throughout this school year our blog post will be featuring technology tools that empower student learning.  A strong resource for understanding these possibilities comes to us from the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE), which has created a student centered set of standards that represent much of Pennridge's focus on technology.

This month we have focused on the "Empowered Learner".  We will focus on tools that provide student choice and voice within their classroom activities.  Check out last weeks post on Nearpod if you missed it!

This week's feature: Seesaw

Few applications empower student learning like Seesaw.  Students are encouraged to reflect upon their learning, illustrating growth as well as the challenges they have faced and overcome.  In addition, the end result is a online portfolio of their learning that really demonstrates how technology can give students the tools to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

While we have focused on Seesaw quite a bit already, we wanted to spotlight the Activities Library, which provides fantastic ideas that are already developed for you - just make a copy and send it to your students.  You can also customize activities very easily to fit your needs.  Some examples:

I am an Empowered Learner - Although slated for 2-3 graders, this activity could be easily adjusted for goal setting at the beginning of the year.

Global Read Aloud Activities - Seesaw is a great way to introduce the Global Read Aloud Initiative in October.

• Duck! Rabbit! Reading Response - While this excellent primary lesson does focus on a specific text, the thought provoking questions could be customized to most any picture book character.  This book and many other books are available electronically through the Bucks County Library System as another resource to the fantastic libraries we have at Pennridge.
• Make Predictions About Your Book - Although focused on a specific text, this activity can be customized to fit any book.
• Reading Storyboard - A fantastic text reflection activity for any text and most age groups.

The last 2 posts today are review from past posts, but are beginning of year reminders!

2.  Moving Photos from iPad to a Computer

District management software has locked down the iPads for connecting to computers.
Please load Google Drive (found in the Self-Service app) onto the iPad that has the pictures, and open Google Drive with your Pennridge Account. You can then select all the photos and save them to your Google Drive. Next open Google Drive on your laptop and all the photos are now available to you.  Click here for a printable tutorial on how to do this!

 Click here for printable iPad Rule posters to hang in your classroom.

3.  Please be sure your students are appropriately signing-out of laptops. 

Students should click the Start Window at the bottom left and find their name at the top.  Then, students will select Sign-out.  At this time, it is very important NOT to close the lid of the laptop until the signing out process is complete.  Some students are rushing this, and therefore, the device is not successfully signing out and the device will run slower until properly signed out.

Trends in Technology

1.  Empowering Students With Technology - ISTE Standards

Throughout this school year our blog post will be featuring technology tools that empower student learning.  A strong resource for understanding these possibilities comes to us from the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE), which has created a student centered set of standards that represent much of Pennridge's focus on technology.

This month we will focus on the "Empowered Learner".  We will focus on tools that provide student choice and voice within their classroom activities.

This week's feature: Nearpod

Please remember that you all have access to Nearpod, and although the librarians are covering the important topic of Digital Citizenship, Nearpod is a tool that should still be used in your classroom. By giving your students a 5 digit code, it allows you to control what is on their iPad or laptop, and you can even assign Nearpod codes as self-paced lessons which are perfect for station rotations, small group work, and/or even homework.  If you are unsure of your username/password, please contact Erin or Chris at anytime.

• I've created a Nearpod that can help you you explore some of these new features in less than 3 minutes!  You'll see the many ways this tool can be used in your classroom in ALL areas!  Go to Nearpod.com or log-in to Nearpod on an iPad.  At the top, find the area titled "Enter Code".  Use the code APMCT.  Have fun!
• In addition to the SEL lessons teachers made here in Pennridge, there are lessons Nearpod users have access to that are completely free and editable and will match all curriculum areas.  Nearpod is appropriate for all grades, even Kindergarten!
• You can upload an existing Powerpoint into Nearpod easily and add some formative assessment tools.
• Best of all, this data is immediately sent to your account.  If it's a live lesson, you can see all student responses as you go.  The analytics of each lesson are in your account and can easily be saved and printed at any time!
• Share-  As a teacher, you can see all student responses, but if you have a specific student response you want EVERYONE to see, by clicking on the Share button, it will be visible on ALL student devices, too!  A Very powerful tool to help all students stay engaged...
• District Library- you can find a lot of resources that Pennridge teachers have added to in our district library.  To access you district library, sign-in to Nearpod, click on Explore at the top left, and click District Library. You'll see a screen that looks like this

• Some main Nearpod features (highlighted in the Nearpod I've created)

• Some easily added content can include:  PHET simulations, virtual field trips, video, and easily upload any file from your device
• Some easily added activities can include:  Open-Ended Questions, Quiz, Draw-It, Collaborate (which is like Padlet), Poll, and Fill-in-the-Blanks

The last 2 posts today are review from past posts, but are beginning of year reminders!

2.  Changing your Signature in Microsoft Outlook

If you need to update your signature with a new teacher assignment, new phone number, new website, etc, please follow these steps:

• Open Outlook (make sure you are using the App Version, which is found in your start window and titled "Outlook 2016")
• Choose File in the top Left and Scroll to Options.
• Select Mail and Signatures (See image)
• Remember your signature should include your building, your position, your phone number and extension, and any other information you feel would be helpful.

3.  Projector Remote

 Using main teacher features of your projector remote:

• A/V Mute button- This will allow you to put your remote to "sleep" without turning it completely off.  This will save time as you go to use it again.
• Freeze button- This function allows you to freeze what is on the screen, so that you can go to other sites or prepare other features on your computer before sharing with the students.
• Zoom In/Out.  Use this feature to zoom in/out of your screen.  This is especially helpful to make certain parts of your presentation enlarged during discussion.  Remember to zoom out when done.  Note- Mimio Users- this will alter your calibration.

*Not all remotes are the same as the one pictured here, but all remotes will have these buttons!

Seesaw, EPIC!, and iPads

1.  Seesaw Tricks 

Chris and I are fans of Seesaw, and we encourage all teachers to use this amazing digital student portfolio if you are not already doing so.  A huge benefit to Seesaw is that it can be done on any iOS or Android device, or any computer with internet connection!  We love seeing all the ways different classrooms are using this tool! Here are some tips to think about!

Sharing a Welcome Post to students or families? 

• If so, you will want to post to the "Student Journal" in Seesaw if the students/families are not yet connected.   If you select Announcement, only students/families that are already signed-in will see the announcement.    Once everyone is signed in, then the Announcement feature is the way to go!

Seesaw Translates for up to 55 languages! 

• If a note, caption, comment, announcement, or message is written in a language that is different from the language of a family's or teacher's device, a "See Translation" option appears below the post.  Tap that button, and Seesaw automatically translates any text into your native language.  Note:  Students do not have access to this feature.  Please view this video if you have families in your class who would benefit from this amazing feature.

• "TAG"- To get some ideas on how to encourage parents and students to make positive (and helpful) comments on work, please see the images!

• Follow Seesaw on Twitter @Seesaw or follow "Seesaw Teachers" on Facebook for tons of ideas and tips/tricks from other teachers around the world.  In addition, for most any tutorial made by Seesaw, search on Youtube or view their "PD in our PJs" live webinars or recorded tutorials!

Our 2nd Annual Seesaw Social is scheduled for Saturday, October 6th from 9:30-10:30AM at the PHS Library.  Please save the date.  More info coming!

2.  EPIC! Books 

If you haven't signed up yet for EPIC!, we encourage you to do so.  After signing up, you can print the Epic! Readerpillar and hang it up in your classroom. As your students reach reading goals throughout the year, EPIC will email you special badges to add to it


You can also add your own reading rewards – extended recess time, an in-class movie day, pajama day, or playing a favorite class game!

3. iPad Use (For ALL teachers who use iPads)

Please take a moment to review these iPad tips and tricks- Specifically please take a moment to be sure you know how to download apps from the Pennridge Self-Service catalog and how to turn off notifications, so our students are able to make the most of their iPad times!

Welcome Back!

Welcome Back!

We understand everyone is very busy this week, but please let us know if there are any areas we can assist you in.   Also, you can find many tutorials on the Technology Integrator Website.

 Next week we will be posting some tech reminders for device use and care!

Have a great first week!
Erin and Chris

Global Learning, PD and More!

1.  Skype- Pennridge Around the World!

Look where we've been!  

The Pennridge Around the World website has been updated throughout the year.  When you visit the Skype website, you'll see this map is full of "pins on top of pins" in the USA, and you can click each one for a description of the Skype that can be found at that location.

If you have a Skype that you'd like to add, please complete the form.  If you have yet to Skype in your classroom, please let us help you make a worldly contact next school year!

2.  If you are interested in some professional learning opportunities over the summer, consider these:

Microsoft Educator Community

• A reminder, the Microsoft Educator Community is a wonderful resource for Skype presentations, but also for Professional Learning.  The courses on the Microsoft Educator Community can be taken for Act 48 hours, too!  (Make sure you are logged into the community using your Office 365 credentials:  E#####@psd.pennridge.org and your password is your computer password).

Here are just a few that might interest you:

Getting Started with OneNote- 1 hour

OneNote Class Notebook- 1 hour

Introduction to Sway- 45 minutes

Problem-Based Learning (PBL)- 1 hour 30 minutes

LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3- 30 minutes

For a list of all courses, click here!

Seesaw

Although Seesaw won't have any live seminars until July/August, we recommend the recorded sessions found here which are organized by grade levels:  K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9 and up.  

Mimio

Boxlight Mimio offers quick and easy recorded sessions, as well.  If you have a Mimio, or are considering one in your classroom, these sessions are great.  To make the most of them, we suggest having the software loaded onto your teacher device.  If you need this done before the end of the year, please email Erin or Chris.

3.  21st Century Learning Night-

More pictures have been added- take a moment to look at a few pictures from the event! 

We hope everyone has a wonderful summer vacation.  See you in August.

-Erin and Chris

Thank You!

1.  Thank You!

Thank you to the many who helped in making the 4th Annual 21st Century Learning Night a success.  With over 50 teacher presenters, over 225 student presenters, and tons of "behind the scenes" helpers, we hosted over 900 guests, including new superintendent, Dr. Bolton!  Please take a moment to look at a few pictures from the event! 

 Here are just a few pieces of feedback we received.

•  “Very impressive display of opportunities for teaching and learning across all disciplines and levels.  Students were excited to present their topics & it was refreshing to see them so engaged and enthusiastic about what they’re doing in school.

• Wonderful event!  Bravo to the students and their teachers for all their hard work!”

• “Fantastic!  Students were very enthusiastic and articulate.  I am so excited that my grandchildren are in this district!”

Next year is our 5th annual and we have already started the planning!

*If you attended (as a presenter or as a guest) and you have any pictures, please email them to Erin Reichert or share them via Google Drive.  Thank you in advance.

2.  Archiving your Class in Seesaw

It's easy to wrap up your Seesaw class for the year - just follow these steps. Step 1: Archive your Class Tap your profile icon (top left) to choose the class you want to archive. Then tap the wrench icon to go to Class Settings At the bottom, choose the "Archive Class" button.  Learn More about this feature here.. DO NOT remove students from your class or delete your class.  Next year you will create a brand new Seesaw class with new students!

Step 2:  Tell Families about Export Option

• Connected family members can download a .zip archive of their child's work from the Seesaw website.

• Share this link as a Family Announcement in your Seesaw class to tell families how!  Seesaw will also email them when you archive your class.

3.  Canvas is coming to the Middle Schools

Canvas Beginner Training will be in the afternoon on Monday, June 18th.  Middle School teachers will be able to complete the beginners’ course independently or with a high school teacher facilitator.   If you missed the introduction to Canvas module and would like to complete it prior to the meeting on the 18th, follow the directions found here.