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Creating Assistive Technology Using 3D Design
Sometimes people with disabilities may not have the means to purchase high-end versions of the equipment that is necessary to assist them in their daily lives. In this course, we will discuss how to get students thinking about assistive devices and how they can be created using 3D design. We'll go over how to guide students in developing solutions and creating cost-effective assistive technology.
Using Makey Makey to Support Exceptional Learners
There are many benefits of integrating STEM into your curriculum as it can give you the opportunity to make learning fun again for your students. But have you ever wondered how a STEM product, like Makey Makey, can positively affect a class full of exceptional learners? Join us as we explore how Makey Makey can be used to help teach academic content to your students in a tangible, interactive, and hands-on way. Learn how you can support your students as they incorporate Makey Makey into their growing passion for innovation.
Healing Through Self-Compassion and Micro-Resilience Strategies
Understanding who we are and how we can best take care of ourselves is one of the best ways to become our best selves and better support those we serve. In this session, we'll explore practical strategies for the four types of self-care, and discuss resilience strategies & activities that contribute to developing a strong foundation for healing. Join us and Mandy Froehlich in learning how to build strength through micro-resilience strategies.
Mandy Froehlich is an experienced Director of Innovation and Technology, technology integrator, and teacher, whose interest lies in reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession, as well as exploring what’s needed to support teachers in their pursuit of innovative and divergent thinking and teaching. She consults internationally with districts and institutions in the effective use of technology to support great teaching, mental health support for educators, and how to create organizational change.
Expanding Language Skills for ELLs Using Flip
Are you looking to enhance your ELLs' language skills? In this session, we will discuss the importance of teaching expressive and receptive language skills to students. We will then explore how to use Flip to have students practice speaking and expressing themselves creatively. We will dive into specific topics, activity ideas, and prompts that can be done on Flip, as well as best practices for having your ELLs communicate effectively. Join us to explore this accessible tool for students to work on their language skills in an engaging way!
Addressing SEL Through Bulletin Boards
Bulletin boards can be powerful, eye-catching tools that communicate information and celebrate student learning. Have you ever thought about using them to help support students' social-emotional needs? Join us as we discover unique bulletin board ideas and best practices for creating boards that promote SEL, inclusiveness, and make a positive impact.
Tools to Support Digital Book Cover Creation
Students already know that an impressive cover can make a book stand out on the shelf. In this course, we will go over how you can challenge your students to be illustrators for the day by designing their own digital book covers. Join us as we take a deeper dive into the different programs that you can use, and the handy design tools within these websites!
Educator Mental Health and Why We Emotionally Disengage
We work in an emotion-filled profession where empathy and passion are our greatest asset. However, what happens when those feelings are challenged or taken away entirely? How does this happen, and what can we do about it? Join us and Mandy Froehlich as we explore the reasons why educators become emotionally disengaged in the teaching profession.
Mandy Froehlich is an experienced Director of Innovation and Technology, technology integrator, and teacher, whose interest lies in reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession, as well as exploring what’s needed to support teachers in their pursuit of innovative and divergent thinking and teaching. She consults internationally with districts and institutions in the effective use of technology to support great teaching, mental health support for educators, and how to create organizational change.
Whether you are from the Northeast, the South, Midwest, or the West, there is a general set of standards for computer science (CS) education. We will explore those standards and make them relevant to all classrooms and grade levels. In this session, we will define computer science and explore why it is a necessary subject. We will also explore the impact of computer science in our schools and discuss how to design and implement successful CS education.
Apps to Support the Exceptional Education Setting
This app-centric course will cover a variety of skills and creation-based apps that are useful in any Exceptional Education classroom. In this session, we will not only cover the functionality of the apps, but also best practices to incorporate them effectively with students, like using iPads as a center for assessment or behavior management tool. This session will also reveal some of the best-kept accessibility secrets to help you reach all types of learners.
Supporting Mentor/Mentee Teacher Partnerships
Creating guidelines and having an open dialogue are two important factors to building a professional foundation between a mentor and mentee, strengthening the relationship. In this course, we will look at how you can build a partnership foundation and utilize technology to collaborate, schedule, and set goals for students.
Differentiating Instruction for ELLs Using Microsoft Visio
We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words. When teaching ELLs, providing visual aids is essential for their comprehension. Microsoft Visio, a diagramming program, can support this effort with its pre-made content such as templates, flowcharts, built-in shapes, and more. Join us as we explore how Microsoft Visio can be used to provide differentiated instruction for ELLs.
Blended Learning with Station Rotations
Station rotations can have many benefits, including differentiated instruction and the ability to teach small groups while other students are working independently. However, classroom management is key in order to keep all students engaged while you are working with a small group. Join us for this session where we will cover different digital tools and management tips for making the most out of station rotations.
Resources for Virtual Field Trips
Field trips can be incredibly enriching for students, but they are not always an option for teachers. In this course, we will explore how teachers can create interactive virtual field trips for students as well as how to use these trips to maximize student learning and engagement.
Understanding the NYS Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards
Computer science concepts are finding their way into every classroom at each grade level. That's where the new Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards come into play! If you haven’t had a chance to dive into the new NYS K-12 Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards, join us for this session as we unpack these standards and explore ideas and activities to integrate them into the classroom.
Using Microsoft Planner for Project-Based Learning
Keeping students organized during project-based learning activities can be a challenge, especially if students are given more flexibility in terms of their goals. Join us to learn about one of Microsoft's newer applications, Microsoft Planner. We'll show you all the ins and outs of using Microsoft Planner and how your students can utilize it for their next project-based learning experience.
Tools to Alleviate Back to School Anxiety
Educators are key players when it comes to helping students cope with back-to-school anxiety. Join us for this course as we explore techniques for educators to recognize the signs of student distress and how to guide them through anxiety. We'll show you ways to ensure your students thrive over the course of the academic school year. You may even find that some of these strategies can help you to address some of your own start-of-the-year anxieties too!
Making Accessible Print Documents
Even when we are creating documents that will be printed and handed out, there still needs to be a digitally accessible equivalent to ensure accessibility for all. In the course, you will learn why this is so important, and how to create accessible print documents.
Unpacking Technology Safely at the Beginning of the Year
Even if you tuned into our spring course on safely packing your technology at the end of the year, you may still be feeling overwhelmed now that it is time to unpack for the new school year. Don't fret! Join us for this session as we share recommended steps to unload your technology safely after a summer of storage.
Giving Valuable Feedback in the Math Classroom
Feedback is the key to helping your students feel more confident in their abilities! There is a lot of professional development out there about the “right way” to change these negative feelings in the classroom, but does this look different depending on the subject you teach? Join us for this course, where we will explore different ways to help students shift their mindsets to be able to grow and learn in your math classroom.
Level Up Google Classroom with Schoolytics
Google Classroom is great, but you’re ready to get more out of it! Join Google Classroom expert and author of “Stepping Up to Google Classroom,” Alice Keeler to explore ways to level up your Google Classroom experience. Teachers around the world use Schoolytics to better understand how their students are really performing on skills and standards, easily create progress reports, and share assignments with other teachers. Learn why Schoolytics is the tool that Google Classroom teachers have been wishing for!
Engaging Students in the Engineering Design Process
The engineering design process is used throughout STEM classes, as students can develop solutions to many types of problems. Join us to learn some quick and simple activities you can do with your class to engage them in the engineering design process! Whether students are already familiar with the EDP, or have no idea what it is, they can benefit from these quick challenges!
Canva is a free online graphic design tool. Together, we will walk through how to access templates on Canva and start creating without having extensive photo editing knowledge or graphic design experience. Join us to explore how educators can use Canva to create newsletters, announcements, posters, social media posts, and so much more!
Kami is a digital tool available for download that allows students to engage with typically static instructional materials through annotation and markup tools. In this course, we'll show you how to access Kami and explore available features, ideas for the classroom, and tips and tricks for getting started. Join us to learn about this powerful tool and increase your student engagement.
Using Google Drawings to Teach Elementary Science Concepts
Google Drawings is not just a tool for teachers, it can also be used for student learning. In this session, we will look at how to utilize Drawings to teach science concepts by using visuals. Students will be able to synthesize information and develop their own understandings rather than just memorizing facts.
Designing School Notices with Canva
Classroom or school-wide newsletters shouldn't be boring. Join us for this course to explore how you can keep parents, students, and staff up to date by using creative school newsletter templates available in Canva. With just a few clicks, we will dive into the steps for personalizing and publishing!
Building Cultural Awareness Through Oral History Projects
Understanding and recognizing that our classmates have different values shaped by diverse backgrounds can be learned through the use of oral history projects. In this session, we will discuss building cultural awareness in the classroom by utilizing Audacity to create meaningful oral history projects.
Storing Technology Safely Over the Summer
Ever encounter battery-related issues with your devices at the start of the school year? We know how frustrating it can feel when your technology won’t hold a charge or function the way it used to when you return back to school in the fall. Join us for this end of year session as we share recommended steps to prepare your technology for storage over the summer.
In this session, we will move further with UBTech by taking a look at the UKIT Advanced, where students will have the opportunity to dive deeper into the mechanics, electronics, and programming behind high-tech robotics. The Advanced kit includes an introduction to circuitry and electrical engineering, as well as text-based coding.
Designing Teacher Workshops to Support Teacher Growth
Professional learning should reflect the kind of learning we want to see for our students. Join us for this course as we share best practices for administrators to support teachers’ growth. We’ll explore strategies for engaging adult learners in training workshops and the impacts of different workshop approaches.
In today's session, we'll be learning all about digital journals. From benefits to important considerations, and even recommended tools, we'll give you all the information you need to get started with your students. Whether you're looking to switch over journal activities from pen and paper or want a unique activity to do with students, you've come to the right place!
Sharing Lessons in Minecraft Education Edition
Minecraft Education Edition is an excellent resource for engaging students in deeper learning opportunities. Education Edition allows you to download pre-created lessons as well as design your own immersive learning experience. In this session, Alice will walk through how to find ready-made lessons for Minecraft Education Edition and how to distribute them to students using iPads, laptops, or Chromebooks.
Teaching with Minecraft: Basics for Creating a World
Using Minecraft Education Edition starts with understanding some of the basics, like maneuvering in the environment, game modes, and more. In this session, Alice will help you to get started with creating a world. She'll dive into the differences between creative mode and survival mode with some discussion on when to choose which mode when using Minecraft Education Edition with students.
Taking Learning Outside the Math Classrom
Are you looking for ways to increase student engagement in your math lessons? Teaching math outdoors offers endless possibilities to teach math from a real-world, creative, and hands-on learning perspective. In this course, we will transform traditional classroom math lessons that focus on topics such as symmetry, geometry, data collection, and measurement to outdoor learning opportunities that are sure to make math more meaningful and interesting to your students.
Using Boom Cards to Provide Summer Challenges for ELLs
Many of us send home the traditional summer work like reading lists, math packets, and other review materials to help continue the learning for our ELL students. Why not make summer learning more fun and engaging with quick challenge cards? In this session, we’ll learn how to create and use Boom Cards to push out challenge cards for your ELLs to access anytime and anywhere during the summer.
Introduction to Minecraft Education Edition
Game-based learning, like Minecraft, can increase engagement and understanding for students of all ages. But what is Minecraft and how is it educational? In this session, Alice will introduce us to Minecraft Education Edition, the differences between Minecraft and Minecraft Education Edition, and how it can be used with your elementary to high school students.
Celebrate Student Success Using 3D Design & Printing
As educators, we wear many hats. We are listeners, planners, data collectors, and above all: motivators. In order to motivate our students, we are constantly looking for ways to celebrate their achievements. In this session, we will share ideas for designing prizes and other celebratory items to commemorate your students’ accomplishments for homework completion, attendance, and so much more!
Structuring Independent Study in the Secondary Classroom
In this session, we will learn about allowing your students time to choose a side project to work on in the classroom, giving them autonomy over their learning and purpose to their education. This is a great option that can be implemented at any time of year, especially as the year is winding down. It's also a great way to continue building skill sets as well as letting the students explore what interests them.
Teaching Self-Regulation During Choice Time in Early Ed
As early as Kindergarten teachers can help students build independence, monitor their own behaviors and become self-directed learners. Self-regulation is a skill that begins in the early education classroom and can be acquired with proper support and guidance. In this course, we will explore strategies educators can use to help foster the development of self-regulation during "choice time" activities in the early ed classroom.
Using Google Forms to Drive Instructional Decision Making
Join us for this course to explore how Google Workspace can promote learning and support data-driven instruction (DDI). Google Forms is one of the many tools out there that can help you gauge students’ pre-existing knowledge, identify misconceptions, and so much more. In this course, we will explore how you can use the features within Forms to create engaging lesson activities for your students and promote student growth.
A classroom is not bound by four walls but instead is a place where learning is cultivated, led, inspired, motivated, built, and empowered (CLIMBE). Join educator and author, Dene Gainey as he demonstrates how learning can happen anywhere, whether individually, in groups, or as a whole-class discussion using Spaces, an innovative assessment and lesson delivery system. Part two in our series on Spaces, this webinar will dig deeper into the features, usability, and examples of how Spaces can be integrated into your classroom.
Learning happens in so many ways that are not always effectively demonstrated by a test. Learning is multi-modal! This webinar introduces you to Spaces, an innovative assessment and lesson delivery system that promotes, encourages, and inspires student learning in more ways than one. Join educator and author, Dene Gainey to learn about Spaces from set up to first use. As an educator, Dene makes it his mission to build bridges and fill gaps, not to mention motivate students to be “more.” In this session, we will discuss how to use Spaces to help students effectively learn and assess that learning - from project and problem-based learning to social-emotional benefits and portfolio building.
Using Google to Explore the Earth's Oceans
The ocean covers nearly 71% of Earth's total surface and comprises 96.5% of all of Earth's water supply. Maintaining a healthy ocean is critical to all living things and the wellbeing of the entire planet. Join us as we celebrate World Oceans Day and use Google Tools like Google Maps and Google Earth to explore Earth's oceans and learn more about this critical resource.
Best Practices for Digital Assessments
Are you looking to bring your assessments into the digital era? Join us in this session as we take a look at different digital platforms, best practices, and other tips to help you assess your students successfully using web based tools.
A Rube Goldberg Summer of Outdoor Fun
We’re heading into summer and there is no better place to take your Rube Goldberg Machine building than outdoors! Sandbox, water-play, planting, digging, and even playgrounds can be part of the kinetic fun! Join Jennifer George and friends as they discuss the joy Rube Goldberg and machine-building can bring to your summer programming.
Helping ELLs Make Connections to Literature Using Google Drawings
Working with English language learners and helping them to see text-to-self connections can be difficult. Join us to explore how you can use independent reading opportunites and Google Workspace's Drawings to help your ELL students identify with their own personality.
Ozobot in the Elementary Math Classroom
Building concrete foundational math skills is essential to developing abstract mathematical reasoning. What better way to support that transition than with Ozobot in your Elementary Math Classroom. Join us as we explore the many ways that Ozobot can build both concrete and abstract mathematical thinking while learning to code as well.
Quick Collaborative Activities You Can Create in 15 Minutes
Looking to bring more collaborative learning opportunities to your classroom but not sure where to start? Join Monica Burns for a brand new webinar featuring quick collaborative activities you can create in just 15 minutes. During this session, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the free, interactive presentation tool Lumio. You'll hear how Lumio is different from SMART Notebook and how you can use this dynamic tool with or without a SMART Board. Attendees will get a chance to participate in interactive activities and create their own collaborative task during the webinar.
Tools to Encourage Dramatic Play in Early Ed
Dramatic play enables students to enhance communication skills, learn key concepts, and develop problem-solving strategies by taking on new roles, acting out real-life experiences, and even dressing up and using imaginative props. In this session, we will discuss the importance of dramatic play for students in the early education classroom. We will also discuss specific, cross-curricular dramatic play activities and suggested literature that you can explore with your students. Join us to learn strategies for setting up your classroom environment to create a space where dramatic play and creativity can soar!
Matt's Maker Space: Legacy Inspires STEAM Opportunities
Makerspaces foster student independence, exploration, and love of creation. Join Jennifer, Noelle, and Anne as they discuss the impact and legacy of Matt Conover, Noelle's son, who died in 2002 from non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, just before his 13th birthday. Matt's Maker Space, founded by Noelle, honors her son's love of engineering and fosters STEM creativity and arts education throughout Pennsylvania.
Developing Check-In Systems for Older Students
Developing age appropriate check-ins can be a challenge for educators working with older students. However, carefully crafted check-ins can bring middle and high school classes closer together. You may even find that they can help to improve students' well-being! Join us as we explore resources for designing morning, mid-day or afternoon check-in systems to monitor student behavior and assist you with planning the next steps for success with these students.
Tools to Support Center Rotations in the Special Ed Classroom
Are you looking to incorporate center rotations into your classroom? In this session, we will explore the benefits of using centers in your special education class, as well as strategies for getting organized, setting up your centers, and supporting students along the way as they dive into their center activities. We will discuss the importance of creating a schedule for center rotations as well as making sure that your centers are created to set your students up for success in order to meet their learning goals. We will also explore specific center activity ideas for you to try out with your students!
Whether you are looking for a fun St. Patrick's Day activity, celebrating National Limerick Day, or simply exploring poetry in your classroom, this session is for you! Join us as we share interactive ways to incorporate technology into your elementary and middle school lessons using Lumio. We'll even help you prepare by sharing the history and patterns behind these much loved poems.
Using Jamboard to Support Writing Stations
Looking for ideas and graphic organizers to support your students thoughts during the writing process? Jamboard can be a great location for research, brainstorming, prewriting, and more. Join us to learn how your students can use Jamboard to organize their thoughts before writing an informative, argumentative, or narrative piece.
Many students have become interested in researching their family history or genealogy over the last few years as advances in information technology have brought our family trees to our fingertips. In this session, we will discuss how to incorporate 3D design and printing into your science or social studies lessons on DNA, genealogy, family history, and our forefathers as we research and create family crests that can tell a story about our students' families.
Turn Your Students' Love of RGM into a Career
Join Jennifer George and Brent Bushnell to discuss how to cultivate the next generation of inventors through joy and creativity. Brent is the Chairman and CoFounder of Two Bit Circus, which deploys STEAM-based programs focused on creativity and invention to inspire students around the world. Brent’s a Sir Edmund Hillary Fellow, a supporter of Clowns Without Borders and publishes on Twitter @brentbushnell; he and members of his team were part of the extraordinary build for OK-Go's viral Rube Goldberg music video for "This Too Shall Pass." Jennifer and Brent will lead an insightful talk about how kids who love building, tinkering, and problem solving can turn those interests into a career.
Digital Citizenship for 21st Century Learners
In the blink of an eye, the need for access to online learning tools was pushed to the forefront of education. Students, teachers, and parents alike had to reimagine the process of learning. 21st century learners have grown up in the digital age, where they have been exposed to all different kinds of technology. Utilizing this technology in a safe, respectful and educational manner is many times overlooked. In this session, we will take a look at the quickly changing digital landscape and how we can educate students of all ages on the importance of positive digital citizenship.
Special education can be an extremely fast-paced and rewarding job. Special educators are challenged to think and act quickly as well as be flexible enough to adapt to any situation. Having a set of tools ready to go at any time can be the difference between successful lessons and negative experiences. Join us for this course as we explore some great educator resources for autism spectrum disorder.
Interactive Storytelling with Jamboard
Jamboard is an interactive whiteboard that can be used for brainstorming, creating, and sharing information. In this session, we will discuss how to create storyboards and how to use the drawing and text features within Jamboard. Join us to discuss the importance of introducing storytelling skills at an early age. We will also explore specific examples and Jamboard templates that can be used for the story creation process.
Are you looking for a unique way to engage your students with social-emotional learning activities? Jamboard is the perfect tool for creating unique learning and self-reflection opportunities. In this session, we will explore the importance of integrating SEL into daily lessons for your early elementary students. We will also dive into specific activities and templates that can be created with Jamboard. Join us for some great ideas to help your students gain self-esteem and build confidence!
Using Desmos for Financial Math
Financial literacy is a critical skill for making important financial decisions. Often, students have gaps in their knoweledge, as skills like budgeting, personal financial managent, and investing are not always taught in the K-12 setting. Join us as we dive into Desmos, the advanced online graphing calculator, and how you can use this powerful tool to help you teach students to tackle both personal and professional financial situations. Easily integrate finaincial literacy into your math classroom with Desmos!
Using Book Creator to Create Digital Stories for ELLs
Digital storytelling is the perfect way to engage your English Language Learners. Join us for this session where we will review the power of digital storytelling and discuss the benefits of storytelling for your students. We will then dive into Book Creator, a website for creating digital books that incorporate drawings, narration, video, and so much more. We will explore how to get started with this digital tool and brainstorm ideas for your students to bring their stories to life. We will also explore digital story topics and examples that are sure to engage your English Language learners. Let’s get creative with this literacy tool to support our students with their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills!
In this session, participants will learn how to create Rube Goldberg machines at home – or with items commonly found around the house. Joined by Jennifer George, we will preview the upcoming book: “25 Rube Goldberg Machines You Can Build at Home.” Guest speakers include Zach Umperovitch (builder), Tori Cameron (author).
Creating a Culture of Kindness in the Early Childhood Classroom
As educators, we know the importance of building a positive classroom community. A major part of bringing this practice to life is teaching our students the importance of kindness and treating one another with respect. In this session, we will review the value of creating a culture of kindness at an early age. We will dive into strategies, best practices, and activity ideas to get your students motivated to connect with one another in meaningful ways. We will also explore relevant children’s literature to spark powerful conversations about kindness both in and out of the classroom. Join us for some tips and tricks for fostering a culture of kindness!
Fight Photomath with Graspable Math
Are your students cheating on math problems by using apps like PhotoMath, Mathway, or other websites on their phones? This can be frustrating since it may be hard to determine what students actually know versus what they were able to solve with the assistance of their phones. Alice Keeler, math teacher and EdTech expert, will share with you the unique ways to use the tool, Graspable Math, to help students to develop procedural fluency. Make Graspable Math a part of your math classroom!
Project based learning activities involving robotics are fun and engaging for students and teachers alike. They can also involve a lot of consumable resources to put together. Why not be kind to our Earth and transform trash into an exciting robotic creation? In this course, we'll highlight recycled materials students can use as they plan and build their robots, as well as how to responsibly clean up after the project is complete. Whether you're looking for a project to do for Earth Day or are just trying to make your classroom more environmentally friendly, you'll find exciting tips and tricks to make our Earth a better place.
Project-Based Learning: Space Exploration with Google
Project-based learning, in conjuction with the productivity and collaboration tools available in Google Workspace, can support and enhance student outcomes. Learn how students can explore the world of space exploration within this structured, creative, and digital workspace. The key elements of project-based learning, such as sustained inquiry, critical thinking, authenticity, student voice and choice, collaboration, reflection, and revision are enhanced through the use of Google Workspace. Join us on a space quest using Google Workspace.
Creating an Add-on with Google Apps Script
Have you ever wanted a Google app to do something but found out that capability didn't yet exist? Chances are, you've run into things you would change if you could. Good news! Oftentimes, you can do just that with the Google Apps Script. In this webinar, Google Workspace Innovator, Alice Keeler will show you how to customize Google apps like Docs, Slides, and Forms through code. She'll also provide some examples of useful ways to customize and get you started with building an add-on to auto send customized feedback to students.
Classroom Management Ideas: Apps for Positive Reinforcement
Are you looking for unique ways to help reinforce positive behaviors in your students? In this course, we’ll take a look at a variety of different interactive apps that can help with classroom management. From token economies to badges and messages, you’ll learn a lot of great tools to put in your classroom toolkit.
Measuring the pH of Beverages Using Labdisc
In this course we'll look at another classroom use of Labdiscs. You will need either an enviro, general science, or biochem Labdisc to perform this activity. We will be predicting the pH of various household beverages and then measure the pH with more accuracy using the Labdisc. We will then analyze and manipulate the data of the acidity of different beverages within the Labdisc software.
Using 3D Design to Support Fraction Instruction
Are your students struggling to understand fractions? What if we told you that you could use 3D design and printing to help your students learn and love fractions? In this course, we will explore lesson ideas and resources that will help you and your students to create 3-dimensional fraction manipulatives to nail down fraction basics.
Culturally Responsive Teaching: Promoting Student Reflection
Culturally responsive teaching enables us as educators to build the connection between academics and students' cultural backgrounds. The key is to provide our students with daily opportunities to reflect and share their voices. Join us in this session as we dive into activities and reflection opportunities that we can bring into our classroom to get our students thinking about and sharing history, traditions, and experiences of other cultures and groups. We will discuss guiding questions for reflection and conversation starters to promote a positive learning environment.
Get your students on the path to developing real-world skills that can solve real-world problems by getting comfortable with incorporating robotics and coding into any classroom! Exposing your students to coding as well as teamwork experiences that will boost their engagement in group engineering and problem solving activities. Join us in exploring the possibilities of incorporating UBTech into your curriculum.
Using Emojis to Manage Classroom Routines and Activities
Who doesn’t love a good emoji? You may already be using emojis in some way in your classroom, but did you know that these little characters can be a great visual cue for students as they work through assignments? Join us as we share suggestions for incorporating emojis into your pre-existing assignments and explore how these fun characters can even help you to manage classroom routines!
Culturally Responsive Teaching: Gamification
Through culturally responsive teaching, we can provide opportunities for our students to be engaged in learning and to process content in a way that best suits their individual needs. In this session, we will explore how to use gamification to get our student's attention and to enrich their learning experiences. We will provide examples of games that will keep students engaged in learning and that promote conversation and friendly competition. Let's discuss the power of games and incorporation repetition, problem solving, and making connections.
Certify Students with Certify'em for Google Forms
Go beyond a score and provide students with their own certificate of completionfor quizzes and assignments. You can use a Google Forms quiz and provide them with a custom certificate with a simple add-on. In this webinar, Google Certified Innovator Alice Keeler will show you how to install the Certify'em add-on. She will also provide examples and ideas for when an automatically generated certificate can be used with students and demonstrate how to set up and use Certify'em in Google Forms.
Tools for Creating an Accessible Google Form
Google Forms is a great tool for teachers. You can use it to collect and grade quizzes, gather feedback from students, and more. But what do you do if you have students who struggle with web accessibility? Join us to discover how you can create accessible forms that can help students with disabilities remain engaged in classroom activities.
Rube Goldberg Cartoon Contest: Putting the 'A' in STEAM!
Join Jennifer George as she leads a lively conversation with illustrators Abby Merrill and Ed Steckley as they describe and quite literally illustrate how to draw Rube Goldberg Machines. Once your students have mastered invention drawing, take learning to the next level with the Rube Goldberg Crazy Contraption Cartoon Contest. We will discuss how the contest can add the Art into STEAM learning and how your students can enter.
Project Based Learning for ELLs
Are you looking for engaging projects to do with your ELL students? In this course, we’ll show you how to implement PBL activities to promote critical thinking, communication, and collaboration with your ELL students. You will learn how to use various tools to promote the key elements of PBL such as research, collaboration, gathering and analyzing feedback, and presenting knowledge in the classroom.
Culturally Responsive Teaching: Google Tools
Culturally responsive teaching is at the forefront of education today. Come check out how you can use common Google tools that you are probably already using, (don't worry if you're not, it's ok, come anyway) to promote culturally responsive teaching and practices. Can't wait to see you there!
Wonder Workshop’s Virtual Robot and Class Connect Webinar
Bring coding to life with Wonder Workshop’s Virtual Robot & Class Connect software, no robot necessary! In this webinar, we will review Class Connect, software that unlocks Dash’s Neighborhood, a Virtual Robot inside of
Blockly for Web and iOS. Kids can solve robot coding challenges by moving Dash around right on the screen in a rich, 3D environment.
Technology to Support Your Calming Space
Creating a space for students to feel safe when they are feeling dysregulated can be essential in any educational setting. Come join us as we discuss different ideas for the use of technology in these types of environments. Together, we will explore different ideas to help students regulate, feel safe, and refocus their attention.
Creating Digital Scrapbooks to Honor Women's History
Are you looking for a unique lesson activity to teach your students about important women in history? Join us as we discuss the value of teaching your students about women’s history and how to integrate this topic into classroom discussions and projects. We will dive into how to create a digital scrapbook that highlights the accomplishments of famous women. We'll also review specific ideas to include in the scrapbook such as biographical data, photographs and images, a summary of the woman’s contributions, and more! Let’s create shareable and unique scrapbooks to learn about and honor women’s history!
MC: 3D Printing & Design: Session 4 - Going Further with TinkerCAD
Designing 3D models is made possible through computer-aided design (CAD) softwares. In session 4, we will continue to learn about the various tools in TinkerCAD to help you with your designs. We will explore how you can create patterns with the duplication tool, how you can place objects with precision using the workplace tool, and how you can engrave a text on your design.
5 Creative Ways to Use Google Slides
Sure, you can use Google Slides to present information, but you can do so much more with Google Slides! Aim to include at least one of the 4 Cs in your activities: creative thinking, collaboration, critical thinking, and communicating ideas. In this webinar, Google Certified Innovator Alice Keeler will show you five creative ways to use Google Slides with your students and how they can be used to include at least one of the 4 Cs in a lesson.
Using a Pre-Existing Science Lesson to Go Further with Scratch
Are you already using Scratch in your classroom to explore coding with your students? You can continue to promote computational thinking, problem solving skills, and creative teaching by kicking it up a notch with Scratch. Join us as we explore how to create sprites and backdrops from "scratch" to take a pre-existing science lesson even further.
Introduction to Digital Storytelling
Are you interested in learning more about how to incorporate digital storytelling into your classroom? In this session, we will dive into an overview of digital storytelling as well as the benefits of using this activity in your classroom to encourage student creativity. We will discuss some ideas to get you started with digital storytelling and explore various platforms that students can use to plan and create. We will also share some best practices and things to consider when starting a digital storytelling project. Join us for some storytelling fun!
MC: 3D Printing & Design: Session 3 - 3D Design Intro with TinkerCAD
Designing 3D models is made possible through computer-aided design (CAD) softwares. In session 3, we will explore TinkerCAD, a free online collection of software tools that will help you design and create 3D models.
MC: 3D Printing & Design: Session 1 - Introduction
Join us for the first session in our 3D Printing and Design certification! We will start off the certification with an introduction to the series and then discuss the breakdown of courses, assignment requirements, and support resources. Then, we'll explore the basics of 3D design and printing.
MC: 3D Printing & Design: Session 7 - Slicing for 3D Printing
In this course, we will develop our 3D terminology by understanding the print settings of your slicing software. We will use the MakerBot Print and Cura to learn how support, speed, infill, among other things, can contribute to the quality of your printed design.
Using Google Workspace to Support Emerging Writers
Writing is an essential skill for every student, but it doesn't have to be frustrating. Join us as we explore how Google Workspace for Education can inspire your students to become independent writers. We will take a look at some ways you can use the Google applications to build great writing habits in your students.
MC: 3D Printing & Design: Session 8 - Curriculum Integration
This is the last session of our micro-credential course and will include information about the final assignment. We will explore a few website resources to look at how teachers have connected the subjects of math, science, social studies, and English (along with others) to 3D printing projects. At the end, you’ll find out how to submit your final assignment to finish this course and earn your certificate.
Understanding the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Innovations in science are happening at a rapid rate. Often driven by technology and human ingenuity, these advancements must be supported from the ground up in future working populations to sustain this growth. That's where the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) come in, as strong K-12 science standards can help to prepare students to be college and career ready in the 21st century. Join us to learn about the inner workings of the NGSS and how to read them in a way that can help you to frame engaging science activities.
Differentiation Tips for ELLs Using Lumio
Lumio is a digital tool for creating and editing lessons, activities, and assessments. But how can this tool be used to differentiate instruction? In this session, we will explore how Lumio can help you to address the diverse strengths and weaknesses of your students. We'll provide background information on differentiating instruction for your ELLs, along with resources to help you differentiate planning, instruction, management, and student assessment. Join us as we explore how to create additional supports for students to complete Lumio lessons and reach language objectives.
MC: Google Advanced - Session 10 - Final Assignment
Congratulations! You have made it to the final session in our Google Educator Advanced Micro-credential. You are one assignment away from earning your certificate and this session is going to give you all the tips, tricks, and details you need to make that happen. We'll walk through an example final assignment, take a detailed look at the rubric, and review the Google Educator Level 2 Certification process, should you decide to move forward with Google's own certification.
Administrator Track: Assessment & Student Data
Join us as we explore assessment tools and share best practices for assessments in the first course of our administrator track. Whether you are looking to enhance the formative or summative assessment taking place in your school, we are here to assist as you support your teachers in creating high validity data collection that will guide future instruction and promote student growth.
Increasing Critical Thinking Using Google Workspace Apps
Critical thinking can be measured using the Depth of Knowledge (DOK) scale, which ranges from 1 to 4. We often rely on lower level tasks; even science and math classes can lean heavily on DOK 1 tasks. For any subject or grade level, we all benefit from considering the DOK levels of our lessons and assignments. Learning improves when we provide students more opportunities to perform at a DOK 2 or DOK 3 level. In this webinar, Google Certified Innovator Alice Keeler will share activities using Google tools that can support increased critical thinking in your classroom.
MC: Google Advanced - Session 9 - Using Jamboard and Google Groups to Foster Student Discussion
Session 9 in our Google Educator Advanced Micro-credential will focus on providing students with new experiences to enhance discussion and gather ideas with peers. While focusing on Google tools such as Jamboard and Google Groups, we will look at various ways that students can collaborate and share their voices on group projects, book clubs, and even class debates. Join us to look at some new ways that students can enhance their discussion skills inside and out of the classroom.
Using Seesaw to Support Your Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning (PBL) provides opportunities for students to gain knowledge and skills by exploring authentic, complex questions, problems, or challenges. There are many moving parts inherent to PBL that can become quite overwhelming for teachers and students. In this course, you will learn how Seesaw can support PBL in a variety of ways. Seesaw is a versatile digital portfolio, multimedia learning, and communication tool. Some options we will explore are how students and teachers can organize their work with folders, provide effective feedback to one another, monitor workflow, and use many multimodal tools to demonstrate their progress over time. Join us to learn how Seesaw can make your PBL manageable and successful.
MC: 3D Printing & Design: Session 5 - Teaching with TinkerCAD
In this course, we will do a deep dive into the TinkerCAD Classroom. Learn how to create a class, add students, create and assign your own activities, and experince the student/user interface.
MC: Google Advanced - Session 8 - Using Google Scholar and Chrome to Take Research to a New Level
Let's take research to the next level with Google Workspace. In Session 8 of our Google Educator Advanced Micro-credential we will dive into using different search tools within Google Workspace, such as Google Scholar and Chrome, to help students improve search results, cite resources, and even locate academic resources.
Celebrate Black History with Game-Based Learning
Let’s celebrate Black History Month through game-based learning activities. In this course, we’ll cover fun and engaging activities using Blooket, Lumio, Quizlet, Nearpod, and Quizizz to help students learn about the important people, accomplishments, and events in the history of the African diaspora.
MC: 3D Printing & Design: Session 6 - 3D Slash
In the session 6 of this series, we will take a look at other ways students can design 3D objects to be printed. The website, 3D Slash, encourages designers to start with a block or sphere and “design by subtraction” using hammers, chisels, and digital spray paint. This is a great alternative for creating .stl files and is lots of fun!
MC: Google Advanced - Session 7 - Using Google Sites and Gmail to Connect with Guardians
In our last session, we dove into keeping guardians up to date. In Session 7 of our Google Educator Advanced Micro-credential, we will continue to explore how you can use Google Sites and Gmail to connect with guardians. We'll explore all the options for embedding other valuable Google Workspace resources into your Google Site, including forms for all of your classroom needs!
MC: 3D Printing & Design: Session 2 - Hardware & Materials
Let's explore the hardware and materials that bring your 3D designs to life! In session 2, we will showcase the Ultimaker and Makerbot 3D printers. We will cover the basics of each printer so that you feel confident setting them up in your makerspace.
St. Patrick's Day STEM Activities
Join us to find the gold at the end of the rainbow as we explore St. Patrick's Day themed STEM activities geared towards elementary students. We will walk you through some fun festive cross curricular STEM activites the incorporate both the engineering design process and creativity. Now let's go find that gold!
Send Custom Feedback from a Google Form to a Google Doc Report
Google Forms is an amazing tool for allowing students to submit answers and letting you see all student responses in one place. Forms saves you from wasting time opening individual documents and also provides you with the data you need to adjust instruction and differentiate. The feedback features in Google Forms are okay, but you can make them even better with Google Apps Script. If you can copy and paste you can code! In this workshop, Alice Keeler will introduce you to the basics of coding with Google Apps Script and help you to skip using email as the method for communicating feedback to students. Instead, provide a feedback document that you coded yourself!
College and Career Readiness for Special Needs Students
As special education teachers, we are equally as responsible as our general education colleagues for addressing college and career readiness in our students. Lessons learned in grades K-12 will pave the way for our students, and we should strive to enable our students to show good decision making skills and transition smoothly to life after graduation. Join us for this session as we share strategies for helping students with special needs, and their parents, to identify a path that will lead to greater success in high school and beyond!
What tools can teachers leverage to support English language learners so they can thrive in the classroom? Web-based resources are tools that can make lessons meaningful and accessible to ELLs. In this session, we will look closely at some specific websites and resources that are geared toward ELLs at the middle and high school levels. These sites will help your ELLs build their pronunciation, vocabulary, and writing skills in an interactive way. Come join us as we explore exciting and engaging content for ELLs.
MC: Google Advanced - Session 6 - Using Classroom and Calendar to Support Class Communication
In Session 6 of our Google Educator Advanced Micro-credential, we will explore how you can take your Google Classroom to the next level. We will dive into how you can use Google Classroom, along with Google Calendar, as a tool to keep your students (and their guardians) up to date on what's happening in your classroom!
Have your students educate their peers, parents, the entire school, or the district about the importance of celebrating President's Day! Join us to learn how you can utilize technologies such as Screencastify or Flipgrid to have your students record themselves acting out important scenes from Lincoln's presidency. Then, discover how student work can be pushed out to the school and parents as a Presidential Film Festival!
Student Engagement with Google Tools
Student engagement matters for learning. Google Workspace apps such as Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides, Jamboard, Classroom, and more do not create engagement by themselves. Additionally, paper activities do not always translate well to a digital medium. Google Tools certainly have the potential to create an engaging learning environment when they are paired with pedagogy around what creates engagement. In this workshop, Google Certified Innovator Alice Keeler will show you tried and tested engagement strategies utilizing Google tools.
Digital Tools for Elementary Math
Are you looking for new ways to engage your students in math lessons? In this session, we will dive into the importance of providing your elementary students with digital math tools. We will explore resources available for teachers to model key math concepts for students. We will also discuss how students can use digital manipulatives, worksheets, and websites to take their math understanding to the next level. Join us as we explore how to incorporate digital tools into your teaching toolbox!
MC: Google Advanced - Session 4 - Using YouTube to Curate Digital Instructional Materials
It's time to use YouTube to support different learning models! There are several ways to enhance your lessons using YouTube and its features. Join us for Session 4 of our Google Educator Advanced Micro-credential where we will take a look at how to take advantage of the variety of tools within YouTube.
Making Self-Paced Learning Work for Younger Students
Self-paced learning has become a popular model to facilitate more student-led instruction. With the teacher moving into a guided role in this model, how can this work with younger students? In this session, we'll take a look at some platforms and best practice for making self-paced learning work successfully for some of our youngest learners.
In this second session of our Google Educator Advanced Micro-credential we will focus on the tools within Google Workspace to help keep your Google Docs and Slides organized. Join us as we explore what we feel are the most valuable features within Docs and Slides that will support you as you create engaging activities for your students!
The LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime Set is a premier STEAM learning tool for middle school students. Using familiar LEGO bricks, along with some new easy-to-use hardware, and a drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch, it engages students in hands-on problem solving and design. Join us as we explore the set from unboxing to the basics of design and incorporating the SPIKE into your classroom. This is a course you do not want to miss!
MC: Google Advanced - Session 1 - Introduction
Welcome to Session 1 of our Google Educator Advanced Micro-credential! In this session, we will introduce you to the sessions that make up this course series, independent practice opportunities, and completion requirements such as the checkpoint assignments. We’ll also discuss where you can access support during the series and introduce you to the main themes and apps we’ll cover throughout the sessions! Join us to learn all the information you’ll need to be successful in our Google Educator Advanced Micro-credential.
Project-Based Learning (PBL) with Google
Join us as we explore how Google can improve the quality of your project-based learning activities. We'll cover how you can use Google Workspace for Education to create PBL activities that promote critical thinking, communication, and collaboration in your classroom. In this course, we'll focus on features that support research, gathering (and analyzing) feedback, and presenting knowledge in your classroom.
Using Nearpod for Brain Breaks
As educators, we know the value of brain breaks. They allow our students to recharge and get moving. Nearpod adds interactivity to our instruction and provides students with meaningful and engaging tools to keep them motivated. Join us as we discuss tools such as VR field trips, polling, collaboration features, and more for effective brain breaks.
KIBO Advanced Coding Extension Set
Now that you and your students have mastered the basics of the KIBO Robot, it's time to kick it up a knoch. Come and see how your students can advance their knowledge of coding concepts with the KIBO Advanced Coding Extension Set. During this course we will talk about subroutines, "If Not' parameters and "Repeat Random" parameters. We will also leave you with some activities to get you and your students started with each new concept. Can't wait to see you there!
Quick Tips for Elementary EdTech
EdTech can seem intimidating when you teach little learners, and so much EdTech professional development is seemingly geared towards older students. Come learn how to implement technology in your elementary classroom and thrive, not just survive, utilizing it! We'll talk routines, free resources, and how to implement technology to amp up your instruction to give your students unforgettable learning experiences.
Ashley is a lifelong learner who is passionate about analyzing data to create informed decisions, differentiating curriculum to meet student needs, and creating innovative pathways for students to grow and reach individualized goals. She is experienced in professional development creation and presentation, marketing products for EdTech platforms, and content-specific course creation for learning platforms.
Many of us have a word wall posted somewhere in our classroom to help our ELL students learn vocabulary. What if you could bring your word wall into the 21st century? Join us as we explore and create digital word walls! In this session, we'll show you everything you need to create digital word walls of your very own and highlight the benefits for your English language learners.
Brain Breaks for Movement and Alertness
According to a growing body of research, scheduled movement in the classroom has positive effects on cognitive development. In this session, we will share our top energizing brain breaks for the classroom to give your students the tools they need to refocus their physical and mental states. Don't miss out on this session if you're looking to incorporate brain breaks into your classroom in a positive and meaningful way!
Better Progress Reports in Google Classroom
Google Classroom is helpful for digital interactions and managing student work with Google Drive. However, one of the weaknesses of Google Classroom is the lack of reports. Classroom teacher Alice Keeler will show you how she uses a free teacher account in Schoolytics.com to create and share better progress reports with students and guardians. Use Alice Keeler's Chrome extension designed to make it even easier to share progress reports and feedback through Google Classroom.
Beyond Seat Hours: Models to Encourage Action and Involvement in Professional Learning
Teachers are active learners. It’s part of the job and in their nature. Covid highlighted the great lengths educators go to find resources and better educate themselves so they can best serve their students. Self-directed, personalized learning -- which we say we want for students -- is sometimes overlooked in the professional learning space as there is a push for "seat hours." How do we change this rhetoric so teachers can spend less time sitting and more time doing? Join Michelle Blanchet from The Educator's Lab as she discusses what self-directed professional learning looks like for teachers and how your school might create a space and tools to support it.
Are you looking for a unique activity using KIBO? Now that the winter months are officially here and snow is starting to fall, we are going to need a snowplow! In this session, we will explore how to turn KIBO into a snowplowing robot to clean up cotton ball snow. We will review the basics of KIBO, discuss important materials needed, and how to add code to make the snowplow do its job. We will also explore the steps for following the engineering design process to design the snowplow, put our work to the test, and make improvements along the way. Once the snowplow has been created, we will dive into some unique activity ideas. Get ready for a flurry of fun with KIBO!
Rube Goldberg Machines with iBlocks
Learn how to use the iBlocks framework to guide your students through the Engineering Design Process, first building context and understanding around Rube Goldberg, simple machines, and then how they come together in a Rube Goldberg Machine. IBlocks content leads students through the planning, design, and construction of their machine and finally, the testing and evaluation, where students learn the importance of refining, remixing, and redesigning.
Redesigning Holiday Packets Using Google Workspace
An extended break, such as a holiday break or summer vacation, can be a recipe for academic regression. In an attempt to prevent any possible regression, most teachers send students home with stapled holiday packets filled with academic activities. Join us as we share strategies and discuss the benefits of redesigning holiday packets using Google applications.
Culturally responsive and sustaining teaching are paramount in today's classrooms to ensure equity, inclusivity, and growth for all learners. Discover how to help the growing population of ELLs attain success. In this session, we will focus on helping ELLs reach content objectives by crafting observable and measurable language objectives. We will look at specific methods and resources that will assist you in creating pathways of learning for your ELLs.
Using CAD Design in Your Social Studies Classroom
Part of a students experience in a social studies classroom is learning about the arts and architecture in various cultures throughout history. In this session, you will learn how you can easily implement available computer-aided design (CAD) technologies into your art & architecture lessons to get students thinking creatively.
Ultimaker: Optimizing Your 3D Print
The Cura software by Ultimaker is a free slicing software with over 200 settings to adjust your 3D print to fit your needs. Join us as we show you where to download the software and learn specific skills to enhance the details and optimize your 3D model.
EdTech Essentials: Assess with EdPuzzle
In this session Monica Burns, author of EdTech Essentials will introduce the benefits of formative assessment with digital tools. Participants will explore how digital tools provide a special benefit for students as they increase student opportunities (frequency) and options (choice) to share their learning. This session will focus on formative assessment best practices and how to check for understanding using the resources within EdPuzzle.
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans are instrumental tools in getting formal help for students in K-12 education with learning and attention issues. While they both focus on giving all students equal opportunities to learn, they are used for different reasons. IEPs are for special education and 504 plans are for physical access to learning. Join us as we go over these differences in depth and give you strategies to help you meet every student's needs according to their plans.
Lesson Planning for ELLs Using Google Docs
As educators, we know the importance of meeting the diverse needs of all of our students. In this session, we will explore strategies for supporting ELLs in our classroom. We will discuss specific lesson planning ideas using Google Docs such as using built-in tools like graphic organizers, image search, and templates. We will also share lesson plan examples that include tips for promoting the use of background knowledge as well as the development of academic language.
Making Your Token Economy Digital
Are you looking to incorporate a token economy into your classroom? A token economy is a Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) system used to quickly award points and recognize students for meeting goals. While the idea of giving a student a reward for reaching a goal hasn't changed, the structure of keeping track of these rewards and distributing them has. In this session, we will explore strategies for shifting from physical tokens to creating your own digital token economy. We will also dive into the benefits of tracking points, as well as ideas for prizes. Join us to learn more about transforming your token economy!
How to Integrate Technology into Your Rube Goldberg Machine
In this session, David Fox, creator of the “Rube Works” app, will talk about bringing the Rube Goldberg experience to an app in a fun and inspirational way. Alefiya Master from MAD-learn will talk about the importance of app development in STEM education. Twelve live attendees of our Rube Goldberg OTIS series will be selected to receive Rube Goldberg early reader chapter books for their school libraries!
Using SMART Board to Support Literacy
Looking for more engaging literacy lessons? Well, look no further than your SMART Board. There are many features on the SMART Board that can bring your literacy lessons to the next level. You will learn how the SMART Board can foster comprehension, engagement, and collaboration among your students. Come explore how to use SMART Lab to quickly create literacy activities.
zSpace provides an immersive 3D experience for your learners - and allows you to touch on multiple STEM disciplines by using zSpace's fantastic educational software and resources. From understanding what you get out of the box, to how it can be utilized in all of your core classes, to an overview of the pre-installed applications, and its connection to Social Emotional Learning. Join our session to learn everything you need to know to hit the ground running with zSpace.
Fostering Cultural Awareness in Your Students
Influencing the way students view the world, and how they connect with the people they meet, is just as important as learning how to read, write, and solve math problems. In this session, we'll look at some tips and tricks to help teachers foster supportive learning environments where students of all cultures feel included. We'll also discuss how to incorporate cultural differences into activities and lessons that help students become even more well-rounded members of their own community
EdTech Essentials: Collaborate with Lumio
In this session Monica Burns, author of EdTech Essentials will introduce the benefits of incorporating collaborative learning experiences into tech-rich lessons. This session will focus on best practices for fostering collaboration through interactive activities in Lumio.
Project Based Learning with Microsoft
Let’s explore how Microsoft can improve the quality of your project-based learning activities and promote critical thinking, communication, and collaboration in your classroom. In this course, we'll cover how to use Microsoft’s free tools to promote the key elements of project-based learning (PBL), such as research, gathering & analyzing feedback, and presenting knowledge.
STEAM: Candy Corn Catapults Using littleBits
Get into the fall spirit with littleBits! In this course, you'll learn how to help your students design a candy-corn-launching catapult using the littleBits Math Pack. We'll review the design challenge and show you everything you'll need to get started. Whether students design their catapult using littleBits or household consumables, your students will love practicing their 21st century skills in this fun, fall-themed activity.
Managing Assignments and Submissions in Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a powerful platform for delivering and receiving assignments. Join us to learn how to effectively post, track, and organize your student submissions. We will also discuss returning student work, giving feedback, and using the gradebook. Can't wait to see you there!
Using Google Forms for School Elections
Educators have come to recognize that Google Workspace for Education can transform traditional classroom activities, but did you ever think of using Google Forms to put a spin on your school elections? In this course, we will walk through the steps of how to use Google Forms to create a school election and explore how to incorporate text, images, and videos into election ballots!
EdTech Essentials: Assess with Nearpod
In this session Monica Burns, author of EdTech Essentials will introduce the benefits of formative assessment with digital tools. This session will focus on formative assessment best practices and how to check for understanding before, during, and after instruction using the interactive presentation tool Nearpod.
Redesigning Exit Tickets Using Pear Deck
Exit tickets serve many purposes, like providing informal feedback to teachers, challenging students to apply what they've learned in a different capacity, or reviewing a day's material. Pear Deck is a powerful tool that can help engage your students in the assessment process and provide you with easy-to-access student data. Join us to learn about some inventive ways to elevate your traditional paper exit tickets into something vibrant and engaging using Pear Deck!
Teaching Measurements and Angles with Dash & Dot
Looking for new and exciting ways to teach math concepts in your elementary classroom? In this course, we’ll share exemplary lessons for your Dash & Dot robots that teach students about angles and measurements while building their comfort level with Wonder Workshop’s block-based coding language, Blockly.
ClassFlow is an in browser lesson building application created by Promethean. In ClassFlow you can create lessons, assessments, and assignments that are easily accessible at home or on the go! Join us as we go over the basics and discover what ClassFlow has to offer to help make your classroom more interactive.
EdTech Essentials: Curate with Wakelet
In this session Monica Burns, author of EdTech Essentials will introduce the idea of curation and the role of an educator as a curator. Selecting “just right” resources for students is an essential practice for educators to help make sure the needs of all students are addressed. In this session, we’ll explore how to pull together resources that connect to curriculum goals while supporting the needs of all students with the free tool Wakelet
Game-based learning is an area of education that has been getting a lot of attention recently. Games are a powerful tool to engage learners and can help you in your efforts to develop the comprehension and communicative skills of your ELLs. Join us as we share tips and tricks for gamifying a variety of content while meeting curricular goals.
In our Intro to Podcasting course, we will take a look at some valuable resources for successful podcasting techniques in the classroom. Learn about useful educational podcasts that students and teachers can follow, along with the best practices and benefits of using podcasting for instruction and content creation.
Finch is a micro:bit-powered, programmable robot that can grow with your students from K-12 and beyond! With built-in sensors, buzzers, lights, and so much more, students can take their programming wherever their imagination takes them. Whether your students have never even heard of coding or are highly experienced, they can develop future ready skills with the Finch Robotics kit. In this session, we'll cover the basics, as well as the free educator resources offered by BirdBrain Technologies that can help you get started.
Using Google Forms for Assessment
Google Forms is one of the most versatile tools Google has to offer. In this course, we'll go over things like collecting data, conducting peer reviews, and creating formative assessments. Join us to explore the variety of ways that Google Forms can be implemented in your classroom to meet your assessment needs.
pi-top[4] Robotics Kit Bobbie Colored Ball Tracking
Meet Bobbie robot, built from the pi-top[4] Robotics Kit. Using its camera for color filtering, we can program it to track down and find balls of a certain color. Take a look!
Rube Goldberg Machines in the Digital World of Minecraft
Join the team from Rube Goldberg Inc and Minecraft global ambassadors they discuss bringing STEAM into the digital world of Minecraft through Rube Goldberg Machines. They will discuss the minecraft.edu tutorials based on simple machines and how those lessons will culminate in a digital Rube Goldberg Machine Contest with NASEF set in the world of Minecraft.
Assistive Technology (AT) Resources
Teaching students with physical, cognitive, or learning disabilities can be a demanding but rewarding job. Teachers need to think about all possible adjustments and supports that will help these students in the school (and post-school) environment. Having a set of tools ready to go at any time can be the difference between successful lessons and negative experiences. Join us as we explore some great resources for working with students who require assistive technology!
A morning meeting that goes over the calendar and class schedule has always been a staple in primary classrooms as a way to set the tone for the day. What if you could incorporate technology into your morning meetings? How about leveraging them as a way to engage students and bolster your classroom community, even when students can’t be present in the physical classroom? Join us as we explore how to use Lumio to transform your morning meeting activities!
Creating Student-Driven Instruction with Lumio
The more technology advances, the more independent today's learners can become! Lumio, formerly known as SMART Learning Suite Online, enables learners to take control of their learning in a multitude of ways. Contributing to workspace activities, accessing lessons outside of class, and manipulating individual handouts are just some levels of ownership students can take. Join us as we walk through what's possible when students can access lessons from anywhere, at any time, and on any device!
pi-top[4] Robotics Kit Alex Line Following
With a pi-top[4] unit and a robot frame built from the Robotics Kit, I show how we can program Alex to follow a blue line path using its camera, servo motors and Python programming.
Engaging Activities to Build Classroom Culture
As educators, we know the importance of creating a positive classroom environment right from the start of the school year. As we re-enter the classroom, our goal is to build meaningful relationships and provide our students with a sense of safety and security. In this session, we will explore specific team building activities as well as opportunities for discussion and collaboration. We will also provide tips for creating a positive classroom culture and discuss ideas for building rapport with our students. Let’s start off our year with positivity and classroom community!
Rube Goldberg Machines in the Classroom
In this session, Jennifer George shares how teaching Rube Goldberg in the classroom levels the playing field for all learners of all ages. She will talk about the history of the Rube Goldberg Institute for Innovation & Creativity, the origins of the Rube Goldberg Machine and the machine contests that the family has run for over 35 years. She will also introduce a variety of new offerings that exist for all grade levels that want to get started creating Rube Goldberg Machines in the classroom.
Strategies for Reducing Test Anxiety
Students are often nervous and anxious about upcoming tests. Join our Curriculum Specialists as we take a look at some strategies your students can use to help reduce test anxiety and how you as the teacher can help.
Kicking Off Conversations with KIBO
Building a strong class community is essential for a successful school year. Have your students get to know one another in a unique way using KIBO! Join us as we discover how to use KIBO to help students build relationships with their peers and practice critical 21st century skills. We'll review KIBO's features and share engaging activity ideas that are sure to get conversations flowing.
Body, Mind and Zen: Mindfulness Activities for Students
Do you find your students drifting away to dreamland or struggling with impulsive behaviors? Come join us as we explore the science behind mindfulness and some activities using technology that can assist your students with their practice of mindfulness. Can't wait to Zen with you!
Looking for ways to change up instruction or assessment in your classroom? QR codes can be the answer! QR codes are a valuable tool for monitoring student understanding or to switch up how you showcase student work in a more interactive way. Join us as we share resources for inviting QR codes into your classroom to create more engaging assessments, interactive bulletin boards, and more!
pi-top[4] Robotics Kit Alex Obstacle Avoidance
Third video in the series ... with a built robot frame and your pi-top[4] unit, you can program Alex to drive around and avoid obstacles using Python language.
Literacy Apps for Early Education
With the many educational apps available, and your limited time to research, how do you know which ones are going to benefit your students the most? During this course you will learn some helpful guidelines on how to choose quality literacy apps for early education. We will then take a closer look at apps that support early literacy skills such as Epic, Dela Kids, and Starfall Learning to Read. Join us to explore features like differentiation tools, personalized learning, data collection, and more.
Re-Adjusting to the Classroom: Strategies for ELLs
Teachers everywhere will rejoice when they can return to a "normal" classroom. The return to learn is near, but so many new challenges will be presented. For example, how will we best meet the needs of our ELL students? Unlike previous school years, where our ELL students benefited from daily immersion in the English language, they may have only received bits and pieces of English while learning remotely. How can we acclimate our ELL students as they re-adjust to in-person learning? Join us to learn some strategies to best support our ELLs as they re-adjust to the classroom.
pi-top[4] Foundation Electronics Kit
Second video in the series ... using pi-top[4] and Python programming to activate sensors and components in the Foundation Electronics Kit.
Social and Emotional Learning with Storyboards
Do you have a student who frequently gets frustrated with what seems like simple tasks and isn't sure how to act in general social situations? Join us as we take a look at creating and implementing storyboards in your classroom. Storyboards help students develop skills to combat difficulties throughout the day while incorporating different components of social and emotional learning techniques in a safe environment.
Creating Class Websites with Google Sites
A class website can be a powerful tool to help organize class resources and communicate with students and their families. In this session, we'll take a look at how you can easily create a class website using Google Sites. Learn the basic steps to get your website off the ground, as well as some advanced features to take your website to the next level.
Creating Podcasts with GarageBand
In this course we'll cover the basics of using GarageBand to help you and your students create engaging podcasts. Encourage students to get creative and think outside the box with Apple's built in music creation studio. Record, edit, and share your exciting creations with classmates, parents, and maybe even the world!
Evaluating ELA Lessons Using PICRAT and SAMR
Are you looking for unique lesson ideas that incorporate technology? In this session, we'll explore an ELA lesson and share tips for selecting a technology tool that is going to help you transform your lesson. We'll dive into the PICRAT and SAMR models for technology integration to help you assign a level to the tools you are considering. We'll also use these guidelines to evaluate technology integration. With this new knowledge, you will be able to evaluate your own lessons and ensure that you are creating valuable learning tasks and activities for your students.
Evaluating Science Lessons Using PICRAT and SAMR
Are you looking for unique lesson ideas that incorporate technology? In this session, we'll explore a science lesson and share tips for selecting a technology tool that is going to help you transform the lesson. We'll dive into the PICRAT and SAMR models for technology integration to help you assign a level to the tools you are considering. We'll also use these guidelines to evaluate technology integration. With this new knowledge, you will be able to evaluate your own lessons and ensure that you are creating valuable learning tasks and activities for your students.
Creating Schedules for Students with Special Needs
It's the beginning of the school year! We want to start our students off on the right foot, but how do we ensure that they get the best possible start? For many students, organization and having a schedule to follow can mean a more focused and productive day. In this course, we will take a look at how to create, distribute, and keep schedules for special needs students. We will go over tools, tips, and tricks for creating and maintaining consistency to help you and your students start the school year right.
Measuring Student Engagement with Google Classroom
Join Alice Keeler for this special Google Classroom session on how to get simple reporting for teachers that will save time and better support students. You will see how Google Classroom data can be used to track patterns in student engagement and performance over time, identify students disengaged from learning, and more!
Social and Emotional Learning with Pear Deck
Pear Deck is a Google add-on that allows us to transform Google Slides presentations to enhance student engagement and lesson content. Social and emotional learning is an essential part of our daily instruction and it's necessary to provide opportunities for this type of learning throughout our instruction. In this session, we will explore the pre-made social and emotional learning templates available on Pear Deck, and discuss the benefits of check-ins throughout academic lessons. Join us for some unique, ready-to-go SEL lessons!
Getting the School Year Started - Coding in K-8 with Wonder Workshop
In this webinar (part one in a series), you will learn about the importance of computer science for K-8 students, as well as some practical examples on how you can get started this school year as a classroom teacher, a library/media specialist, and even a school administrator. Join Bryan L. Miller, Senior Director of Global Strategic Outreach at Wonder Workshop, creators of the Dash, Dot, and Cue robots, as he takes you through ways to get computer science going at your school or district. Bryan is an international keynote presenter and speaker in the areas of computer science, robotics, maker spaces, play, and edtech toys. He has worked with thousands of educators across the world in learning about the importance of computer science and integrating it into the curriculum. The fun doesn’t stop there, as this will be a series of continued webinars covering other topics in Coding in K-8 with Wonder Workshop.
Building Background Knowledge with Edpuzzle for ELLs
Building background knowledge is essential for all students, but especially for ELLs. Connecting classroom content to previous knowledge and life outside school is essential in creating motivation and interest, as well as building transferable skills. In this course, we'll take a look at how to use the multimedia tools in Edpuzzle to help students connect with content.
Google Jamboard Jams are free web-based files that lives in your Google Drive. If you are not already using Google Jamboard, you will want to add this to your teaching toolbox. Join Alice Keeler for this session, which is an intro for teachers on how to use Google Jamboard app in the classroom. It will cover everything from the basics of how to navigate to lessons/activities you can use today! Alice will also cover some important pedagogical considerations to help you know when and how to use Jamboard. Some participants in the live session will receive a copy of Alice’s new book, “Teaching with Google Jamboard,” which contains over 90 teaching ideas and comes with sample “Jams” that you can use to help guide you and your students toward greater proficiency with Jamboard.
PD Design Elements: Engaging Teachers in Professional Learning
Good pedagogy is a critical component of learning -- regardless of age. If we want to design professional learning that is effective and makes an impact on student outcomes, we must ensure we’re engaging our adults in the same way we would any student. Presented by Michelle Blanchet, this module discusses the role of the facilitator in creating meaningful learning experiences for our educators. It includes some basic design elements that make for engaging professional learning so you can create greater impact for both teachers and students.
Michelle is an educator striving to improve how we treat, train, and value our teachers. After ten years of experience working with young people, she founded the Educators’ Lab, which supports teacher-driven solutions to educational challenges. Michelle earned a master’s in international relations from Instituto de Empresa in Madrid. She has taught social studies in Switzerland and the U.S. and has presented at numerous events, including SXSWedu and TEDxLausanne. Michelle is a part of the Global Shaper Community of the World Economic Forum. She has worked with organizations like PBS Education, the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, Ashoka, and the Center for Curriculum Redesign.
Using Screencastify to Introduce Class Routines
Every teacher knows the beginning of the year is the best time to establish routines to optimize learning and cut down on wasted time. Using Screencastify to record and introduce class routines will not only help detail important information that students can refer back to (such as submitting homework), but it's also a great resource for students entering your class mid-year. Join us for some tips and tricks for creating Screencastify videos!
Are you interested in switching up your in-person teaching style? Maybe it's time to try flipping your classroom! In this session you'll learn the many benefits of the flipped classroom, from offering more personalized support, to seeing students take ownership of their learning. You'll also discover some tips, tricks, and best practices to become successful as you try it out in your classroom.
Back to School with Google Forms
Google Forms is the greatest thing since sliced bread. You know the basics of creating a Google Form but what else can you do to leverage the learning power and student engagement elements of Google Forms. Let's go over how to reuse your Google Forms from last year, including why and how to use branching Forms. Join Alice Keeler to start the school year off right by upping your Google Forms game!
Once technology is made available, what can educators and administrators do to make sure it is being used properly? That’s where the SAMR framework comes in. The SAMR model is a quality check for a technology tool that has been integrated into a lesson. After this session, participants will leave with a keener eye towards examining technology usage and learn how to use technology to enhance learning opportunities for students.
What can you do when you’re given technology but not quite sure where to start when it comes to plugging it into your preexisting lessons? TPACK is there to help teachers engage students with technology! This session will explore the TPACK framework as a model for successful technology integration. We’ll dive into the specifics of Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge that are at the core of the TPACK model for technology integration.
There are a number of technology integration models out there that can give you a better idea of the value that technology is bringing to your instruction. In this session, we’ll dive into the PICRAT model and the two foundational questions that a teacher can ask about any technology used in their classroom.
Lumio gives teachers a place to create classroom activities, assessments, and enhance archived lessons to extend learning. Join us as we walk through the Lumio features that will help you to add an interactive spin to your static lessons that will spark engagement in your students. We’ll explore ready-made activity templates and complimentary lesson files that can be easily adapted to fit your classroom!
Self-Assessment and Monitoring Confidence Levels Using Nearpod
Nearpod is a powerful tool for engaging your students in learning. Join us to discuss the benefits of using Nearpod for self-expression. We'll explore quick self-assessments and self-monitoring activities, discuss how to add assessment and critical thinking opportunities into our lessons, and walk you through the steps for including polling and open-ended questions to get students to reflect on the learning process.
Young children learn by doing, experimenting, and playing - all essential parts of the learning process. They are natural scientists, engineers and problem solvers. The KIBO robot kit harnesses the way children learn best and explores the concepts of block based coding, sequences, art and more. Best of all, it does this screen free! Join out session to explore the KIBO curriculum and walk through the basic use and functionality of this unique little robot.
Sending and Sharing Google Forms
Google Forms is one of the most useful tools in Google Workspace for Education, giving educators the ability to collect data, create graded quizzes, and much more. One of the most basic skills to understand is the difference between sharing with a collaborator and sending the form to a recipient. One allows you to collaborate on creation and share data, while the other allows you to distribute the form for individuals to complete. Join this session to understand the differences and to get the most out of Google Forms.
Starting Off Your Year with Google
Google Workspace is a powerful suite of tools that can make the start of your school year easier, more organized, and more collaborative. Whether you're remote or in person, we've got you covered. In this course, we will go over the essentials of using Google tools to make sure that you and your students are starting off the school year on the right foot!
Getting the Most Out of the WAVE Extension
In this session, we will review how to conduct an accessibility test using the WAVE extension and then how to understand the results. This will allow you to find accessibility errors on your site that will need to be fixed.
Google Tools for Social and Emotional Learning
Google tools can be used in social and emotional learning for students in both traditional and non-traditional classrooms. In this course, we'll explore multimedia and interactive approaches, brain breaks to promote cultural awareness, safe methods for self-expression, and emotional check-ins.
Using Screencastify to Provide Special Ed Accommodations
Teachers now know a lot more about remote learning and have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn't. However, you may still be struggling with figuring out how to make your assessments more reliable and accessible for your Special Education students. In this course, we'll cover how programs like Screencastify can help you provide Special Education accommodations — such as the “test-read” option — even when students are not learning in a face-to-face setting.
Manual Testing for Website Accessibility
Automated testing, although it is useful to check for website accessibility, actually only accounts for 30% of website accessibility issues. In this session, learn how to check for the other 70% of issues that prevent an accessible website. You will learn 4 easy manual tests to conduct yourself, 5 things to ensure your website has, and 6 things to avoid on your website.
Google Workspace for Education: Google Calendar
Need a good way to organize your time? Google Calendar is a helpful tool for time-management and scheduling. Join us to learn the basics, how to integrate it with your other Google Workspace for Education apps, and to explore some additional features.
Having Students Show Work with Kami
Kami is a great tool for annotating and marking up PDF documents. Through Kami, students can show their work in nearly any subject. In this course, we'll show you some great ways to use the features and tools in Kami to help students show their thought processes, justify decisions, and work out problems step-by-step.
Google Workspace for Education: Google Docs
In this course we will talk about the basic features of Google Docs - not just as a word processor, but as a powerful and innovative collaboration and sharing tool. From research to images and drawing, Google Docs is well integrated. Join us to get the most out of your Google Docs!
Google Workspace for Education: Google Drawings
Google Drawings are a great way to create charts, mindmaps and other diagrams. In this course we will take a look at some of the basic features of Drawings and how best to utilize them for yourself and your students.
Google Workspace for Education: Google Forms
Google Forms is one of the core Google Workspace for Education apps. It is a multipurpose tool that allows administrators, teachers, and students an easy way to collect and organize information, big or small. Plan events, survey parents, create a quick opinion poll for students, create quizzes and informal assessments for a lesson, export data to a Google Sheet to analyze trends, and collect information in a streamlined, easy way. Come join our Curriculum Specialists as they walk you through the process to begin incorporating Google Forms in your classroom!
Google Workspace for Education: Google Sheets
Are you ready to become more efficient with your classroom data? In this course, we'll cover some of the basic features of Google Sheets so you can easily add, organize, and analyze data. We'll also share some ideas to get your students using Google Sheets in the physical or virtual classroom. Join us to learn how you can get more organized, increase productivity, and better inform instruction!
Google Workspace for Education: Google Sites
Google Sites is a structured wiki and webpage creation tool offered as part of the Google Workspace for Education: Google Sites applications. Google Sites is a tool for anyone to be able to create simple websites that support collaboration between different editors. We'll show you how to get started with your site and how to take advantage of the many tools to make resources available to your students, parents, colleagues, and school community!
Google Workspace for Education: Google Slides
Let’s take our knowledge of Google tools to the next level! Join us as we discuss the benefits of using Google Slides with your students. We’ll show you how to create engaging and visually appealing Google Slide presentations using text, images, animations, and links. We’ll also discuss how to share, collaborate, and publish your Slides. Finally, we’ll cover some best practices for presentation creation, and share ideas for using Google Slides across all grade levels!
Google Workspace for Education: Google Meet
Are you looking for a dynamic video conferencing experience? Whether you're meeting with students, colleagues, or parents, Google Meet has you covered! In this course, we’ll review the basics of setting up a Google Meet, how to start activities like Breakout rooms and Polls, and much more.
Need some help getting started with your new MakerBot Sketch printer? Join our session to explore the basics of MakerBot's Sketch 3D printer hardware. Learn the parts of your printer and how to get it set up to start your first print. You will also be introduced to the resources available through MakerBot including Thingiverse and MakerBot Cloud.
Lumio & Google Workspace for Education Integration
Lumio, formerly known as SMART Learning Suite Online, integrates with Google Workspace for Education. This session will cover how you can create, access, and deliver Lumio files from Google Drive and Google Classroom, all while using content that already exists in your Google Drive.
Virtual Pen Pals for ELLs with Flip
Note: Flipgrid is now Flip! There have been many updates to the functions and look of the platform. In this session, you will notice some differences between the video and the current version of Flip. We are aware of this and are working on updating our courses to reflect these changes.
Flip (formerly Flipgrid) is an interactive web tool that is perfect for engaging your students in learning. In this session, we'll explore how we can use Flip to connect with other classrooms and students worldwide! We'll learn how GridPals can be used for finding pen pals at the appropriate grade level, and discuss the benefits of pen pals for ELLs to promote writing, speaking, and listening skills. We will also explore how to create unique topics for students to make connections, build conversation skills, and collaborate.
Hummingbird Bit is a micro:bit based robotics kit with endless possibilities! With sensors, motors, and lights, a student's only limit is their own imagination. Whether your students are novice programmers or highly experienced, they can develop future ready skills with the Hummingbird Bit kit. In this session, we'll cover the basics, as well as the free educator resources offered by BirdBrain Technologies that can help you get started.
EdTech Essentials Part 3: Assessment and Goal Setting
Join educator, author, and speaker Monica Burns and the OTIS for educators team for part three of this three-part webinar series that will explore essential EdTech topics alongside actionable tips and favorite tools. Learn about the “value add” of using digital tools for assessment and collaboration with students. In this session, you’ll explore the tools and the strategies for checking for understanding and supporting students along with how to set professional goals and identify next steps for the upcoming school year.
10 Google Classroom Tips for a Student-Centered Classroom
Google Classroom is a game changer in how we teach, but only if we take advantage of what is now possible compared to what before was difficult-to-impossible. How can we leverage Google Classroom to give students more voice and choice? How can Google Classroom allow us to create more authentic learning experiences? Join Alice to discuss these challenges with a more student-centered approach and how Google Classroom can help.
Student Mental Health with GoGuardian
Understanding your students' mental health is critical for their education. GoGuardian can be a useful tool to help you understand how your students are doing by looking at student trends, observing digital behaviors, and connecting with students who may need more support. Join us to see how you can use the features of GoGuardian to check in on student wellbeing.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 13- Final Assignment
Congratulations! You have made it to the last session in our Assistive Technology certification series. You are one assignment away from earning your certificate! In this session, we'll provide you with an example final assignment and a detailed look at the rubric that will be used to grade your submission.
EdTech Essentials Part 2: Creation and Collaboration with Digital Tools
Join educator, author, and speaker Monica Burns and the OTIS for educators team for part two of this three-part webinar series that will explore essential EdTech topics alongside actionable tips and favorite tools. Learn strategies for supporting students as creators and how to design learning activities for movie making, ebook design, website building, podcasting, and more. In this session, you’ll explore how to support students as creators as they work together with their peers.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 12- Future Innovations in AT
With all of the advances in technology each day, Assistive Technology is no exception. In recent years, calculators, high-def electronic glasses, and smartpens– to name a few, have made their appearance in the AT world. In Session 12 of our AT certification, we will explore the innovation that has been directed toward addressing students with special needs.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 11- Equity & Ethical Concerns
When it comes to Assistive Technology, it's important to consider appropriate funding and sources. In session 11, we will review and discuss equity and ethical concerns and the impact on our students. We'll also explore federal assistance programs in relation to AT and how to best share this information with other members of our school.
Digital Tools for Student Annotations
There are many online tools that can help your students annotate documents and files. In this course we will go over the value of teaching and growing annotation skills in your students. In addition, we will show you some useful tools that will not only help your students with their annotation, but also provide you with opportunities to provide feedback and corrections to grow your students' skills.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 10- Assessing Needs & Technologies
Join us for Session 10 of our Assistive Technology certification to learn about assessing need, IEPs, and more. When it comes to AT, there are many working parts. These can include determining who will join discussions and serve on the child-study team, routine opportunities to meet and analyze the need for AT in different areas like handwriting, communication, recreation, and self-care to name a few. As well as selecting a designee (usually the Special Education teacher) who will illustrate the need for AT in the IEP document itself. Don't miss out!
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 9- Evaluation of AT
Assistive Technology in education is about much more than selecting and implementing the specific tool or device. Beyond the preliminary assessment to ensure a “match” between the students' abilities and the features of a device, comes the ongoing monitoring to make sure the tool is achieving its intended purpose. Join us in Session 9 to explore plans for evaluating Assistive Technology.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 8- Software & Internet Accessibility
There are a number of software solutions that fall under the Assistive Technology umbrella. In addition, accessibility features such as screen readers, magnification, and alternative input software help individuals with disabilities with daily assignments in the classroom. In Session 8 of our AT certification, we will explore some of the software and accessibility supports out there to help students with mild to significant physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 7- Hardware & Telecommunications
Did you know that Assistive Technology is any piece of equipment that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability? In Session 7 of our AT certification, we will explore examples from low-tech AT such as communication boards made of cardboard or fuzzy felt to high-tech AT including special-purpose computers.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 6- AT in Different Environments
Assistive Technology is used widely in school settings but also prevalent in other environments such as the home, workplace, and various locations in the community. Devices like hearing aids, wheelchairs, and braille systems are just some examples of AT equipment that are geared towards improving the everyday life of people with disabilities. In session 6, we will explore the use of AT devices in various settings outside of the classroom.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 5- Designing Effective Learning Solutions
The Universal Design for Learning aims to eliminate or reduce barriers to academic success. In session 5, we will explore learning solutions and how to design and implement the most effective lessons for our students. In addition, we will discuss the importance of UDL and its place in the educational setting. We'll also explore how to best incorporate Assistive Technology into daily lessons in order to create the most meaningful learning experiences.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 4- AT vs. Accommodations
What if we told you that all Assistive Technology devices are classified as accommodations but not all accommodations are categorized as AT? In Session 4 of our Assistive Technology certification, we will dive into the differences between AT and accommodations by taking a closer look at the four main types of accommodations as well as the spectrum of tools and devices that fall under the AT umbrella.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 3- Laws
When it comes to Assistive Technology, there is a wide range of services and devices that children may be entitled to. In Session 3 of our Assistive Technology certification, we'll dive into federal law and review some of the existing laws regarding AT and the progression over time. We'll also explore the terminology and acronyms used in conversations about AT.
Effective Organization of Microsoft OneDrive
Let’s use Microsoft OneDrive to get organized! In this session, we'll walk you through strategies for uploading and organizing your files and review how to adjust your share settings to collaborate with your students and colleagues. We'll also cover some great ideas for enhancing your workflow and managing documents.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 2- Evolution of Assistive Technology
Let's explore what Assistive Technology is all about. In session 2, we'll identify various disabilities and discuss how AT can support those struggling with a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability. We will also discuss the history and evolution of assistive technology to identify the most beneficial tools and devices for our students. Join us as we take a deeper dive into where AT started and how it continues to advance.
EdTech Essentials Part 1: Curating Resources and Expanding Classroom Walls
Join educator, author, and speaker Monica Burns and the OTIS for educators team for part one of this three-part webinar series that will explore essential EdTech topics alongside actionable tips and favorite tools. Learn about free and low-cost resources for student consumers that connect to reading, viewing, and listening experiences students have online. In this session, you’ll explore the tools and the strategies for curating content for students with an emphasis on expanding classroom walls with digital resources.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 1- Introduction
Join us for the first session in our Assistive Technology (AT) certification! We'll start off the certification with an introduction to the series, and discuss the breakdown of courses, assignment requirements, and support resources. Then, we'll explore the first legal mandates of AT in education, and cover examples of products and equipment that exist to improve learning for people with cognitive problems, physical impairments, and learning disabilities.
Tinkercad is a free app that can be used to create 3D designs. Teaching with Tinkercad can be used for myriad of different subjects and lessons ranging from coding, to electronics, to art and 3D printing. In this course, we'll take a look at the basics of using Tinkercad in the classroom as well as go over some great ideas to get students thinking creatively.
Social and Emotional Learning with Sphero
With Social and Emotional Learning being a focus in education, teachers are always looking for fun and creative ways to incorporate SEL into their daily lessons. In this course, we'll explore how the Sphero robot can not only be used to teach code, but be a key player in SEL. Come roll on in for some fun ideas and inspiration!
Cleaning Up Your Google Classroom to be Ready for Next Year
The best way to be ready for Fall is to clean up your Google Classroom now so you do not have to worry about it later. This session will provide you with practical tips on how to manage your current Google Classroom to help you be ready to use Google Classroom in the Fall, including tips for cleaning up Google Drive, saving your student work exemplars, and lessons learned for how to better structure Google Classroom for next year.
Teaching Math Concepts to ELLs Using Google Drawings
Are you looking for a unique way to engage your ELLs in math lessons? In this course, we'll explore how to provide learning opportunities for our students using Google Drawings. We'll demonstrate how students can create math problem-solving models and utilize the Drawings space to show their visual thinking skills. We'll also discuss how students can collaborate and share their Drawings with peers.
Reflecting on a Year of Remote Teaching
Teaching remotely has been a major adjustment for both educators and their students. From learning how to deal with a surprise appearance by the family dog, to effectively assessing your students, there have been many new things to learn. In this session, we'll reflect on the challenges and triumphs of teaching remotely during the 2020-2021 school year. Join us to discuss what worked and what didn't, and what you'd like to bring back to the classroom.
Utilizing Google Workspace for Summer Reading
Ready to transition your summer reading program to a more digitally-based process? In this course, we'll share tips on using different applications within Google Workspace (formerly G Suite for Education) to structure a summer reading program and push out materials. We'll also share book lists and reflection activities to keep students reading during the summer months and prevent that summer slide!
Using Screencastify Submit to Assess Students
If you are already utilizing Screencastify in your classroom, you probably know how easy it is to create screencasts for your students to watch. However, did you know you can easily assess your students by having them create their own screencast? Screencastify Submit is an easy-to-use feature that allows you to do just that. Join us to see how you can utilize this feature in your classroom!
Leveraging Google Remote Skills for Re-adjusting to the Classroom
Teachers everywhere will rejoice when they can return to a "normal" classroom. The return to learn is near, but what should this learning look like? If recent history has taught us anything, it's that the ways in which education can be delivered have fundamentally changed. In this session, we'll discuss how you can leverage Google skills learned used during remote learning when you return to the classroom.
Building an Enrichment Program with Rube Goldberg
Join the world’s foremost expert on all things Rube Goldberg, Jennifer George, as she discusses why the overly complicated machines that bear Rube’s name remain a key component of enrichment and STEAM programs in schools across the country. Then, learn from our curriculum team on how to structure a Rube Goldberg-centered enrichment program, and how we add technology, advanced literacy, and career exploration to a K12 Rube Goldberg program.
Utilizing Portfolios in ClassDojo
ClassDojo is an educational tool for connecting teachers, students, and parents. In this session, we'll dive into student portfolios — a specific tool for students to showcase their work. Portfolios on ClassDojo are a safe way for students to share their work samples, engage in learning, and stay connected with one another. We will discuss getting started with portfolios, adding work samples, and submitting them for feedback. In addition, we'll demonstrate how teachers can create and assign activities, and even explore pre-made content.
Are you "scraching" your head to introduce coding into your school or classroom? Not sure where to start? Scratch is a great program to get the ball rolling and create some interest. Scratch is a block based coding application that can be used to create interactive stories, think creatively and work collaboratively. It can also be used to code things like the Makey Makey, Micro:Bit and LEGO. Come and join us to learn the basics and get inspired.
Preventing Regression in Your Special Education Classroom
Some students are profoundly affected by lapses in instruction, such as over summer, winter, or spring breaks. In this course, we'll share some apps and games, as well as other online activities and support for parents to prevent regression and provide opportunities for their child to retain the skills they learned in a fun and positive way.
Glowforge is a 3D laser printer that brings your ideas to life! This 3D printer allows for materials such as wood, leather, and acrylic to be easily customized. In this session, we’ll go over the basics of using Glowforge and cover how to get started with your Glowforge account. We’ll also discuss some activity ideas for your students so they can get started on creating their unique projects! Let’s explore what this user-friendly printer has to offer!
Wrapping Up Your Year with Google
Hang in there — summer is almost here! Join us as we take a look at how to close out the school year using Google. We'll focus on getting you ready for next school year now, so you can have more fun in the sun this summer. We'll show you how to organize your Google Drive, wrap up your digital gradebooks, and create a summer to-do list so you are ready to hit the ground running next year.
Teaching Narrative Arc with Ozobot for Elementary School Students
Are you looking for a unique way to teach storytelling elements to your students? Join us for a literary coding adventure as we explore how to use Ozobot to learn about narrative arc. These tiny robots can be used to trace a narrative arc and stop at designated points in a story to detail characters, setting, conflict, and resolution. We'll discuss the process of having students draw, code, and retell the story, and will explain how students can add speed, turns, and even color changes to their Ozobot to reflect the character’s feelings and actions.
Interactive Portfolios with Google Sites
How can Google Sites be used to demonstrate student learning? In this course, we'll go over how students can put a creative digital spin on their portfolio by taking advantage of the different features within Google Sites. We'll cover introduction and table of content pages, the ability to upload “artifacts” of their learning, and even reflect on how their chosen artifacts demonstrate achievement of goals.
MC: Apple iPadOS - Session 9 - Final Assignment
You've made it to the end of our Apple iPadOS micro-credential! During this last session we will review your final assignment, and go over how to integrate each of the apps to make a complete final presentation. Join us to wrap up your learning into one cohesive presentation, and complete your Teq micro-credential!
MC: Apple iPadOS - Session 8 - iMovie
iMovie is a fantastic tool to expand your teacher toolkit and help students express their learning in new ways. Session 8 of our Apple iPadOS micro-credential will focus on bringing media into the classroom through the use of short movies and trailers. Give your students a new way of presenting their work, reaching out to the community, and showcasing their skills through this great multimedia platform.
MC: Apple macOS - Session 9 - Final Assignment
You made it to the end of our Apple macOS micro-credential! During this last session we will review your final assignment and go over how to integrate each of the apps to make a complete final presentation. Join us to wrap up your learning into one cohesive presentation, and complete your Teq micro-credential.
MC: Apple macOS - Session 8 - iMovie
iMovie is a fantastic tool to expand your teacher toolkit and help students express their learning in new ways. Session 8 of our Apple macOS micro-credential will focus on bringing media into the classroom through the use of short movies and trailers. Give your students a new way of presenting their work, reaching out to the community, and showcasing their skills with this great multimedia platform.