Term Spring: Issue 2, June 2018 (this edition also available as a PDF)

Classroom Blogging: Room 145

Definition: Classroom blogging is when the whole class either posts and comments in a class blog or on their own student blog.
EdTech Tool: Edublogs
“Our class was recently introduced to edublog. This is a space where they are able to write their own posts and comment on others. In class, they’ve been given topics to write about. After writing their post, it is previewed by staff and then allowed to be posted or revisited for edits before posting. The students have really enjoyed commenting on each others’ works (most more so than writing their own blog post). Edublog has given the students the understanding that writing is not done in a vacuum and that words matter!”- Ms.Grace
We love it because students are motivated to write for their peers, practice digital citizenship in a controlled environment, and can showcase their work online. 

Multimedia Presentations: Room 146

Definition: Students create multimedia presentations when they use a platform like Google Slides that incorporates text, images, and video to demonstrate their learning and understanding.
EdTech Tool: Google Slides
“My class uses Google Slides on a regular basis. My students can independently create slideshows on any topic. We have done presentations with Google Slides both individually and in groups. Individually, the students have made and delivered persuasive presentations where they took a stance for or against school uniforms. In groups, the students collaborated and created slides based on trade in history which included the people, places, important events, and history of each trade route that they learned about. My students have become very comfortable with the technology in our room, and enjoy using it.” - Ms. Stephanie
We love it because students become creators of content instead of passive consumers. They also gain invaluable career-ready skills such as public speaking and technological fluency.

Online Research: Room 133

Definition: Leveraging the internet to research and learn about anything in a matter of clicks.
​EdTech Tool: Google Search, Google Docs
“The students of room 133 were able to use the Chromebooks for their first ever research projects. The first project was for students to select a country and learn about their culture. Using the internet, they were able to create posters and power points using their research from Google.”- Mr. Alex
We love it because with online research the world is opened up to students beyond the print resources they have been limited to in the past. They learn important digital literacy skills like discerning credible sources and can access up-to-date content including video and audio instantaneously.

Interactive Lessons: Room 113

Definition: In an interactive whole-group lesson, students can interact with their peers and teachers within a multimedia presentation.
EdTech Tool: Nearpod, Pear Deck 
“My class has been using Nearpod to make our lessons more exciting and interactive. Rather than just talking about a topic, Nearpod lets us explain a topic using pictures, videos, and text to understand the topic, and lets students show what they know by responding to different types of questions digitally. Also, I can control the pace with Nearpod, so kids do not go ahead in the lesson. My students have enjoyed using Nearpod in our lessons, and it definitely beats a boring lecture!” - Ms.Marlee
We love it because a passive lecture-style presentation is transformed into an engaging lesson where every student is expected to respond to every question every time.

Our Students Speak

“My favorite subject on the Chromebooks is math because I want to get better at math, and I am behind in math. Chromebooks help me learn better by doing math websites like Xtra Math, Khan Academy, and Kahoot.
It is important to have technology in the classroom because we can do math on Khan Academy and Xtra Math to see how fast we can put the problems in. Khan Academy is for students to get better at math. Xtra Math tests your speed for every problem. My favorite math website is XtraMath because I like to do stuff fast and race to get it over with. I like to do work on the Chromebooks.” - Levon (6th Grader)