Learn Something New this Summer

For my last blog post for this academic year I thought I would suggest a few technology topics you could explore over the summer...

(http://www.edutopia.org/blog/effective-classroom-management-nick-provenzano)

• Expand on or start to develop a PLN (personal learning network) using Twitter
• Learn more about Google Drive and Google apps
• Organize all the bookmarks you have saved on mulitple devices uisng Diigo or Symbaloo
• Try some of these App Smash Task Challenges on an ipad
• Explore the large variety of courses on technical and creative skills that Lynda.com has to offer
• Browse many different global lesson ideas on the Skype in the Classroom website 
• learn about how to use Infographics as a creative assessment

Or maybe you want to take a summer technology course.  Check out the following options

• Edtechteacher
• MassCue
• SimpleK12
• Practical Ed Tech

(https://www.pinterest.com/atomiclearning/professional-development/)

Our district is also offering a summer technology workshop(see description below) and I believe there are still a few openings. Click on SmartPD to register, or email me

OPEN FOR REGISTRATION Instructor: Jennifer Trombino, Amy Brewis, and Julie Doyle
Participants: K-12 Teachers
Date/Times: ½ day August 20th, 2 hours in Sept, 2 hrs in Oct, and online component	Location: ARHS Computer Lab
Course Description: This workshop is designed to accommodate all levels of technology users. The workshop combines in-person and online learning experiences and focuses on developing skills around transforming teaching and learning by using applications and devices available in-district. During the first half-day meeting in August, participants will get established in our online classroom space (Google Classroom), begin exploring our “technology toolbox” (Google Apps, Explain Everything, Notability, Skitch, iMovie, WeVideo, Pixlr Editor, etc.), and develop an individualized Work Plan for the online learning experience. During the online learning phase of this workshop, ongoing support and online resources guide participants as they implement their Work Plan to develop skills with their chosen technology tools and use technology to transform a lesson, unit, and/or assessment in their classroom. The creative learning process is supported by “office hours,” online discussion, collaboration among participants, and after school in-person meetings (one in September and one in October).

 If you have any interest in borrowing an Ipad or a Chromebook to practice on and explore with this summer please let the tech department know.  We have a couple of loaners which will be available on a first come first serve basis

(https://sites.google.com/a/dallasisd.org/ccentral/)

It is hard to believe that my first year as your Instructional Technology Teacher is coming to a close.  I feel very fortunate to be supporting such an amazing group of teachers who are so committed to their students.  I have really enjoyed helping you to integrate more technology into the curriculum to improve student learning.  I am looking forward to next year and I plan on kicking it up a notch  so get ready.

Have a great summer T-hawk teachers and always remember to Tech it Out!!

Please comment below with questions and/or share any plans you have to explore new instructional technology this summer.