Technology and Learning

 I can NOT believe that this is my first blog of the 2021-22 school year.  Time seems to slip away faster and faster as the years go on.  WOW - many changes have taken place for use this year. 1.  We purchased new iPads this year for all students in grades K-12.  We went with keyboard cases for the 7-12, and regular slim Dux cases for the K-6.  With keyboarding continuing to stay in our curriculum, we thought we needed to make this change, and it really makes things easier with that keyboard right on there.  HOWEVER - with that said - comes the challenge of kids actually typing the correct way - more to come on that...We spent six days putting these babies together.  Apple sure knows how to package these buggers - two days alone was spent unpacking cases and iPads - YIKES!  Needless to say, we made it and hired some amazing kids to help in the process. 2. We changed our JAMF management system to JAMF Schools.  There was SO much in the ol...

 I think I have mentioned before that I meet about every six weeks with the technology integration group from around the area.  We talk specifically about things that are happening and going on in our districts, and any new and latest trends and things in the educational setting.  Before we leave for the day, we share any new websites, apps, or techy things that we have learned about since we last met.  The following list shows websites that I have never seen, and they might be good ones for you to pursue a little more: 1. removebg - This is simply a website that lets you upload photos and remove backgrounds.  This has been extremely helpful in so many ways.  Cropping isn't enough sometimes, so the ability to remove all is awesome. 2. Score counter - If you have ever needed a score board, timer, etc.. for keeping track of teams or anything, this site might be for you.  It's very easy to use and simple. 3. Google Earth Timelapse - THIS IS AWESOME!!...

 Today I have been spending my afternoon looking into Desmos.  Desmos is a site that hosts a math curriculum for grades 6-8.  There are MANY free components, and I have been looking at it to possibly use as a supplement for some of the things are math teachers are having a hard time "writing."  When they try and create things, writing in math is super tough, and Desmos might have some things to offer us.  Well, as I was searching - I came across CK-12 and Khan again.  These sites are not new to us, but WOW WOW WOW!  It has been a while since I have been on them and they are outstanding!! CK-12 :  When I first used CK-12, it was for content that I used to create iBooks.  All of their materials are free use, and always has been, but the things they are doing and creating now is so much more than just science, social studies and math.  It is UNREAL - take a look! Khan Academy : This is also a site that is not new to any educators.  Ho...

 Once a month, the area technology integrationist/innovative people get together to discuss things in our district.  Whether it's distance learning, 1:1 devices, whatever the case, we always end with tech share.  Here were some of the ideas that were shared that I hadn't known about: 1. Blooket - this is very similar to Quizizz or Kahoot in where you create a question set for students to join the game and then answer.  The neat thing, however, is there are different options for the games you play.  A teacher here uses it quite a bit, and she mentioned it took a little while to get used to, but her kids love it. 2.  Tech Tools Resource - Exactly as it sounds.  A plethora of ideas for students and teachers to use if you are asking them to create a certain something, or if you want to find a website for a specific content area...there's a ton of great things here! 3. Challenger Center - This website has virtual missions to the moon,Mars and other space...

 One of our third grade teachers, Mr. Haj, did a distance learning lesson via Zoom with a park ranger from Glacier National Park.  He focused on bears, as his third graders have been learning about different kinds.  He spent about an hour on this, as in addition to the lesson, there was also a question and answer part at the end.  He said it was definitely worth the experience.  Here is the link and information regarding what he did.   Bears in Glacier I know that Zoom/Google Hangout is getting O  L  D for sure!  BUT what a great way to make a connection for kids and learn, since we can't actually BE there!   Have fun - stay safe and warm (it's a mere 24 below as I type this - UGH) Mrs. I:) 

 Well, if you are like our school district, you once again are finding yourselves in the struggles of managing students in person, hybrid, and distance learning.  Our elementary school is all in person as of now.  They have had very few cases, and the ones they have had have included quarantining, or staff members either testing positive of being exposed to someone who was positive for Covid.  At the high school, we have continued with Hybrid learning, bringing half the students in each day.  This has saved us from having to quarantine students because of exposure, as classes are able to keep the six feet apart rule.  I don't see us changing anytime in the near future.  I know initially the hope was to be back full in person, but if we did that, they would be contact tracing daily, which would only send more kids back home to quarantine, so for now this is our answer. Our staff members are AMAZING!  The things that they are doing, and the ways tha...