Parkway School District - The Ridge Library
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Library Services Volume 5 | Issue 5 When we think differently about the things we are used to seeing daily, we can create innovative opportunities. George Couros
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Updates Breakout EDU Changes & Kit Checkout Breakout EDU has updated their site. Here's what you need to know from Breaklout EDU: All 300+ games previously available at breakoutedu/games are available for free on the new platform. In each Subject Pack you’ll find a collection of games labeled “user generated” which is where these games reside. We will continue to add free games here. The new Breakout EDU platform allows teachers to have accounts rather than having to enter the generic password every time to access a game. Signup for an account at platform.breakoutedu.com What is paid access? We’ve spent the last six months developing a platform that improves the Breakout EDU experience with enhanced search, 100+ subject-aligned games and a tool for building digital games. These additional features are available with “full platform access”. As a special thank you for our community members, you can use the the code “UPGR@DEB0EDU” to unlock a $35 discount through November 15. You can obtain full platform access by using your discount code here: bit.ly/tycommunity. Additional questions: info@breakoutedu.com Library Breakout EDU kit for Checkout Email me if you would like to checkout the Breakout EDU kit. It includes items to play over 450 games created for the classroom environment. The kit includes 12 months of access to our Breakout EDU Platform that contains 10+ Subject Packs (which I have access to under my account). Each Subject Pack comes with Breakout EDU kit games developed for a wide variety of curriculums targeting some of the most commonly taught topics. There is a FaceBook Community that is truly worth the participation. They share best practices, created games, and advice.
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Open GoFollett.com : Missouri Enter the School: Fern Ridge High School Click Log In in the upper right hand corner Click on the Google SSO button, which is your Login using your Google username and password Scroll down the page to see what is available in print or digital
Curates Digital Resources & Tools Curates Digital Resources & Tools The Origin of Everything YouTube Channel from PBS investigates the “why” behind many aspects of everyday life. The fun videos are perfect for your most curious students, or for getting students excited about learning on their own. Video topics range from history (Why is there a South and North Korea?) to pop culture (Where does the #Hashtag come from?).
48 Critical Thinking Questions for any Content Areas (and Makerspaces) Critical thinking is the heart and soul of learning, and–in our estimation anyway–ultimately more important than any one specific content area or subject matter. In short, critical thinking is more than understanding something — it involves evaluation, critiquing, and a depth of knowledge that surpasses the subject itself and expands outward. It requires problem-solving, creativity, rationalization, and a refusal to accept things at face value. It’s a willingness and ability to question everything. The Ultimate Cheat Sheet For Digital Thinking by Global Digital Citizen Foundation is an excellent starting point for the “how” behind teaching critical thinking by outlining which questions to ask. It offers 48 critical thinking questions useful for any content area or even grade level with a little re-working/re-wording. Taken from teachthought.com.
25 Great Google Add-ons Something from Richard Byrne: On their own Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Forms are great tools for teachers and students. They become even better tools when you start to install some of the many optional Add-ons that are available to you and your students. On a similar note, Google's Chrome web browser becomes a better tool when you add some helpful extensions to it. Sorting through all of the available Add-ons and extensions can be time-consuming process. That's why Richard created a categorized document that provides an overview of 25 great Add-ons and○extensions. That document can be viewed here as a Google Document. Tutorials for many of the Add-ons and extensions can be watched on his YouTube channel. A few highlights from the document include Unsplash and Photo Slideshow for Google Slides, Yob Graph Editor for
Google Docs, and CheckMark for Chrome. Unsplash can be used to quickly find and insert public domain images into slides. Photo Slideshow is the add-on to use if you have a large number of images that you want to quickly turn into a slideshow. Yob Graph Editor lets you plot data and create graphs in Google Docs. And CheckMark could save you lots of time when grading documents by letting you pick from a library of stored feedback marks to comment on your students' work.
Instructional Partnership Resources B is for Blended with Technology: The ABC’s of PBL … Building Blocks, Elements, & Compounds of Deeper Learning by Michael Gorman at 21centuryedtech.wordpress.com There are many educators that believe that Project Based Learning must be integrated with technology. In a sense this could be correct, although it depends on the definition of technology. One must remember that John Dewey was an advocate of projects long before the laptop computer, or even mainframe. He did believe that students must be doing, and this does involves something beyond sitting in a row listening to a lecture. Doing involves “using tools”, a basic definition of technology. It is for this reason that some form of analog and pre-analog technology should be blended into the learning experience. In this increasing binary world it is also important to bring in digital devices including the computer, and so many other electronic tools. At the same time the SAMR Model based on the progressive steps of substitution, augmentation, modification, and replacement integrated with Bloom’s and Webb’s DOK can truly transform the PBL experience while amplifying learning with endless possibilities. At the same time technology allows for increased student ownership of learning. It provides the opportunity for independent learning, self-regulation, formative assessment, and self regulation. Take a look at the four indicators that can blend the PBL experience. 1. Analog tools 2. Deeper Learning Opportunities 3. Provide Student Ownership of Learning 4. Digital Tools beyond the device Analog Tools – Perhaps it is a paint brush, a carpenter’s tool, or some items from a maker’s workshop. These may be referred to as the analog tools. It is the many pre-digital age tools that can still be used to engage learning. Take a moment and watch a child play with an old fashion toy and it will become obvious there is still a world of possibilities from the pre-digital era. In fact, there are some experiences that the world of advanced technology and computers could never replace. Never forget that smell of a first crayon! Deeper Learning Opportunities- In the 21st century classroom digital technology can also amplify the learning experience. New opportunities exist that were not possible before. The connection to the real world provides a new window for students, and the ability to bring in engaging content and activities to the classroom are endless. Technology climbing to the top of SAMR with careful integration of Webb’s Depth of Knowledge and Blooms provides students with deeper learning opportunities fostering an authentic understanding. Provide Student Ownership of Learning – Students are no longer captive to the teacher’s lesson plan in the school walls. Learning with the internet is possible 24/7 and at any place. Students have choice of what to learn and how to learn it. Programs can be used to allow students to advance at their pace. Technology also allows for new assessment techniques allowing students to demonstrate learning in creative and innovative ways. The teacher can facilitate technology to provide this optimum learning experience. Digital Tools Beyond the Device – It must be remembered that the digital world goes beyond just the digital device whether it be a computer or tablet. There are a multitude of digital possibilities including toys, cameras, GPS units, games, robots, and electronic wonders. An investigation in the of the Makers World will not only enlighten the digital possibilities, it may also bring a new look to the analog world. Reflection One can only imagine what John Dewey may have done in today’s 21st century classroom. It is certain that he would have had the students helping him make those decisions. PBL has always relied on some sort of technology, no matter how basic it may have been. After all, it is the tools that allow students to do. The modern technology of today can also amplify all of the other themes found in the ABC’s of PBL. It is important for educators to understand that digital technology can help foster a blended learning experience between the classroom and its physical walls, reaching to the community and a wonderful authentic world. Click to see the Resources For Blended with Technology
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EdCampSTL February 10, 2018 8:00 - 3:00
50 of the Best Education Accounts on Twitter Which are the best education accounts on Twitter to follow? Well, that depends on how you define best. Whether you agree with what the following leaders and leading resources included, they still exert influence over the education industry. Give them a follow and use them to discover even more names and faces currently shaping schools across the world. See the list at teachthought.com
Contact Information Bill Bass Innovation Coordinator: Instructional Technology & Library Media Twitter: billbass
Ritenour High School 9100 Saint Charles Rock Rd St. Louis, MO 63114 Click here for registration
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Kim Lindskog Library Support Specialist Twitter: klindskog Amy Johnson Digital Learning Specialist Twitter: ajohnson106
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