Figure Source Pixabay License under CCO Public domain
IN THIS ISSUE Rechargeable Battery Care ......................................................2 To Mars and Back in a Day... The Ultimate Field Trip ...............2 By Richard Morgan
Class Dojo: An All-in-One Classroom Management System..... 3 Osmo: An Award-Winning Game Systems .............................. 3 By Cynthia Price
Getting Ready for Hour of Code ...............................................4 CommonLit ..............................................................................4 By Sarah Clapham
Using Podcasts in the Classroom ............................................. 5 ListenWise ............................................................................... 5 By Tiffany Conner
Contributors .............................................................................6 Further Information .................................................................6
UPCOMING EVENTS PD in your PJs Edtech Coaches Network - Online Nov 14, 2017 -- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM #isteTEN November Twitter Chat Teacher Education Network - Online Nov 27, 2017 -- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Microsoft Education Skype-a- thon #Skypeathon https://aka.ms/ISTE_Skype Nov 28-29, 2017 Teacher Academy - Digital Tools to Promote Family Engagement and Student Success Charleston, WV Dec 5, 2017 Digital Creativity and Collaboration to Enhance Student Projects WVCPD Infusing Technology (IT) Academy Online Jan. 8 - Feb. 19, 2018 Web Tools to Encourage and Support Reading and Writing WVCPD Infusing Technology (IT) Academy Online Feb. 5 - Mar. 19, 2018 Future of Education Technology Conference Orlando, FL Jan 23-26, 2018 ISTE 2018 Chicago, IL June 24–27, 2018
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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 7
Rechargeable Battery Care by RJ Morgan Even though we are taught as a TIS we are not hardware specialists but more of a software facilitator and teacher but we have to remember we can pass on simple tips on how to make our ever expanding mobile devices last longer and be a more efficient device which translates into longer use life, longer battery lives, and lower costs.
What is a Rechargeable Battery? Simply put, a rechargeable battery has the ability to be re-energized repeatedly. The most common rechargeable batteries on the market today are lithiumion (LiOn). Though nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries were also once very prevalent and the introduction of the newer (Lipro) batteries give us more challenges.
Tips for longer rechargeable battery life. 1: Understand the "recharge cycle" Put simply, this is the number of charge/discharge cycles that a battery is expected to endure before it is no longer fit for service.
2: Full discharge vs. Partial discharge Truth is, with modern Li-Ion batteries it doesn't really matter because their discharge is closely regulated by on-board circuitry. This used to be an issue with the old NiCd batteries because they could discharge to such a point where they would become impossible to recharge.
3: Use the right charger Use a charger designed for your device. Regularly using a charger that delivers too much or too little power will ultimately affect the longevity of the battery.
4: Keep an eye on the temperature Room temperature - around 20°C/70°F - is the best temperature to charge equipment at.
5: Avoid physical stress Drops and falls can damage batteries, causing it to leak a cocktail of corrosive chemicals, all of which are bad for electronics, not to mention your skin should you happen to get any on you.
6: Long-term storage Charging it up partially - around 50 percent - is the best way. Storing a battery in the discharged state can push it to the point where it won't recharge, and storing a battery fully charged can shorten its life.
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What if you told students that the class was taking a field trip to Mars today? Yes, you are going to get some inquisitive looks. Yes, they may inquire how much longer do you have to teach before you can retire, but you can assure them that through Wheeling Jesuits Challenger Learning Center it is possible!.
To Mars and Back in a Day The Ultimate Field Trip BY RJ Morgan Mission scenarios currently available Students can currently take advantage of actual hands on experience of several missions like... Voyage to Mars After arriving on the Martian surface, the team will collect and analyze a number of planetary samples and data. This information is vital to scientists and explorers for a better understanding of the Red Planet.
Rendezvous with a Comet
What is the Challenger Challenge? The Challenger Challenge is a wonderful collaboration between NASA, Wheeling Jesuit College, and the West Virginia Educational system that allows students to either virtually or actual hands on experience very realistic space missions with an extremely high factor of immersion.
TIS And That
Their goal is to plot a successful course to rendezvous with the comet and launch a probe to collect scientific data on the object. They must first construct the space probe and then plot the correct intercept course. Return to the Moon Their mission is to establish a permanent base on the Moon to observe and explore, as well as test the feasibility of off-Earth settlements. Navigating their way into lunar orbit, students must construct and launch a probe and analyze a variety of data Image stock.adobe gathered from thebylunar surface to select a site for establishing public the permanent Moon base.
Image by stock.adobe public
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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 7
ClassDojo: An All-in-One Classroom Management System
Many teachers use a variety of classroom management techniques. ClassDojo is an interactive all-in-one management system. There is a web version and an app version of the program. ClassDojo provides a widevariety of management tools for the classroom.
1. Behavior Management Teachers can create a free account with student profiles. Each student can choose an avatar. Behavior can be managed through a point system. Each class can decide on positive, negative, and neutral behaviors as well as the number of points for each behavior. Whole class and group options are available for managing students. This makes it easy for all teachers to use ClassDojo. Teachers can also share accounts as ‘co-teachers” for a variety of teaching situations.
2. Parent Communication Parents can connect to ClassDojo through individualized access codes to their child only. Parents can communicate with teachers through messages. These are similar to texts messages that can be sent directly through the app to a parent’s phone. Attendance can be recorded daily as well as behavior points. This information, including transcripts of messages, can be printed into a variety of reports for meetings.
3. Student Work ClassDojo offers “Class Story” for teachers to post pictures of activities and/or student work with captions to let parents know what is happening in class. They have also recently released improved “Student Stories” which is their version of student portfolios. Students can use a class QR code to enter “Student Mode.” Students can post photos or videos with captions displaying their work. Teachers can also use this as a form of demonstrating mastery of content.
4. Teacher Tools Teachers have access to a variety of tools. These tools include using the “multiple” or “random” option for choosing students. There is a “Toolkit” that includes a timer, a random chooser, group maker, noise meter, and music. There are also three options for teachers to post information and questions. The “Toolkit” can be projected for the class. Additionally, there are the “Big Ideas” videos about perseverance, empathy, mindfulness, and the growth mindset. These videos include discussion questions and activities. Toolkit can be used on any computer. 0 Osmo: An Award-Winning Game System
Osmo is an interactive educational and creative “game” system that works with an iPad or iPhone. This system has several “game” kits to use with it. These games include: Numbers, Words, Tangrams, Monster, Masterpiece, Pizza Co., Newton, Coding-Awbie, Coding Jam, and Hot Wheels- MindRacers. These interactive game kits allow students to enhance their learning through the use of technology. It also allows students to be creative and work collaboratively depending on the game they choose. All of the kits can also be used to enhance hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Students will benefit from Osmo because, it provides technologically-enhanced and alternative ways to learn and practice a variety of skills and concepts. This program also allows teachers to create individualized profiles, to monitor progress for each student, within every game kit. There are lesson plans in a variety of subject areas that can be integrated into the classroom. For more information visit: www.playosmo.com.
TIS And That
November 17, 2017
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Getting Ready for Hour of Code
VOLUME 6 ISSUE 7
What is the Hour of Code? The Hour of Code™ is a global initiative by Computer Science Education Week [csedweek.org] and Code.org [code.org] to introduce millions of students to one hour of computer science and computer programming. This year the event is scheduled for the week of December 4-10, 2017, but you can host your events any time of the year. Something for Everyone!
Elementary Beginner? Check out Moana: Wayfinding with Code App Development? Try MIT's App Inventor IPads/IPhones? Check out Swift Playground / Facilitator’s Guide Upper Level? Try Python in One Hour Have Robots? Check out Robotics Source: MaxPixel – Licensed under CC0 Public Domain
Source: HourOfCode.org
December 4-10 Who Can Participate? Activities are designed for all ages – from non-readers to grandparents. No coding experience is required for most activities though upper level activities are available for more experienced coders. Coders can work individually but teamwork is always a plus!
What can you do? You do not need to be a coder to help light the fire for your students. Almost all these activities are self-guided! You can even find UnPlugged Activities. With big names like MineCraft, Disney’s Moana, Flappy Bird, the NBA, and Star Wars, there is plenty to pique the interest of students.
Take over a Class – Commit a Class Period (or 2!), Collaborate with a Classroom Teacher. Open a LaUNCH LAB – Ask your Principal to let you host an open Hour of Code throughout the week during Lunch Hour or After School, maybe even Bus Hall. Host an Open House – Parents, Mentors, Students, and Siblings invited! Partner Up – Join forces with a Local Business or University. 0
CommonLit provides 1000+ literacy resources for 5th-12th grades with discussion guides, recommended paired passages, related media, and parent guides. Content is 100% free and is donated by publishers and authors. The library includes short works or passages from fiction, non-fiction, poetry, folktales, opinion, primary source documents, news, informational texts, and dozens more genres.
Ethos, Logos, and Pathos – Search and Sort the library by grade level, Lexile, theme, literary device, genre, and standard. Assign texts and questions digitally or download pdfs for printing or adding to Google Classroom. Online Accessibility tools are great – including adjustable font sizes, a dictionary, read along, highlighting, and multi-language translate - with audio! Paired Texts and Text Sets gather related texts around themes, devices, and topics. Guided Reading Mode chunks material with embedded comprehension questions for scaffolding. Progress analytics give teachers easy to use tools to track individual and class progress. Not just for ELA Teachers – Articles include Historical and Legal Documents, News, Informational Texts, Interviews, Essays, and Letters.
TIS And That
When a reviewer says... 1. Make sure more people know about it. 2. Make sure ALL teachers know about it. Source: Edsurge Product Review July 2015
...they are making a strong recommendation. But when the US Department of Education awards $3.9 million dollars to this tech non-profit company to develop software and content, we should expect great things!
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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 7
Using Podcasts in the Classroom By Tiffany Conner What is a Podcast? According to thepodcasthost.com, a podcast is simply talk radio, but on demand. There is literally a podcast for every subject or interest. No matter what you are into, there is a podcast to meet your desire. Teachers are now realizing the potential of not only listening to the shows with their students, but also creating their own for their classrooms and having the students create their own “shows”.
Top Podcasts for the Classroom: "This American Life" offers over 600 narrative-driven episodes. There is an Educator Resource section that provides a list in which teachers have incorporated those stories in lessons on history, English, psychology, and more. For the science classroom – “Wow in the World” and “Brains On” are kid specific topics that take on tricky science questions each week. “Short and Curly” is a great Podcast for Guidance or a Links class. This podcast provides ethical questions to really get kids and adults thinking. For English class and a great idea for class bellringers and writing prompts, try “Freakonomics Radio”. “Youth Radio” is a podcast written and published by teens. It explores public concerns through a teens perspective. This is a great resource for a high school civics or sociology class. To learn more about the Top Podcasts please visit: https://www.weareteachers.com/bestpodcasts-for-kids/
TIS And That
How Can Podcasts Contribute to Your Classroom? Podcasts are a fabulous way to teach critical thinking skills and to incorporate more non-fiction into the classroom. They are also beneficial to ELL students to help strengthen language fluency. Many educators use podcasts to enhance their storytelling and writing lessons. One of the best features about Podcasts are that they are FREE! With so many schools providing 1:1 technology or implementing a “Bring Your Own Device” policy, using podcasts is an easy and inexpensive supplement to the classroom. All a student needs is a device - which can be their smartphone, Ipod, laptop, or Chromebook, and a pair of headphones. If the students want to create their own podcasts they would need a microphone and some editing software. Teacher created Podcasts are also a great way for teachers to supplement their lessons. Teachers can keep absent students up to date of lectures and assignments. A weekly “re-cap” podcast could also be created to remind students of the material that was covered that week and could be used as a “look ahead” for students and parents. Making a podcast for this purpose would be a better alternative than using the online calendar through Engrade.
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Check out LISTENWISE Listenwise is a resource that brings public radio podcasts directly to the classroom. What is so amazing about Listenwise is the collection of stories that have been organized and tagged by categories and the outstanding set or instructional materials that go with each recording. Listenwise is offered as a free subscription with limited, but still amazing, free resources. A school can sign up for their premium subscription but that is not needed if you just want to have the ability to search by key words for podcasts and the listening comprehension questions already provided. If you are interested in the full scope of what the premium subscription offers, please go to Listenwise.com or https://eps.schoolspecialty.com/EPS/media/SiteResources/Downloads/POVS/276852_Listenwise-POV-F.pdf.
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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 7
CONTRIBUTORS Richard Morgan Wyoming County Career and Technical Center Robotics/Electronics/Drones Cynthia Price Special Education Teacher ClassDojo Mentor Osmo Ambassador Hampshire County, WV Sarah Clapham Technology and Curriculum Integration Specialist Greenbrier East High School sclapham@k12.wv.us Tiffany Conner OTDP Berkeley County Vicki Douglas Juvenile Center taconner@k12.wv.us
FOR MORE INFORMATION To Mars and Back – Contact Information Challenger Learning Center Wheeling Jesuit University 316 Washington Ave. Wheeling, WV 26003
Find out more about... Hour of Code Be Inspired By… Girls Who Code Coding for Change
304-243-8740 Fax : 304-243-2497 http://www.donovanh.com/web/clcsite/contactus.htm
Find out more about... CommonLit
ClassDojo www.classdojo.com
CommonLit Blog for Innovative Educators
Privacy Evaluations https://tinyurl.com/ydet9392
CommonLit on Pinterest
Graphic Credit: https://tinyurl.com/y7gja38g
ACROSS the HALLPodcast: CommontLit Craze Part 1 CommonLit Wins $3.9M Grant EdSurge Product Review
Osmo www.playosmo.com
Podcasts in the Classroom: https://www.weareteachers.com/best-podcasts-forkids/ Listenwise.com
FALL Time for Change and Reflection Source: Pixabay Licensed under CCO Public Domain
TIS And That
November 17, 2017