Tech Connect December 2024

As we approach the end of the year, this edition is filled with exciting updates, resources, and opportunities to enhance your teaching practices. You’ll find helpful tech tips and highlights of innovative tools to support your classroom activities.

This month, we also reflect on our achievements and look forward to the new year with fresh ideas and initiatives. Dive in to discover how you can make the most of these resources as we wrap up 2024!

Computer Science Education Week is a fantastic opportunity for teachers to highlight the importance of computer science in our world today. By engaging students in activities like the Hour of Code or inviting guest speakers from the tech industry, we can inspire them to explore the exciting possibilities of CS. For helpful resources and ideas, check out Computer Science Education Week. Let’s work together to make this week a fun and impactful experience that shows students how vital computer science is for their future!

The Hour of Code is a global movement designed to introduce students to the exciting world of computer science through engaging one-hour coding activities. This initiative aims to demystify coding and show that anyone can learn the basics, fostering interest in CS among students. Teachers can easily host an Hour of Code event in their classrooms or schools, joining millions of participants worldwide. Resources and step-by-step guides are available to help educators prepare and celebrate this fun learning experience. To learn more and register your event, visit Hour of Code.

Here are some additional Hour of Code Activities:

Block Smith Rescue

GenerationAI

AI Oceans

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and discover its transformative role in our classrooms and daily lives during Computer Science Education Week! This is the perfect opportunity to ignite curiosity and creativity among your students by dedicating a day to exploring AI.

Day of AI offers a wealth of resources, including ready-to-use lessons and engaging activities designed for all grade levels, empowering your students to become the innovators and creators of tomorrow. In our upcoming session, we will explore our “What is AI?” and “How Do Machines Learn?” curricula, along with valuable resources to help you implement exciting AI activities during this special week. This session is tailored for educators who are new to artificial intelligence (AI) literacy.

To access the curriculum and get started, visit: dayofai.org/curriculum. Let’s make this Computer Science Education Week a memorable one by bringing the wonders of AI into our classrooms!

As a follow-up to our 1st Quarter Blended Learning PD Session, we invite you to share your experiences with implementing Blended Learning in your classroom through this feedback form. Your insights will not only help us understand the impact of Blended Learning, but also inspire and guide your fellow teachers who are looking to enhance their own practices.

As part of your ISTE membership, you have exclusive access to AI Guides that can help you integrate artificial intelligence into your teaching practices. These resources are designed to empower educators by providing practical tools and strategies for teaching AI across the K-12 curriculum. These guides cover a range of topics, from “unplugged” projects to creating chatbots and video games, all aimed at enhancing students’ AI literacy. These resources are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Arabic, ensuring accessibility for all educators.

Below is a video that demonstrates how to access these guides, making it easy for you to start exploring the potential of AI in your classroom.

Using the Help button (located in the bottom right of the dashboard) in GoGuardian is a fantastic way to get the support you need while navigating this powerful tool! If you ever have questions or need assistance, simply click the Help button to access a variety of resources, including tutorials and FAQs that can guide you through different features. Whether you’re looking to set up your classroom environment or troubleshoot an issue, the Help button connects you with valuable information to enhance your teaching experience. Remember, it’s there to make your life easier, so don’t hesitate to use it whenever you need a little extra help!

Having a professional email signature is essential for you because it creates a clear and consistent way to communicate with your students, parents, and colleagues. A well-crafted signature provides important information and reinforces your professionalism and the identity of your school. It makes it easier for recipients to reach out to you and fosters a sense of trust and connection. Plus, a polished signature sets a positive tone for your communications, helping you stand out as the dedicated educators you are!

As educators, it’s essential to recognize the need for deliberate instruction in digital skills to empower our students to use technology effectively in their learning. This article provides valuable insights that can help you understand and address these challenges in your teaching practice—encouraging you to explore how you can better support your students in becoming proficient digital learners.

Click the image below that was created with Adobe Express AI Image Creator to read this article!

Click on the image below to register for our final Fall Digital Learning opportunity on Generative AI Tools!

Sue Tobin - suetobin@davidson.k12.nc.us

Allyson Medlin - amedlin@davidson.k12.nc.us

Libby Moretz - libbymoretz@davidson.k12.nc.us

** Libby is out on Maternity Leave until Mid-March, please contact Sue or Allyson **

Listed below are the schools that each of us serve - please feel free to reach out to us!