SCS Tech Drop

August 2025

• 🛠️ Need Tech Help? Ticket It to Win It!
• 🔐 Allowed Programs & Student Data Privacy (Senate Bill 29)
• 🎯 Programs with a Purpose
• 👥 Student-Teacher Google Accounts

In the early stages of educational technology integration, it made sense to track numbers: how many logins, how many tools, how many “clicks” showed up on usage dashboards. These metrics gave us a pulse check that our digital infrastructure was active, our tools were accessible, and our staff was willing to explore new possibilities.

But now, it’s time for more.

This year, we are shifting the conversation from “How many tools are being used?” to “How are tools being used to transform learning?”

Instructional transformation isn’t about adding more tech. It’s about using the right tools, in the right moments, to deepen student engagement, increase access, and improve outcomes. Whether it’s a elementary student exploring phonics with interactive visuals or a high school learner using AI to get feedback on a research draft, our focus is on designing meaningful, Tier 1 learning experiences.

This transformation means:

• Our instructional coaches are shifting from simply demonstrating tools to modeling real classroom applications that embed UDL principles and elevate student voice.

• Our teachers are leveraging digital platforms to foster thinking, not just compliance.

• Our students are becoming creators, collaborators, and reflective learners, not just passive users.

As we enter this new chapter, we will continue to provide professional learning, modeling, and thought partnership to help every staff member connect technology to purpose, not just practice. If you're interested in exploring these ideas further, reach out to your building’s instructional coach or contact me directly at dbinkley@scsmustangs.org.

Let’s move forward together, from clicks to impact. Because transformation isn’t measured in logins, it’s seen in learning.

---Dave Binkley, Director of Instructional Technology

We are excited to introduce ClassLink QuickCards for students in Kindergarten and 1st Grade! This new login method will make it easier for our youngest learners to access their devices.

• This update helps address the common challenge of remembering email addresses and passwords at this early learning stage.

• To view a how-to video and step-by-step instructions about QuickCards, click HERE.

• QuickCards should already be generated in ClassLink for K-1 students. Use the QuickCards ClassLink app to located your classes and print the cards for your students.

• Instead of the familiar Google login screen, they will now see a ClassLink login screen first.

• To proceed, they must click “Enter Google Account Information” in the bottom right corner of the screen, then enter their email and password as usual.

If you have any questions or need support, please contact Dave Binkley, Director of Instructional Technology, at dbinkley@scsmustangs.org.

Login Screens for Elementary Students

🖼 Left: Kindergarten & 1st Grade – ClassLink QuickCard login screen. Students simply hold up their card to the camera.

🖼 Right: Grades 2–5 – New ClassLink login screen. Students must click the green-circled button in the bottom right to enter their Google account information and proceed with login.

As AI continues to shape teaching and learning, we’re excited to share Version 2 of our “Levels of AI Use in Class” poster. This updated visual clearly defines levels of use and supports educators in reflecting on their current AI integration while envisioning practical next steps to elevate instruction, support student agency, and promote ethical, purposeful use of our generative AI tool, Magic School AI.

Importantly, the use of generative AI represents an adaptive change, not just a technical one. It’s not simply about adding a new tool. It challenges us to rethink how we design learning, assess understanding, and empower students to create, reflect, and engage in new ways. Adaptive changes require shifts in mindset, roles, and pedagogy. This framework is designed to support that ongoing transformation. Visit our Generative AI resource page to learn more!

Give your students a platform to speak, reflect, and create. Our new podcast class sets includes 15 USB microphones designed to elevate Tier 1 instruction by supporting student voice and engagement across content areas.

Whether students are:

• Sharing personal narratives in ELA
• Recording science reflections
• Creating historical interviews in social studies
• Practicing fluency in world languages

…podcasting promotes authentic expression, creativity, and ownership of learning.

Students can easily record and edit podcasts using TwistedWave or Screencastify. No fancy software or prior experience required. Visit our Podcasting Website or check out the guide: How to Record a Podcast on Chromebooks.

Check with your building’s Media Assistant to sign out a set and give your students a platform to share their voice and be heard.

More information will be shared during upcoming professional development days.

Screencastify Submit is a newer feature that allows teachers to easily create and collect video assignments from students, similar to Flip.

Key Features:

• Easy Assignment Creation: Quickly create video assignments and choose whether students record their screen, webcam, or both.

• Seamless Student Submission: Assign directly through Google Classroom; students can record and submit with just a few clicks.

• Flexible Recording: Students can re-record as many times as needed before submitting their final version.

• Built-in Feedback: Both teachers and students can leave personalized feedback on videos.

• Automatic Google Drive Storage: All submissions are saved to your Google Drive for easy access and organization.

To learn more, click HERE!

Other new features features include Live Learning or Video Lesson Quizzes.

Turn rough drafts into meaningful learning moments by creating a rubric in Magic School and using it to generate instant, personalized feedback that guides students through purposeful revision.

Here's why the Rubric Generator is your new secret weapon:

⏱️ Save Time - Quickly create detailed, standards-aligned rubrics—spending less time grading and more time teaching.

⚖️ Ensure Consistency - Create clear, uniform evaluation criteria across assignments to support fairness and transparency in grading.

🎯 Customize with Ease - Tailor each rubric to fit your assignment goals, learning objectives, or student needs. No templates required.

📖 Clarify Expectations - Give students a roadmap for success. Detailed rubrics help them understand what’s expected and how they'll be assessed.

🗣️ Deliver Better Feedback - With clear criteria in place, Magic School helps you (and your students!) to give focused and actionable feedback instantly.

📌 Pro Tip: Upload the rubric and student draft into Magic Student to generate real-time, personalized feedback that supports reflection, revision, and growth. You can do this on their behalf or empower students to submit independently using Magic Student Classrooms.

Want to learn about other ways to integrate Magic School into your instruction?

Click HERE and scroll to the bottom to explore the our collection of Magic School presentations.

You’ll find quick tutorials like:

• Creating a Google Forms formative assessment in under a minute

• Designing exit slips with tiered DOK questions in seconds