Washington Tech Tidbits

Last Thursday, I attended the annual Illinois Computing Educators Conference at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. I enjoyed a day full of learning and networking with other tech lovers from all over the Midwest. I started the day with a keynote presentation by Adam Bellow, followed by breakout sessions on makerspaces, connecting classrooms to the world, revamping video projects, and much more. For presenter resources and shared notes on all of the breakout sessions, click here. I look forward to sharing information and resources with you over the coming weeks!

Nice job to everyone who has been working to update their site this year! Just a reminder that the final web presence deadline is THIS WEDNESDAY, March 2. At that time, your web site/blog should include homework expectations and major assignments/upcoming projects.

If you need any assistance or have any questions about your web presence, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Click here to view the district's Web Presence Guidelines Rubric.

The AES request deadline has been extended to Friday, March 11. If you have recently discovered an app, Chrome extension, or piece of software that you find interesting, please consider filling out this trial request form. Once you fill out the form, the AES will be installed on one device, and you will work with me, your building ITC, to discuss its purpose and effectiveness. After trying the AES in your classroom, we will work together to complete the AES Final Application form to request evaluation by the AES subcommittee.

Popplet is an iPad app that allows users to create mind maps with different colors, images, fonts, videos, and drawings. Popplet can be used to help teach students about the relationships between ideas, organize their writing, or show information in a visual manner.

*3-5 Teachers, your students can also create Popplets on their Chromebooks by accessing popplet.com! The online version even allows users to add collaborators to any Popplet.*

Once a Popplet is created, it can be saved to the app or shared via email. Popplet will be available on all of the K-2 classroom and cart iPads.

For more information on how to use Popplet in the classroom, check out the Popplet Blog or the instructional video below by Adam Bellow.

Please consider attending our upcoming Parent University at Emerson Middle School on March 8th. The session will feature Dr. Devorah Heitner and will offer tips on raising "digital natives." Check out this website or the flyer below for more information, and please feel free to pass along to parents! I have also attached a TedTalk video clip by Devorah Heitner. Check it out!