#EMSISDITS Tech Talk

Techy Talk for Teachers

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from #EMSISDITs

Trending Topics include Using Microsoft TEAMS to break down the classroom walls, and a review of Toontastic 3D.

This week's Tips & Tricks include information on how you can clean up the Promethean whiteboard annotations and how to update YouTube on your Promethean Interactive Display.

Our Campus/District Shout-Outs include students and staff from Admin, BES, EWMS, SES, HCES and WMS.

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Classroom walls disappear with TEAMS collaboration

Microsoft TEAMS is the fastest growing MS Office program right now. It is extremely popular because it brings together the best of Microsoft like OneNote, Skype and Flipgrid into an easy-to-use, "social media feel" format.

Students, teachers and/or classes can collaborate in real time to complete projects, assignments or just about any task. Communication options are abundant in TEAMS. In addition to the main chat feature in the TEAMS folder, contributors can chat directly in any other document that is opened in the program.

Skype is built into TEAMS as well to facilitate audio/video conferencing. Channels can be set up within a TEAMS folder so that class groups are able to have a private area to work on an assignment.

All owners (teachers) of a TEAMS folder have access to all areas for monitoring purposes. If you would like to collaborate with another class across the hall, district or planet, contact your #EMStechspert today.

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Toontastic 3D!

Are you looking for a way that your students can retell a story or explain a concept in a fun and engaging way?

Look no further than Toontastic 3D. This iOS app is easy to use and allows students to create a 3-part or 5-part story. They can even create a 5 part science report that follows the scientific method.

Students get to choose from a variety of settings and characters. They can take a selfie and put their own face on any of the characters. The characters are automatically added to the scene and users can move them around at will. Once the record button is pressed, student voices are recorded as the characters are moved around the scene. When the story is completed, it can uploaded to YouTube, saved as an MP4, or viewed directly in the app. This activity is suitable for all grade levels. We encourage you to grab an iPad and check out this fun and engaging app today.

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Do you "suffer" from unwanted Whiteboard Annotations? (Promethean Displays)

Have you noticed that when you open the whiteboard app on your Promethean Interactive Display, previously closed annotated images pop up automatically? Here's how to get rid of them for good.

In the Whiteboard app, click the the 3 dots ⋮ at the top left.
Select new.
Click the 3 dots again.
Select close.

That's it. Easy-Peasy!

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YouTube Update required on Promethean Display?

Have you noticed that the YouTube app on your Promethean Display won't open until it is updated? Did you also notice that in order to update it, you have to sign into Google? Here is how to update your board without signing into Google.

In your Chrome browser, search for Google Play Services.
Open the link that contains an “install” button. (See below)
Choose open with Promethean Store and check "always".
Click on Update.
Click install.
Click ok if it says google play services has stopped working. Then click done.
Close out of the screen including the YouTube app if it is open. We suggest swiping up on the board and closing out of all apps completely.
When you open YouTube, it should work!

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Tech day at the Administration building

These admin super stars are learning new Excel tips and tricks. They are on fire!

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Quizlet Live for review

These Bryson Bobcats are reviewing concepts in a fun and engaging way using Quizlet Live. So powerful, and so fun!

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Escape Math Mountain

Badgers in Ms. Green's class completed a digital breakout activity on proportions and percents. They used their mad math skills to escape from Math Mountain. Engagement to the max!

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Breaking down walls with TEAMS

HCES Cougars and SES Stars worked together to tell the story of a drop of water as it traveled through the water cycle. They used TEAMS, Flipgrid and PowerPoint to collaborate across the district. They had a blast and learned allot in the process. How cool is that?

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LPES Skypes with the VP of Blue Zone Schools, Mr. Buettner

Mrs. Weger’s fourth grade class at LPES had an amazing Skype w/ Nick Buettner, the VP of @BlueZones Project, LLC. The students were able to ask questions & share their projects. It was great to see the students' excitement and joy for healthy living.

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SWAY collaboration

Wayside Wildcats in Ms. Fredrick's class worked really hard on their SWAY projects. When students collaborate, they are more engaged and invested in the learning. Way to go Wildcats!

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EMS Single Sign-On

Sign in to sso.ems-isd.net with your district username and password on any computer or mobile device to have quick and easy access to many of our district digital resources.

Reserve an #EMSTechspert

We want to help you successfully infuse technology into your classroom. We would love to train you on how to create tech infused lessons, co-teach the lessons, or even share our favorite tech tools with you!

Email your IT today to set up an appointment! (Find contact info here.)