What the Tech?

Celebrate Computer Science Education Week December 5 - 11! Computer Science Education Week helps to raise awareness about the need to elevate computer science education at all levels, and celebrate the students, teachers, and partners in the field. Educators and students around the world will participate in Hour of Code from Code.org. See the resources below and help educate our students on the history of computer science and its impact on our daily lives.

Check out these tips from Holly Clark on how to get your students involved in Hour of Code!

Shake Up Learning Blog

Do you want to learn more about how to integrate Google Tools into your classroom? Sign up for Google Bootcamp, a self-paced, online course designed to give you a deep dive into Google Workspace tools led by Katie Maddox. At the conclusion of the course, you will have the opportunity to take your Level 1 Educator Exam and become an official Google Educator!

There are limited spots available, so sign up today to get in the first cohort for this year! All material will be delivered online through Google Tools.

Bravo - January 3 - February 10

Charlie - April 17 - May 26 (tentative)

Delta - TBD Summer 2022

SIGN UP HERE

There is a multitude of online programs available at your fingertips, but have you properly evaluated the programs for safety? Cybersecurity threats continue to rise in school districts and while the technology department works diligently to help keep our network safe, we can always use your trained eye. When looking for programs for students to use online, look for these details:

1. Age restriction for accounts- The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) protects information for all students under the age 13 online, however, if students under the age of 13 are utilizing websites under a false age, their information is no longer protected. This is a violation of our district Acceptable Use Policy.

2. Live Chats- Live chat rooms make it easy for anyone to gain access to our network. Additionally, we have no control over who is in that chat room.

3. User Reviews- Did someone reliable reference the website to you? Have you checked it out online? You can check out Privacy Evaluations from Common Sense Media to see how well your website scores on their safety and security.

Here are some scores of commonly used programs in our district:

Code.org - 84%

Typing Club - 76%

Prodigy - 52%

Cool Math Games - 27% ( 🚩The website says it is unclear if it can protect the identity of the users or against any harm while using their website!)

Want to help combat some Christmas Break boredom but use safe websites? Try some of these A.I. Experiments Google has created. They are fun and challenging for all ages!

Whitney Zugg, the STEAM Teacher at Clanton Elementary School, has been utilizing Bee-Bots with her K-3 students. Mrs. Zugg says, "I have seen the "lightbulb" turn on in students' heads from working with the Blue Bots. Right now, they are enjoying learning the basics of coding. However, their faces light up when we talk about using the Bots with Bluetooth and the iPads to learn more after the New Year. Every time students walk into my classroom I hear "YESSSS!!!! We're doing the Bots again!"

See your school technology coordinator for specific details. However, we recommend unplugging devices such as computers, printers, etc., unless they are plugged into a surge protector. Please do not unplug the network switches (white boxes on the walls). Remember it may take some time to update devices after the holidays!

We love to hear from our teachers & administrators about the fun technology in your schools! Please share with us!

Email: kpmaddox@chiltonboe.com
Website: chiltonboe.com
Phone: (205) 280-2828
Twitter: @kp_maddox