For the last six weeks I've been watching my own two 2nd graders do virtual school. They have really been rolling with it but the wheels are starting to wobble. Allyson and I have been looking for more interactive things for them to do both with and without their technology. They are covering 2nd grade science standards about the life cycle of plants so we built and planted a garden. Right now there are some great options for virtual field trips for students in K-12.

1) Google Earth - Google Earth has been around for a while but it is constantly being updated! Right now students can play Carmen San Diego within Google Earth. There are new episodes that continue to come out.There is also a button called "I'm Feeling Lucky". if students select that option it will take you to a random place on the globe. This could be a great writing prompt. There is more information about Google Earth on the Google For Education Blog

2) National Parks Virtual Tours - The National Park service has been putting out some great resources for Virtual Fieldtrips as well. Here is a great example of a virtual Archeology Dig

3) Google Arts and Culture - Google Arts and Culture partners with museums and parks all over the world! Students can have access to high quality works of art and museum collections. As the teacher you can create your own "gallery" and share it with students. There is also a share button and you can share collections straight to Google Classroom.

Google Meets is now an option in your E-mail. If you have your E-mail pulled up you can create or join a meet straight from G-mail. You can also create Google Meets straight from Google Classroom.

One of the main things that I have learned in the last few weeks is that our tech tools during this time are changing rapidly. There are lots of changes and improvements that have happened in the last few weeks. It can be hard to stay on top of this and not feel overwhelmed at the same time. Below are my Top 5 places to get good information about tech tools

1) Google for Education Blog - This is a great resource and has lots of information about new features that are rolling out. For example, Google Meets is now part of Google Classroom!

2) ControlAltAchieve.com - Eric Curts is a Regional Edtech Professional in the midwest. He is not only a great human being but he has lots of great information during Covid-19. He has been a go to to me personally as I have prepared for distance learning. Eric is fantastic about responding to teachers via social media or through E-mail during this time.

3) Free Tech for Teachers - Richard Byrne is another one of my Edtech Heros. I have been reading his blog since 2011. There are lots of great resources here! Like myself, he is also a fan of ESPN Jock Jams.

4) ShakeupLearning - Kasey Bell has lots of great resources on her site and also hosts a podcast and writes books about technology in the classroom.

5) Ditch that Textbook - Another great resource with lots of videos, books, and podcasts in the area of digital learning.

The COVID-19 Site (www.elbert.k12.ga.us/covid19) is the place to receive the most up to date information about the Elbert County School District's response to the extended school closure. On this site will be information about wifi access, school lunches, and technology resources for students and parents.

Wifi Access for students - Thanks to the hard work of the technology department wifi is now available in all school parking lots. HERE is more information about free wifi access across the county.

Illuminate Education has put together a Fantastic SITE. With tips for using Illuminate Education during distance learning.

Below is a calendar where you can book time with Clint. if you would like help with designing digital lessons, learning about Discovery Education, learn more about the Google Suite, screen recording, 1980s Braves, support Ty and Ruby do 2nd grade math etc. . . I am here to help! I am setting up 30 minutes block to be "on call" for support. Click the link below to sign up for support.

Google Teaching from Home Hub is a temporary hub of information and tools to help teachers while we are out of the building. See the link below for information about the Teach from Home Hub

Joe Dawson - Elbert County Elementary School

Matt Johnson - Elbert County Middle School

Sherri Rampey -Elbert County Primary School

Hector Santiago - Elbert County Comprehensive High School

Bruce Stewart - Technology Director Elbert County School District

Clint Winter - Instructional Technology Coordinator Elbert County School District

Website: elbert.k12.ga.us
Phone: 706.213.4000
Twitter: @elbertcoschools