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#EMSISDITS Tech Talk

Techy Talk for Teachers

#EMSISDITSTech TalkTechy Talk for Teachers
In this #EMSISDITs Tech Talk:


  • Edge Chromium browser features and download
  • Instructional Technology resources
  • Randomize quiz questions in Canvas
  • VR videos for Nearpod lessons
  • Manage assignments in TEAMS
  • New features in TEAMS
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Edge Chromium

Would you like to combine the power of Google Chrome with Microsoft? You can with the new Edge Chromium browser. Even if you've used Chrome for awhile, Edge is worth a look. The transition is seamless. All of your bookmarks are automatically transferred over, and the interface is very similar to what you are used to. So, why switch? Here are a few reasons:


  • Edge will read pages aloud to you using the built in Immersive Reader.
  • You can mark up your PDFs by opening them in Edge and using the draw tools.
  • Create collections of web content for research or future use.
  • Copy and paste exactly what you see on the web with smart copy.


To download the new Edge Chromium browser, click on the Window button (bottom left), and type in "software center". There, you will find several program downloads including Edge. Simply click and download.

Breakout-EDU Featured Games

Have you checked out the latest games on BreakoutEDU.com? October Featured Games include games about the Election process and Halloween.


Breakouts are perfect for remote AND in-person learners. Check with your librarian today for your login information to get started!

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Instructional Technology Resources

Have you seen our collection of technology resources yet?


EMS District Resources


It has everything you need to be successful with remote learning and/or utilizing your devices in the classroom. You can find tips and tricks on all your favorites like Office 365 applications (including TEAMS), Canvas, teacher created videos, and many of the external tools that we use in our district. Check it out today!

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Need HELP?

Between the Technology Helpdesk, Eduphoria Tickets, and the IT Office, it's sometimes a bit confusing to know where to turn for help. THIS DOCUMENT provides different ways to reach out for support.

Please do NOT share this link or document with students, as we want to avoid having students or families joining our online IT Office, which is designed for staff only.

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Moderate a quiz

Sometimes, individual students may need early access or an additional attempt at a quiz.

To do this, click on the quiz you want to moderate. In the upper right hand corner, click on moderate this quiz. Then, click on the student's name.
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Randomize quiz questions with question groups

If your 7th period class is doing way better on assessments than your 1st period class, you may have a cheating problem. To combat this, try randomizing your questions using question groups and banks.


  1. Click on Quizzes.
  2. Click on the 3 dots next to the blue Add Quiz button and choose Manage Question Banks.
  3. Click Add Question bank and give it a name.
  4. Add your questions to the bank.
  5. When creating your quiz, click on Questions and choose +New Questions Group.
  6. Name the group and choose the number of questions.
  7. Link your group to your question bank.

Done! Questions will be selected randomly from your bank for each students.
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360 degree videos on YouTube

Nearpod has its own library of VR field trips that you can take your students on. Did you know that YouTube has a VAST library of VR videos that you can also add to your Nearpod lessons? Simply go to YouTube and use the filter to search for 360 degree videos. You can search for videos by subject, content area, location, and more. Then, paste the link into your Nearpod lesson like a normal video. See video below. Enjoy!


You Tube virtual reality channel

Nearpod 360VR
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Too many assignments? Manage them with categories.

Do you have a crazy number of assignments in your TEAMS class? Are you dreading the prospect of having to navigate them all? Look no further. Check out the video below to see how you can categorize your assignments for ease of navigation.
Assignments - Using Category for Quarters
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TEAMS Spotlight

Keep the focus on you while you are teaching by using the new Spotlight feature in TEAMS. When you select spotlight in the participant section, your video feed will remain fully visible in the entire screen for everyone in the meeting until you turn off the setting. You can also spotlight students as well whenever you need them to demonstrate something or speak to the group.
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prevent attendees from unmuting

Now you have to option to choose not to allow your students to unmute themselves during a TEAMS meeting. In the Participants Pane, click on the 3 dots. Then select don't allow attendees to unmute. This can be done and undone as many times as you like during your meeting.
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Learning with the awesome BHS Pioneers

We had a great day learning about Canvas LMS, Nearpod, and Promethean tips and tricks. Keep up the great work BOS!
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DCA reviews don't have to be boring

These 5th graders at CCES had a blast reviewing for their social studies DCA. They visited the fair, rode roller coasters and ferris wheels, and broke out of the ordinary with a Microsoft OneNote digital breakout.
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OneNote greatness at EES

These Elks are learning how to use OneNote and TEAMS to create engaging and rigorous assignments that are easy to create and access.
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Wildcats using Nearpod

These Wildcats are engaged in Advisory class using Nearpod as they learn about Office 365 and Canvas tips and tricks through videos, activities, practice, and even a competitive round of Time to Climb!
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Virtual presentations at EWMS

Mr Mayhan's 7th grade Technology Education students participated in a hybrid group project and presentation using Microsoft TEAMS. Each group did their work and assembled their projects in their private channels. Then, they presented their projects to the entire class in the General section of the TEAM. Way to go Badger engineers!
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Tech Day at LPES

The LPES Owls are seasoned pros at Tech Day. They are always ready, willing, and able to learn new things when they know it will benefits kids.
Click the links below to access our Single Sign-On, visit the Virtual IT Office, or find out more about where to turn for help.
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Single Sign-On (SSO)

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"Virtual" IT Office

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Where to get HELP

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We can help!

Need help planning a blended lesson? Do you need an extra hand while tackling a technified lesson with your students? Are you ready to add some technology to your classroom but don't know where to start? The #EMSTechsperts are here to support you! Contact your Campus IT today!

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Contact Us

Follow the team:@emsisdits

Ricky: @rickygode | Scott: @scottboiles
Jeni: @jlo731 | Sallee: @salleeclark

Bob: @bobeikenberry | Jennifer: @jenniferprince

Jason: @lumberaggie | Emily: @EKillen817

Sasha: @SashaLBeavers | April: @DigitalDunning
Cindy: @tuckertech


Don't forget to subscribe to our blog for updates!

Email: its@ems-isd.net
Website: www.emsisd.com/its
Location: 1200 Old Decatur Road, Saginaw, TX, United States
Phone: 817.232.0880
Facebook: www.facebook.com/emsisdits
Twitter: @emsisdits

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