PWCS EdTech: Recent Episodes
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Before the closure and the stay-at-home order, Brian and Biz sat down to talk with Matt Guilfoyle, Area Associate for Communication and Technology, AJ Phillips, Director of Information Technology, and Hamish Brewer, Principal of Fred Lynn Middle School to talk about what digital equity looks like in PWCS and where we are going. Although the world has changed significantly since we recorded this episode, the central message hasn't.
The podcast is back! Biz Engelbret is out and Biz Summers is in - congratulations!! It's been a busy, hectic month for both our ITCs, but when it's Digital Learning Day sometimes you just have to stop and pay attention. A short episode today, but here are some notes:
Canva for Educators can be found at: https://www.canva.com/education/
Adobe Spark can be found at: https://spark.adobe.com/sp/ (PWCS staff and students can log in with their office365 login info)
Minecraft for Education can be found at: https://education.minecraft.net/ (again, PWCS staff and students can log in with their office365 login info)
Green Screen by Do Ink can be found at: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/green-screen-by-do-ink/id730091131
Be on the look out for an announcement about a Nearpod cohort available to PWCS staff!
It's Groundhog's Day!! Biz is out for this episode, so Sara Bosse, Math Coach at Beville Middle, joins Brian to discuss a certain tweet about Digital Equity, Microsoft Teams, and Summative versus Formative Assessments.
Virginia's Computer Science Educator of the Year! Way to go Tobin! We were able to grab him for a few minutes to talk about his approach to education and how he "sneaks" learning into engaging activities.
In this 15-minute, uncut take (our Babysodes!) Biz and Brian talk about VSTE 2019, upcoming Mystery Skype sessions, SMART Professional Development for teachers, and upcoming student driven assignments.
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You can visit vste.org to find out more about what's going on with VSTE.
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To can find out more about Mystery Skype at education.skype.com (office365 login). You can also learn more about what's going on at the Happy World Foundation at happyworldfoundation.us.
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To learn more about SMART Notebook 2019 or the SMART Learning Suite, check out suite.smarttech.com or listen to episode 25 and our conversation with Patrick Heath.
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To find out how it went with Biz's student-driven projects... stay tuned!
We're skipping the January 1st episode and will be back on 1/15/20. Happy Holidays! Hello 2020!!
in this episode we drop in with a cohort of math teachers working through Apple Teacher training, although we end up talking about a lot more. We cover:
-Google classroom discussion question and pushing out non-Google items
-Apple badges
-The smart notebook app and the maestro feature
-Apple Tvs
-Sumdog vs Prodigy Math
Thanks to these amazing teachers for being a part of it!
Ginger Budd-Gaspar @miss_budd
Jamie Dziuna @dziuba_jamie
Angie Myers @mrsmyersflms
Rebecca Abbott (not on Twitter... yet)
Everyone who works with Patrick knows that iOS has been the apple of his eye for the last few years. In this episode, Patrick shows off his range by taking us to school with the SMART Learning Suite. Don't worry, we get to Apple by the 18:05 mark...
Some things discussed:
SMART Learning Suite (teachers) - Access through Office365-Waffle-All Apps, or go to suite.smarttech.com and use O365 login.
SMART Learning Suite (students) - Access through Office365, or go to hellosmart.com or classlab.com and use O365 login.
Some apps/programs discussed - Chatterpix, Clips, PuppetPals, Toontastic, and Seesaw.
In our inaugural “babysode” we set a timer for 15 minutes and try to cram in as much info as possible… unedited. A few highlights from this episode are:
- Clever – How to access it, what’s in there, and should "big kids" use badges?
- PowerSchool is migrating to a new platform (stay tuned!) – Edulastic (for math) and Naiku may be good alternatives if you are looking for a new platform
- We get into the Google vs Microsoft debate again… (spoiler: no one wins)
- Digital citizenship week and accessing resources in Google, Common Sense Media, and Nearpod
Brian and Biz sit down with Andy Wolfenbarger and Tabitha Caldwell to talk about this year's rollout of the HUB!
Andy is the Supervisor of Student Data and Information Security Services with PWCS. Tabitha is a trainer for the HUB, who works specifically with TeacherVUE. They have lots of great takeaways to share, but the top link we want to make sure PWCS teachers access and bookmark is the HUB Page on the Intranet (requires PWCS login credentials).
In this episode, Brian and Biz discuss a lot of great learning opportunities available this summer.
North TIER courses offer many options for $55 each
Apple
- Learning Series (face-to-face classes at Apple stores)
- Apple Teacher Certification (online only)
Microsoft
Earn badges one hour at a time or complete whole certifications on the Microsoft Educator Community
- Pursue any Level of Google Certification online
- Or join a Level I cohort by emailing Katie Fielding, ITC at WSHS
Get a jump start on HUB Training – Check the ERO for SIS 894
Books made out of paper!
- Empower our Girls by Lynmara Colón and Adam Welcome
- Relentless by Hamish Brewer
- EDrenaline Rush by John Meehan
There’s even more from your friendly ITC community available on our webpage
Sometimes being an ITC means testing. And more testing. And less podcasting. See you on June 1!
Turn about is fair play so Biz and Brian stop in at Fred Lynn Middle to have a Conversation with the always relentless, Mr. Hamish Brewer.
If you've done any digging into using Minecraft Edu in Prince William County, you've probably heard of Bristow Run's ITC, John Painter. If you haven't, here's your chance! John helps us chop through all the barriers that have come up in the past and build that house of knowledge. So grab your swords and golden apples and find out what Steve and company can do for your classroom!
Some notes for this episode:
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To find out more about the Minecraft Education Edition: https://education.minecraft.net/
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For computers on the PWCS network, you can go to the Microsoft Store and download Minecraft Education Edition. Students can then login using their Office365 Credentials.
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This episode was recorded using the Cast website (https://tryca.st/). We found it very user friendly and were only held back by the quality of the mics used. (Brian's Blue Yeti broke so he resorted to his son's gamer headset).
Biz and Brian finally get to sit down with Molly and Wanda to discuss a program sponsored by Cisco and ePlus called Girls Rock In Technology (GRIT). If by the end of this podcast you aren't trying to figure out how your school (or daughter) can get in on this, then you weren't paying attention.
Looking to learn a bit more about how Nearpod, Khan Academy, or social media can influence your teaching? Look no further! Biz and Brian have a conversation about that an more with one of PWCS's Khan Academy Ambassadors, an MIE Expert, and a Google Certified instructor, Mr. Daniel Nemerow. **Bonus!! For the first time, we take the plunge and create the podcast over Skype!
In this episode we talk to Ms. Colón about her role as Director of EL Programs and Services, Principal, VSTE board member, speaker, author, and advocate for technology in the hands of students.
We recorded this episode with the instructional coaching duo at Bryant High School in Fairfax County -
Alana Dushok @MsDushokMath
Tim Signorelli @FCPS_Signorelli
Recommended Reading
Bold School by Weson Kieschnick
All coaching books by Jim Knight
Specific example: Better conversations by Jim Knight
Helping by Edgar H. Schein
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Learning Supercharged by Lynne Schrum and Sandi Sumerfield
Featured tool: Padlet for meetings, jigsaw groups, silent dismissal, and more!
We don’t have a lot of notes to share since we’re just tossing around some ideas, but we want to make sure you have this document:
School Messenger Notification – this link requires a PWCS login
Update: We talk a little about Remind; since the time of this recording, Remind and Verizon have settled their differences, so Remind users can stick with that, if it works for them—we still like School Messenger Notification better!
To learn more about Comcast's Internet Essentials program: https://internetessentials.com/
In this episode Biz and Brian tackle letters of intent, teacher license renewal, TEI questions on the ol' SMART Board, and the joys of struggle. Some notes from the show:
Letter of Intent – become an ITC!
Check out the application process
Learn more about the portfolio guidelines
License Renewal
We definitely recommend getting your First Aid and CPR certification with Connie Fluet at Medical Training Solutions
Get those extra hours for professional development with the Future Ready Learners series
Using Smartboard for TEI practice questions
Use this link to access some older examples of technology-enhanced items that can be used with Smart Notebook software (disclaimer: these are geared toward middle school. Feel free to use them as a template if they are not appropriate to your grade level or subject)
Breakout rooms revisited!
If you haven’t checked out our episode on this, listen to it here.
vste18 offered so much that we decided to post an additional segment. We start off by hearing from Katy Garvey (@katy_garvey) and the awesome resources at The Source For Learning. These include myscilife.org, teachersfirst.com, and #OK2Ask. Then we hear from Cody, Pat, Chad, and Alex, attendees gracious enough to join us and share their VSTE 2018 experiences.
In this episode, we hear from some amazing educators at the VSTE conference. If you loved #vste18 or you were #notatvste this episode is for you!
Sarah Thomas, the keynote speaker, talks about reflection, professional learning, and social media
Organizations she talks about include EduMatch and EduColor
Follow her at @sarahdateechur and @edu_match on social media and check out her website and blog
Karen Richardson, executive director of VSTE talks about planning the conference, innovation, and what’s going on with VSTE
VSTE membership is free—if you’re not taking advantage of it, join today!
Follow her at @witchyrichy
Tim Signorelli and Alanna Dushok from Bryant High School talk their experience learning and presenting with a focus on coaching
Check out their VSTE presentation about video profression learning (we attended! It was amazing!)
Learn more about the coaching award that Tim won
Follow them at @FCPS_Signorelli and @MsDushokMath
Raj Shah talks about his session on encouraging productive struggle, specifically in math
Follow him at @drrajshah
Tim Ellis, Computer Science Specialist and Jean Weller, Technology integration Specialist from VDOE talk about the Computer Science SOLs and what’s going on with the VDOE
Check out Tim’s presentation about the Computer Science standards
Follow them at @CSatVDOE and @JeanWeller
Margaret Sisler, Education Specialist in Fairfax County and VSTE committee member talks about planning the conference and about social media
Check out her Twitter 101 session
And learn about building your PLN through Twitter chats
Follow her at @TechyMargaret and catch her at #novaedchat
While looking through responses from listeners, we noticed a theme of wanting to hear more about how technology can help meet accommodations in the classroom. This led to this episode's conversation about Apple's accessibility features and how Microsoft's Immersive Reader can do some heavy lifting when it comes to audio accommodations.
Biz and Brian attended the Blended Learning in Fairfax County last week. In this episode, we hear from lots of teachers and SBTS who share their learning. In this episode we talk about podcasting, going one-to-one, implementing change in school culture, Google tools, technology for English Language Learners, and collaborative learning.
A few of our guests shared their Twitter handles. Follow them here:
Joan Brown, who talked to us about podcasting is @digiteacher
Summer Johnson and Sarah Olson who talked about Google tools are @scholarcation and @sa_rah_olson
Laura Reed and Heather Dorman who organized the Blended Learning Conference are @amustREED and @hldorman1
Biz and Brian talk Microsoft's Office 365 and Google's G Suite with Cheryl Hinzman and Katie Fielding.
Biz and Brian talk with two new PWCS ITCs: Jason Brown of Graham Park Middle, and Jonathon Miller of Tyler Elementary. We discuss the path to becoming an ITC, how each is integrating into the classroom, and who really is Graham Park's best ITC ever!
Netia Elam, ITC at Bull Run Middle School shares stories of success with building digital breakout rooms to teach content and keep kids excited. Biz and Brian talk about student passwords and the new look of Outlook on the web.
In order to receive professional development points listen to this podcast as well as episode 7, register in the ERO with SRN 201818001102802 and fill out this form.
Biz and Brian catch up on the new school, discussing interactive white boards, Teams, and the SLMS on the school website. Thanks for listening!
In order to receive professional development points listen to this podcast as well as episode 8, register in the ERO with SRN 201818001102802 and fill out this form.
In Prince William's land of ITCs, Billy and Kindles just go together, so we didn't want to disappoint!
Great Resources from this show include…
Booking Resources
Simply Book Me – paid online booking
Setmore – free online booking (good for booking computer labs)
Tools you can use tomorrow with no tech experience and no money:
Quizlet for vocabulary
Nearpod for controlling student screens and delivering content
FlipGrid for student engagement
Alternatives are Recap and VoiceThread
Presentation Tools
Screenleap for screen sharing
In-Focus JTouch boards – alternative to SMART or Promethean
Wait! I want to know more about…
We went deep down the rabbit hole of Apple’s research, Google Duplex, building an online identity, and the benefits and drawbacks of phones in class. No links here, but if you’re viewing these show notes to remember what we discussed, these are a few topics that we thought you might wanted to be reminded of!
In order to receive professional development points listen to this podcast as well as episode 5, register in the ERO with SRN 201818001102801 and fill out this form.
This episode features an eye-opening conversation with Ms. Laura Schubert, CTE teacher at Graham Park middle, about how Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality can be used to give students a more impactful experience. Ms. Schubert covers a lot of ground and talks about a number of websites and apps including:
Apps for AR: Quiver Merge Cube Merge Cube apps Metaverse
Apps for VR: CoSpaces (this is not currently approved by PWCS, so obtain permission before creating student accounts)
You can contact Ms. Schubert at schubelm@pwcs.edu or follow her on Twitter @Schubelm
In order to receive professional development points listen to this podcast as well as episode 6, register in the ERO with SRN 201818001102801 and fill out this form.
Here’s a quick summary of what all of these amazing ITCs shared!
Peggi Knight – Leesylvania ES
Use YouTube in Internet Explorer
Add “ss” before youtube in a URL to download “www.ssyoutube...”
Semi Tseggai – Kyle Wilson ES
One-to-one with laptops and tablets
Smart tables
Green Screen and stop motion animation
OneNote
Netia Elam – Bull Run MS
Hybrid and Digital Breakouts using Google
For more on how to create your own hybrid breakout session, you can check out SRN 20171800110257 in the ERO!
Brooke Levecchi – Bellmont ESand Kerrydale ES
One-to-One with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade
Using 365 products
Sarah Willey – Henderson ES
Collaboration with Wixie and VoiceThread
Cheryl Phillips – Saunders MS
PowerPoint
Sara Ross – Covington Harper ES
Microsoft Teams for Science Interactive Notebooks
Cynthia McFadden – Mullen ES
Coding Club
Sean Ward – Antietam ES & Valaina Maher – Bennett ES
Give little kids a chance! They will amaze you with what they can do!
Carrie Gahagan – Osbourn Park HS
Classroom app on iPads
Collaboration Space
Jim Sample Westridge ES
Wixie for miniature stores
Sheryl Roberts – Vaughn ES
BeBots, Ozmos, and Spheros for Title 1 Reading Night
Online Coding Course together
Joy Moller – Victory ES
Escape Rooms
Katie Fielding – Woodbridge SHS
Digital Citizenship Nights
Leanne Thomas -Mary Williams ES
One-to-One with laptops or tablets
Michelle Dunphy – Fitzgerald ES
FlipGrid
Jeanie Ingram – Garfield HS
Digital Breakouts using OneNote
Marsha Jeans – Enterprise ES and King ES
Coding for kids and staff
Ozobots and Osmos
Scratch Jr
Vickie Dunlap – Hampton MS
Google Expeditions
If you’re interested, you can request a visit at this link
Gail Charnick – Swan’s Creek ES
Wixie
Michelle Elliott – Kilby ES and Terry Guiffre – Mountain View ES
Teams
Patent/trademark office with 3d printing, IP for apps, Scratch
Digital Breakout Sessions – Register to attend in the ERO with SRN
As always, if you are attempting to earn recertification point, please fill out this form
Diane mentions several websites over the course of this interview. We’ve done our best to link to them all here.
VoiceThread
Sway
Discovery Education
VSTE
Conference proposals
Blog
ISTE
Conference proposals
FETC
Conference proposals
If you’re interested in learning more about the 4C’s, you can read about them at this link, or as Diane says, “Let me Google that for you.”
As a friendly reminder, if you’re listening to this podcast for professional development points, please fill out this form. We love your feedback!
In episode 2, we talk about what you can do to keep digital learning alive in your classroom when school resources are tied up for testing.
Post-production note: In this episode, Biz talks about a website called qbbuzzer.com which is not as user-friendly as she initially thought. If you're willing to get creative, it's worth looking into, but if you're looking for a simple tool, this is probably not the right one for you.
If you have feedback for us or if you are joining us in this podcasting adventure to receive professional development points, please fill out this brief form so we can learn from you and track your hours for the ERO.
In our introductory episode, Biz and Brian discuss what happened at their schools during Digital Learning Day in February.
If you have feedback for us or if you are joining us in this podcasting adventure to receive professional development points, please fill out this brief form so we can learn from you and track your hours for the ERO.