2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 12 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 12!

To view what is in store on Day 12, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 12, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 11 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 11!

To view what is in store on Day 11, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 11, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 10 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 10!

To view what is in store on Day 10, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 10, please click here.

Help! My Apple TV Remote Messes Up the Volume on My Mac!

Have you ever gone to use your Apple TV remote to control your Apple TV and notice that as you are navigating around, the volume on your Mac starts automatically adjusting?  This can be frustrating/annoying depending on what you are doing, but the great thing is that you can disable that feature with just a few clicks!  By making this setting adjustment, you prevent your Apple TV remote from changing the volume settings on your computer and it will just control your Apple TV.

To change the remote control settings:

1.  Open your System Preferences.  Click on Security & Privacy.

2.  In the lower-right hand corner, click on the lock button to unlock the Security & Privacy options.  You will be prompted to enter your password after clicking on this button.

3.  In the lower right-hand corner, click on the Advanced button.

4.  Click the check box for Disable remote control infrared receiver option from the list.

5.  Click the OK button.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 9 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 9!

To view what is in store on Day 9, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 9, please click here.

Monthly Tech Survey {November Results}

Last month, we sent a survey to our staff members asking them to respond to two statements in regards to our GLPS Tech & Media Team:

1. I NOTICED...
2. I WONDERED...

We had 36 employees in the district respond to the the survey and the results were VERY helpful to our team.  Each response was read, categorized, and calculated to give a snapshot of respondents' insights and comments.  A quick overview of the responses and some explanations are provided below.

Listed below are items that respondents NOTICED.

When reviewing these comments, we were so happy to read that the majority of people felt as though we were actively working hard to help and support them, as well as being timely in our response in helping teachers and students.  In hoping to address some of the items you noticed:

1. Staffing, Professional Development, and Support Tickets - Please see below for further explanation.
2. Correcting Issues - Some of these responses indicated that issues were corrected in a timely manner, but others indicated they were not being addressed.  In regards to issues not being addressed, we hope that we never make students and teachers feel as though they are not being taken care of.  Sometimes issues are not reported to us right away, so it takes us a bit longer to diagnose what the issue at hand might be as well as a resolution.  The best way to help us resolve any issues you may be having are to submit a Support Ticket when you experience a problem/issue.
3. As stated below, this fall has been a transition time for our team and we sincerely apologize for any network/devices issues you may have encountered.  Our team has put in many hours outside of the work day working to resolve device and network issues.  We have been in contact with many outside organizations to work and resolve these and appreciate your patience while we work through some of these problems.

Listed below are items that respondents WONDERED. We truly value each response and hope that we were able to address some of the items people mentioned.  We would like to share some of these responses here for all to see.

1. Staffing - This was clearly the number one item that was mentioned in the wonderings.  At the beginning of the school year, one of our team members moved on to another job.  We wanted to make sure that we were taking time to find the right person to fill that position, so it was not filled immediately.  As each member on our team has a specific role/speciality, but we always support each other and the students and teachers we work with. Being down one person drastically changes this dynamic and we have tried our best to meet everyone's need the best that we can.  In 2011, Superintendent Britten wrote a blog post about his expectations for our team, and although our team members have change since that, his expectations for our team (and our team for one another), have not changed.  Since issuing the survey though, we have hired a new Network Administrator and hope that we can resume in providing a close to a seamless digital environment as possible.  In a nutshell, the responsibilities of our team members are:
1. Daniel Townsend - Director of Technology & Media Services
   Daniel oversees the members of the team ensuring that the vision set forth by Superintendent Britten is being appropriately implemented.  He also handles the business end of technology operations and phone/voicemail support.
2. Kelly McGee - District Media Specialist & Technology Integration Support
   Kelly is the District Librarian oversees all libraries and assists Sarah with technology integration, including (but not limited to) Rebel U and Rebel U Outreach.
3. Sarah Wood - Technology & Media Integration Specialist
   Sarah provides technology integration support and professional development to teachers in working to effectively use technology as not only an instructional tool, but as a resource for student learning.
4. Jason Faasse - District Technology Technician
   Jason works with supporting hardware, software, and audio/visual requests to ensure that students and teachers are able to effectively utilize the resources provided to them.
5. Freddie Avalos - District Network Administrator
   Freddie is responsible for all things related to the network both wired and wireless. He manages our server infrastructure and data center and he also assists with other hardware duties as necessary.
6. Mohamoud Nur - Network Technician
   Mohamoud works alongside the Freddie to ensure our network is secure and capable of supporting State testing initiatives as well as future device roll-outs, as well as assisting Jason with support.


2. Professional Development - Professional development (as it relates to technology) is something that is always offered.  Our team provides a couple of formal offerings a year (Rebel U and EdTech Cheer), but Sarah is always willing to meet with anyone to talk or plan ways that technology can be implemented for instruction and student learning.  Our goal is to empower teachers to feel comfortable with what is available to them to help enhance student learning.
3. Support Tickets - Over the years, we have heard from many teachers about how they don't know which team member to contact in regards to issues that may arise.  To eliminate this guessing game and improve our resources, the ticket system was implemented (this is the same system used by the Operations Department).  All you need to do is let us know what your problem is and the ticket gets send to the appropriate person.  A couple of commonly heard statements about this system:
1. It takes too much time to fill out a ticket.  We know that everyone is busy everyday working with many students and we appreciate everything you do to help them become successful!  Another great thing about the Support Ticket system is that it helps us collect all the information we need from you at one time instead of having emails sent back and forth.  The more information you can provide up front to us helps us help you faster and resolve a problem that you (and others!) may be having.
2. I submit tickets but never hear a response.  As soon as you successfully submit a ticket, it is send off to the appropriate member of the tech team in our system as well as email.  As the person submitting the ticket, you also receive an email copy of that ticket.  If you do not receive an email, it is possible that the ticket was never actually processed.  You may always check your ticket history to see if the ticket was submitted.  Someone should respond within 48 hours to let you know work on the ticket has begun, set up a time to meet with you, or let you know a resolution to your problem.

We hope this has clarified some of the concerns and items you brought to our attention.  We always appreciate any constructive feedback that can help us serve you better!

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 8 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 8!

To view what is in store on Day 8, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 8, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 7 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 7!

To view what is in store on Day 7, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 7, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 6 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 6!

To view what is in store on Day 6, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 6, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 5 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 5!

To view what is in store on Day 5, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 5, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 4 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 4!

To view what is in store on Day 4, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 4, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 3 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 3!

To view what is in store on Day 3, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 3, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 2 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 2!

To view what is in store on Day 2, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 2, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 1 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 1!

To view what is in store on Day 1, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 1, please click here.

Bring on the Cheer! The EdTech Cheer, That Is! #EdTechCheer

December 1 - 12, 2014

The season for my 12 Days of EdTech Cheer is upon us!

As I do each year, I would once again really like to encourage any and all teachers, educators, and administrators to participate (not just GLPS teachers!).  There is so much we can learn from one another about utilizing technology as a tool in learning and instruction that does not need to be confined within the walls of a classroom or district.

This year, the theme for EdTech Cheer 2014 is Kagan Cooperative Learning and SIOP strategies.  As with last year, it is my intent to provide you with 12 days of online, self-directed professional development that you can complete within 15 minutes a day.  That means that if you complete the full 12 days, that equals 3 hours of professional development!  We are all busy during the day and at this time of year, so 15 minutes is much more manageable than 3 hours at one time!

To view the 2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer, please click here https://sites.google.com/a/godfrey-lee.org/edtech-cheer/2014/home

Feel free to explore and get started participating in any of the days at any time.  Each day is scheduled for a day starting on December 1 (for the purpose of documenting participation and other fun incentives).  You do not have to wait to complete the activities on that particular day - you may start at any time!  To be considered for any of the incentives though, you must complete the form provided on each day (to document your participation) by the scheduled date listed on the home page.

To kick of the EdTech Cheer fun, I will be hosting a drop in session on Monday, December 1 from 3:30-4:00 in the Lee Media Center. Feel free to drop by with any questions, start working on some of the days, or talk to others who are also participating in this online professional learning opportunity.

Please let me know if you have any questions and I hope to see you following along over the course of the 12 Days of EdTech Cheer!  Also, feel free to follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #EdTechCheer .

What is Rebel U?

It seems so long ago that we began planning our first Rebel U!  It began with our superintendent granting our Tech & Media team with one day to provide technology professional development to our staff.  With the freedom to be creative and design a day however we wanted, we were a bit overwhelmed, but more so excited!  Our team sat down, brainstormed, and worked at developing a professional learning day that stemmed from some of the great things from events and other conferences we have attended.  The result was Rebel U.

Five years later, our program has grown beyond anything any of us could have anticipated.  Each year we receive amazing constructive responses from teachers and administrators that helps each participant and planner grow professionally in future Rebel U events.

Thank you to everyone who has participated, presented, or been a part of Rebel U in anyway over the past five years!  We look forward to future Rebel U days and can't wait to see what the future unfolds!

If you are unable to view the video below, please click here.

How to Make Your Life Easier in RebelNet - Storing Passwords

Did you know that RebelNet allows you to store passwords?  This allows you to easily (and securely) access certain resources found within RebelNet.  To find out how you can store your login credentials to have RebelNet automatically log in you into certain sites, check out the tutorial below.

Note:  RebelNet provides links to many different websites and resources.  Not all of these tools allow passwords to be stored, only specific ones that have been set up.  Also, as RebelNet allows you to customize your interface, your screen may not look exactly like the images below.

Step 1: Log in to RebelNet.  On the bottom menu, click on Account.

Step 2:  Click on the Password Mgr tile.

Step 3:  When the Password Mgr window opens, you will be asked to confirm your identity.  Enter your RebelNet password and then press the Submit button.

 

Step 4: You will now be able to view any of the resources in which RebelNet will allow you to to store your password.  Some of these fields will already have information stored for you.

Example: If you would like to store your IGOR password, click on the IGOR Login Credentials title and enter your IGOR login and password.

Step 5:  After you have entered any of the login credentials for sites that you would like passwords stored, press the Update Stored Passwords button to save your information in RebelNet.

4 Steps to Making RebelNet Work for You - Creating 'Shortcut' Tiles

Did you know there is much more to RebelNet outside of clicking on the tiles to access your email, Google Drive, or Infinite Campus?  You can really make RebelNet work for you by adding your own "tiles," or links to websites that you frequent.  Below is a quick tutorial on how you can add your own tiles to RebelNet.

Note:  As RebelNet allows you to customize your interface, your screen may not look exactly like the images below.

Step 1: Log into RebelNet.  On the bottom menu, click on My Tiles.

Unless you have previously added any tiles, this screen will be blank.

Step 2: Right-click anywhere on the blank screen.  A menu will pop up and select Add Tile.

Step 3: The Add Tiles window will open.  Add the URL of the website that you would like to add as well as a title for the tile.  Press the Save button once you have entered your information.

For example, if you were adding a tile for a link to the KISD's Moodle server, you would add http://moodle.kentisd.net/ for the URL and a title such as KISD Moodle.

Step 4: You will now see that your tile has been added to the My Tiles screen.

After you have clicked on your tile from RebelNet, it will show up in the Recent row of tiles.

That is all there is to it!

Fire Prevention Week 2014, October 5-11

Come visit me over at my blog to check out ways technology can be used as a resource in the classroom for teaching about fire safety and prevention.

10 Minute Tech Tools - Jeopardy Rocks

Last school year, I published a blog post with a monthly tech integration idea and corresponding resources.  Although I heard positive feedback on these tools, I also heard that it took more time than what teachers had available to explore and successfully integrate into their classroom.  Like I have always said, I welcome constructive criticism!  This helps me to structure my resources and sharing in a way that works best for my intended audience.  So, back to the drawing board...

Recently, I came across Susan Oxnevad's site with a list of technology resources she has categorized as "10 Minute Tech Tools" on one of her Pinterest boards.  I really liked her idea of sharing tools that could quickly be shared and easily implemented.  

Following her awesome lead, I would like to start a compilation 10 Minute Tech Tools of my own (instead of doing a monthly tech integration idea).  I would like to share cool resources that I find that can quickly be shared and easily researched and implemented by teachers.  This will allow me to share with you more frequently and give you resources and ideas that are fun and quick.  I am always open to learning about new resources, so please feel free to share some of your own!

To check out my first "10 Minute Tech Tool," check out my blog post here.  It is all about making online Jeopardy games!

EdTech Cheer 2014: Review & Preview

As part of the Rebel U 2014 Evaluation, we asked a couple of questions about the EdTech Cheer professional learning opportunity that is offered annually around the holiday time.  Similar to Rebel U, this will also be the fifth year that I have designed and offered the EdTech Cheer professional learning opportunity to not only the Godfrey-Lee teachers, but any educator that wants to participate.

Based on the responses, I just want just explain a little bit about what EdTech Cheer is.  Simplistically, it is an extended, online professional learning opportunity that is meant to provide resources, integration ideas, or methods for how technology can effectively leveraged as an instructional and student learning tool.  Taking my own spin on the "12 Days of Christmas," I share 12 days worth of ideas and ways that you can use technology.  As with many other professional learning opportunities, this is not meant to be a rigid prescription for exactly how to utilize technology resources, but rather something you can take and flexibly adapt to your instructional and student learning needs.  I like to look at it as 12 days of fun!

In the evaluation, some mentioned that the time of year that EdTech Cheer is offered is not necessarily ideal with all of the other holiday things going on in their classrooms and schools.  My goal is to provide on-going professional development opportunities throughout the year because I know everyone's schedule is different and certain times work better than others for some people.   I like to offer this one mid-year, after the fall kick-off with Rebel U and before getting into in-depth planning for the coming Rebel U. EdTech Cheer is just one professional learning opportunity that I offer throughout the year, but is maybe a little more publicized as it is not specific to any one classroom, school, or district.  I just like to share with everyone!

Based on the responses of that question in combination with the responses for participating in voluntary technology PD offerings for this school year, I wanted to make sure to continue to offer this self-paced, on-demand professional learning opportunity. When I build professional learning opportunities for staff, I use teacher input to drive the learning.  Some of the items noted by teachers for what they would like to see for EdTech Cheer this year are:

• Information about Google Classroom
• Strategies
• Information that reaches all content areas
• Examples of what teachers have done and how it has worked
• Tools to follow up on things that were presented at Rebel U
• Information for itinerant staff
• Information in regards to Infinite Campus
• Technology assessment tools to progress monitor students
• SIOP information
• Discovery Education information
• Collaboration tools
• Cooperative learning information
• Prizes
• Classroom Learning Lab incorporation

Based on this feedback, I am working on designing EdTech Cheer to fit as many of those noted items as possible.  As I am still in the design stage, I am always open to feedback and ideas!

Support Tickets

As the new school year is here and everyone is starting to get comfortable in their rooms and offices, we would just like to give everyone a reminder to please submit Support requests for any technical problems or needs you may have.  We strive to respond as quickly as we possibly can to each ticket request, but at the beginning of the year we are overwhelmed with requests, so an immediate response is not always possible.  We do receive each request, so there is no need to send a follow up email, call, or have another staff member follow up with one of us on the same issue or to see if we received the ticket request - that is why we love our ticket system!  By simply completing the Support ticket, it gets sent to the appropriate tech team member without you having to worry about which Tech Team member to contact with your issue.  We appreciate your patience, support, and cooperation as we work to address each of your instructional and student learning needs.  We hope everyone has had a great start to their year!

Rebel U 2014: Guest Post {Sarah Wood}

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This a post in a series about Rebel U 2014.

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As part of the Rebel U 2014 evaluation, we asked participants if they were willing to be a guest blogger on our Godfrey-Lee Technology & Media blog.  We were not only interested in hearing (and sharing) first hand accounts from attendees and presenters, but also providing an online environment for collaboration and being a part of an online professional learning community.

Today's guest post is written by K-12 Technology & Media Integration Specialist, Sarah Wood.  You can find Sarah online here or on Twitter here.

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To see Sarah's guest post, please check out her blog, found here.

Rebel U 2014: Guest Post {Sara Dewey}

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This a post in a series about Rebel U 2014.

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As part of the Rebel U 2014 evaluation, we asked participants if they were willing to be a guest blogger on our Godfrey-Lee Technology & Media blog.  We were not only interested in hearing (and sharing) first hand accounts from attendees and presenters, but also providing an online environment for collaboration and being a part of an online professional learning community.

Today's guest post is written by Godfrey Elementary School Reading Specialist, Sara Dewey. 

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It was great being a presenter this year!  What I like about Rebel U is that you get to present to members from the entire staff, not just your building.  You also get to hear presentations from staff that you might never get a chance to communicate with throughout the year.  We have so many knowledgeable people in our district and it's great to share and hear all that our staff members have to offer!

Rebel U 2014: Guest Post {Kristy Crater}

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This a post in a series about Rebel U 2014.

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As part of the Rebel U 2014 evaluation, we asked participants if they were willing to be a guest blogger on our Godfrey-Lee Technology & Media blog.  We were not only interested in hearing (and sharing) first hand accounts from attendees and presenters, but also providing an online environment for collaboration and being a part of an online professional learning community.

Today's guest post is written by Godfrey Elementary School Third Grade teacher, Kristy Crater.  You can find Kristy online here.

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Attending Godfrey Lee Public School's REBEL U 2014 Professional Development was not only a great way to catch up with my teaching colleagues, but to also learn from each other's strengths. We, as teachers, all have strengths and expertise in the areas of which we teach.  This year was the best by far!! My teaching partner, Sara Dewey, and I put together a presentation on DAILY 5, which is a structure of your literacy block so that students thrive at reading, while being independent in their choices of how to grow as a reader! Our session was amazing!! The tables were full of eager teachers, willing to learn about Daily 5 & implement it into their classrooms. We had great discussions and shared ideas with each other, no matter the grade level. I was thrilled to share my expertise with my colleagues and look forward to seeing how they implement DAILY 5  in the classroom.

Rebel U 2014: Your Questions Answered!

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This a post in a series about Rebel U 2014.

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At the end of the day at Rebel U, we ask each teacher to complete an evaluation form.  We cannot stress enough the importance of this evaluation and need each attendee to complete the form.  Despite what people may think, we take the time to go through and read each and every response.  We listen to your concerns and try to address any issues or questions you may have as we plan technology professional development for the year and start planning for future Rebel U days.

Below are some of your questions, concerns, or comments that were voiced on the evaluation this year.  We wanted to take a moment to share some words on these to keep lines of communication open.

Comment:
The evaluation was too long and I didn't know I had to click on the link to be able to complete the full evaluation.

Response:
We understand that the evaluation had many questions, and sometimes at the end of the day when you are feeling a little overwhelmed and your brain is swimming, it can seem like there are even more! We sincerely apologize for the confusion with not being able to complete the survey right within your email due to the number of questions - we honestly did not know this would happen when it was sent out. It goes to show that even our Tech Team is always learning - we don't always know everything! Each question on the evaluation is important and the information and responses collected not only helps for future Rebel Us and professional development opportunities, it is also passed on to administrators to help them plan things in their building.

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Comment:
Lunch was too long.

Response:
Every year we adjust the time allotted for lunch based on attendee feedback. Being that we were having Rebel U outside the district, it is sometimes hard to predict how much time is necessary to have 150+ people move through a line and have plenty of time to eat without feeling rushed. We will adjust again for next year!

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Comment:
There wasn't enough time allotted for the Collaboration Block.

Response:

We know that everyone works at a different pace, has a different number of people on their team/grade level/department, so it is hard to designate a time period that works for all. We try our best to make the time beneficial and meaningful for everyone.

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Question/Comment:
I didn't know what to do during the Collaboration Block.

Response:
All attendees were provided with a framework for discussion in their swag bags, along with other important information we wanted you to have for the day. We apologize if this was not clearly communicated and we tried our best to get to every room and help everyone get started.

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Please feel free to ask your questions about Rebel U! We are continually evaluation the program so that our professional development is meaningful and relevant.