End of Year FAQ's

Each year we try to become more efficient in the way we collect district technology items. Our goal is to keep all staff members informed of what is happening to devices and how things are handled over the summer. Listed below are a few Frequently Asked Questions that we get each year.

What happens to my devices over the summer?

• Staff-
• Each staff device will be re-imaged and updated this summer. All data stored locally on the computer will be wiped. Please make sure all of your important files are uploaded to Google Drive or otherwise backed up.  We're streamlining how staff computers will receive updates and other software packages. Many of the systems on your computers require updates on a weekly basis. Each staff computer will be setup to receive these necessary updates automatically while connected to the districts network. 
• Student-
• Each student device will be re-imaged and updated every summer. 

Will I have the same student devices as last year?

• No, devices are distributed by the building administrator. After all repairs are completed an inventory is sent to the building administrator so they are able to distribute the available devices accordingly. 
• This does not apply to devices that were purchased with Grant, Title, or other special funding for a specific classroom or purpose. 

Will I be getting new technology next year?

• New technology purchases are done at the building level. If your building administrator has planned to purchase new technology for your classroom we will do our best to get it setup for you to use in the fall. 

What if my devices are broken or missing? 

• Anytime a device is broken (internal or physical) it should be reported to the Technology Department and building administrator. If you have devices that are not working or have been damaged please fill out a GLPS Support Ticket. It is important that we are able to get broken devices fixed while they are still under warranty. If their is a cost associated with the repair it will need to be handled at the building level.
• Missing devices should also be reported to the Technology Department and your building administrator. 

What do I do with my other technology items such as Projector Remote, Apple TV Remote, Classroom Speakers?

• These items belong to the classroom and should be left on top of the desk in your classroom. Many of our classrooms are used over the summer for various reasons and those items need to be accessible. Even if you are moving classrooms leave these items on the desk in your current classroom. 

Getting Smart with Brain Breaks!

Recently, our Tech & Media Team heard some buzz from our Early Childhood Center (ECC) about brain breaks.  We were instantly intrigued because it seemed so fun!  Several of the teachers were using the website, GoNoodle, for giving their kiddos a learning break and letting them get their wiggles out and brains recharged.  Our team was invited in to see some first graders in action during one of their brain breaks, and the energy was contagious!  The kids (and teachers!) sure know how to move!

After watching the students, we had a chance to sit down with one of our ELL Specialists at the ECC to talk about how brain breaks are beneficial to all students, but especially ELLs.  She offered some great insight about the cognitive benefits of brain breaks.  Below is a video of our interview with her and her insight on brain breaks.  If you are unable to view the video below, please click here.

With all the excitement from the students about brain breaks, and especially the video Pop See Ko from GoNoodle, some of the 1st grade teachers had the idea to make a personalized ECC Pop See Ko video for their students.  They wanted to include teachers and the principal from ECC, but also the superintendent of the district.  This was such a fun video to collaborate on with many different people and we are proud of our staff for not only coming up with such a great idea, but actively taking part in the creation to make an awesome video for their students.  Below is the video our teachers and administrators Pop-See-Ko-ing!  If you are unable to view the video below, please click here.

10 Minute Tech Tools - Educreations

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to capture your students' thinking?  Look no further -  Educreations for the iPad is here!  Come check my blog and how you can use Educreations on the latest 10 Minute Tech Tools!

Digital Learning Day 2015 at Godfrey-Lee #GlpsDLDay

This year, our superintendent requested that all teachers and students in the district were to engage in at least one digital learning activity on Digital Learning Day.  In preparation for this day, a few principals requested some time from our Tech Team to speak with their teachers.  So, in preparation, our team spent a day working with K-2 teachers at our Early Childhood Center helping them plan an activity for the day and providing hands-on assistance playing with new resources and collaborating with one another.  (The agenda for this planning time can be found here.)  Several members of our team also met with the middle school and high school teachers to share ideas and answer questions about the day during their staff meeting.  We wanted to make sure that all teachers were prepared for implementing a digital activity in their classroom and could ask us any questions as they arose.

Below are a few images we captured as we traveled through the buildings in the district on Digital Learning Day.  To view the full gallery of images, please click here.  We also encouraged teachers to share their experiences, photos, and other thoughts on social media with the hashtag #GlpsDLDay.  It was great to see all the great things going on!  To view a collection of our district's social media posts from the day, please click here.

After teachers completed their Digital Learning Day activity, we asked them to share their activity they implemented, examples of student projects, or any other notes they had about the day.  It was great seeing what everyone was doing and we enjoyed celebrating the digital learning that was taking place in our district!  Listed below are the responses we received to the teacher survey we sent out in regards to their Digital Learning Day experience.  If you are unable to view the responses below, please click here.

Monthly Tech Survey {March Results}

It is hard to believe that we are already starting to think about the end of the school year and summer plans and work that needs to be done!  As we make this final push to the end of the school year, our team is looking towards different ways to support our teachers as we do our summer planning and look forward to the following school year.  This month, we sent out a survey to our staff asking, "What is something (or somethings!) you do during the summer to prepare your classroom, curriculum, or other fun things for the beginning of the new school year?".  We hope to use this information gathered from this question to provide our teachers with relevant summer learning opportunities.

Listed below are the responses we received.  If you would like to view the responses in a larger sheet format, please click here.

Monthly Tech Survey {February Results}

Last month, we sent out a survey to our staff asking their thoughts and opinions on the Media Centers in their buildings.  We appreciate everyone's honesty and time in providing feedback about the Media Centers.  We strive to have open-ended communication with everyone and are always welcome to receiving feedback!

Below are some charts that provide district-wide responses to the given questions.

10 Minute Tech Tools - Plickers

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to assess your students?  Look no further -  Plickers is here!  Come check my blog and how you can use Plickers on the latest 10 Minute Tech Tools!