Media/Tech Updates - Week of 3/1

 #ReadAcrossUnderwood

#ReadAcrossUnderwood is March 1 - 5!  Here are some easy ways to celebrate reading  - http://bit.ly/readacrossunderwood  This would be a great week to schedule Andrea or Elizabeth for a class read-a-loud or an introduction to checking out library books or eBooks. 

Specialists will be doing live Bedtime Stories March 1 - 4 at 7:00pm. Please share this information with your students and families - http://bit.ly/ugtmbedtimestory

Reminders

• If a student comes to school without a device (they've left their's at home), please email Andrea ASAP in the morning. Devices will be distributed between 10:30 - 11:30am.  **Device can possibly be distributed in time for 3-5 elective if we know early enough. 
• If you take a book from the library, it must be checked out. You can text Andrea or Elizabeth the WCPSS barcode if we're not available to check out.  We're finding that there are MANY books missing from the shelves, and they happen to be ones used in our curriculum. Thanks for your help.

FEEDBACK NEEDED: Destiny Collections

Have you checked out our Destiny Collections? These are customized resource collections available to staff and students. To access, go to Follett/Destiny (Rapid Identity), then scroll down on the Destiny Discover page to Collections. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to track usage of Destiny Collections. Please take 30 seconds to fill out this survey - Destiny Collection Feedback

Media Center Calendar

If you'd like to add the Media Center calendar to your Google Calendar, here is the link - Media Center Calendar

Smart TV's

We have 2 large brand-new Smart TV's, similar to the one we use in the media center, that can be used in classrooms (in place of Smartboards.) Ms. Weed and Ms. Koh are using one in their rooms if you have any questions about pros/cons. If you would like to try one of these TV's, let Andrea know. 

Media/Tech Updates - Week of February 22

Media Center 

The media center space is beginning to be used more as we're back in the building. This is wonderful as we've missed the hustle and bustle of the space! 

If you need the space for teaching, a meeting, testing, etc., please email me so I can put you on the calendar. In the past we've able to "make" space as needed, but now we'll need to closely monitor who is using the space to keep it safe. Thanks for your help!

Media Center Calendar

If you'd like to add the Media Center calendar to your Google Calendar, here is the link - Media Center Calendar

Presenting...Dunston's Domain! 

Tech savvy Mr. Dunston is sharing his knowledge with staff in Dunston's Domain! His tips are ALWAYS a BIG HIT (and super helpful)! Go here to check out the first issue of Dunston's Domain - Dunston's Domain Issue #1.

Smart TV's

We have 3 large brand-new Smart TV's, similar to the one we use in the media center, that can be used in classrooms (in place of Smartboards.) Ms. Weed is using one in her room if you have any questions about pros/cons. If you would like to try one of these TV's, let Andrea know. They will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

Freebies for your Classroom Library

Everybody books, chapter books, and more! These will be out in the library until Thursday, 2/25. 

#ReadAcrossUnderwood

Let's celebrate Read Across America (formerly Dr. Suess Day) the week of March 1 - 5! The purpose is “....to help motivate kids to read, bring the joys of reading to students of all ages, and make all children feel valued and welcome.”   (National Education Association)   

Check out these ideas for participating at Underwood - #readacrossunderwood  Feel free to add your ideas to this collaborative document!

Specialists will be doing #readacrossunderwood Bedtime Stories this week!  Please share this doc with your families - #readacrossunderwood Family Information

Dunston's Domain - Issue #1

 Hey hey! Hope everyone has had a great week. So I've been asked (challenged) to create short videos with tips about whatever your tech needs may be. So here is my first attempt at that so everyone be gentle in the comments with you feedback 😂😂! 

The video is on how I use the Q&A feature in Google Meet. If you find yourself constantly posting the link in the chat bar for kids to join throughout the meet this video will show you how I no longer have that issue. 

If you have questions about the feature, anything else, or possible topics for future videos. Please send me an email or comment below and I'll do what I can to help you out. Also if you have a cool feature that you use that saves time please pass it along or reach out. TOGETHER WE CAN ACHIEVE MORE! 

Media/Tech Updates - Week of February 15

 

Chromebooks for on campus students

• Chromebooks used only at school are labeled with students' names in blue painters tape. These devices stay at school. The media center is not collecting these each weekend.
• Chromebooks used at school by students in the fall were not turned into the media center. These devices should be in the classroom where the student was last assigned. 
• If you have a student who needs an at-school device on a weekly basis, please email Andrea. It may take a day or two to process requests. 
• We are down to our last 10 Chromebooks. If these devices are distributed, we will no longer be able to replace broken devices and students at school would possibly have to share devices. 
• If you have students who no longer need the at-school device, please turn it in to the media center ASAP. 
• We may or may not have devices available for when a student does not bring his device to school. 

#ReadAcrossUnderwood

Let's celebrate Read Across America (formerly Dr. Suess Day) the week of March 1 - 5! The purpose is “....to help motivate kids to read, bring the joys of reading to students of all ages, and make all children feel valued and welcome.”   (National Education Association)   

Check out these ideas for participating at Underwood - #readacrossunderwood  Feel free to add your ideas to this collaborative document!

NCTIES 

If you've never had the opportunity to go attend NCTIES, this is the year for you! There are numerous sessions on wide-ranging and relevant topics related to technology in education, as well as education innovation. With a $15 NCTIES membership, you will gain access to live sessions, edcamps, and recorded sessions. Registration 

For more information, go to https://www.ncties.org/ and follow @ncties and #ncties21 on Twitter. Let Andrea know if you plan on attending. 

Media Updates - Week of February 8

 NCTIES

If you've never had the opportunity to go attend NCTIES, this is the year for you! There are numerous sessions on wide-ranging and relevant topics related to technology in education, as well as education innovation. With a $15 NCTIES membership, you will gain access to live sessions, edcamps, and recorded sessions. Registration 

For more information, go to https://www.ncties.org/ and follow @ncties and #ncties21 on Twitter. Let Andrea know if you plan on attending. 

PebbleGo

Have you had a chance to peek at PebbleGo (k-2) or PebbleGoNext (3-5)? If not, here's a quick tour - PebbleGo Tour. We also have a subscription to PebbleGo Spanish, which translates articles into Spanish. 

#ReadAcrossUnderwood

March 2 is Read Across America Day (formerly Dr. Suess Day). Be on the lookout for fun (and simple) ways to celebrate #ReadAcrossUnderwood. 

NEA has excellent resources for celebrating Read Across America year-round. Check out their website for resources to CREATE and CELEBRATE a nation of DIVERSE READERS -  https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america