Tech Bytes - August 2017

August is coming to an end and school is underway. So excited to walk through my schools and see the excitement of the new year on everyone's face.

Thought I would share a few pieces of information to keep in mind for the new school year.

Be In The Know:

Effective July 1, 2017, technology credits are being replaced with Digital Learning Competencies. If you renew on or after June 30, 2019,  you will need 2 DLC CEUs.

Digital Learning Competencies are broken into four focus areas. Check out this document that unpacks those areas for teachers. If you are an administrator, check this document designed for you to view the unpacking for the five focus standards.

DLC credit requires identified goals and objectives that are designed to improve teacher practice and drive student learning within teachers’ classrooms.

DLC PD should:

• Align standards & DLC competencies
• Be blended with content area & best practices
• Continue through integration and/or application within the practice
• 
  Be demonstrated by evidence-based learning (from submitted artifacts such as teacher/student portfolios, classroom walkthroughs, etc.) showing teacher mastery
• Positively impact student learning

Be on the lookout for things happening during the year at your school that you can participate in to start earning those credits.

iPad App of the Month:

Looking for an easy way to have your students showcase their learning via videos? Then check out a new favorite iPad app called Clips. Allows you to make videos with text and effects. Easy Peasy! Let me know if you want it pushed to your student iPads. Don't forget, we could plan and co-teach together. ;-)

Cool Tools Corner:

Cool Tools Corner:

Check out Flipgrid. This hot tech tool will allow you and your students to create a community of learners via video discussions. Easy for students as young as Pre-K. Great way to incorporate Making Thinking Visible strategies into your lessons. Let me know if you want help introducing to your students.

Flipgrid - Great tool for Making Thinking Visible! I’ll be happy to help get you started.