Sunday, November 29, 2015

Edutech World Podcast : Episode 3


Edutech World Podcast Episode 3: Equipment reviews, Content Filtering, and the tech tool of the month! This episode features quick commentary about the Lenovo ThinkPad E550 with the i5 Processor, Logitech’s Wireless Presenter R400, and a quick follow up on the Microsoft Surface Book.  The main segment focuses on thoughts relating to web content filtering, which is a continually evolving topic.

Featured Tool of the Month : Screencast-O-Matic.

Show Notes:

0:00 Show opening, NEOTIE.org, Twitter = @seanwhelantech, email: edutechworldpodcast@gmail.com

Show voicemail line 1-216-647-0201 or edutechworldpodcast on Skype.

Show contact info and web site: http://edutechworldpodcast.com/

Show’s Google+ Community

0:38 Tech Reviews

9:31 Filtering

19:28 Tech Tool of the Month

22:36 Closing

The show will be back next month with another episode. Please check out the show website and Twitter for further information.

Episode Links

NEOTIE Magazine Issue 1

Screencast-o-matic


Check out this episode!

Friday, November 20, 2015

Online Testing Update and Resources for Teachers/Test Administrators

Latest Online Testing Updates, Manuals, and Resources for Preparation

Please remember we will be regularly updating the Curriculum and Technology Site with testing information and resources for the 2015/2016 school year. 

To get there:
1) Go to http://www.westg.org
2) Click on "staff"
3) You will see a link to the new West Geauga Curriculum and Technology website

Note: Ohio created a great training tutorial for how to use AIR for Test Administrators. It goes through the entire process.
 
To access it:
2) Click on the 3rd folder down labeled "Online Systems Resources"
3) Click on "Tutorials" 
4) Choose the "Test Administrator Certification Course" 
 
This is new this year and gives a common language to learning how to administer the test.
 
To get test administration manuals:
2) Click on "Administration Manuals and Guidance Documents"
3) Test administrators will want:
         a) Directions for Administration Manual
         b) Test Administrator Checklist
         c) Online Testing Checklist (Scripts and Troubleshooting tips to make the day go smooth!)
 
To get to student practice:
2) Click on "Student Practice Resources"
3) You will see student tutorials and tools for the practice site but also subject specific sample items, keys and rubrics.
 
Some suggestions for online testing:

1) Remain calm: Most problems are quickly resolved. There is nothing that can happen that can't be fixed. Students need to be aware of this. Students should focus on doing their best and need to know that any technical glitch that may arise is often resolved quick, just like when they play a game or open an app at home. Most are very experienced with this and that connection is helpful.
2) Go through the tutorial and read the resources early: We are here to help as specific questions come up. The sooner you have taken a look at the state resources, the quicker your questions can be addressed.
3) Talk to your team: Each member of a team brings unique ideas. This support is critical. What is a question for one member of the team will likely be answered by another. If not, send us any questions that come up and we will try to find answers.  

Friday, November 6, 2015

Newsletter 11/5/2015 : New Website and Resources

New Curriculum and Technology News and Resource Site

We have been working hard to rework the Curriculum and Technology Website. You'll see a wide variety of links and resources currently available to you. The link has been added here and is also available under the "staff" section of the district website. 

New Website

The rest of this newsletter will give you a quick tour of the initial layout of the site. Expect many additions along the way so check back often.

General Curriculum Links and Resources

This section will include helpful links to useful websites and additional resources.

Daily 5

Here we've listed some individual websites on the Daily 5. Check out how other teachers are using this framework.

Online Testing Resources 2015/2016

As you know, Ohio has Air Testing for ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies.  This testing engine may be new to some of you. This page currently includes all available information from the state. As there are more updates, we will share them with you here.

Please note that all test administrator manuals and resource materials are here for your access. There are also a number of walkthroughs and information to use with your students. 

Professional Development

We wanted to create an area to house resources from Professional Development opportunities. This will be used to keep an archive for future reference. 

Technology Resources

Like the previous section, this will grow and morph over time. These are technology resources to help with instruction but also with content for student use. 

Please take some time to check out the website for resources that will help your instructional goals and needs.