Tech Bytes

 Smart Start by Edu Protocols! Jon Corippo and Marlena Hebern      Start the year right and engage students immediately!         Not only is Edu Protocols' Smart Start a dynamic way to get students thinking, creating and collaborating, but they are also easy for you to use!         Check out these templates and let the students lead the learning. While using these Smart Start activities (a nice schedule is included, but click on the links), students will feel as they are a part of the learning!        These templates, and the directions that go with them, can be reused ALL YEAR LONG, with many different topics, subject areas, and standards.          Give students the confidence to know what you expect and how to do it...all they need is the actual content. A real TIME SAVER down the road!!          After you check these out...please see your Ed Tech Coach if you would like more advice with planning and applying these amazing, reusable lessons.  Smart Start Distance Learning Schedu

The Historical Scene Investigation Project (HSI) was designed for social studies teachers who need a strong pedagogical mechanism for bringing primary sources into their classroom. With the advent and accessibility of the internet, many libraries, universities, and government agencies are housing their historical documents online. Simultaneously, there has been a push in K-12 history education to give students experiences that more closely resemble the work of a real historian.

  Zearn Log In for Students A poster to share with students about logging in to Zearn through Classlink. This is accompanies the video by Dan Hauptman. 

  Flippity.net provides several templates to turn a simple Google Sheet into a "set of flashcards and other cool stuff!" Oh yeah, it's free! Be sure to check out their eLearning suggestions. The Flippity Scavenger Hunt could be fun!  The eLearning activities can be set up so that student results are emailed to you when completed.  Each activity comes with a demo, instructions and a template (just make a copy!) Below is an example using their Random Name Picker (This is an older video, they have updated it and made it better!) Check out our YouTube Channel for other EdTech related topics. And, don't forget to subscribe!  Steve

Presenting while using Google Meet can be a challenge if teachers want to view their students at the same time. Google Education Trainer and Innovator, Eric Curts, in his blog Control Alt Achieve , shares three options for making this happen. See the video tutorial  HERE . At :52, Eric walks you through how to set up a second monitor to your primary device; demonstrating how to make those hardware connections as well as how to switch between the two monitors. If you do not have a second monitor, Eric suggests a second option. Logging in with a primary device such as a laptop or desktop, and then logging in with a second device like a teacher iPad, can allow you to present on one screen while still being able to see those adorable faces on another. If this is your best option, jump to 3:33 to watch the best practices for a smooth presentation. (Secret hint: muting your mic and turning off camera eliminates echo issues) But what if you do not have a second device? There is a third option

 Welcome!       We are here for you and starting this blog to share tips, tricks, and best practices for engaging students, promoting 21st Century skills, and challenging our thinking! It's time to reimagine our classrooms, help our students navigate this new world and prepare them for the world they will inherit.      Subscribe and stop by every Tuesday and Thursday for our short and tasty Tech Bytes!      Please visit us at  palmdalesd.org/edtech .