Westfield Washington Schools
Tech Tuesday Newsletter
December 05, 2017
Book Pick of the Week
9780325074733.jpgAmplify by Katie Muhtaris and Kristin Ziemke
Guest writer Tonya Moody shares how Amplify has impacted her teaching and learning.
As technology becomes a larger part of classrooms, how do we effectively incorporate it in a meaningful way? Amplify helps guide educators on how to incorporate technology in a way that balances a child’s need for print while also allowing a teacher to provide a future-ready education! "When introducing technological tools, we often apply the same practices and strategies we use in our daily teaching, but amplify their power with technology,” write Katie and Kristin. “We model what we want students to do with the technology, guide them to try it out with us, provide time for practice, then share as a class.” Ultimately, this book will provide strategies to inspire your students and open up a world of possibilities for teachers! Check out the book on Amazon or browse Kristin Ziemke’s website for more resources. You can also follow Kristin and Kate on Twitter. Kristin Ziemke Katie Muhtaris
Google Tip of the Week
Get training on Google Classroom
Google Classroom is an efficient and highly effective resource for teachers. One of the best tips for using Google Classroom is allowing students to post questions on a discussion board where other students can answers those questions. Let’s empower our students to help one another!
Elementary teachers, please reach out to me or your Instructional Coach to help get started with Google Classroom. We are here to help! You can also check out my 4 minute quick start video that answers the most common questions I get about Google Classroom.
Connected Educators
Twitter list for WWS Educators
Tonya Moody has created a Twitter list for all educators at Westfield. This is a great way to stay connected with other educators. You can subscribe to the list here. Tweet @MrsMoodyIC if you want to be added to the list.
Teachers Using Technology
Do you know of a great use of technology by a Westfield Teacher? Share your own technology tip with me or nominate another teacher!
Teacher of the Week: Tonya Moody, MTES Instructional Coach
Favorite Technology Items:
Top Five Blogs Recommendations
The Principal of Change-Stories of leading and learning
MindShift
The Innovative Educator
The Recovering Traditionalist
Cult of Pedagogy
Top Twitter Must Follows
Dr. Grate
Tom Loud
NCTE
Jo Boaler
Edutopia
We Are Teachers
Happify
SELinSchools
Google for Education
Education Week
Teaching Channel
Mindset Works
Teaching STEM
Three Must Haves for Teachers and Students
Google Classroom
SeeSaw
Flipgrid
Tonya uses Twitter chats to connect with other educators. This enables her to interact with Instructional Coaches around the country. Twitter chats also give Tonya the opportunity to learn and grow from leading educational voices. Start growing your PLN (Personal Learning Network) today and join a Twitter chat. Tonya recommends #Satchat every Saturday morning at 7:30 am. Ask your Instructional Coach how to participate in Twitter chats!
Tonya uses Seesaw to engage and assess students. It works because students use Seesaw as a tool to build their digital responsibility and drive their own learning and assessment. It saves time because it allows teachers to focus on small group instruction while students respond to essential questions or show their understanding on Seesaw independently. Other benefits include building using Seesaw as a formative assessment by having the students check for understanding. Finally, it gives parents the opportunity to view student work through a digital portfolio. Seesaw is a MUST use tool!
Connect with Tonya: moodyt@wws.k12.in.us @MrsMoodyIC Extension: x8625