This was a great week to be back on campus. January has only just begun, but there are awesome things happening. Projects using the laptops and computers are happening everywhere, students are using iPads to create movies, and much more. What a great way to start the spring term…aside from the cold weather. Lots of information in this week’s newsletter including information regarding INTERACT 2016 and the spring technology staff development opportunities.
At a Glance:
- INTERACT 2016
- Spring Staff Development Opportunities
- Tech Tip – Outlook Voting Tool
- Technology Staff Development Opportunities
INTERACT 2016
Since 2008, the Instructional Technology Team has invited instructional staff to attend INTERACT Academy, a unique professional development opportunity which focuses on helping educators use high-yield instructional strategies and 21st Century Learning Design to plan engaging learner-centered lessons that result in increased student achievement. It’s once again time for your staff to begin thinking about forming campus teams and completing their “Intent to Apply” forms. While the procedures for team selection have not changed, team membership guidelines HAVE changed. Because of these changes, we wanted to take a moment to highlight a few of the INTERACT Application details.
Though links to these details were sent to all staff members earlier today, we would love for you to remind your instructional staff to apply to attend INTERACT during an upcoming staff meeting, or through other staff communication. Below you’ll find a list of FAQ’s your staff members may ask about INTERACT.
INTERACT FAQ’s:
Q: What is INTERACT?
A: View a short, high-energy video overview of INTERACT Academy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUS9l8Vfde0 **Perfect to feature at an upcoming staff-meeting!
Q: When is INTERACT 2016?
A: June 6-10, 2016
Q: How many teams are chosen to attend?
A:
- Elementary, Middle Schools & Junior High Schools = 1 Team per Campus
- High Schools = 2 Teams per Campus
Q: Can more than 1 team per campus apply to attend?
A: YES! Friendly competition between applicant teams at the same campus is encouraged.
Q: How many people can be on an INTERACT team?
A: 2-4 instructional staff members may be on a team. Guidelines regarding “Who can be on a Team” are spelled out on iCafe. http://goo.gl/gXc8Jx
Q: Can past INTERACT participants attend INTERACT?
A: YES! **INTERACT participants who attended more than 5 years ago, are now eligible to re-attend the academy!** This year, this means that anyone who attended in 2008-2010 is eligible to re-attend.
Q: How do I apply to attend INTERACT?
A: All application forms & important details are posted on iCafe – http://goo.gl/A3uVoC
Q: How are teams chosen to attend INTERACT?
A: Teams will be chosen based on the overall combined score of the following items:
- Average Score of Individual Application (Blind Scored by CITS Team)
- Team Video Application Score (See Rubric)
- Administrator Referral Score
More information can be found on iCafe – http://goo.gl/Zc2Vpu
Q: What are the deadlines for applying?
A:
- Intent to Apply Form – Jan 28
- Individual Applications – Feb 25
- Team Video Application – Feb 25
I will continue to keep you in the loop regarding the application process, and am looking forward to another successful Academy! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Spring Staff Development Opportunties
January is upon us. May people are looking to complete their DMA hours. Below in the Technology Staff Development Opportunities section is a list of technology trainings being offered by the CITS teams for teachers. Register for any of these sessions by logging into ASCEND.
Tech Tip – Outlook Voting Tool
- Start a new e-mail message
- Note: message should include note to use voting option
- Set the To and Subject fields
- Compose a message as needed
- Click the Options tab
- Click the “Use Voting Buttons”
- Choose voting type from list that appears
- Approve;Reject
- Yes;No
- Yes;No;Maybe
- Custom – set your own voting options
- Send the message
Technology Staff Development Opportunities
Register through ASCEND
| Date | ASCEND Section # | Session Title |
| Thurs, Jan 21 | 101900 | OneNote Productivity |
| Thurs, Jan 28 | 101901 | Tips and Tricks for Office 2013 |
| Tues, Feb 9 | 101902 | Office 365 with Students |
| Thurs, Feb 11 | 101813 | INTERACT Video Assistance Open Lab |
| Tues, Feb 16 | 101814 | INTERACT Open Lab |
| Thurs, Feb 18 | 101904 | Tech Playground
Location: Terry LGI 126A |
| Tues, Feb 23 | 101905 | Tech Playground
Location: Terry LGI 126A |
| Tues, Mar 1 | 101906 | OneNote Class Notebook Creator |
| Thurs, Mar 10 | 101907 | IWB Make and Take |
| Thurs, Mar 31 | 101908 | Exploring the Possibilities with Discovery Education |
| Tues, Apr 5 | 101909 | What’s that you SWAY? |
| Thurs, Apr 14 | 101910 | Get in the Mix with Office Mix |
| Mon, Apr 18 | 101913 | It’s a Wrap! End of Year Prep Webinar |
| Tues, Apr 19 | 101914 | It’s a Wrap! End of Year Prep Webinar |
| Wed, Apr 20 | 101915 | It’s a Wrap! End of Year Prep Webinar |
| Thurs, Apr 21 | 101916 | It’s a Wrap! End of Year Prep Webinar |