What a great week. Valentine’s Day is great. We frequently get to see the students dress to impress. There are many great things happening on campuses. Several teachers are having students create Prezi presentations to change things up. These seem to work much better than the everyday, standard PowerPoint presentations. As we continue moving through the school year, remember to keep websites and other resources up-to-date for the parents and students. They love to see what is happening in your class and having access to class resources.
For those applying to INTERACT 2014, be sure you complete steps two and three of the application process by February 27. Information for steps two and three would have been sent out to eligible teams earlier this week, but can also be found on the iCafe. Please let me know if there are any questions.
At a Glance:
- 4 Powerful Ways to Inspire Student Creativity
- Doodle 4 Google
- No-Cost Summer Travel for Teachers
- Entertainment
- Staff Development Opportunities
4 Powerful Ways to Inspire Student Creativity – website – Are you looking for a way to bring creativity into your classroom? When you help your students be creative they will feel good about themselves as well as do better in the classroom. Studies have shown that students that show off their creativity do better on standardized tests along with coming into a classroom motivated and have a more positive attitude towards learning. Even as a teacher you will also be rewarded. Your performance as a teacher will increase and you will come to work every day feeling positive and eager to teach.
Doodle 4 Google – website – Do you have a student who likes to doodle? Here is a great opportunity for that students’ work to be seen by the world. Check out Doodle 4 Google and encourage your students to participate. Google will select one young artist and his or her artwork will display on the Google homepage. Along with that recognition, the student will receive a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 Google for Education technology grant for his or her school. Closing date for entries is Thursday, March 20.
No-Cost Summer Travel for Teachers – website – I know, it’s early to be talking about the summer, but these are opportunities that need early planning. Are you interested in spending a week, month, or the entire summer abroad? There are several summer travel opportunities listed on this site as well as many others on the Internet. Take a look, there might be a great opportunity available to you that would be great information to come back and share with your students and colleagues.
Entertainment – How not to clean your computer.
Technology Staff Development Opportunities – Log into ASCEND to register
| Date |
ASCEND Section# |
Training | Location |
| February 18 | 98008 | INTERACT Video Assistance Open Lab | iCafe |
| February 20 | 98015 | Dive in Deeper with Edmodo | iCafe |
| February 25 | 98014 | Engaging Minds with QR Codes and Augmented Reality | iCafe |
| March 18 | 98016 | App Smashing 101 | iCafe |
| March 27 | 98009 | Tips and Tricks for Office 2013 | iCafe |
| April 8 | 98010 | Become a Skydrive Pro | iCafe |
| April 24 | 98005 | Introduction to Microsoft OneNote | iCafe |
| February 24 | 98020 | Webinar 4 – Use of ICT for Learning | Online |
| March 3 | 98021 | Webinar 5 – Real-World Problem-Solving and Innovation | Online |
| March 17 | 98022 | Webinar 6 – Self-Regulation | Online |
| March 24 | 98023 | Webinar 7 – Skilled Communication | Online |
| March 31 | 98024 | Webinar 8 – Certification Presentations | Online |