Author: PCCS TIS

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning continues to inform educational technology. This includes Google’s Autodraw which uses A.I. to predict what you draw and Grammarly which helps and supports grammar and word usage.

The web-based Quillionz, dubbed as the “World’s first AI-powered platform for creating questions, assessments, and quizzes” lets teachers import any text (journal article, website, etc.) and create question ideas based off of that text. Generated questions can come in multiple formats including; short answer, multiple choice, and fill in the blank. Teachers can choose from specific keywords, and all questions are editable based on DOK level.

To find out more about Quillionz (they do have a free version), click on this link from posting by Richard Byrne. Posting

As you might already know, Book Creator (we have their IOS app installed on many district ipads) is a simple tool that can be used to create awesome digital books. It allows teachers to create their own teaching resources or have their students take the reins.

Combine text, images, audio and video to create:

• Interactive stories
• Digital portfolios
• Research journals
• Poetry books

Most recently, Book Creator added New “Magic Ink” and Autodraw Tools for Making eBooks. Check out Richard Byrne’s breakdown of what’s new: https://www.freetech4teachers.com/2019/06/book-creator-adds-new-magic-ink-and.html

For those using Chromebooks, learn more about how it works on those devices and consider if their limited free version (1 library with 40 books) might be of interest.

Many companies that have education technology tools time their announcements of new tools as well as new feature adds to coincide with, and be announced at, the annual International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference.

One such company, Seesaw, has come out with many new features that are highlighted in this post from Richard Byrne. Features include importing Google Classroom rosters, collage creation, Chromebook optimization, and video and audio integration. Click on the link also shown below to read more.

https://www.freetech4teachers.com/2019/06/5-new-seesaw-features-for-teachers-and.html

Seesaw is an installed IOS app found on most of our district ipads. Seesaw can also be used on Chromebooks and students can find and install it through the Chrome Web Store.

Check out EduPaths which has 285+ FREE Professional Development courses (& FREE SCECHs) for educators.

EduPaths is a FREE professional development portal for ALL Michigan Educators. EduPaths courses are designed to expand understanding on a wide variety of topics and help educators share best practices. Courses are available online and are completely self-paced and intended to help educators personalize their own learning plan anytime and anywhere.

It is FREE to register for an account, and once registered you will be able to access an ever expanding set of FREE courses. Here’s a snapshot of the courses now available for SCECHs.

CleverPDF is a FREE online service that anyone can use to convert a PDF into/from the following file types: Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Apple (Pages, Numbers, Keynote), assorted image file types and ePub files. In all, there are 27 different ways the service can work with PDFs including the aforementioned converting AND merging, splitting, watermarking or encrypting.

https://www.cleverpdf.com/

Please note, while their terms of use and privacy policy suggest the site only temporarily retains uploaded files, we nonetheless caution against sensitive materials (ones with personally identifiable information) being submitted for conversion.

This August, our district will change the Chrome policy around what apps and extensions students may use from the Chrome Web Store.  

We will be shifting…

FROM:   ALLOWING ALL apps and extensions EXCEPT for the ones we actively BLOCK

TO:   BLOCKING ALL apps and extensions EXCEPT for the ones we actively ALLOW.

Also in August, we will reduce the number of force installed apps and extensions for students and will relocate some of those apps/extensions to the district section of the Chrome Web Store to allow students the choice of whether or not to install them. Students may need assistance in installing apps and extensions desired by instructional staff (see this support page for some guidance).

Students and staff may request to have apps or extensions unblocked and/or made available on the district section of the Chrome Web Store by using the form linked below.

http://links.pccsk12.com/requestforapporextension

Before leaving for your well-deserved summer vacation, please comply with the directions of your principal and main office to turn in or secure all classroom technology equipment such as document cameras, microphones, interactive pens, and remotes. On your last school day, please also power off projectors, interactive flat panels, sound amps, and desktop computers, etc. You may leave printers and copiers plugged in and powered on.

Please also secure or take home all District-assigned devices (laptop, Chromebook, iPad, etc.), as well as all personally-owned devices.

District-assigned devices should be brought back when you return to school in the fall OR upon separation of service from the District (retirement, resignation, lay-off, etc.) (please see this document if you are separating from service).

Thanks for your cooperation in helping safeguard district tech!

Thanks for your service! Before heading to your next chapter, please remember to return your District-issued technology equipment, including laptops, Chromebooks, iPads, Apple TVs, etc. Please complete this form and please make note of any damages or issues when you turn it in as well.

Equipment provided directly by the District should be returned to the Technology Department via the building technician. Please submit a Service Request to arrange a pickup with the building Technician. We suggest that you back-up any personal files to a personal flash drive (or upload them to a personal cloud storage account such as a personal Gmail Google Drive account or a Dropbox account), and then remove any personal data from District equipment before you return it.

Equipment purchased via overage funds, EEF grants, PTO funds, etc. should be returned to the building office secretary.

If you need to take your data with you, please follow the process outlined by Google and Google Takeout: https://takeout.google.com/settings/takeout

More info and directions on Takeout: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3024190?hl=en

Lightspeed Technologies (found in our secondary schools), and Teach Logic (found in our elementary schools), the manufacturers and service providers for our audio systems provided some tips for the care of our classroom audio system over the summer.

The P-CCS Tech department urges that microphones be stored in a secure location as buildings are responsible for their replacement should they be damaged or missing.

Before leaving school for your summer break, here are a few tips for summertime care of the systems:

• Charge the microphone batteries fully (8-10 hours, remember to turn off the microphones) after the last day of use.
• Disconnect the microphones from the charger.
• You may wish to remove the batteries and store them with the microphone(s).
• You may unplug the systems from the wall power outlet to conserve electricity.
• Store systems and mics in a place where they will be safe from damage while summer projects/cleaning might take place.
• The batteries will hold a residual charge over the summer, and will only need to be charged up overnight before the first day of use.
• If there will be construction and/or renovation in a particular area or room, some type of bag or covering for the amplifier or the REDCAT will help protect the components.

At the beginning of the next school year:

• Remove any type of bag or covering for the amplifier or the REDCAT, if used.
• Plug the system back in (if it was unplugged over the summer).
• Fully charge the batteries again (8-10 hours).
• The system is now ready for use.

REMC will again be offering free virtual classes in the months of July and August. These courses are designed with practical ideas and implementations that can be utilized in your classroom and school. Classes include the new MITEC standards, 21things4students, Design thinking and much more. Click on this link to read more about this great and free opportunity. Please note that the deadline for registration is July 5th for July classes and August 2nd for August classes.