Category: Blog

Ditch Summit’s Free Online PD now available through January 6

As mentioned in one of our last month’s blog posts, the Ditch That Textbook Digital Summit hosted by Matt Miller promises valuable knowledge from top innovators AND tips you can implement immediately. All videos — more than 80 — will be available in December and early January. Like any other conference, when it’s over, it’s over and the videos will disappear. Speaker videos last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. They’re practical and inspirational, from hand-picked education leaders. Each video is accompanied by a PDF notes page summarizing the message. Download the notes, share, and keep them as long as you want.

Canvas Update – Unsplash images

Canvas Instructure recently shared in their Community Blog Post, that the Unsplash images integration has been removed from all instances of Canvas. This integration was previously available in the Rich Content Editor (RCE) to add images. According to Unsplash, any images previously embedded within Canvas courses will remain intact with no broken links.

If you wish to continue using Unsplash, you can access those images simply by searching the free repository directly at www.unsplash.com. and download the images to your device to either upload or drag/drop into the RCE. You will, of course, still be able to upload images from the computer in Canvas within the RCE in place of Unsplash.

ChatGPT: AI technology specializes in dialogue and generates original responses to questions in moments

ChatGPT by OpenAI (link blocked on our network) was recently released and has taken social media by storm. ChatGPT is a technology that is powered by AI (Artificial Intelligence).

What is unique about this technology is the AI can answer a multitude of questions with original responses that cannot be checked by modern plagiarism checkers. The writing is so advanced that these platforms (such as Google’s Originality Reports and Turnitin) see it as original work. There are springing up detectors such as this one that can be used to analyze and rate on a scale how likely a block of text was AI-generated, but they are far from 100% accurate.

See for example this article and look at the example below gathered from this article: https://www.springboard.com/blog/news/chatgpt-revolution/

Technology disrupting the education field is nothing new. When the PhotoMath app – Video, came out a couple of years ago, it too made an impact. The fact that a student could simply take a picture of a math problem and the app could not only give an immediate answer, but then show the steps it takes to solve the problem, caused consternation.

Below are some tips and tricks that we recommend to teachers to help address possible concerns with usage:

Utilize a blended learning/flipped model: Canvas can offer a multitude of options and solutions. Upload lessons, screencasts, teachings, using the Canvas platform, and have students view these outside of school. So, then when you are meeting in person, they can write during class time, complete math work, have meaningful discussion about what was learned.
Google Assignments: In Canvas, teachers can assign work with Google Assignments. Which allows the teacher to share a template/file with the student. In doing so, the teacher has immediate access through Google Drive to that assignment. So the teacher can “check-in” on the assignment throughout the writing process. Here is a previous blog post put out by the TIS team. https://tech.pccsk12.com/google-assignments-1-3-a-closer-look/
Version History in Google Docs/Sheets/Slides: With google docs auto saving technology, the docs are saved every 3 seconds. Because of this the version history of docs can be extremely helpful. If a large portion of the writing appears, more than likely this was block copied. For help with version history click here: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9308971?hl=en You may also want to use the Google docs’ extension Revision History to playback the composing of a document so you can see the timing as well.
AI detector software: AI detectors are not reliable. Even as they advance, research shows that a few small changes made by a user will make allow it to pass through AI detection. Instead you might direct students to Proof of Positive Authorship.
Frame different questions, in some cases seeking subjective responses (so for example, “explain your opinion on ___ with evidence that informed your opinion”).
NEWLY ADDED RESOURCES to further explore AI
1. check out CommonSense’s posting on ChatGPT at https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/guide-to-chatgpt-for-parents-and-caregivers
2. check out the AI Education Project at https://www.aiedu.org/

While the district has blocked ChatGPT on its network (due to terms of service issues as well as for security and academic concerns), this tool still can be accessed at home or on cell phones by students.

We hope that the ideas above help you and support you with understanding and leveraging this new technology and how to continue to support your students when new technology appears.

As always, reach out to curriculum and instruction team for additional ideas and best instructional practices for the classroom. Also, reach out to a member of the TIS team for additional ideas and support around educational technology, and how to utilize technology in the classroom.

LATEST TOS have now been updated to allow for service use by those between 13 and 18, but parental/guardian permission is still required:

Canvas New Feature – Drag and Drop!

NEW DRAG AND DROP FEATURE COMING TO CANVAS!

Canvas users no longer have to upload content prior to adding it into the Rich Content Editor in Canvas! You can soon just Drag and Drop the content directly on to the page, quiz, discussion or anywhere the Rich Content Editor is in Canvas. This feature will go live on December 20 – follow this quick tutorial for how to use this new feature. Any files that are dragged/dropped into the RCE even save to your course’s uploaded media repository!

Odds n’ Ends

This week, Google announced Chrome users can now search their tabs, bookmarks and history in the Chrome address bar. These new shortcuts let you quickly search your tabs, bookmarks, and history. To do this you simply type “@tabs” or “@bookmarks” or “@history” followed by your search term to search within your tabs, bookmarks, or Chrome browser history.
The Florida Center for Instructional Technology hosts two great resources for teachers and students in search of free clipart and pictures for classroom projects. One of those is ClipArt ETC and the other is Clippix ETC. Their catalogs are arranged in thematic collections and sub-collections. Simply pick a collection then a sub-collection to find the resource that you want to use. The resources are available in three file sizes to meet most needs.
This video reviews three helpful features within YouTube including adjusting the size and color scheme of subtitles, accessing and saving a transcript of videos, and clipping sections of YouTube videos. A reminder that inserting a dash between the “t” and the “u” in a video provides a video that is playable without ads, comments, and is in full screen mode. https://www.yout–ube.com/….

Google Earth and two other apps, newly accessible to eligible students!

P-CCS remains committed to keeping student data protected and secure. We strive to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and review companies’ policies around their digital offerings to ensure student data is safeguarded. With this as a backdrop, we chose to disable access to certain Google apps, including Google Earth, several years ago when Google changed their access requirements for those additional services. Very recently though Google introduced a way for districts such as ours to meet compliance expectations so we can again make them accessible to our students; the apps are Google Earth, CS First, and Google Read-Along.

Google Earth– Google Earth is a computer program that renders a 3D representation of Earth based primarily on satellite imagery. Also uses the Google search engine to utilize features such as timeline, history, and research.
CS First– CS First is an easy-to-use computer science curriculum designed for students in grades 4-8 (ages 9-14) that is free of charge. Teachers use the video content to teach kids coding basics with Scratch for CS First, a special version of the Scratch coding editor inside the CS First website.
Read-Along– Read Along by Google uses AI to listen to children as they are beginning to read and give them pointers, suggestions, and let’s them know how they are doing. Please note that the books have to be on their site, and the program is still in BETA.

As the blog post title states, this is for eligible students. Meaning, students whose parents have digitally agreed in MISTAR Parent Connection to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act paperwork when registering their children for school. If you are unsure which of your students do not have permissions, you can have the students try and access one of those services or you can check with your building secretary (they can run a MISTAR report on COPPA sign ups).

As always, if you need any assistance, or ideas on how to utilize these great programs in your classroom, reach out to the TIS team via a technology service request!

Remain vigilant against online scams and phishing attempts

Just a little reminder, ’tis the season for on-line shopping…which also means ’tis the season for on-line scams.

Remember – Stay Vigilant:

1. If it looks too good to be true…it probably is.

2. Never type in your email address and password (or any other information) unless you are 100% sure it’s ok. If in doubt, stop, and ask questions.

3. Be careful downloading applications that promise awesome savings/gift cards or other such silly stuff…..(see #1).

4. Amazon doesn’t give away $500 gift cards just because they like you, or for filling out a survey (same with Walmart… see #1 ).

5. If there is ANY doubt in your head……submit a tech service ticket. We’d much rather spend 30 seconds answering your ticket than reimaging your laptop and seeing you upset and/or taken advantage of.

6. Don’t click on FedEx / UPS / USPS links in emails that come out of the blue ….. and if you do follow a link…remember # 2
(FedEx / UPS don’t need your Credit Card number or your Social Security number to verify your identity and shipping address.
Some of the emails the scammers send are *pretty* convincing, and they make them seem urgent, so pay attention and be EXTRA aware when dealing with any email about packages).

7. READ and LOOK at emails before you do anything…is the grammar just a little “off” ? Is the graphic kind of cheesy looking ? Who is the email from (does the address match who the person says they are)?

8. Some of the scammers have started setting up web sites that look very real / legit…but they are selling items at 1/4 the going rate…… do some shopping…is anyone else in the world selling the item that cheap ?….(see #1 )

9. Microsoft (or other computer companies) will NOT call you if your computer is having issues. They also do not have random Internet pages pop up telling you that your computer needs work.

10. If you have even the slightest doubt…. you can always just copy the text of the email into a google search. If it’s a scam, you’ll usually get lots of hits.

Happy holidays. Let’s be careful out there.

REMC December free PD opportunities

Give yourself the gift of learning during the holiday season with a REMC course

Treat yourself to a REMC December course! Our professional learning is the best way to beat the winter blues and enhance your classroom learning in the new year. This month, our courses include tips to help struggling readers, ways to improve critical thinking through coding and how to lead a culture of change in your school …just to name a few.

Registration deadline is Thursday, December 1st, each course begins on Monday, December 5th. Through the support of REMC SAVE’s vendor partners, all courses are FREE and there are no SCECH fees. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn, connect, collaborate and grow with REMC courses.

Check out December courses:

Register by Thursday, December 1st. You will receive a welcome email with the course login and other information prior to the course start date. If you have questions or need further assistance with your course registration, please click here.

Computer Science Education Week 2022

Computer Science Education Week 2022

This year computer science week is December 5-11, 2022. Computer Science Education Week week is an annual call to action to inspire k-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers and partners to the field. Computer Science Education Week is held annually in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (December 9, 1906). One way to celebrate Computer Science week in your classroom is by participating in the Hour of Code!

What is the Hour of Code?

The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify “code”, to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts. Check out the tutorials and activities. This grassroots campaign is supported by over 400 partners and 200,000 educators worldwide.

Why computer science?

Every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path. See more stats here.

How do I participate in the Hour of Code?

Start planning here by reviewing the how-to guide from hourofcode.org.

View activities on https://hourofcode.com/us/learn

View resources from Code.org:

NASA’s Space Jam: Create a solar system that really rocks! Program planets to make music, creating your own musical solar system, complete with spacey melodies. Appropriate for grades 2 and up.
3D Space Invaders: Code the classic Space Invaders game in 3D while learning about the basics of game development, including fundamental programming concepts like loops, conditionals, and keyboard events. Appropriate for grades 2 and up.
Minecraft Escape Estate: Solve puzzles to escape from Dr. Breakowski’s mysterious mansion in the new Minecraft Hour of Code: Escape Estate. Use coding and computational thinking to unlock secrets, open trap doors, and reveal hidden clues! Appropriate for grades 2 and up.
Maps: In this universe, different maps are the backdrop for fun challenges with vehicles that obey your programs. To win, you will have to interpret each map and program not only the movements, but adapt to the unexpected! Appropriate for grades 9 and up.

Check out our blog for featured unplugged activities, lesson plans, virtual field trips, and more!

View Resources from Tynker:

It’s called Coding Cup. Tynker for Schools’ parent is sponsoring FIFA World Cup 2022, and this gives students a chance to code their own team and engage with students all over the world. You can join two LIVE learning events around Coding Cup!

*First* – Join the FREE Web PD for Wayne County Teachers

In this FREE 60-minute webinar, explore Tynker’s brand-new collaborative coding experience that lets students control their own soccer team! In this webinar, educators will create their Tynker classrooms, enhance their own soccer skills with Tynker, compete in matches, and discover more CSEdWeek activities!

Date: Dec. 1st

Time: 3:00pm ET

Recorded? (for all registrants)

*Second* – Add CodeLab on Tynker LIVE: Coding Cup to Your Calendar

Like last year’s NASA events, we broadcast LIVE Webcasts called CodeLab: a live learning show for students, hosted by Tynker Teachers, which includes a LIVE walk-through of the Coding Game/Activity during CSEdWeek.

Date: December 6th

Time: 2pm ET

Recorded? (for all registrants)

View Resources from Google CS First

Now it’s even easier for your students to learn coding. This year, students will find all the instructions to create the project within the activity – so no more switching between a video tab and the code editor. In addition to step by step instructions embedded in Scratch for CS First, they’ll also have access to hints, highlights, and text-to-speech features for help along the way.

They’ll be coding in no time.

See the Hour of Code lessons >