Exciting SMART Notebook Update to Version 19

Info relevant for elementary teachers — SMART Notebook 19 includes the following new features and updates.

All operating systems

  • You can import PDF files into SMART Notebook software.
  • Improved digital ink behavior over Chrome internet browsers and writing over multiple browser tabs.
  • You can create custom Super Sort activity themes.

Windows

  • When you import PDF files, you can import them as images or editable objects.
  • Improved importing of Microsoft PowerPoint files to SMART Notebook software. When you import PowerPoint files, you can import them as images or editable objects. You no longer need Microsoft PowerPoint to be installed on your computer to import files.
  • If you use Google Slides, you can download Google Slides as PowerPoint presentation

To download the new version navigate to: https://education.smarttech.com/products/notebook/download#trial

Then, make sure the following are selected and click the download button. The install will walk you through the prompts until it is fully installed. Plan for a half hour process from start to finish.

Read, create, translate, or download an endless stream of free stories.

StoryWeaver looks like an amazing site that is designed to create and translate children’s books into a ton of different languages and make them accessible online for free. Users can translate books on the site into different languages or easily create their own books. It’s also a great site for students to write for an authentic audience. ELL teachers and their students could get a lot out of the site, and it seems to me that other language teachers could have their students use it, too.

https://storyweaver.org.in/

FREE Digital Age Learning and Teaching Resources – MiTech Kids from REMC

The resources and content on this site are FREE to use and are Open Educational Resources. The MiTechKids website provides K-5 educators with resources for integrating technology into activities in the classroom to prepare students for success in the real world. This site extends the 21things4students.net website that is designed for grades 5-9 to the K-5 grade levels.

The site is divided by grade levels K-5 and the seven ISTE Technology Standards for Students. There are basic skills and hot topics available for all age levels.

Navigate here to access this AMAZING resources from REMC: http://mitechkids.org/

SMART Learning Suite and Reader’s Workshop Resources Revisited

We’ve received lots of great feedback from the Elementary i3 conference and our SMART trainers continue to be a popular addition to our professional learning options.  This year was no different, as Jason Smith and Sarah Storck shared their deep knowledge of the SMART Learning Suite platform and how easy, fun, and engaging designing content can be when using SMART LS in classrooms.  In case you misplaced the resource, or wanted to revisit the great resources Sarah and Jason shared with us, please follow this link: bit.ly/smartpccsworkshop

As always, you can request 1:1 or small group help with SMART Notebook by using our service request system and Matt Smoot or Rick Coughlin can come to your classroom to help! They love to help!

 

 

UPDATE: Remind WILL Work with Verizon After January 28, 2019

Remind previously announced that their service would no longer work with Verizon after January 28, 2019 due to increased cost of Verizon text messaging services. It appears that Remind and Verizon have come to an agreement, which will prevent any interruption to Remind notifications sent to Verizon customers. While this is good news for now, we encourage staff to promote the use of the Remind app for notifications to avoid any potential future interruptions to text message notifications.

For additional details, please visit: https://www.remind.com/blog/verizon-update/

How to Create a Self Grading Quiz in Google Classroom

This resource comes from Richard Byrne. Richard is an Edtech expert and former High School social studies teacher. He is the lead author of https://www.freetech4teachers.com/

Use Google Classroom and Google forms to your advantage with creating quizzes that can be auto-graded. When students complete the quiz you will get a Google Sheet of all of the student’s answers and their scores from the quiz. And because it was created in Google Classroom, it will also allow you to assign a particular due date.

Enjoy!

Be Internet Awesome(3rd-Adult)

Be Internet is a digital citizenship tool that was developed by Google to teach and prepare kids to use the internet in a safe and meaningful way. This site has videos, resources, and an interactive game called INTERLAND. Where kids can immerse themselves in different worlds and learn about including, What is ok and not ok to share online, discerning what is fake and real, security, cyberbullying, etc. Resources and games are intended for 3rd grade through Adults.

Site:

https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us

Online Data Breach Reveals Millions of Emails and Password

Last week another large online data breach was reported. (Read the article from CNET.) The technicians that checked the breach list found that much of it was current and accurate, which is rare for such a large data set.

What can you do?

  1. Enter in your email address(es) in the following website to see which websites/accounts have been breached, and potentially exposed data about your account. www.haveibeenpwned.com
  2. Get notifications of future breaches that expose your email address and potentially other sensitive data. www.haveibeenpwned.com/notifyme
  3. Learn about data breaches and the types of fraud so that you are prepared when it happens.
  4. Change passwords! Make unique passwords for every account.
    • To keep track of all your unique passwords, consider using a password manager like 1Password, Dashlane, LastPass or one of the free ones reviewed here where you only have to remember one [unique and complex] master password and the app will save the rest of your passwords in AES-256 bit encrypted vaults.
    • When using a password manager, make sure to set the settings to automatically log you out after a short period of inactivity to prevent others from accessing your vault (it completely defeats the purpose of the vault if you leave the door always open!).
  5. Read this article: Data breaches can sucker-punch you. Prepare to fight back

Visit these sites for information and next steps if you have been a victim of identity theft:

Hope you find this helpful and that it serves to keep you digitally safe during harrowing digital times.

REMC Virtual Courses – February 2019

It’s easy to embrace your love of learning with REMC’s Virtual Courses! They offer a convenient way for teachers to connect and collaborate while reducing time and cost. These courses are available throughout the school year and are open to all Michigan school personnel. Best of all, all courses are instructor lead, free, and offer free SCECHs when completed.

Register Now for the February sessions

Five to seven courses are offered each month. Each course is open for three weeks and consists of two (2) one-hour webinars and four (4) to eight (8) hours of resource review, assessment developments and written reflection. SCECHs are available, ranging from 6 – 10, depending on the course.

Courses offered in February:

  • The What, Why, and How of Open Educational Resources (OER)
  • OER to Support Competency-Based Education (CBE)
  • Design Thinking made Practical
  • A Practical Guide to Global Success Skills in the Classroom for the 21st Century and Beyond
  • Social Media: Professional Development through Social Media, Level 1
  • Extending Your Classroom to the Cloud
  • Coding in the Classroom

Please feel free to contact the technology department if you have any questions.