It's October Already??

Happy October

Here's to hoping the dust has settled by now and your year is going well! 

Below is a short(?) laundry list of seven items I'm eager to share with you. All are important (especially #1) and timely for the month of October.

1. eduTech Survey
2015-16 eduTech survey
It's time to get some feedback about where you are in terms of instructional technology. This is a great way for me to gather information and figure out best ways to help address teacher needs. Either click on the link above OR complete the embedded form below no later than
Wednesday, October 14.

2. BrainPOP
Big news about BrainPOP - it just got even better! Click here for more details.

3. Chromebook users
For students who are using Chromebooks this year, below is a clever video to show your class. It mirrors the expectations for how we move a Mac laptop.
How to Move a Chromebook

4. Common Technology Experiences
Here's the link to the OUSD Common Technology Experiences, K-8. Remember working on this last spring? It's really "a thing" now and we'll be referring to it often. You have had access to just your grade level but this document will show the scope & sequence for all grades in the district.

5. Digital Citizenship
Digital Citizenship Week is October 18-24. How are your grade level lessons going?? Next week might be a great week to get started!

6. Connected Educator Month
October is Connected Educator Month. This link will direct you to list of resources to help you start getting connected!

7. First. Time. Ever.
How fun does this sound? On Friday, October 30, join the fun with songs, stories, movement, laughter and learning during the first annual Largest Online Gathering of K-5 Classrooms.

One. More. Day.

Hello again!

Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the year. 

International Dot Day
September 15

A group of teachers joined a little thing called International Dot Day a few years ago, using the story, The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds to focus on the importance of creativity. The vision of International Dot Day was to celebrate creativity on the same day all around the world. The number of participants reached close to 800,000.

In four short years, the number is now at 3.8 MILLION -- and counting. This is the day to be a part of something bigger than your class, school, district, state, and country. Students are connecting the dots in ways no one ever imagined in 2009.

Whether you choose to use just one idea or have entire day planned of Dot Day activities, I'm certain the time will be well spent.

Visit the links below for ideas and join the millions of educators who use International Dot Day to Make Their Mark.

International Dot Day - Getting Started

The Dot Project - great idea for classes with access to iPads!

International Dot Day Song - very clever, very catchy tune.

How Will you Celebrate? 

Dot Day Ideas on Pinterest 



Below is a video of The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds.

We're BAAAAAACK!!

Welcome back!
I believe the phrase, "to hit the ground running", was never more true than with Orinda teachers last week. It's always an exciting time (feel free to insert exhausting, daunting, overwhelming, and exhilarating) - it's all true!

Please check out the information below as this post touches on a variety of tech related topics.

For your viewing pleasure:
Here is a great video shown at the New Teacher Orientation which can be appreciatiated by anyone starting out the school year with the mindset that "this time, I'm going to stay on top of things...".
Enjoy!

Have you already felt like Lucy and Ethel?!

Blended Learning - a PD opportunity for Orinda teachers:
We still have a few spots still available for teachers to take part in the exciting 8 week workshop about putting the theory of Blended Learning into practice. The cost of teacher participation has been paid for through a grant awarded to the district by the Rogers Family Foundation.
For more info about Blended Learning:

What is Blended Learning?

FAQ about the Practitioners' Circle

Email ptempleton@orinda.k12.a.us as soon as possible if interested.

Grades 3 - 5:
TTL4 should be ready by Thursday (9/3/15) morning. I will send you a spreadsheet with logins so you can have your students start typing! The spreadsheet will also include Google Apps and desktop logins.
Think Central - online portion:
We're getting close to student access to this too and will keep you posted.

Coming Soon:
International Dot Day
This is in less than TWO weeks! September 15 is The Day to Make Your Mark!
Such a fun way to celebrate creativity, no matter if you're teaching a TK class or 8th grade English. There are so many ideas to make this day a success. Start by signing up here and be one of
3 MILLION (grown from 1.7M a year ago) who plan on reading The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds and then making a mark of their own!

Digital Citizenship:

Please find our agreed upon Digital Citizenship lessons for each grade level:

K-2 Digital Citizenship Lessons

3-5 Digital Citizenship Lessons

Access to these lessons can be found on our OUSD Teach Home Page.

Digital Citizenship is part of our K-8 Common Technology Experiences so be sure to carve time out for these important experiences. It really will make a difference. 

Also, for grades 3 - 5, check out Digital Passport - a great way to students to apply their knowledge about Digital Citizenship (Digital Passport is also a tile found on the OUSD Home Page).

To learn more about getting started with Digital Passport, click here.

Donors Choose:

There's a log of talk about DonorsChoose, a great way to acquire items for your classroom.

Here's a link to the Teacher Sign-Up page.

While my focus (aka time) is with new teachers, Long Term Subs, teachers who have changed grade levels and teachers who are launching new applications, please don't hesitate to contact me with questions regarding Instructional Technology. I'm always happy and eager to help.

I found this video the other day which I think is
worth sharing - great to show your class at this time of year.