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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
