As the school year draws to a close, teachers and educators are taking a collective sigh of relief. It’s a time for reflection, relaxation, and planning for the next academic cycle. In this month’s EdTech newsletter, we’ll explore strategies to support teachers during this transition, discuss end-of-year procedures related to technology, and highlight tools that can enhance teaching and learning. Whether you’re winding down or gearing up, let’s make the most of this moment!
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Transition from Google Classroom to Canvas
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Have you heard?
Fort Worth ISD will complete the transition to Canvas during the next school year.
What does this mean for you?
All teachers are expected to use Canvas as their digital learning platform during the 2024-2025 school year. While students will no longer have access to Google Classroom when the school year begins, teachers will have access to Google Classroom until the end of the 2024-2025 school year. This will provide teachers with ample time to successfully transition their content over to Canvas.
Where can you get support?
EdTech will offer Canvas training for elementary teachers in June. Additionally, they will offer office hours and workshops where you can get individualized support. You can learn more on our website. Just click the button below!
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End of Premium Pear Deck Subscription
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After careful consideration and evaluation of our budget and instructional priorities, we have decided not to renew our premium subscription to Pear Deck. Rest assured, teachers do not need to take any action; all Pear Deck lessons will still be accessible through Google Drive and the Pear Deck website. You will continue to have access to the free version of Pear Deck.
Meanwhile, our EdTech team is hoping to purchase the District version of Quizizz. Quizizz offers a wide array of features and functions, making it a more versatile tool to meet the diverse needs of our students.
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Did you know?
In Canvas, you can create assignments just like you did in Google Classroom. In fact, you can even use the same files you used in Google Classroom, making your transition to Canvas easier.
Google Drive automatically creates a dedicated folder for each of your Google Classroom classes. You can find all of the materials, assignments, and student submissions in this folder.
To locate your Google Classroom files, navigate to your Google Drive and locate the Classroom folder.
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Teachers and students are required to turn in their FWISD devices at the end of the school year. All MacBooks and iPads will be reimaged and reset.
If you have files and/or sensitive information saved on your device, now is the time to back up your files to the cloud. Click below to learn more.
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In order to address digital well-being within the classroom, teachers need strategies and insights that emphasize the importance of fostering healthy relationships with technology. Whether you're an educator, parent, or student, the article below sheds light on practical ways to navigate the digital landscape while prioritizing well-being.
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EDTECH RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT
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Are you searching for tech resources to keep your entire class engaged until the final bell? Look no further! Explore these curated resources in Discovery Education, brimming with videos, activities, and interactive content across a wide range of topics. Your students are sure to stay curious and motivated!
The EdTech team has put together some Countdown to Summer Break activities that will help you and your students explore and learn how to use many digital tools and resources. These activities are fun, challenging, and encourage creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Feel free to use any or all of the resources as you countdown to summer!
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Unlock your potential with our exciting professional learning opportunities this summer!
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Summer Lovin' Learning Conference
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Dive into the Summer Lovin' Learnin' Conference on May 29th, 30th, and 31st to explore our favorite EdTech tools and transform your teaching practices.
Note: Teachers who register for the mini-conference will get to keep their FWISD devices to use during the conference. These devices will be collected at the end of the conference.
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June Professional Learning Opportunities
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If you're new to Canvas, don't miss our Canvas for Elementary Levels 1, 2, and 3 sessions, each 1.5 hours long, designed to guide you through using Canvas in your elementary classroom. Plus, for MacBook beginners, our 1.5-hour MacBook Essentials session will equip you with the necessary skills to confidently navigate your device. Register now in Eduphoria and elevate your teaching toolkit!
Note: The Canvas for Elementary and MacBook Essentials trainings will be held at M.G. Ellis. We will have MacBooks for you to use during these trainings, if needed.
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A Chrome profile is like your personal space within the Chrome browser. It stores your bookmarks, extensions, settings, and browsing history. A well-managed Chrome profile enhances productivity and security for teachers and IT administrators. Click the buttons below to learn more!
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