Above: Backpack drive at James John Elementary School / Photo: PPSComms
2023 School Start-Up Guidelines
OTIS Status Updates
Bookmark the status website or click on the Subscribe to Updates button in the top-right corner of the screen to check the status of district apps and services.
In addition to the Learning Technologies monthly newsletter you are reading now, we are also launching a quarterly newsletter that shares updates on your favorite digital tools, tips for launching your technology-enhanced classroom, and guidance for whole-school tech integration.
PD Opportunity: Learning Technologies Cohort
Learning Technologies is offering this cohort opportunity again, hoping there is more interest now. Please fill out the application form if you are interested.
Learning Tech 2023 Fall Institute
The Learning Technologies Team is excited to announce a professional learning opportunity for PPS teachers. The Learning Technologies Fall Institute will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9am to noon at Lincoln High School. Attendance is optional, and teachers will be paid their hourly rate for attending. Join us to learn more about the offerings in the PPS Digital Toolkit. Dive into learning more about the next (best) practices that integrate technology for the engagement, enhancement, and extension of student learning goals. Choose from a variety of sessions. Please fill out this call for presenters form if you'd like to lead a session and have something you’d like to share with others.
Digital Toolkit Updates
Canvas LMS for PPS Families
NEW Digital Resource: Pear Deck
Pear Deck is an add-on to Google Slides that allows the creation of engaging presentations by incorporating interactivity. Interactive questions and formative assessments can be added to new or or previously created slide decks or use Pear Deck templates to get started. Activities can be student-paced or instructor-paced. Check out the Pear Deck resource page for more information and learning resources.
Canva Updates For Students
Student accounts in Canva now have full access to photos, video, and music, as well as the ability to upload their own elements. You can find Canva tutorials for teachers and students here.
AI in Education from Eric Curts
Check out the great introductory video about AI below from Eric Curts along with all of his resource docs. This is a great way to help get your school up to speed on AI, see what tools are currently available, explore ideas for how it can be used in school, and discuss how to address potential misuses and concerns.
Google Workspace for Education
New Updates to Ensure Safer Learning at School and at Home
Read about the updates on Google's The Keyword blog.
Google for Education: EDU in 90 Videos
Edtech Listserv Chat Space
The EdTech List has been developed for the discussion of educational technology among elementary, middle, and high school staff, as well as technology support and troubleshooting. This list allows teachers and staff to discuss relevant technology issues, share resources among themselves and collaborate and reflect on best practices. To join the email listserv or the Google Chat Space, please fill out this form to request membership. Announcements and messages are also still sent to the listserv.
Once you have joined the space, you can send messages to the group via Google Chat. Messages are sent out to the space approximately two to three times a month and any edtech-related announcements or news is always posted to the group space. Joining the chat also offers special opportunities and/or early access to participate in upcoming technology-related initiatives.
Questions? Contact Melissa Lim, mlim@pps.net, Cat Nostrand, cnostrand@pps.net, Jen Hopkins, jhopkins2@pps.net, Ryan Hoxie, rhoxie@pps.net, or Kevin Crotchett, kevinc@pps.net.