EdTech PD
Here you will find links to online resources, training, and webinars for the programs used in our District, as well as tips for effectively integrating technology in your classroom. If there are any trainings you are interested in but don't see here, please email rmask@balsz.org. I can also support you in Google Certification, Microsoft Certification, and Nearpod Certification, and more!
Resources and tutorials here are for Balsz teachers. Parents and students may visit the Parent & Student Tech Tutorials for help from the students' view.
Nearpod
Nearpod is a great tool for presenting to your students either in whole-class instruction (projected and on students' devices) or as self-paced individual student lessons, and it can be integrated with Google Slides and Jamboard!
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams, used in collaboration with OneNote, elevates collaboration in learning and among staff. Click here for a Microsoft training on how to use it with students, and click here for a training on how to use it with staff (log in with your Balsz credentials).
Google Slides
Slides is a tool similar to Powerpoint, and not only is it great for teachers, but also allows students a multimedia format to demonstrate their learning!
The G Suite Learning Center has basic training, cheat sheets, and tips based on proficiency level: Slides Training and Help
Google Sites
Teacher websites can be a wonderful way to communicate with parents, post frequently-used resources for your class, and show off what your students are doing and learning!
Check out this tutorial to get started, and watch these videos for additional help.
Here are some great teacher tips about Google Sites.
Google Jamboard
Click here for a video tutorial on how to use Jamboard.
Click here for 20+ Tips & Ideas on using Jamboard in the classroom!
Jamboard Templates:
Ditch That Textbook
Infused Classroom
The Suite Talk
Engage Their Minds
Google Forms
This can be a great tool for assessment and data collecting! Your students can use it to conduct surveys, and you can use it in a variety of ways (see this blog from Ditch the Textbook for awesome ideas)!
For help with the basics and getting started, visit Google's Teacher Center.
Screencastify Extension
Screencastify allows teachers to create videos with screen recording. This is a great tool to provide students with a resource to watch strategies and skills on their own to clarify misconceptions.
We currently have the premium version through April.
Flipgrid
Flipgrid is an amazing student engagement tool that allows teachers to set up topics and students to submit video responses! View the links below for help!
-Educators: Getting Started
-Students: Getting Started
-Students Using Flipgrid
-How to Record & Submit a Video
-50+ Ways to Use It In Class
-Educator's Guide to Flipgrid
BrainPOP & BrainPOP Jr.
BrainPOP has great videos, but you can also create assignments for students! Balsz has a subscription to both BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr.
To learn more about MindMaps in BrainPOP, watch this video,
Google Sheets
As a teacher, you can use this to organize yourself, but your students can use it too, especially for math!
Here are 10 Sheets Tips for Teachers to help you with the basics, and check out EdTech Teacher and Powerful Learning Practice for some additional ideas on how to use it both as a teacher and with your students.
Google Earth
Whether you are teaching landforms in science, geography in social studies, or learning about another place in a story you're reading with the class, Google Earth can give students real-world context! Join Carmen Sandiego, watch time lapses, or learn more about specific places.
Google Drawings
Did you know you can use drawing tools within a Google Doc? Click Insert, Drawing, and New! There are clipart, wordart, and various line drawing tools.
Use Google Draw Help to get you started, and watch this video for some ideas on how to use it in the classroom!
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote allows you to make a digital Class Notebook or Staff Notebook! This is an amazing way to organize yourself and your students. To learn more, you can take online tutorials in the Microsoft Educator Center (log in with your Balsz credentials).
Kahoot!
Kahoot! is a fun, game-show type of online assessment that works very well for review days or as a check for understanding! Students can work in teams or individually to answer, and the fastest one with the correct answer gets the most points!
Visit Kahoot! to check it out!
Gimkit
Similar to Kahoot, Gimkit is a game-show type of online assessment. But instead of all students having the same question at once and waiting for everyone to answer, students are individually given questions in random order, and they repeat to allow students to learn from incorrect answers. Students can also earn power-ups!
Visit Gimkit to get started!
Google Keep
Google Keep can be a great way to keep yourself and your students organized, but it can also be another fun way to have students show learning! In the notes, students can type and insert pictures!
G Suite Learning Center for Google Keep: Google Keep
Audacity
Audacity is an audio software that allows you to record and edit audio.
Go to the Audacity website to get started. For tutorial videos, click here.
Google Science Journal
Turn your students' Chromebooks into a tool for science experiments! The Google App will enable different types of sensors, and give students a digital interactive science journal to record their learning!
Book Creator
Book Creator is a fun way for your students to make and save digital books! Once you set up your teacher account, there is a "Getting Started" guide in your library.
For additional resources, including ideas for each grade level and for different subject areas, visit Book Creator Teacher Resources
Microsoft Whiteboard
Whiteboard is a great tool to use while inking as a teacher or to use in conjunction with your interactive projector! You can draw/write, type text, insert images, take photos to insert, and insert stickers (clipart).