This web page is a knowledge hub by the Digital Learning Team here in IPS. Check back regularly to find information on how to integrate technology into classrooms. We will feature Schoology trainings, Schoology updates, Nearpod tips, new platforms, content specific exemplar lessons, and even highlight teachers in IPS who do amazing things!

Teacher Spotlight

Jasmine Akridge - George Julian 57

Jasmine Akridge is a second grade teacher at George Julian 57. She has been teaching in IPS for 21 years and has taught grades 1-6. When I sat down with her to talk technology use in her classroom, this is what she had to say...

"A former administrator once told me that we are preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist. That really stuck with me, so I have always tried to integrate many forms of technology into the classroom. I have had students develop PowerPoint and Google Slide presentations as well as record themselves reading or performing on their iPads. We have used computers to do research and to type assignments. One year, I had two students who taught the class some basic technology skills. That was fun to see.

As an early elementary teacher, people are always surprised to learn that I use Schoology with my students. I have found Schoology to be beneficial regardless of the age group. In the past, my students have taken tests on Schoology using the Assessment and the Test/Quiz feature. I have also given them worksheet assignments on Schoology using the Highlight Image question type. They enjoy it because they can write their answers in different colors.

Things are a little different this school year. My current group of students were learning from home since the middle of kindergarten. This has left them with a lack of fine motor skills, which we practice daily. Having said that, my classroom is primarily a paperless classroom, I'm not taking a ton of papers home with me like I have in the past. Students are assigned paper/pencil assignments and they then upload the image into Schoology. Students love to go back and see what they missed and see the comments that I made which I can do right in Schoology. I've also been giving the math sprints on Schoology. Schoology has a timed feature that locks the students out after the time as passed. It has been interesting to see my students try to 'beat the timer'.

Schoology really has been great! I see my students becoming more aware of technology being a learning tool rather than a form of entertainment. They are gaining more knowledge of technology such as how to use apps, how to fix technology issues and they are gaining confidence in using technology as a learning tool."

Schoology Expectations

In an effort to help support teachers to teach in a 1:1 environment the Professional Learning team has created this document to set expectations for Schoology usage. Schoology is the only IPS endorsed learning management system (for non-IB schools) that supports teachers in a multitude of ways to provide transformative education for our students.

Schoology Guidelines Training