Use of Technology in the Classroom

• https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Elementary-School/The-Classroom/Technology

Technology is used by teachers and students. Teachers use digital learning platforms such as Google Classroom or Brightspace , websites and tools. Teachers also model and teach technology skills. Students access the learning materials, learn, and show their learning with devices, software / apps, and websites. Technology skills and global competencies are taught to prepare students for the 21st century life and workforce. Information about global competencies, STEM and ICT are on this TDSB website; https://sites.google.com/tdsb.on.ca/globalcompetencies.

Curriculum

• Ontario Curriculum Gr. 1-8 Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, 2007

• ICT Standards Digital Learning for K-12, TDSB, 2007 (PDF)

• Global Competencies / Transferable Skills

Global Citizenship

Code of Online Conduct

The TDSB Online Code of Conduct

• https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Policies-Procedures-Forms/Online-Code-of-Conduct

Transferable Skills / Global Competencies

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology are digital tools that enable students to access learning materials, learn at their full potential and show their learning. Visit the TDSB Assistive Technology website for more information and access to resources.

Watch the tutorial videos about the Read and Write tools. Here is information about Read and Write. The tutorial videos are also on this website.

Many AT tools are included in educational websites and apps for accessibility. Here are some common tools;

• text to speech or reader - the computer reads text to the user (universal)

• speech to text or talk & type - the computer types what is spoken by the user (universal)

• dictionary, picture dictionary (Read & Write)

• word predictor (Read & Write)

• research skills (Read & Write)

  • highlighting; note taking; citing sources and more

Frequently Used Websites / Apps Using AT;

• Flipgrid

• Padlet

• Prodigy Math Game

AT Tools;

• Read & Write (Google Chrome extension)

  • dictionary, visual dictionary, play pause stop (text to speech), talk & type (speech to text), word prediction, research tools and much more

  • see the Read & Write tutorial Slide below for video tutorials

• mic button on a keyboard - cell phones and tablets

• closed captioning - digital text or subtitling displayed visually on a screen to offer additional information

Touch Typing

It is very helpful for students to learn to type. There are a few websites that teach typing. Some website teach spelling at the same time as typing. I recommend the resources below. The class will be using both of these resources.

Websites

• Dance Mat Typing - Guide

  • public website to learn and practice touch typing

• Typing Club

  • class account is pending

• 10 Fast Fingers

  • typing test

Google Apps for Education

Access to GAFE is in Google Chrome waffle and extensions. Google Chrome is used when students are using the internet. Students make a habit of logging in and syncing their account so they have access to their Google apps and extensions.

• Docs (word processing)

• Sheets (spreadsheet - organize data; computations; graphing)

• Forms (form - question and answer; surveys)

• Slides (presentation)

• Websites (presentation)

• Mindomo (web / map; outlines [converts web/map to an outline])

• Flipgrid (video presentation; able to attach a variety of files)

• Read & Write Google Chrome extension (language; assistive technology)

• Equatio Google Chrome extension (math: equations and science)

Virtual Learning Platforms

Google Classroom

• www.classroom.google.com

Brightspace / D2L (Desire to Learn) [Ministry of Education]

• www.tdsb.elearningontario.com

Other Educational Website / Apps

Students have a credentials document in their Google Drive, shared with me, that list the websites / apps that list the websites / apps and credentials students use frequently. In the classroom students have a credentials on an index card in an index box for reference.

Some websites / apps we use require a class account and students to be listed, student profiles and work are created on these digital platforms. Some of these websites / apps are not vetted by the TDSB.

Parents are asked to complete a Google Form that asks for their permission for their child to use these websites at school for educational purposes. Please access the Ms. Hall's Educational Websites / Apps Permission Form with this link or fill it out below.

Prodigy Math Game

- game based math website in which students are asked to solve math problems

- students can access digital tools and a text to speech tool

- teachers can assign problems to the class or groups of students to work on specific learning goals

- in class, Prodigy will be used when students are finished their math tasks and assignments

EPIC!

- digital library; ebooks, audio books, and educational videos

- the class account is available during school hours

- used to access a wide range of texts

- students can favourite books

- teachers can assign specific titles to students

- quizzes are available to show understanding of books

- home account is available for a fee. The class account gives families a 43% discount. (optional)

Padlet

- a digital canvas on which teachers and students can add information to anonymously in text, images, and video.

Typing Club

• typing, grammar, and spelling instruction and practice

Scratch

• The class has a class account with Scratch.

• We will not be using Scratch until after we do some learning about digital citizenship e.g., protecting identity and using the comment tool in kind, respectful ways.

• Ms. Hall will add login information to students' credentials Doc when the class is ready to begin using Scratch.

  • 1st time login - Put as little personal information in as possible in order to protect your identity.

    • do not change the password. In the new password box, put in the password Ms. Hall gave, hall11.

    • leave the birthday as it is

    • select Canada

    • select the gender you wish to use or select the other and put one letter in the box so you can move on

Information for Students

• https://scratch.mit.edu/about

Information for Parents

• https://scratch.mit.edu/parents/

Information for Educators

• https://scratch.mit.edu/educators/

Technology - Hardware

Note: This information is also posted on the Classroom webpage of this website.

• Perth Ave. PS is working towards having a 1:2 ratio in grades 1 - 4 .

• In grade 5 students will receive their own chromebook for use at school and home for academic purposes through the 1:1 Device Program. Student in grade 9 also receive a device through this program.

• It is very helpful if students bring their own HEADPHONES / EARBUDS and MOUSE.

• These can be stored at school a designated place or taken home each day and returned the next day. The school will provide headphones and mice but our supply is limited at this time.

• There is more information about use of technology in the classroom on this site's Technology webpage.

Desktops

• Currently there are 2 desktops

Laptops

• Currently there are;

  • 9 student laptops

  • 1 teacher laptop

Surface Pros tablets

• Currently there are 6 devices

iPads

• None at this time

Class Presentation Technology

• paper screen hung from hooks on blackboard

• laptop, digital projector, external speaker

Student Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Option

• Students can bring their own device, preferably a chromebook, to school for academic purposes

• More information about the BYOD option is available on the TDSB website > elementary school > the classroom > technology