Silver Linings

Brandi KellyBlog, Innovate Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: Through these difficult times, the emerging opportunities are our silver linings. Some new tech tools to try are Google Keep, Time Timer App, Kahoot, Watchkin, Padlet, and more. Teaching in a Pandemic Throughout the last year, COVID-19 has created difficult circumstances for many people in our world. For example, sickness, lockdowns, and school closures have taken their toll on … Read More

Power Up Thinking Routines Using Technology Tools

Debbie TannenbaumBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: Using technology to enhance thinking routines transforms students from consumers of information to creators, as they share their thinking visually. Technology tools such as Padlet, Pear Deck, Flipgrid, and Google Slides can help students synthesize their thoughts to make their thinking visible. During the 2018-19 school year, my administration at the time introduced the staff to thinking routines. Thinking … Read More

Using Household Tech to Project Your Teacher Voice

Teach Better TeamBlog, Innovate Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: It can be difficult for students to hear you through a mask and face shield in a virtual setting. You can use common devices around your house and classroom to prevent this issue. This post includes a step by step guide for using settings on your Windows 10 device to project your teacher voice. Remember, if you are using … Read More

Tools for Digital Communication with Students and Families

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Tech Better

TL;DR: Communicating with students and their families is necessary to fully support students. Tools for digital communication include Remind, Google Classroom, emails, Seesaw, Flipgrid, Google Meet, ClassDojo, ClassTag, and more! When we think about a normal school day, we as teachers spend hours each day with our students. Then our students go home and spend hours with their families. This … Read More