Additions to our Tech Blog

This year I have added a couple of new pages to our Getting I.T. Right Blog.  I have two pages to include Google Tips and other Tech Tools that we learn about throughout the page.  This way the teacher will know where to go find them when they are ready.  The third page is the Technology Applications on our Texas Essential knowledge and skills.  In the past, this was always hard to find, so now it is just a couple of clicks away.  Where else should it be but on the Getting I.T. Right Blog?

2013-2014 School Year is About to START!

It is quiet in the halls right now at Kathy Caraway Elementary. VERY SOON, teachers will be back full force to see the completed construction of the new Safe and Secure Entry and meet our new  assistant principal, Mrs. Amie Schultze, and our office specialist, Livia Tutuc. As teachers prepare their rooms and start creating their lessons for the upcoming new year, integrating technology with the curriculum will allow students to explore beyond the textbook and will increase student interest. Our Technology Application (TA) of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) were revised last year to be integrated into the curriculum beginning in kindergarten!

Edmodo in 5th Grade

Yesterday, Caraway's fifth grade team met with Mrs. Barnard, our instructional technology specialist, for their team's tech training. They previewed many online resources provided by the district's RRISD Online Resource Live Binder.  The team also addressed new Technology Applications TEKS through the district's "Just In Time" powerpoint to get new ideas for embedding technology into their curriculum.  Paper Slides, using our document camera's video feature, was demonstrated to them.
Mrs. Barnard also introduced them to Edmodo, a safe social network to collaborate with their team and students, providing students with assignments and easy access to their homework through a digital backpack.
Mrs. Marshall went immediately back to her class and had her students sign up on her Class Group.  She had a fun assignment and a survey to take a poll waiting for them once they entered. The students were thrilled.  Here are some of their comments:

" It's a way for kids to talk with each other when they are apart."

" It's like Facebook but for younger kids but safer."

"It's a good way to give kids work when they are bored."

"It's so cool!!!"