Student and Professional PortfoliosWhen we consider how we've all been thrust into the digital age by force in the past year, it goes without saying that digital portfolios for students (and for ourselves!) now have a greater significance. Since the bulk of what our students are producing is digital, it's logical that we ought to be setting aside artifacts to document learning and showcase achievements. Here are some ideas that might help you as you move in this direction. The Complete Guide to Student Digital Portfolios by Campus Press is probably all you need to get started. This comprehensive resource will walk you through the ins and outs of digital portfolio creation. From why a portfolio is necessary to what should be included and on to possible tools for building a portfolio ... it's all there. Make sure you check it out! I will never forget how much of an emphasis a former supervisor placed upon educators creating their own portfolios. He was often pushing us to create our own as a way of promoting ourselves and preparing ourselves to "move up in the world." I encourage you to do the same. I know things are crazy busy, but you won't regret taking a little time to create your own portfolio. Check out these resources from Lisa Johnson on the topic of creating a professional portfolio. Now, for those of you who are super-excited about portfolios, and so excited you'd like some skin in the game (such as skin made of money), you might want to enroll in this course by George Couros. You can watch a video on this page in which Couros tells why portfolios are so important. Finally, what would a post in this newsletter be without mentioning one of my favorite resources, Richard Byrne? Richard offers some great portfolio creation ideas in this post on his website. I really hope you consider implementing portfolios in your classroom and that you begin to create one for yourself. Enjoy! Have You Heard the News?In response to the pandemic, South San ISD has opted to transition to the use of Schoology as it's main learning management system, or LMS. Essentially, Schoology serves the same purpose as Google Classroom, but it does so on a much higher level. One of the main things that Schoology provides is a direct connection to Skyward. This allows for a smooth transfer of grades. Our goal for district-wide usage is centered on Fall of 2021. We are currently rolling out Schoology to the first cohort of teachers, and will move to another group after gathering usage feedback. One thing to note is that if you teach PreK - 2, we'd like you to feel free to continue using Seesaw if you so choose. Another very important detail is that Schoology connects seamlessly with G Suite products, so you'll not have to reinvent the wheel if you've spent this school year immersing yourself in Google Drive (Slides, Docs, etc).
Be on the lookout for training opportunities between now and the summer so you can get yourself prepared to use this great resource for next school year. If you'd like to learn more, check out this YouTube Playlist. If you have other questions about Schoology, please direct them to Brad Cloud. Library Things
We're Buying Some Books!
National School Library WeekIn my humble opinion, every week is LIBRARY WEEK! However, the nation recognizes the week of April 4-10 as National Library Week. So make sure you visit your school and/or public library during the week. Specifically, please make a point to thank your librarian on April 6 of that week, which is National Library Workers Day. Google FormsAlthough I've mentioned Google Forms before, I feel like it's one of those things that needs to be brought to the forefront often. It's so valuable and versatile, every teacher should be familiar with it. Google Forms is perfect for formative assessment, as a feedback tool or even as a quick auto-graded quiz. I have recently created an updated playlist of several videos that will walk you through almost every aspect of form creation and usage. You can check out the playlist here. Do You Know About Formative?
Great PD OpportunitiesIf you happen to have a free spot in your schedule on Saturday, May 1, be sure to enroll for the Digital Learning Summit. The Summit is a virtual PD experience hosted by Region 20. Check out the description here. This opportunity is free to South San, since we're members of the Educational Resources Cooperative.
Region 20 is also offering some individual upcoming trainings aside from the Summit. You can check out all of the offerings here.
Be sure to visit the
|
AuthorBrad Cloud is the Director of Instructional Technology and Library Services at South San Antonio ISD. AuthorErika White is the Instructional Technology Specialist for South San Antonio ISD. Archives
May 2022
|