Mrs. Nash's News Blog

An open source application would take precedence over a commerical product when you want your students online learning, but can't afford an IT department/person available to you. These programs would be able to be used by anyone.   Our system uses several commercial software programs. Moby Max is one of them. We are able to use our IT department when needs arise, and trust me, there are many times when they are needed. They help gather students and change their class teacher with ease. They go in and help in any are needed.  Systems often use open source when they do not have the funds for an IT to assist them. There are still good quality programs for them to be able to use.

Delineating Asychronous and Synchronous Learning Slideshow

While making a hyperdoc, I learned how to create more interactive learning experiences with my students. I've always been interested in hyperdocs, but have never made one from scratch myself. I think my students will enjoy navigating it.  Teaching digital safety helped me be aware of the dangers out there that our students are exposed to. I am used to thinking about it from a teenage daughter, but now I have thought about it from a 7 yr old now.  I have broadened my PLN. I am able to reach out to educators who are not in my area and find valuable input.  I think teaching digital citizenship is the most important thing to teach our young children. Their digital footprint remains out there for others to view.   Learning about the DLC's were very interesting. I can share with others and learn from them as well. I didn't realize how many are actually out there to look at and gain support. I believe that the absolute most important strategy was teaching ...

The most important steps we as educators can take to make sure our little ones are digitally safe are to teach them what it is and how to be safe online.  There are many resources available online to use with students depending on your grade level.  Second graders can view the hyperdoc that I have created to help show ways to be a digital safe student.  At the end of the hyperdoc, they are to go to their SeeSaw account and video themselves reflecting on what they have learned. You can access my hyperdoc here. I created a HyperDoc for my second graders to use to help them learn digital safety and security.

All students have the right to access technology in our school building. However, there are still responsibilities for teachers and students to ensure an effective and safe learning environment.  Our system uses a variety of methods to ensure students safety. They have added positions for technology personnel to provide support for teachers at each grade band.  At the system level, they have made improvements to the internet filter and our firewall system to ensure safety of student data.   Our system makes sure we have an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with any programs we choose to implement in our system.  We as teachers have to model good practices to our students. We have open discussions about online safety. We model daily as we use our technology tools in the classroom. 

Answer:  How did you modify your technology habits? What is the most proactive means of ensuring the most balanced blend of technology and well-being? What can students and teachers do to make sure they get the most from technology while simultaneously safeguarding good health? I am trying to turn off my devices in a timely manner at night so I will not use them and therefore have a hard time going to sleep each night.  When I've been online for an hour, we will stop and do GoNoodle. My students are not usually on them, but if I'm with a group and they're with me and we rotate, then I'll be the one needing a break. :)