The Art of Tech

In this episode we start our new theme leading up to our 100th episode highlighting our technology department! In this first episode in the short series we discuss our new Chromebook Handbook. Scott McDaniel, our director, joins the discussion to talk about why Chromebook handbooks are helpful and why we have our version. We also discuss the contents and how it can support students, teachers, and...

In this episode we finish our discussion on the digital divides. Scott, McDaniel, our technology director, is back for this episode. We focus mostly on the Digital Use Divide in our discussion, but do also share about the Digital Design Divide. We share some ways for teachers and admin to address the Digital Use Divide to provide students with the types of transformative experiences that help buil...

In this episode we kickoff our new theme on the digital divides (yup, plural!). We focus on the Digital Access Divide that is what we typically picture when we hear the words "digital divide." Scott McDaniel, our technology director, joins the episode and we discuss the spectrum of digital access and the challenges of addressing access. We also share some tips for removing barriers for students. L...

In this episode we finish our theme on EdTech Kits. It's a bit different format with no guests and a shorter episode. I discuss the value of hands-on experiences in the ELA or gen-ed classroom and how different EdTech kits can provide engaging connections for students in ELA. Links: BGPS EdTech Kits webpage BGPS Helpdesk Support Portal Sphero Lesson Collections Ozobot Lessons Makey Makey Guides Bi...

We're back with a new episode! In this episode we continue our theme on EdTech Kits. Colleen Homola joins the podcast this week. She teaches math at Prairie High School and also supports teachers across the state through the Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network and Teacher Residency program. We discuss the value of hands-on experiences in the math classroom and how different EdTech...

We're back for the new school year! In this episode we kick-off our theme on EdTech Kits. Aaron Kabat joins the podcast this week. He's one of our awesome helpdesk people. In this episode, we introduce/review the currently available EdTech Kits. We share updates with the kits and the process for checking them out and why you might want to use a kit in your class. Links: BGPS EdTech Kits webpage BG...

In this episode we continue our theme on assistive technology. Amy Campbell joins the podcast this week. She's a former Washington Educator of the Year and is a member of the Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network through the Washington Education Association and is a Special Educator in the Camas School District. In this episode, we focus on a specific type of assistive technology: AA...

In this episode we continue our new theme on assistive technology. We take a look at universal assistive technology or the tier 1 supports that can help all our students inside and outside the classroom. We discuss how building an inclusive and welcoming classroom community where students feel safe and like they belong is important so no one feels like they stand out or have any stigma when they u...

In this episode we kick off our new theme on assistive technology. We set the stage with an overview discussion on assistive technology categories and why assistive technology is so important. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, joins the conversation. Links: Special Education Technology Center Shriner's Children's Hospital Programs  

In this episode we continue our AI theme and discuss AI Ethics (both Big "E" Ethics and little "e" ethics or ethical considerations). We talk about the big picture Ethics like the societal and environmental impacts of AI as well as the personal ethical considerations and how we can be ethical and responsible consumers and creators with AI. Scott McDaniel, our tech director, is back to join the dis...

We're back from hiatus! In this episode we discuss AI literacy and how it's important for both educators and students (everyone really). Scott McDaniel, our district's technology director, joins the conversation. We talk about the core components of AI literacy and some ways to build it into the classroom. Links: Common Sense Media AI Literacy Lessons Digital Promise - AI Literacy Brisk Teaching A...

In this episode we start our discussion on media literacy with an overview and connecting to research skills. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, joins the conversation as cohost. We discuss the main components of media literacy and why it's so important to incorporate into today's classroom. We also connect media literacy skills with student research projects. Links: Core Principles of Media Li...

In this episode we continue our discussion on digital literacy with some practical tips. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, joins the conversation as cohost. We review digital literacy and discuss ways to incorporate digital literacy skills and experiences across grade levels and subject areas. Links: The Digital Use Divide PhET Simulations Math Learning Center Apps (Bridges) Desmos EdTech Kits...

In this episode start our discussion on digital literacy with an overview. Scott McDaniel, our technology director, joins the conversation as cohost. We discuss what digital literacy is and why its so important in todays world. We also highlight the connections to media literacy and practical future ready skills. Links: The Digital Use Divide The Digital Access Divide The Digital Design Divide The...

In this episode we finish up discussion on innovative communication focusing on infographics and creative visuals. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, joins the conversation as well. We discuss ways to use infographics in your teaching practice as well as allowing students to create them as an alternative way to demonstrate learning. Links: Thinglink Canva

In this episode we finish up our theme on the educational technology standards for students and kick-off our new theme on innovative communication. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, joins the conversation as we discuss the final two anchor standards: Creative Communicator and Global Collaborator. In our discussion we highlight the connections with future ready skills.  Links: WA State Educatio...

In this episode we continue our theme on the educational technology standards for students. We will be taking an in-depth look at each anchor standard and what that looks like across grade levels and subject areas. In this episode, Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, returns and we continue to discuss the anchor standard: Digital Citizen. We break down the second half of the standard in this epi...

In this episode we continue our theme on the educational technology standards for students. We will be taking an in-depth look at each anchor standard and what that looks like across grade levels and subject areas. In this episode, Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, returns and we discuss the next anchor standard: Digital Citizen. We break down half of the standard in this episode and make conn...

In this episode we continue our theme on the educational technology standards for students. We will be taking an in-depth look at each anchor standard and what that looks like across grade levels and subject areas. In this episode, Heidi Lammers, LAP & Title I coordinator, joins the conversation as we discuss the next anchor standard: Computational Thinker. In our discussion we highlight the conne...

In this episode we continue our new theme on the educational technology standards for students. We will be taking an in-depth look at each anchor standard and what that looks like across grade levels and subject areas. In this episode, Mandie Thompson, middle school instructional coach, joins the conversation as we discuss the next anchor standard: Innovative Designer. In our discussion we highlig...

In this episode we continue our new theme on the educational technology standards for students. We will be taking an in-depth look at each anchor standard and what that looks like across grade levels and subject areas. In this episode, Jordan Osborne, middle school ELA & history teacher, joins the conversation as we discuss the next anchor standard: Knowledge Constructor. In our discussion we high...

We're back for a new school year! In this episode we kick-off our new theme on the educational technology standards for students. We will be taking an in-depth look at each anchor standard and what that looks like across grade levels and subject areas. In this episode, Mandie Thompson, middle school instructional coach, joins the conversation as we discuss the first anchor standard: Empowered Lear...

This episode we finish up our shortened monthly theme on boosting engagement and we close out our second season of the podcast! We will be on hiatus for summer break and then will be back with new episodes in September when school kicks back up every Tech Tuesday! In this episode we highlight how to pace your lessons to boost engagement in the classroom and some tech tools to help streamline the p...

This episode we start a new monthly theme on boosting student engagement. We highlight the awesome EdTech Kits we have available for checkout in the district and how they can provide engaging and really fun experiences across grade levels and subject areas in the classroom. We have a range of technology kits that include "unplugged" all the way to full coding and VR experiences. Aaron and Troy fro...

This episode we finish up our monthly theme on executive functioning. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, returns to the podcast to discuss the specific executive functioning skills that relate to initiation or starting and following through with tasks. We also highlight supports and scaffolds as well as technology tools to help teach these skills in the classroom. Links: Goblin Tools Canva Magi...