Rocky’s Journey is a Sway work sample made by  a 7th-grader from MOM  (Sara Chai’s class).

CLICK on the picture to view the  presentation.

We are working with EdTechTeam (they produce the Google Summits) on doing a Google Certified Educator Bootcamp for our teachers. The Bootcamps are preparatory courses for teachers who want to move forward and become officially Certified in Level 1.

Teachers, coaches, and/or administrators who sign up will be given the royal treatment for the day as they discover new material and prepare for their exams. Support is also given after the Bootcamp as the attendees are studying for the exam. EdTechTeam’s presenters will stay in contact via email and a G+ Community to make sure everyone is taken care of.

We are offering a Level 1 Bootcamp and we are opening registration to anyone who would like to attend. If you are interested in learning more, go to //edtechteam.com/bootcamps and you can get all the information. The cost for each participant is $299.00

EdTechTeam Bootcamps have a registration site for our event at: nvite.com/EdTechTeam/zjvjgy or you can pay by Purchase Order by contacting tara@edtechteam.com.

Sweetwater 2030 Update

Beginning in the Winter of 2016, we visited most schools in the Sweetwater District to talk to students about what was working for them and what changes they would like to see.  We also asked these students about the use of technology in schools.

From these students we heard two clear themes.

1. No surprise: Teachers are the primary source of student appreciation and angst.  We heard many stories of inspirational and adored teachers who have motivated and supported students through their learning journey and we heard some challenging stories where teachers and students did not connect in a positive and helpful way.
2. Students want to be active and do meaningful projects both inside and outside the classroom.

With that in mind, the EdTech department is organizing visits to schools who are trying new and innovative programs (specifically project based models) so that we can learn how to adapt our own instructional approaches to keep students engaged and moving toward mastery.

Our first visits are scheduled to the following schools:

April 27 VIDA Magnet School Vista

April 28 High Tech High Chula Vista Here’s a recent Getting Smart podcast about High Tech High.

If you would like to join us on these visits, please consult your site administration for coverage and  email me at daniel.winters@sweetwaterschools.org.  We have a small number of spaces available to interested Sweetwater educators.

SUHSD’s school sites have many pockets of innovation. We are creating pathways to move from pockets of innovation to a culture where learning and innovation flourishes.  We are looking for teachers with different levels of comfort and expertise that have grown in their teaching and learning practices with learning technologies.

If you know of a teacher that has grown in some way, shape or form using technology to engage, empower or improve student learning in the SUSHD, please submit their name here.

by Alejandro Picazo, RDM Librarian

MakerSpace Ideas

What do we want at RDM?

What are MakerSpaces?

MakerSpaces are areas of learning that may include a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematical concepts that are taught through problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning and critical thinking. All projects require active student participation. The MakerSpace’s hands-on approach encourages scientific inquiry, investigation and experimentation. Students are challenged as they build, problem solve, discuss, and evaluate scientific and design principles in action.

MakerSpaces Across the District

Castle Park High’s MakerSpace

Students use the kits during lunch. The Librarian has noted an increase in the number of visitors to the library particularly, from the significant sub-groups (ELD and Special Education) who are using these kits. The tools that are being used include: Littlebits and Knex.

Littlebits This littlebits kit is part of a STEAM Education class pack that includes sensors, fans, circuits and all of the necessary materials for students to use technology and engineering skills to build and create inventions. The bits are color coded for easy assembly.	Knex Education- Real Bridge Building This set is designed to assist students in their study of the history, function, structural design, geometry and strength of bridges.	Knex Education- Exploring Machines This set expands upon middle school students’ knowledge of simple machine concepts. It requires for students to investigate, explore and experiment as they analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information.

 

Castle Park Middle’s MakerSpace

The MakerSpace is part of an after-school club that is open to students on a weekly basis. The meetings are in a classroom. A great asset of this program is that it is inter-generational. Parents join in on the fun by working with their students in activities such as sewing puppets together that use LED sensor technology. Students learn to use conductive thread, copper tape and even soldering irons.

Sensor Technology and Sewing This project required skill and precision in its making. Students learn to sew as well to handle sensor electronics.	MakerSpace Materials Students have plenty of materials to support their genius and creativity.	Beads This is a student favorite. Students learn to create and design necklaces by handling jewelry beading tools.

 

Rancho del Rey Middle’s MakerSpace

What do we want at RDM Library?

Based on my observations after having visited the only two sites that I know to have a MakerSpace, we can adopt an eclectic approach. There is value in providing students with opportunities to engage in classical tasks. For instance, parents and even grandparents can be invited to facilitate workshops where sewing, knitting, and other arts and crafts are taught. This can be an effective way to involve our community and provide inter-generational learning experiences. These tasks can be complemented with STEM related tools and equipment that require students to use science, engineering, math and technology to invent as they use critical thinking skills to evaluate and problem solve.

What equipment can we consider to get started? (in addition to the ones above)

Vex Motorized Arm This set challenges students to build a fully functional VEX Motorized Robotic Arm.	Robot This G15 model is an award winning set. Students build, program and play this fully-operational, 4-foot tall, robot with life-like articulated limbs powered by 10 motors for realistic movement.	Breakout EDU This is the latest in educational gaming. We must have it here. In Breakout EDU games, players work collaboratively to solve a series of critical thinking puzzles in order to open a box. The kit can be used to play hundreds of games from many different disciplines and subjects.

 

Media Table with LCD Monitor

We need creative seating arrangements that promote collaboration and accomodate the use of technology. In this picture, students are actively engaged as they observe the monitor that is connected to a laptop. Students can connect their iPads to a monitor to collaborate on projects and assignments. They can sit at this table as they engage in Breakout EDU games.

Dry Erase it All

Let’s create writing spaces for students to encourage collaboration and sharing of ideas and knowledge. We can apply Whiteboard Paint on our walls and provide for whiteboard space at our circulation desk and sides of the book cases as well.

Mobile Creativity Carts

Mobility and flexibility is key in a makerspace. A cart like the one pictured provides for easy storage and movement of equipment.

Teachers, email (or screen shot) to ibossrequest@sweetwaterschools.org  to whitelist a website or video for your students.