Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Photoshop for Beginners

I love Photoshop.

I have a confession.  I like Photoshop, and I'm self taught.  I'm a geek, and I taught myself.  I might be a bit different than everyone else, because it isn't an easy application. The problem is that Photoshop is a bit of a difficult program for some people to wrap their heads around.  

So, here are some of my beginner's steps to getting their head around Photoshop...



Tuesday, November 17, 2015

3D Design & Printing

3D Printing

3D printing is a new frontier at my school, where they have invested in purchasing 4 3D printers this year.  As many students use iPads, this post is geared to use the touch interface to create 3D objects on the iPad, and export for 3D printing.


This is a work in progress, and as I learn more, I will add more to the post.

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Twitter for Beginners

I believe that all teachers should have a way to reach out to others, and build a Professional Learning Network (PLN) of like minded educators.  We all have interests, problems, questions, and need advice.

There are many ways to build this PLN, and there are many educators using Twitter.

Twitter is an online social networking service that enables users to send and read short 140-character messages called "tweets". It is a microblogging platform, which allows you to post and show what you are doing, ask questions, and follow an interesting feed of information.


Many people use Twitter to:
  • Share ideas
  • Develop a PLN (Personal Learning Network)
  • Connect and collaborate with people
  • Reflect and engage in dialogue with others
  • Access to new resources...every day
  • Follow interests
  • Expand your professional development

Here are some common definitions of commonly used terms in Twitter.

#tags (n):hashtags are markers placed in a Tweet that can be traced by other Tweeters. They are used to link people interested in similar topics. HashTags are not a ‘source’, they are a label only.
#tagchat (n):a ‘conversation’ that is connected and followed via a specific hashtag.
@symbol (v):the transportation method to get a tweet to a particular individual.
Followers (n):people interested in what you say and share.
Following (v):individuals who say and share things you are interested in.
PLN (n):Personal Learning Network.
ReTweet (v):the act of Tweeting someone else’s tweet. Referred to as an ‘RT’ in most tweets.
Twit or Tweeter (n):a Twitter user
Twitterverse (n):a universe inhabited by individuals who are active members of Twitter.
Tweet (v):the act of communicating via Twitter.
Tweet (n):a single message communicated via Twitter.
Tweacher (n):a teacher who uses Twitter to engage in great ideas with students and other teachers.
Common hashtags used by educators on Twitter, curated by @cybraryman1



Monday, October 26, 2015

We're Moving


The FishBowl is moving to a new home!



You can find us now at http://www.kispd.com/
There is a link on the KIS.or.kr website at the bottom.
Just click on the KIS PD Button!

Friday, October 23, 2015

Social Media at KIS

KIS needs your help in promoting great things here at KIS.  Social Media is a great way to get the word out about what your students and co-workers are doing!

There are lots of great things happening, but we need to consider a few things.  What concerns do faculty members have?  What privacy issues need to be considered?

Our Students use lots of Social Media networks.  Out of 285 students polled, our percentages of students using these networks are shown below.

Your students use social media.  Sometimes the conversation needs to come to them.

Help us to gather a little information, so we can reflect your ideas in KIS policy.




The Draft Social Media policy is linked here.  

Make "Suggestions" so we can make this better, with your input.

Let's look at it together, and discuss what is in it.

Friday, October 16, 2015

PowerTeacher Comment Bank


In the Fishbowl this week learn about PowerTeacher Comment Bank.  In PowerTeacher Gradebook, you are able to add comments to your Personal Comment Bank. Your Personal Comment Bank will be available when assigning scores and comments to assignments and final grades. You can also edit and delete previously entered comments. Your Personal Comment Bank will remain available for use with any current and future classes in your PowerTeacher Gradebook during your tenure at KIS.

Fishbowl Schedule

Session 1 8:10 am - 8:50 am
Session 2 9:40 am - 10:20 am 
Session 3 2:10 pm - 2:50 pm
**20 min Mini Session  1:10 pm- 1:30 pm Tech Bytes



Goal 1: Learn how to create a Comment Bank in GradeBook

Time:30 mins

Goal 2: To create a comments in MS/HS for C1/C2, or S1/S2 Reporting Terms in GradeBook

Target Audience: Any Faculty at KIS responsible for reporting

1. How to Add Comments to your Personal Comment Bank

  1. On the PowerTeacher Gradebook menu, select Gradebook Preferences. The Preferences dialog appears.
  2. Click the Comment Bank tab.
  3. Click Add to add a new comment. The Create a New Teacher Comment dialog appears.
  4. Enter a comment Code and Category.
  5. In the Comment field, enter the text of the comment. Select a Smart Text option from the pop­up menu to insert a name or pronoun into the context of the comment. Alternately, you can right click in the Comment text area to display the Smart Text options.
  6. Note: Name options are case­ insensitive. Pronoun options are case­ sensitive.
  7. Click OK. The changes or additions appear in the Comment Bank on the Score or Comment
  8. Inspectors.
  9. To modify a comment, select a comment from the list and click Edit.
  10. To remove a comment, select a comment from the list and click Delete. A confirmation dialog appears. Select Yes to delete the comment.

2. Add a Comment from Your Personal Bank in PowerSchool

  1. Open PowerTeacher Gradebook.
  2. Open the Score Inspector: right-click on a score and select Score Inspector or single-click a score and choose Tools from the menu bar, then select Score Inspector.
  3. In Score Inspector, click on the Comment Tab. A dialog box displaying all  pre-entered comments will appear.
  4. Insert comments by either double clicking a comment or clicking a comment one time then click on the Insert Selected Comments button. Multiple comments can be added by control-clicking (Windows)/command-clicking (Apple) or shift-clicking desired comments, then clicking the Insert Selected Comments button.
  5. Click Close to accept changes or Cancel to ignore changes.
  6. Click the arrow next to the student or assignment name to add comments to another student/assignment score.
  7. Close the Score Inspector. Upon closing, the changes will be saved.
  8. Note that comments may also be entered by typing text in the comment box.
  9. To clear the comments, click on the Clear button then close the Score Inspector. 
  10. Once comments are added to a score, a comment icon displays next to the score in the Spreadsheet view.



Tech Bytes: Google Addons




This week Tech Bytes presents Google Add-ons.  Google Add-ons add more functionality to your documents, spreadsheets, and forms.  In this session you will learn how to install and manage add-ons in Google Docs, Sheets, and Forms, and all about the wonderful variety and functionality of add-ons!

When: Monday through Thursday

Time: 1:10-1:30



Where: The Fishbowl


Monday, October 12, 2015

Advanced Google Forms


In the Fishbowl this week learn about Advanced Google Forms. You'll learn about creating non-linear forms for surveys, questionnaires, or lessons. Form results are automatically sent to a Google Sheet.  By using scripts, addons, and other tools you'll be able to analyze your data in more meaningful ways and even provide targeted feedback to your students. 

Fishbowl Schedule

Session 1 8:10 am - 8:50 am
Session 2 9:40 am - 10:20 am 
Session 3 2:10 pm - 2:50 pm
**20 min Mini Session  1:10 pm- 1:30 pm Tech Bytes

Tech Bytes: Google Forms 101




This week Tech Bytes presents Google Forms 101.  Create custom forms for surveys and questionnaires. This week you will learn:

  • What is Google Forms?
  • Creating a new form
  • Adding collaborators to the form
  • Editing the form description
  • Editing form questions
  • Adding more questions and other items
  • Question types



When: Monday through Thursday

Time: 1:10-1:30

Where: The Fishbowl



Monday, October 5, 2015

Google Slides


Google Slides


Slides is a powerful Google tool.  It has many features of Powerpoint and Keynote, with the flexible collaboration tools of Google Docs.  It allows for embedding into websites, and can also convert those pesky .pptx (Powerpoint) files into Google Slides.

This session helps the user to:

  • Understand the new templates and styles.
  • Using the Research Tool.
  • Inserting Creative Commons images.
  • Embedding to Websites & Schoology.
  • and much more!

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Google Docs: Improve Your Workflow and Collaboration



the Fishbowl this week learn about some of the great features Google Docs has to offer. This week you will learn about:


The Research Tool



Revision History



Commenting and Collaboration



Add-ons: Easy Bib


Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Schoology Tests and Quizzes


Navigating Schoology... Tests and Quizzes!



In the Fishbowl this week learn about Schoology Tests and Quizzes. This week the focus on best practices for creating tests and quizzes and sharing them out to courses, grade level departments, and students.

Fishbowl Schedule
Session 1 8:10 am - 8:50 am
Session 2 9:40 am - 10:20 am 
Session 3 2:10 pm - 2:50 pm
**20 min Mini Session  1:10 pm- 1:30 pm Tech Bytes


                   

Monday, September 7, 2015

Schoology Assignments


This post is about delineating the best practice in creating Schoology Assignments.  We recommend using the procedure listed in the slides below.





Friday, September 4, 2015

Tech Bytes: Preview

This week Tech Bytes presents Preview.  Preview is the image viewer and PDF viewer of the OS X operating system. You will be learn how to add a signature, split a pdf, resize a photo, and how to annotate documents. 

           When: Monday through Thursday           Time: 1:10-1:30           Where: The Fishbowl

Don't forget to visit the EdTech KIS Youtube channel for how to videos and more!





Friday, August 28, 2015

Navigating Schoology... the adventure continues!



In the Fishbowl this week learn about Schoology Assignments. This week the focus on best practices for creating assignments and sharing them out to courses, grade level departments, and students.

Fishbowl Schedule
Session 1 8:10 am - 8:50 am
Session 2 9:40 am - 10:20 am 
Session 3 2:10 pm - 2:50 pm
**20 min Mini Session  1:10 pm- 1:30 pm Tech Bytes 



Creating Assignments
(For more Schoology videos visit https://support.schoology.com/)



For extra help and support don't forget to visit our KIS EdTech YouTube channel or Schoology's Help Center.

Tech Bytes Presents Google Drive


Next week's Tech Bytes will focus on improving your overall efficiency with  Google Drive. Come to the 20 minute session, even if you are an experienced Drive user, as we will share tips that will help you throughout the school year. The session will focus on:

Google Drive

  • My Drive
  • Shared with Me
  • Folders (Organizing)
  • Google Docs
  • Sharing

The sessions will be held Monday through Thursday and the timings are below:

Skinny Session 1: 8:10 am - 8:30 am
Skinny Session 2: 1:10 pm - 1:30 pm









Tech Bytes sessions in The Fishbowl every Monday through Thursday at 1:10. Stop by for a  20 minute tools and tactics session. Look for a new topic each week! 


Thursday, August 27, 2015

Tech Bytes in The Fishbowl

Don't forget to attend our Tech Bytes sessions Monday through Thursday at 1:10. Tech Bytes are 20 minute tools and tactics sessions. Look for a new topic each week. 

This week Richard will introduce Zoom, Caffeine, ScreenShot and Command F1!


Don't forget to visit the EdTech KIS Youtube channel for how to videos and more!

Caffeine


Command F1


Screenshot


Zoom



Saturday, August 22, 2015

Navigating Schoology


In the Fishbowl this week get ready to board the SS Schoology. This week's presentation is exciting and new especially for new KIS staff or anyone new to Schoology. We will focus on Schoology basics, navigating different screens and menus, account settings, communication basics, and more!

Monday Fishbowl Schedule

Session 1 8:10 am - 8:50 am 
Session 2 9:40 am - 10:20 am 
Session 3 11:20 pm - 12:00 pm 
Session 4 2:10 pm - 2:50 pm 
**20 min Mini Session  1:10 pm- 1:30 pm Tech Bytes: Mac Tips!**

For extra help and support don't forget to visit our KIS EdTech YouTube channel or Schoology's Help Center.








Monday, August 17, 2015

Powerschoology

This week in the Fishbowl EdTech presents
Powerschoology


Grading & Assessment: 

PowerSchool & Schoology (Enterprise)

Participants: All Middle and High School teachers

Outcomes:

In this session you will achieve the following:
  1. Set Grading Term Weight in PowerSchool 
  2. Set Set Grading Categories according to class/Department agreements 
  3. Complete Gradebook Setup in Schoology
  4. Have 1-4 verified by member of  your department

PowerSchool GradeBook

Open PowerSchool Gradebook, and select your first Course for 2015-16. You will need to set up: Rounding, Categories, and your Reporting Terms.

Rounding

All Gradebooks should be set to Round grades to 1 decimal. 


  • Click on Gradebook in the upper left hand corner next to the Apple. 
  • Click on Preferences
  • Navigate to the second tab, Grading
  • Ensure Rounded is selected and in the Store calculated grades up to: 1 decimal places








Categories
  • In left side bar, in the 'Categories' box, use the + symbol to add new Grade Categories if your required Categories are not already populated.
  • Do not delete the Projects category, this category is necessary for PowerSchool and Schoology to communicate.




Reporting Terms
You will need to setup your S1, C1, E1 and S2, C2, and E2 reporting terms.
  • Navigate to the fourth tab and open Grade Setup
  • Double click on S1
    • Select Term Weights/Standard Weights and set your percentages.
      • Middle School: C1 should be 100% and E1 0%
      • Hight School: C1 should be 85% and E1 15% *Double check with your departments
    • Repeat for S2


  • Setup Categories Weights in C1 and C2: Now in your Grade Setup, add the Categories you set up earlier and associated weights to the C1 term.
  • Double click on C1 
    • Click on Add Category
    • Give each category a percentage but they must up to 100%. 
      • Example: Formative 80%, Summative 20%
      • Don't forget to set up C2. 
  • E1 and E2 (Final Exam, Semesters 1 and 2)
    • MS 0%
    • HS 15%
    • Total Points (this is the default)


  • Do you this same setup for multiple Courses? It's easy to copy this first perfect setup. On S1 and C1, right select using your trackpad or mouse, and Copy Grade Setup -- Entire Class. Check the boxes for the Courses you want this configuration sent to. 
  • Complete any/all other setup in PowerSchool


Schoology

  • You can sync Schoology assignments to PowerSchool GradeBook
  • PowerSchool does not however recognize the Grading Category that is applied inside Schoology, requiring this small piece of double handling. i.e. Once an assigment is posted and synced with PowerSchool you need to go to PowerSchool Gradebook and apply the correct category to your synched grade item. Annoying....yes. But better than double entering assignment. The preset Schoology category for ALL assignments is Projects.
  • PowerSchool is the only definitive reference for student's Overall Semester grades. Think of Schoology a communication tool.
For each of your Courses, you are however required to setup your Gradebook, in the same manner as PowerSchool, in order to sync assignments. This is for the duration of 2015-16.
It's easy to do:

  • Go to your Course
  • Click on Gradebook 
  • Then click on Gradebook Setup
  • On the Category section click on Add. 
    • Category Name =Projects, Calculated By = total points, Weight =100

  •  Grading Periods & Final Weights > Select EDIT
  • Select C1 and E1 in the 2015-2016 School Year, and deselect any other periods


  • Enter all values in line with your PowerSchool setup. 
    • MS --> C1=100, E1=0
    • HS -->C1=85%, E1=15% *double check with your department heads
    • Select Grade Scale -->KIS/Powerschool HS and MS. 
    • Tick the boxes -->  Hide overall grade from student reports






 Once your setup is perfect you can copy it to other courses.








 Download the presentation -   FB Powerschool and Schoology Setup 15-16
In order to ensure accuracy in setting up your PowerTeacher Gradebooks, and to detail the tie in with Schoology, we need all new and returning MS and HS teachers to attend one of the FishBowl sessions next week. It would be ideal if teachers could attend with other members of their departments.

Please find the Monday through Thursday timings below.

Session 1 8:10 am - 8:50 am
Session 2 9:40 am - 10:20 am
Session 3 11:20 pm - 12:00 pm
Session 4 2:10 pm - 2:50 pm

If the above sessions do not fall during one of your free periods, please contact EdTEch and we will arrange an alternate training time.

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