"Tech-Me-Out" Training Plan
In January the Technology Services Department will pilot a plan that equips teachers with the skills to effectively integrate key instructional technology platforms into their daily teaching practices through engaging virtual workshops.
Training Schedule
Here is the complete 18-week training schedule. Trainings are offered hourly every Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM to fit your schedule.
Jan 14
Week 1: Google Drive & Docs
The Foundation of Collaboration
Focus: Organization, file management, sharing permissions, and collaborative features in Google Docs (comments, suggesting mode, version history).
Activity: Collaborative lesson planning in a shared Google Doc.
Jan 21
Week 2: Google Slides & Forms
Engaging Instruction & Assessment
Focus: Creating interactive presentations, embedding multimedia, and building self-grading quizzes or surveys with Google Forms.
Activity: Design a dynamic lesson opener in Slides and a corresponding exit ticket in Forms.
Jan 28
Week 3: Google Sheets & Classroom
Streamlining Workflow
Focus: Basic spreadsheet functions for data tracking (attendance, grades), and setting up Google Classroom for efficient assignment distribution and communication.
Activity: Create a gradebook template in Sheets and set up a mock class in Google Classroom.
Feb 4
Week 4: Google Meet
Mastering the Virtual Classroom
Focus: Best practices for hosting engaging and secure virtual classes with Google Meet (breakout rooms, polls, Q&A, and moderation).
Activity: Run a 'mini-lesson' in a breakout room, practicing transitions and moderation tools.
Feb 11
Week 5: Introduction to Educational AI
Understanding New Tools
Focus: Understanding the capabilities of Gemini and Notebook LM. Discussing responsible use, ethics, and prompt engineering basics.
Activity: Participate in a 'What if...?' session to brainstorm educational uses and analyze sample prompts.
Feb 18
Week 6: Gemini for Teachers
AI in Lesson Planning
Focus: Practical applications for lesson planning, creating differentiated instructional materials, and generating rubrics with Gemini.
Activity: Workshop: Use Gemini to create a differentiated lesson plan for a specific subject and grade level.
Feb 25
Week 7: Notebook LM for Teachers
Source-Grounded AI
Focus: Using Notebook LM for source-grounded content. Uploading documents to create study guides, analyze texts, and build Q&A sets.
Activity: Workshop: Upload a unit plan or text and use Notebook LM to generate a study guide and a summary of key concepts.
Mar 4
Week 8: Gemini for Administrators
AI for Leadership Comms
Focus: Leveraging Gemini for drafting communications (newsletters, emails), summarizing data, and generating policy outlines.
Activity: Role-play scenario: Drafting a clear parent newsletter about a new school initiative using Gemini.
Mar 18
Week 9: Notebook LM for Administrators
AI for Document Analysis
Focus: Analyzing large documents with Notebook LM, such as handbooks, accreditation reports, or site plans, to find information and summarize key sections.
Activity: Role-play scenario: Uploading a staff handbook and using Notebook LM to quickly answer policy-specific questions.
Mar 25
Week 10: Intro to Canvas LMS
Setting up for Success
Focus: Navigating the Canvas dashboard, creating modules, assignments, and announcements. Understanding the gradebook.
Activity: Build a 'Welcome' module for a course, including a syllabus and an introductory assignment.
Apr 1
Week 11: Advanced Canvas
Quizzes, Discussions & Groups
Focus: Designing varied assessments with Canvas Quizzes, fostering student interaction through Discussions, and managing collaborative projects with Groups.
Activity: Create a group discussion prompt and a quiz with multiple question types.
Apr 8
Week 12: SeeSaw LMS (K-5 Focus)
Empowering Student Voice
Focus: Introduction to SeeSaw's interface, creating activities, and using the drawing, photo, and video tools for student responses.
Activity: Design a 'get to know you' activity for students to complete using various SeeSaw tools.
Apr 15
Week 13: SeeSaw for Portfolios
Family Communication
Focus: Utilizing SeeSaw for building digital portfolios and effectively communicating with families through the platform.
Activity: Practice approving student work and sending a class announcement to families.
Apr 22
Week 14: Frontline SIS
Accessing Student Information
Focus: Navigating the Frontline SIS to find student schedules, attendance records, and contact information. Understanding basic reporting features.
Activity: A guided scavenger hunt to locate specific pieces of student data within the system.
Apr 29
Week 15: Chromebooks in the Classroom
Best Practices
Focus: Classroom management strategies for a 1:1 Chromebook environment, essential shortcuts, accessibility features, and basic troubleshooting.
Activity: Share and discuss classroom routines that promote responsible Chromebook usage.
May 6
Week 16: Interactive Touch Panels
ClearTouch/Newline
Focus: Navigating the panel's basic functions, using annotation tools, screen sharing from devices, and integrating with classroom software.
Activity: 'Show and Tell' of favorite features, apps, or web-based tools for interactive panels.
May 13
Week 17: Integrating Other Tools
Powerful Integrations
Focus: A 'buffet' of popular and district-approved tools (e.g., Edpuzzle, Pear Deck, Screencastify). Quick-start guides for each.
Activity: A 'speed-dating' style exploration of 2-3 new tools in breakout rooms.
May 20
Week 18: Tech Showcase & Q+A
Showcase & Wrap-up
Focus: A culminating session where teachers can share a successful tech-integrated lesson they've created. Open floor for questions.
Activity: Informal presentations and peer feedback.