AACPS OIT Byte

     In 2020 we were all introduced to video conferencing tools to keep connected personally and professionally while meeting in person was discouraged. Because everyone relied so heavily on our video conferencing tools, we saw rapid, extensive growth in the capabilities of the video conferencing applications. In AACPS, we used Google Meet for virtual instruction. If/when schools shift to virtual for inclement weather or other emergency closures in the future, Google Meet will remain our go-to application for students and teachers to connect. Are you familiar with the awesome instructional tools built into this application? Screen sharing options When you click to present your screen, you will have 3 options to choose from. You can choose to share a Chrome tab, a Window, or your Entire Screen. But WHAT are you actually sharing with each choice?      Chrome tab - this option shares a single application on your screen meaning one program or one tab in your ...

  By Samantha Wilkinson, Instructional Technology Teacher Specialist 5 Benefits of Digital Planbooks A new school year means new school supplies, and among the most important items for teachers is a solid planbook. If I could get a nickel for every time I bought a new planbook… I’d have several dollars.  I’ve tried them all- school issued spiral bound books, binders divided by subject, designer books like Happy Planner and Erin Condren, and one failed attempt at making my own using a composition notebook and ruler.  While I always enjoy the feeling of starting a new year with a fresh planner, and all the hope that comes with it for an organized year, I just never found one that I loved or stuck with. Until now that is. Enter virtual planbooks. Digital tools and cloud-based platforms make virtual planners a no brainer for the modern teacher.  Let’s explore the Top 5 Benefits of Going Digital: Efficiency: My number one reason to go virtual for planning is that it just...

By Tracey Brown, OIT Teacher Specialist Back to school activities are a great way for teachers and students to get to know one another. They have always included opportunities to learn and practice names, share fun facts about your life or your summer and just work on building a classroom community where everyone feels valued. Below we share our top 5 favorite digital back to school activities. Looking for templates for any of the activities shared? Check out the Back to School page on Digital Takeout . 1. Scavenger hunts:  A scavenger hunt is a great way to introduce the students to the digital tools they will use this year. A traditional scavenger hunt might have had them discover the book shelf, the homework folders, or the hand washing station in the room. A digital scavenger asks them to explore their digital world in much the same way. It might begin by having them locate certain apps on Classlink that you will use frequently. It might continue by having them open Brightspac...