Word of the Day: Leverage

[Read time: 2 min] What does it mean to “leverage” technology? And does every teacher need to help students do this?

ArchiTECHs of Learning Episode 8: When the ISTE Standards Call, the Penguins Answer

Amy and Bob talk about the ISTE Standards, and how teachers should be thinking about technology integration. Plus, we have our first podcast PENGUIN sighting! Find the ISTE Standards at iste.org/standards.

ArchiTECHs of Learning: Episode 7: What’s Up, HyperDoc?

Join us as the Tech Coaches discuss the ins and outs of HyperDocs. Warning! They AREN’T just docs with links!

Word of the Day: Competency

[Read time: 1 min] In much the same way that we learned that all teachers are teachers of reading, we need to start to recognize that all teachers are also teachers of technological competency. We need to know what these competencies are. We need to model best practices within these contexts. And we need to be intentional about how we and students use technology in the classroom…[Read more]

EdTech Word of the Day: ISTE

There are some things related to technology that every teacher should at least be familiar with. I’ll be posting several of these throughout the remaining weeks of school.

I wanted to start today with one of the most important ones, which is obviously really an acronym: ISTE (pronounced “isty”), which stands for…

Digital Age Teaching and Learning Resources (K-5)

There are a variety of open educational resource (OERs) available online. One such collection of resources for K-5 learning exists through REMC, and you can find a grade- and subject- oriented list on MiTech Kids…

Q-Tip: SEL Activities with Jamboard

There is a lot of hype around Jamboard, and understandably so! Check out these SEL activities you can do with your class using Jamboard! Using Jamboard for SEL activities, brought to you by TCEA Not sure how to use Jamboard? Check out this video tutorial.

Quick Tip: Get the annoying stuff out of the way

One of the simplest, but most consistent and effective tools I have been introduced to is one that was recommended to me a couple years ago by the amazing Sean Williams, one of our network administrators. The tool is called...

Q-Tip: Exploring Some of H5P’s Interactive Tools

Did you know that H5P offers dozens of interactive activities for you to use with your students? Read about it here!

Q Tip: How to Update Zoom

In a quest to strive for excellence, Zoom is constantly updating itself for a better user experience. Here are some quick directions for how to update Zoom.

Stayin’ Alive Center

Check out the Tech Coaches’ Podcast
ArchiTECHs of Learning

Our latest blog posts…

Tech Coach Appointments begin August 31

Tech Coach Appointments begin August 31

The Tech Coach duo is back! That's right, both Amy Gwizdz and I (Bob Harrison) are here to continue supporting teachers as you seek to create effective learning environments and opportunities for your students. The Tech Coaches will be available to meet with teachers...

Setting Digital Norms

Setting Digital Norms

As we get started using our various new tools, one thing that will be of utmost importance for teachers will be establishing some digital norms. Where do I find the link for the meeting? Will it be on my email? Will it be on Schoology? And will it be the same link every time?

Getting Ready for Schoology

Getting Ready for Schoology

As you may be aware, the technology re-opening committee voted to adopt Schoology as the district's new LMS (learning management system). For teachers who are familiar with other LMSes, like Moodle or Canvas, many of your skills are transferable. You might be familiar...

Tech Coach Tip- Quiz View

Tech Coach Tip- Quiz View

One recurring problem that teachers and students come across in an iLearn (Moodle) quiz has to do with the viewing of some quiz questions. Because the problem is related to an individual user's view, it can be confusing and frustrating for teachers to try to solve....

BigBlueButton Update

BigBlueButton Update

Howdy, and Happy Monday! Here are a few tidbits of information that I'd like to share with you. BigBlueButton BBB is going strong! Teachers and students across the district are using it frequently to have video conferences, from whole group lessons to one-on-one...

More Help with BigBlueButton!

More Help with BigBlueButton!

So many teachers have been using BigBlueButton and have found its features convenient and very easy to use! For those of you who may still want to jump on the BBB bandwagon, there's plenty of room! I will be hosting one last moderated session on using BBB with your...

Your Questions Answered:  Google Meet

Your Questions Answered: Google Meet

As we are transitioning to online learning, teachers are realizing the benefits of face-to-face contact with their students. Whole class discussion, guided reading groups, and teaching whole-group lessons can all be done using Google Meet. As teachers utilize Google...

Good News!

Good News!

The recording from today's hangout on technology help is ready! Click on this link to view the recording: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RAFG2z81zF4a04ttZaqofkKw1JlMXxUW Click on this link for the chat transcript:...

iLearn Upgrades

For about the next hour, connectivity to iLearn will be intermittent, due to upgrades on the server. Thank you for your patience while we try to improve your iLearn experience.

iLearn and Google Classroom Quick Links

While we are working on a unique and personalized learning experience for our staff, if you are struggling or have a quick question about iLearn (Moodle) or Google Classroom, please visit the following sites. They are very helpful and thorough. Click on either image...

girl logs into Chromebook with student number written on card

Technology for Lifelong Learning

As technology increases exponentially, learners in the 21st century have the opportunity to go far beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom.  The available technology provided by the Dearborn Schools allows students to interact in the digital community, collaborate with peers, and engage with the world from their seats in our classrooms.  The possibilities for learning know no boundaries online.  Learn how to help students become lifelong learners in the digital community.

Our Goal

The goal of instructional technology coaches is to help teachers become effective at using technology to provide the most technology-rich, positive learning environments possible.  To this end, we believe effective teachers…

  1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity.
  2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments.
  3. Model digital age work and learning.
  4. Promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility.
  5. Engage in professional growth and leadership.

from Standards for Teachers.

collage of students working on Moodle