EdTech Happenings

Welcome to our February EdTech Newsletter! As we navigate this month, let's honor the incredible contributions of Black educators, innovators and leaders who have shaped the world of education. Their legacy inspires us to strive for excellence and inclusivity in our learning environments.

Valentine's Day is a perfect time to show appreciation for our students, teachers, and staff. Let's spread kindness and support each other as we navigate the busy school year.

Upcoming STAAR testing is on the horizon, and we know it can be a stressful time for everyone. Remember to take breaks, practice self-care, and encourage your students to do the same. A relaxed mind is a productive mind. Be sure to read through this month's newsletter for tips, resources and stories that celebrate the spirit of learning and community!

Canva just made presentations more interactive with Polls & Quizzes! Now, you can easily add live questions to engage your audience, check for understanding, or spark discussions-all without leaving your slide deck. Polls and quizzes provide immediate feedback, allowing educators to refine lesson delivery in real time. Ready to try it? Click the button below to learn more about these Canva features.

Learn more about all of Canva's new features by clicking the button below!

Educator Resources For Professionals

Accessing the Adobe Express Educator Resources website can significantly benefit educators by providing a wealth of tools that align with the Creative and Innovative Technology Applications (TA) TEKS. These resources help create visually appealing and interactive content, enhancing teaching strategies and promoting critical thinking.

When clicking the links below, the "How To" link explains how to access the resources, and the second link takes you directly to the Educator Resources site. Be sure to open the Adobe Express app in ClassLink first before accessing the resources below.

This February, we shine a spotlight on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Technology Applications, particularly the Creativity and Innovation strand. This TEK emphasizes the importance of fostering creative thinking and innovative problem-solving skills in our students.

Incorporating creativity and innovation in the classroom is crucial as it encourages students to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and develop solutions to real-world problems. By engaging in these activities, students not only strengthen their technological skills but also prepare for future challenges in a rapidly evolving world. Click the link below to see how it applies to each grade level. 

Reach out to your Digital Learning Specialist to learn more about how to engage your students in creativity and innovation.

Mrs. DeLeon, a bilingual first and second grade teacher at Worth Heights Elementary, is pioneering the use of Canvas in her combination classroom, transforming how she manages dual-grade instruction. Through thoughtful implementation of video features and digital tools, she's created a system that allows her to effectively teach both grade levels simultaneously while providing targeted intervention support. Her innovative approach proves that even young learners can thrive in a technology-enhanced classroom when it's implemented with care and purpose. Click the link below to learn more.

Multitasking with Split View on Your MacBook!

Split View lets teachers work smarter by displaying two apps side by side, perfect for grading assignments while referencing lesson plans or running a Zoom class alongside Google Docs. Simply hold the green full-screen button, choose a side for your first app, and select the second app to fill the other half. Adjust window sizes, switch apps seamlessly, and boost productivity in seconds. Click the link below to see it in action.