Why Computer Science? This week is National Computer Science Week, celebrated across the country with Hour of Code. As our world increasingly uses technology, understanding how it works, and how we can use it to solve problems, becomes increasingly more important. The growth of jobs that depend on computer science knowledge is increasing- in…
Middle and High School teachers focus on online writing
by S. Griffin •
“I can’t wait to implement.” “This was the best professional development day I’ve ever attended!” Middle and high school English and Social Studies teachers had high marks for the training they received on October 12th’s professional development day. The topic was timely and focused on their subject matter- exploring strategies for implementing online writing in…
Newsela Current Event Articles Support All Levels
by S. Griffin •
Piedmont teachers using the Newsela service can be found at all of our schools. Newsela.com rewrites articles from today’s headlines for five reading levels, allowing an entire class to read the same content, but at a level that’s just right for each student from primary readers to college-level! The results: engaging, relevant nonfiction reading and…
Digital Citizenship Week October 18th-24th, 2015
by S. Griffin •
With 92 percent of teens going online daily and nearly three-quarters of kids age 0–8 using apps, it’s time to have “the Talk.” As parents and educators, we want to raise kids to be safe, responsible, and ethical in the digital and analog world. Giving kids a solid understanding of how we expect them…
Connected Learning in Action: Debbi Hill and Membean
by S. Griffin •
In this continuing series, teachers working with students in the Connected Learning 1:1 program share how they use the tools to impact student learning. Below is an email sent by Connected Learning coach Debbi Hill to PHS staff about the personalized vocabulary service Membean students access from their Chromebooks. The service is free for individuals, so…
Digital Discussions
by S. Griffin •
The start of the school year is a great time to establish family expectations for technology use by having a “Digital Discussion.” To get you started, consider clarifying the norms and rules of your family on these topics: Where will your students use their devices to do their homework? In a shared visible location or…
Parents’ Views of Digital Classrooms from Public Radio’s Marketplace
by S. Griffin •
Public radio’s Marketplace reported on parents’ view on the digital classroom in the May 15th episode. We turn our attention to parents, many of whom have spent the last year exploring the ins-and-outs of educational technology themselves, alongside their children. We wanted to get parents’ views of the shift, as their children do more school work…
New Mobile Computer Science Apps Course at PHS
by S. Griffin •
Starting next year at Piedmont High School, a new computer science course, Mobile Computer Science Principles, will be offered to students. The course focuses on learning computer science concepts while designing mobile apps that promote social good and serve a purpose in the community. Students will be encouraged to think outside the box, developing skills in problem solving…
Connected Learning in Action – Sati Shah
by S. Griffin •
In this continuing series, teachers working with students in the Connected Learning 1:1 program share how they use the tools to impact student learning. Science is an amazing tool for understanding the immense complexity of the natural world. One of the most powerful lessons in science class is how to develop the skills to solve…
Connected Learning in Action – Janine Sohn
by S. Griffin •
In this continuing series, teachers working with students in the Connected Learning 1:1 program share how they use the tools to impact student learning. Use of Chromebooks has been very effective in the World Cultures classrooms. Because the course focuses on current events around the world, Chromebooks have been especially useful in helping students access…
