The Art of Tech

In this episode we start our new theme leading up to our 100th episode highlighting our technology department! In this first episode in the short series we discuss our new Chromebook Handbook. Scott McDaniel, our director, joins the discussion to talk about why Chromebook handbooks are helpful and why we have our version. We also discuss the contents and how it can support students, teachers, and families with technology.

Links:

• BGPS Chromebook Handbook
• Going Online Resource Hub
• Going Online Family Resource Hub

In this episode we finish our discussion on the digital divides. Scott, McDaniel, our technology director, is back for this episode. We focus mostly on the Digital Use Divide in our discussion, but do also share about the Digital Design Divide. We share some ways for teachers and admin to address the Digital Use Divide to provide students with the types of transformative experiences that help build future ready skills.

Links:

• National Educational Technology Plan (2024)
• Going Online Resource Hub
• Accessibility Features Video Tutorials

In this episode we kickoff our new theme on the digital divides (yup, plural!). We focus on the Digital Access Divide that is what we typically picture when we hear the words "digital divide." Scott McDaniel, our technology director, joins the episode and we discuss the spectrum of digital access and the challenges of addressing access. We also share some tips for removing barriers for students.

Links:

• National Educational Technology Plan (2024)
• Digital Citizenship Resources for Families
• How to Enable Offline Access in Google Drive

In this episode we finish our theme on EdTech Kits. It's a bit different format with no guests and a shorter episode. I discuss the value of hands-on experiences in the ELA or gen-ed classroom and how different EdTech kits can provide engaging connections for students in ELA.

Links:

• BGPS EdTech Kits webpage
• BGPS Helpdesk Support Portal
• Sphero Lesson Collections
• Ozobot Lessons
• Makey Makey Guides
• Birdbrain Humminbird Projects
• Breakout EDU

We're back with a new episode! In this episode we continue our theme on EdTech Kits. Colleen Homola joins the podcast this week. She teaches math at Prairie High School and also supports teachers across the state through the Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network and Teacher Residency program. We discuss the value of hands-on experiences in the math classroom and how different EdTech kits can provide engaging connections for students in math.

Links:

• BGPS EdTech Kits webpage
• BGPS Helpdesk Support Portal
• Sphero Lesson Collections
• Ozobot Lessons
• Makey Makey Guides
• Birdbrain Humminbird Projects
• Turing Tumble Guides
• Breakout EDU

We're back for the new school year! In this episode we kick-off our theme on EdTech Kits. Aaron Kabat joins the podcast this week. He's one of our awesome helpdesk people. In this episode, we introduce/review the currently available EdTech Kits. We share updates with the kits and the process for checking them out and why you might want to use a kit in your class.

Links:

• BGPS EdTech Kits webpage
• BGPS Helpdesk Support Portal

In this episode we continue our theme on assistive technology. Amy Campbell joins the podcast this week. She's a former Washington Educator of the Year and is a member of the Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network through the Washington Education Association and is a Special Educator in the Camas School District. In this episode, we focus on a specific type of assistive technology: AAC or Alternative and Augmentative Communication. AAC is it's own umbrella that ranges from low to high tech and we discuss that range and why AAC is so important for building independence and the power of different types of communication.

Links:

• Special Education Technology Center
• Micah's Miles

In this episode we continue our new theme on assistive technology. We take a look at universal assistive technology or the tier 1 supports that can help all our students inside and outside the classroom. We discuss how building an inclusive and welcoming classroom community where students feel safe and like they belong is important so no one feels like they stand out or have any stigma when they use an assistive tech tool. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, joins the conversation.

Links:

• What's new in Google accessibility playlist
• Going Onling Resources - Accessibility
• Special Education Technology Center

In this episode we kick off our new theme on assistive technology. We set the stage with an overview discussion on assistive technology categories and why assistive technology is so important. Mandie Thompson, instructional coach, joins the conversation.

Links:

• Special Education Technology Center
• Shriner's Children's Hospital Programs

In this episode we continue our AI theme and discuss AI Ethics (both Big "E" Ethics and little "e" ethics or ethical considerations). We talk about the big picture Ethics like the societal and environmental impacts of AI as well as the personal ethical considerations and how we can be ethical and responsible consumers and creators with AI. Scott McDaniel, our tech director, is back to join the discussion.

Links:

• Common Sense Media AI Literacy Lessons
• Neil Postman - Five Things We Need to Know About Technological Change
• MIT Technology Review - AI Energy Use
• SIFT Framework
• Classroom Discussion Guide - Deepfakes
• MIT AI Ethics Education Curriculum
• MagicSchool for Students
• The Uneven Distribution of AI's Environmental Impacts
• AI's Climate Impact Goes Beyond It's Emissions