Welcome Back! Fall 2017 DALC Technology News

Welcome Back from your Technology Specialist

Welcome back for another school year! I am available to assist you with technology in your classes.

My regular hours are:

Monday  - Thursday, 9am  - 12pm

But I can be available other times when needed. Please let me know how I can assist you with any technology needs!

DALC Technology Website

I  update the DALC Tech website  throughout the year with useful articles, tutorials, equipment instructions,  notes from conferences and workshops, and lessons ideas using technology.  The address is:

DALCtech.wikispaces.com

The first page always contains a “What’s New” section, listing the latest updates to the site.  You can also subscribe using the form on the sidebar to receive updates in your email box.

Equipment Available for Teachers

A variety of equipment is available  in classrooms and for check-out  to use in Dover, Rochester, DHS, or other remote sites. A detailed list is located in the staff handbook, and includes

• Desktop Computers
• iPads
• Projectors
• Document Cameras
• Portable Interactive Whiteboard Systems
• Laptop Lab
• Computer Lab

I am available to set up equipment if you would like assistance—just drop me an email or give me a call.   Contact me or check the sign-out book in the Dover office to reserve equipment.

Computer Literacy Classes

I will be teaching Beginning and Intermediate Computer Literacy  and Keyboarding classes this year which are free for DALC ABE and ESOL students and others for a fee. See the flyer for details.

Digital Literacy

To meet the requirements of WIOA, teachers are expected to have a  certain level of digital literacy skills. I have created a page on the DALC Tech website where you can self-assess your digital literacy skills, and complete online self-paced training. You can find it here at:

DALCTech.wikispaces.com/Digital+Literacy

Of course, I’m always available for your digital literacy training needs...just ask!

Cloud Attendance

This year, we are continuing to use our Google Drive cloud attendance system for our classes. 

Directions and tutorials are available at

DALCTech.wikispaces.com/Cloud+Attendance

New staff, please contact me so I can give you access to the system (you will need your own Google account) and we can also arrange a training time. Returning staff can also contact me if you need a refresher.

Some updates:

• The Blank Attendance file in your folder has been updated with more columns and rows for teachers who needed more room for students and/or extra days.
• To keep last year’s attendance separate from this year’s new files, create a folder inside your folder called 16-17 and drag last year’s files into it. See me for help if you don’t know how to do this.

DALC Student Wi-Fi

The DALC Student Wireless network is available for student-owned and staff-owned devices in McConnell Center classrooms. There is a new password each year, and students must sign the DALC Technology Use Policy each year to receive the new password. Staff only need to sign the policy once, so new staff should sign a copy and return it to me.

Feel free to copy the use policy and wi-fi password for any of your students that request access. 

As always, let me know if I can help you with your classroom technology needs in any way! I'm here to help! Have a great start to the 2017-2018 school year!

Spring DALC Technology News

Hello everyone! Please read my spring technology newsletter for some important DALC Technology information!

Email and Security

You may have noticed a flurry of news reports lately about malicious software attacking the networks and data of businesses and organizations both large and small. Many of these attacks are the result of individual employees opening malicious code or responding to messages which arrive in electronic mail and websites that look legitimate. To safeguard our computer network, we all need to be vigilant when on the DALC network, whether you are accessing a DALC email account or your own personal email account. Here are some tips for avoiding problems:

• No staff member will ever request your passwords or account information via electronic mail or websites. Never reply to a message requesting this type of information.
• Never open any email attachment that (a) you didn't expect to receive or (b) doesn't include a clear explanation from a trusted source, regardless of whether or not you recognize the sender. Sometimes a malicious email may appear like it's coming from someone you know.
• If you ever have a question or are unsure about an email you received, please don't hesitate to ask me about it.

Just this past week, an attack occurred on the Dover school district email system, which included our DALC email accounts. It was initiated by one of these "phishing" email messages which allowed malicious software into our mail system. I'll continue to keep everyone informed so we can be vigilant about keeping our network safe, and I'm happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you!

Keyboarding Class

The final computer literacy class of the year, Keyboarding, begins on April 20. It runs for 6 weeks on Wednesday afternoons from 1-2pm. If any of your students are interested, please have them sign up in the main office soon!

Technology Micro Lessons

Want to use some more technology in your classroom? Give a Micro Lesson a try! I'll help you develop a lesson where students can expand their technology skills, and I'll come to your class to teach it with you. Examples of lessons I've done in the past are: creating flash cards, writing a business letter, and creating an interactive timeline using QR codes. We can use the laptop cart, the computer lab, iPads and more! Interested? Send me an email and let me know!

Computer Lab and Laptop Cart 

It's been great to see classes using the computer lab and the laptop cart! Here are a few helpful notes to keep things running smoothly:

• Monday mornings the computer lab is generally available for use, now that we are not using the lab for employment testing. If you wish to use the lab on a Monday morning, please reserve it in the binder in the main office.
• If you use the laptops, please make sure that they are plugged back in - the individual laptops and the main plug from the cart to the wall. This ensures that the laptops are charged for the next class that needs them. Several times I have opened the cart to find the laptops placed in backwards and not plugged in. 
• If you use the computer lab, please make sure the door is shut completely and locked when you leave. This week I arrived in the morning to find the lab door was left ajar. Please help safeguard our valuable technology and double the check the door when you leave. 

Thanks everyone! 

Technology around the Web

Here are some links to explore with technology in adult education ideas:

Mentor Tips Blog

From our own NH Adult Ed Mentor team, adult education teaching tips including technology!

Using Facebook Groups in Adult Education

Some great information and videos of classes using private Facebook groups to create classroom community and connect with students outside of class.

• PDF presentation on Facebook in Adult Education
• ESOL Video
• CTE Video

Free Classroom Response System

Check out Plickers - a free classroom response system - poll your class, have students answer questions and watch the results live on your projector.

Thanks for reading everyone! Have a great day!

~Tiffany

Updates - Adult Education Website Links

In today's staff meeting, we discussed many online resources on the NH Adult Education website and in Sarah Bennett's newsletter. To make it easier to reach these links, I've updated the Adult Education Websites page on the DALC Tech site. Links include the NH Adult Education Educator Portal, the new NH Adult Education Math Guidebook, as well as many sites with lesson ideas, webinars, professional development opportunities, and more.

DALC Tech Adult Education Websites Page

If you have any sites that you think other teachers might find useful, please send them to me and I'll add them to this page. Thanks!

~ Tiffany

Winter - Spring Computer Literacy Classes

The next session of computer literacy classes begin in February. Once again, I'll be offering Beginning and Intermediate Computer Literacy classes as well as a Keyboarding class. These are free for DALC ABE and ESOL students. You can download a flyer and an enrollment form with the links below, and there are also flyers available on the credenza in Dover.

Winter-Spring 2016 Computer Literacy Classes Flyer
Computer Literacy Classes Enrollment Form

I'd love to come into your classes again and talk to your students about my classes. Please let me know if there is a good time to visit. Thank you!

~Tiffany

Plickers Classroom Response System

Have you heard of those "clicker" systems that let you poll your classroom and have each student respond? This tool is a classroom response system that uses paper rather than expensive clicker devices to let each student have a voice.

http://www.plickers.com

Just sign up for a free account, download the Plickers app for your iPad, and print out a set of Plickers cards. Each student gets their own bar code. Use the Plickers app to pose a question - multiple choice or true/false. Each student will hold up their bar code with their response letter on top. Use the iPad app and camera to quickly scan the room and student responses will be recorded. It's that easy! Students responses are anonymous too, since other students can't tell which answer their classmates are holding up.

You can add your classes to your Plickers account with student names assigned to each bar code, or just use the demo class if you don't need to have responses tied to a particular student.


Here are some ideas for using Plickers:

• Use an interactive website like Grammar Bytes or NewsELA quizzes and poll the class before choosing an answer. That way every student gets a chance to respond.
• Do a quick check for understanding - Do you understand this?
• Poll the students on what activity to do next - responses are immediately graphed to see the most popular response.

Here are some videos of Plickers in action:

• What the Plickers app looks like when scanning
• A demo of Plickers being used in a K12 classroom

Find the Getting Started Guide at the Plickers website.

Enjoy!

~Tiffany

Fall Technology News

Hello everyone! Here's what's happening with technology at DALC this fall:

Keyboarding Class Starts 11/10

My 6-week keyboarding class is due to start in November. If you have any more interested students, please have them sign up in the office - it is free for DALC ABE/ESOL students. Here is the description:

The focus of this class is to enable students to quickly improve their touch typing skills. You will

• Learn proper finger placement
• Memorize letters and basic punctuation keys
• Drill using online keyboarding software and from paper copy into a word processor.

Dates/Times:

Tuesdays, Nov. 10 – Dec. 15, 12:30 – 1:30 pm, McConnell Center, 61 Locust St. Dover - Rm. 301 Computer Lab

Portable Interactive Whiteboard Training

I'm offering two training sessions if you'd like to learn how to use our portable interactive whiteboard systems. They will be:

Monday November 9 or Friday November 20  at 12:30 pm in Room 220

I'll demonstrate how to set up the system and its features, and then you can take time to play with the system and try it out. We can go from 1-2 hours, depending on how many people are there and how long you'd like to practice.

If you'd like to attend, please send me an email message and let me know what session you'd like.

New Website Resources on DALC Tech

Here are a few new educational resource websites found on the DALC Tech Websites by Subject page.

• USAlearns.org - A free website with online English lessons. They also have corresponding low-cost mobile apps for English learning on the go.
• Newsela - News articles with multiple versions based on reading level
• LiveBinder of Social Studies resources - from a COABE webinar on technology in Social Studies
• LearningExpress - Study tools and practice tests for Accuplacer, HiSET and more. See me for the account login information.

Let me know if I can help with any technology needs! Happy Fall!

~ Tiffany

IPEVO Portable Interactive Whiteboard System

We have some new equipment at DALC that allows you to interact with a computer (not an iPad) using your projector and a special pen. You can use the pen as a mouse to access interactive applications and websites, as well as annotating on top of any image/web page. We have purchased two of them. One resides in the laptop cart, and the other is currently in the cart in room 208B.

Here is some useful information about the IPEVO system:

Video demonstration of the Ipevo Portable Interactive Whiteboard system.

IPEVO IWB Setup Instructions

Annotator Software Guide

I'm currently putting together a workshop on how to use the system, but if you want a quick tutorial on how to use it, please let me know and I can give you a personal demonstration!

~Tiffany

DALC Opening Staff Meeting Technology Information

Welcome back for another great school year at DALC! To save paper, I've posted all of my handouts from the opening staff meeting on the DALC Tech website. I will have some copies at the meeting, but you may access all of my handouts here:

DALC Staff Meeting Technology Handouts

See you soon! ~Tiffany

Spring DALC Tech News

Hello everyone! As our school year comes to a close, here are some end of the year DALC technology notes including end of the year maintenance and new technology tools.

iPad Maintenance

At your convenience, I'd like to collect back the iPads one by one, give them a good cleaning, make sure they have the latest updates, and replace the scratched screen protectors with new ones. I'll also be adding the Notability app and the upgrade to the Image Hunter app. I'd like to get them all done before June 19, so please see me/drop me an email to let me know when I can take care of your iPad. Thanks!

New Purchases

Wireless Bluetooth Speakers

Each classroom projector cart will be getting one wireless Bluetooth speaker to make it easier to hear sounds from the iPads. I fully charged them before placing them in the cart, but they will need to be charged periodically as you use them. They come with a USB charging cord and can be charged with any USB charger (like the iPad chargers) or by plugging them into your classroom computer USB port while the computer is turned on.

Here are the instructions on how to use the speaker with your iPad: Bluetooth Speaker for iPad Instructions - and, of course, I'm happy to show you how to use them anytime.

Portable Interactive Whiteboard Systems - Ipevo IS-01

These systems allow you to interact with a computer (not an iPad) using your projector and a special pen. You can use the pen as a mouse to access interactive applications and websites, as well as annotating on top of any image/web page. We have purchased two of them. One resides in the laptop cart, and the other is currently in the cart in room 208B.

Video demonstration of the Ipevo Portable Interactive Whiteboard system.

If you'd like to try this out, please let me know and we can set up a time for me to show you how it works. It's portable, so if you're in Rochester or another location, don't let that deter you from trying it out - it's small and easily transported!

Math Worksheet Software

We have purchased two modules of Kuta Software which generates math worksheets - the Pre-Algebra module and the Algebra module. This is software that can be installed on all the DALC classroom computers and each teacher can install one copy on a home computer or laptop to use.

I'll be installing the software on the classroom computers, and here are the instructions to install it at home:

• See/e-mail me for a copy of the serial numbers.
• Go to http://www.kutasoftware.com/download.html and download each software package:  Pre-Algebra and/or Algebra I
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.

Instructional video on using Kuta Software

Please let me know if you need assistance using the software and I'm happy to help.

Google Apps for Education

The Dover School District is implementing Google Apps for Education (GAFE) to increase interaction and collaboration between teachers and students. We also have access to GAFE accounts and tools for teachers and students including Google Drive, Google Classroom, and more.

Here are some useful websites with information about Google Apps for Education:

Google for Education training site - Google's training site for GAFE

Google Education on Air Conference Recordings - recorded webinars from a recent GAFE conference - teachers talking about how they are using GAFE in their classrooms.

Google Classroom Overview - a basic overview of the features of Google Classroom


If you would like me to set up an account for you so you can try it out over the summer, please let me know and I can get you started.

New Items up on DALC Tech

Here are the latest items I've added to the DALC Tech website:

HiSET Resources Page - A page to compile good resources for teaching the HiSET. Please send me more links to include!

Integrating Career Awareness Curriculum - A link from Pam Shore on integrating Career Awareness into ABE/ESOL classes. This and other adult education resources are found on the Adult Education Websites page at DALC Tech.

Other links added to DALC Tech include

• A link to the SAU 11 Google Apps login page - to use with your GAFE account information

• A link to the Bluetooth Speaker for iPads Instructions on the Projector Carts page.

If you 'd like to receive an email each time I add something new to the DALC Tech site, just click this link to subscribe: Subscribe to DALC Tech News Updates



Please let me know if you have any other technology needs and I'm happy to help! Have a great end to the school year and a fantastic summer!

~ Tiffany

New HiSET Resources Page

Image courtesy of Alberto G.

I've created a page on the DALC Tech website to contain resources for the HiSET. I've added a few links that I had, but I'm looking to add more resources. Please send more resources my way and I'll add them to the site.

Here's the direct link to the page:  http://dalctech.wikispaces.com/HiSET+Resources

Also, if there are resources that teachers would like available, but should not be up on the public site, let me know and I'm setting up a secure location for those.

Email your resources to me and I'll put them up on the site. Thank you!

DALC Tech News February 2015

Here is what's up with technology here at DALC -

Computer Literacy Classes

The current group of computer literacy classes are underway with great student attendance. There are a few more starting up in the spring in case any other students are interested - please help me get the word out. They are:

Beginning Computer Literacy: Thursdays, March 12 – May 21, 12:30–2:30 pm, Dover Computer Lab
Intermediate Computer Literacy: Wednesdays, March 11 – May 20, 12:30-2:30 pm, Dover Computer Lab
Keyboarding: Wednesdays. April 8 – May 20, 9-10 am, Dover Computer Lab

Click this link to download the flyer with class descriptions, and this link for the enrollment form.

Technology at DALC Check-In

As we pass the mid-point of our year, I wanted to check in with you on technology in your classrooms. We'll take a short time at the professional development day next week to discuss technology needs, so in preparation, please think about the questions below. If you will not be at the professional development day, please feel free to drop me an email with your thoughts and ideas. Thank you!

Projector Carts

We've had half of a school year with our mobile projector carts for ABE/ESOL, and as I've talked to teachers, the feedback has been very positive. I'd love to hear about successes and challenges you've had using the carts so we can benefit from everyone's experiences. How are you using the carts? What have been some successful lessons/websites/activities? What has not worked as well as you would like? If you have a chance to drop me an email with your feedback, I'll compile and share the ideas. Thank you!

Technology Needs

Where would you like to go with technology in your classroom? What technology needs do you have? What would you like to be able to do next? We have some technology money this year to spend, and I wanted to check in to see what classroom technology needs are out there.

iPad Apps

Also, if you would like to spend any of your classroom supply money on iPad apps, we need to compile a list so I can put those purchases through. If there are iPad apps you'd like, please email me the exact name of the app, the publisher of that app, and the price (this information shows up in the listing in the App Store).

Tech Ideas from around the Net

Here are a few tidbits about technology that can be used in adult education classes. If any of these spark your interest, let me know if you'd like help trying them out!


Using Google Voice in the Classroom - A free voice-mail account where you can access the recordings from the web. Practice phone and speaking skills.


Game Based Learning - Here are a couple of websites to bring some fun and games into your classroom.


FlipQuiz.me - Free tool to create Jeapordy-style quiz games to use with your class. Try out this FlipQuiz on the topic of President's Day - Browse the page to see the questions, and click "Presentation View" to run the game.


Kahoot - Create game-show type quizzes that students can play with their mobile phones/tablets. Sign up for a free account and check out the Public Kahoots link at the top for ideas.



That's all for now! As always, if you have any technology questions or needs, please let me know! Thanks!


~Tiffany

What's New on DALC Tech October 2014

Here are the latest updates to the DALC Tech website:

Professional Development

I've added some upcoming educational technology workshops, including a series of Google tool workshops from the Seacoast Professional Development Center in Exeter and the annual Christa McAuliffe Technology conference to be held in Manchester in December. Head over to the Professional Development page to check them out.

Around DALC Tech

Periodically I check through the DALC Tech website and check out the links I have previously posted. Sometimes I find links that are outdated and delete them, but more often than not, I find that new and useful teaching ideas have been posted. Here are a few of the things I found on my last check through the DALC Tech web links:

• From http://www.scoop.it/t/ipad-literacy on the DALC Tech iPad page - One article on  interpreting iPad app icons - iPad Hieroglyphics. Another article on an English teacher who created "Video Footnotes" to help her students understand difficult literature - Award-Winning Educator Taps Technology to Layer Instruction
• From the DALC Tech Websites by Subject page - Learning Express Library - through the Dover Public Library - test preparation practice and practice tests - HiSET and Accuplacer are included here, as well as other academic and employment tests. 
• From the FreeTech4Teachers website - An article on using web-based tools to create interactive photo collages.

Do You Leave Digital Footprints?

In one of my computer classes this week, one of my students asked how long information can last on the Internet, and if you post something, can you delete it? This led to a great discussion on our Digital Footprints and about losing control of your information once it becomes public on the Internet. One of my favorite websites to illustrate this is the Wayback Machine at the website Archive.org. This website aims to archive Internet content and the Wayback Machine allows the public to view how web pages have changed over time. It's amazing how much of the Internet, from the late 1990's until the present, has been preserved! It's also a great way to see how pivotal points in the last decade were reported on the web. For example:

• Here is what the Dover Adult Learning Center website looked like in October 2003
• Here is CNN's website on 9/11/2001
• CNN on the day after the 2004 election.
• The Manchester Union Leader in May 2006 after the Mother's Day floods.
• Apple's website in 2007 after the debut of the first iPhone.
• Here are some of my personal digital footprints - a website my students and I created back in 1998.

What other websites would it be interesting to look at through time?

Want to learn more about digital citizenship? Check out this great curriculum at CommonSense.org 

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I hope you have enjoyed this DALC Tech news update. If you'd like these updates sent right to your email box, click this link to subscribe. 

~ Tiffany

DALC Technology Update Fall 2014

Hello everyone! Welcome back for another great year of learning at DALC! Here is the latest information about technology available for your classroom.

Computer Literacy Classes

Computer Literacy Classes are due to start the week of September 29th.

• Flyer:   Fall 2014 Computer Literacy Class Flyer. 
• Enrollment Form: Computer Literacy Class Enrollment Form 2014-2015

There are also flyers available on the credenza in the Dover hallway. Please let your students know of this opportunity and I'm also happy to stop by your classroom, talk about the classes, and answer any questions. The fall classes are beginner level and are offered on Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings.

Please let me know if students have any other needs or requests for particular computer classes or for different days/times. My plan is to offer beginner and intermediate computer literacy classes as well as keyboarding classes this year. I can offer them mornings, afternoons or evenings, based on student interest. Please let me know what the needs of your students are. Thanks!

Projector Carts

We have a wide selection of carts with projectors and document cameras in the classrooms, as well as the 8-laptop cart. Please let me know if you would like me to give you a tutorial on their features - I'm happy to meet with you anytime - just let me know!

iPads

Teachers with DALC iPads - if you want me to take off your cover and clean your iPad and check it for updates, please let me know or drop it off with me sometime and I'll take care of it.

Also, the latest iPad operating system is being released soon - iOS 8. Please DO NOT upgrade to this version yet. I'll be testing the new iOS to see what the changes are and the compatibility with our current apps and will let you know when it's ok to update.

DALC Tech Website

I  continue to update the DALC Tech website  throughout the year with useful articles, tutorials, equipment instructions,  notes from conferences and workshops, and lessons ideas using technology. The address is:

DALCTech.wikispaces.com

The first page always contains a “What’s New” section, listing the latest updates to the site.  You can also subscribe using the form on the left-hand sidebar or click the following link  to receive updates in your email box.

Subscribe to DALC Tech News by Email

Periodically I send an all-staff email blast with major DALC technology updates, but I add individual items to the web site more often, so subscribing to the site is the fastest way to see these updates.

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As always, if you have any technology needs or questions, please feel free to contact me. I'm happy to help!

Thanks!
Tiffany

DALC Tech Updates 10/9/13

Here is the latest on the DALC Technology website:

Fall Computer Literacy Class Information

• On the Classes page, find links to download the Computer Literacy Fall 2013 Flyer and Enrollment Form

The Change Agent Technology Issue

• On the  Adult Ed Websites page, find a link to  The Change Agent Technology Issue #37 

Subscribe to DALC Tech News Updates

• Subscribe to DALC Tech News - whenever I post updates, you'll get an email. A great way to stay "In the Know" about technology at DALC!

All the September Updates - In case you missed them...

• Added to the Websites by Subject and Professional Development pages.

• Added the iPad Q & A page - a page where I'll answer your questions about iPads.
• Added the Projecting with the DALC iPads instruction sheet to the iPad page.

• Added the iPad Workshop 9/12/13 page with notes/handouts from the training workshop.

September DALC Tech News

Welcome to the new DALC Tech News page! This page will have links to the latest articles on the DALC Tech website, to hopefully make it easier for you to find the latest and greatest DALC technology information. Here are the latest updates to DALC Tech - 

Fall Technology Professional Development Opportunities

I do my best to keep the Professional Development page updated with opportunities to expand your technology skills. Recently added are iCreate: Creating Custom Digital Content for your iPad and Technology to Support Science, Social Studies and the Common Core State Standards.

iPads at DALC

Check out the DALC Tech iPad Page for updates, including:

• The iPad Q & A page - a page where I'll answer your burning questions about iPads.
• A How-To sheet on Projecting with the DALC iPads
• Handouts and information from the September 12 iPad Workshop

Educational Websites

Looking for a good website to use with your classes? Check out the Websites by Subject page! The latest updates include links for teaching students Digital Literacy skills.

Requests?

Do you have any requests for technology information? Find a good technology resource that you'd like to share? Let me know, and I'm happy to add it to the DALC Tech website! Email me at t.brand@dalc-online.org