Monthly Archives: August 2017

International Dot Day Is September 15th-ish

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International Dot DayInternational Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration, began on September 15, 2009, when teacher Terry Shay introduced his classroom to Peter H. Reynolds’ book, The Dot, a story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities. Each year on International Dot Day (on or around September 15), the inspiration continues as people of all ages rediscover the power and potential of creativity in all they do.

Sign up to celebrate International Dot Day and download a free Educator’s Handbook! Get started, get inspired, and get connected »

Wow in the World: A Podcast for Curious Kids & Their Grown-ups

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Wow in the WorldNPR’s Tinkercast presents Wow in the World, a podcast aimed at kids ages 5-12 (and their grown-ups). Every Monday and Thursday, hosts Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas take their listeners on a journey away from their screens, inside their brains, out into space, and deep into the coolest new stories in science, technology, and innovation. Listen »

#GlobalMakerDay Coming October 24

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Global MakerspacesThe next #GlobalMakerDay is coming up on October 24, 2017. Register now »

#GlobalMakerDay is an opportunity to Learn, Share and Play. Educators: Connect virtually and watch makers discuss various projects, learning spaces, creations, coding, 3D designs, art lessons, and more in a live Google Hangout (in YouTube Live). Each half hour will yield another session with a connected challenge. Your class will have the opportunity to solve problems, be creative, and PLAY. Learn more »

Virginia Board of Education Seeks Public Comment on the DRAFT Educational Technology Plan for Virginia 2017-2022

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VDOE LogoThe Educational Technology Plan for Virginia 2017-2022 has been developed over the past six months with input from stakeholders, school divisions, and the general public. The DRAFT of this plan is available online for public comment.

The plan is a living Web document and is a series of interconnected web pages with links to Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) resources and other useful resources, which can be used by school divisions when developing their own technology plans. Continue reading →

Global Read Aloud 2017 Kicks Off October 2

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Global Read AloudGlobal Read Aloud 2017 kicks off October 2, 2017! Since its launch in 2010, more than 2,000,000 kids from more than 60 countries have participated in this free event!

What is the Global Read Aloud (GRA)? The premise is simple: Educators choose one of the selected books to read aloud to their students between October 2 and November 10, and during that time, they connect with one or more classrooms around the globe. Continue reading →

VSBA Announces 5th Annual Student Video Contest – Deadline: Oct. 4

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VSBA LogoThe Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) invites Virginia high school students to participate in their 5th annual Student Video Contest. This year’s contest theme is “Choice,” and students are asked to submit a 30-second video about all the choices students have when it comes to a public education in Virginia. Submissions will be judged on how well they address the topic as well as the quality of the production and the creativity of the video. The submission deadline is October 4, 2017. For more details, visit the VSBA’s Annual Convention web page and scroll down to “Student Video Contest.”

Note: Each participating student must complete a release form.

Call for Proposals – VSTE 2017 Annual Conference

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VSTE LogoVSTE’s 2017 Annual Conference, SuperEmpowering Kids & Learning, will be held December 3-5, 2017, at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. The Call for Proposals is open now through September 15.

Are you a classroom teacher who is using instructional technology in an interesting and engaging way? Are you transforming how technology is used in education? Are your students creating and sharing their learning in ways that other students and teachers would want to hear about? The 2017 VSTE Presentations Committee is seeking proposals from educators of all levels and backgrounds. Learn more »

How to Request Blackboard Classes for 2017-18

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BlackboardACPS Educators: The integration between Blackboard and PowerSchool is now running and you can begin requesting Blackboard classes. Use the Blackboard Class Request Form as a reference for submitting your class creation requests to your school’s student information system (PowerSchool) contact. Your request will impact how your classes are created in Blackboard, and the form will help you pick the option that will best meet your needs.

Continue reading →