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Discover resources and strategies for professional learning. Explore tools, tips, and opportunities to enhance educator growth and development.

success
LeadershipProfessional Learning

Join With a Group for Success

by Erin Taylor
written by Erin Taylor

Professional and college sports teams are a prime example of how a common goal can lead to incredible success, both in and out of the game. Each player wants to perform well and improve his own statistics. But it’s the team’s unity that takes an organization to the playoffs. As Vince Lombardi said, “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

If you’re a campus principal or district administrator, making your membership with TCEA into a team effort this year can have a tremendous impact! Here’s a page right out of our playbook on how to leverage a group membership into total team success.

Professional Development

Give your entire staff access to tips and lesson plans they can implement right away through our weekly Lunch and Learn webinar series. Watch live, or receive a link for convenient viewing. All 45 of these qualify for CPE credit and feature tried-and-true technology integration ideas perfect for the classroom. With a membership in TCEA, each of your staff has access to all of them, including those that have already occurred.

In addition to the free-to-members Lunch and Learn series, your staff will also have full access to monthly Get Your Google On webinars. These detailed professional development opportunities will help your staff fully integrate the power of G Suite tools into your students’ learning.

Community

Share ideas, get solutions, and respond to problems and questions from others in your district, area, and all across the country in our TCEA Social Community. Connecting with other educators is a necessity when you want your team to improve performance. The TCEA Community makes it easy with groups for different grade levels, subject areas, technology platforms, and more.

Stay in the Know

TCEA provides updated information on the latest educational technology trends and happenings. Whether it’s through our quarterly print magazine, our bi-monthly TechNotes enewsletter, or our daily blog, your staff will always know best practices, the latest research, available grants, and much more. Keeping current with the barrage of technology can be tough, but we make it easy for everyone.

Savings

Districts that purchase or renew five or more individual memberships receive a discounted membership rate. A group of 50+ members will save $18 each – a savings of 36% over the regular membership price! That means that, if you’re an average size campus, you can provide a full year of quality, free, anytime, anywhere professional learning to each staff member for just $31. To take advantage of this savings and to find an exact breakdown of prices for each person in your group, see the Bulk Membership Form.

Gather your colleagues, coworkers, and fellow tech advocates together now. Share this blog post on your Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or at your school to start gathering your group, and make 2017 a championship year for your team!

 

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Minecraft
MicrosoftProfessional LearningSTEM/STEAM

Five Steps to Game-Based Learning with Minecraft

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin
tceamee_gameboard

TCEA MEE Gameboard
(Get Full Sized PNG Image or Adobe PDF version)

Wondering how to effectively engage students in interactive learning? Before we explore five steps to game-based learning with Minecraft: Education Edition, let’s recall why engagement remains important. If students don’t care, they fail to learn. Some of the top ways to engage students include:

Project-Based, Gamified Learning

Minecraft, which is a game-based effort to engage and keep students focused on learning, taps into student enthusiasm about gaming. Even more important, it models cooperative learning that mirrors teams in the workplace. The skills they develop are the “glue that keep people working together” (source: Getting to Know Minecraft: Education Edition slideshow). Think of Minecraft as a giant, blank canvas, a genesis of divergent learning opportunities students can take advantage of. Minecraft: Education Edition (M:EE) brings a plethora of built-in opportunities ripe for written/video reflections on learning. Also, opportunities for flipped learning about relevant topics are embedded in project-based learning.

Getting Started Actions

People learn through observation, trial and error, and play-based practice. Minecraft’s open learning enables differentiation for students as they accomplish project-based tasks. These tasks are seldom accomplished in isolation. Like real life, they must be done in tandem with a committed team. Follow these steps to get started with M:EE in your school or district:

Step #1: Get your hardware and software licenses in order.Before you can get M:EE going in your classroom, you will need to ensure that your computers have Windows 10 or OS X “El Capitan.” Also, each machine will need an external mouse and every student will need an Office 365 account. These accounts are available through your school district’s Office 365 setup or via a free account.

Step #2: Install Minecraft: Education Edition on Windows 10 computers.To get M:EE ready to go on your Windows 10 or Mac OS X “El Capitan” computers, you will need to go to the M:EE web site. You will need your Office 365 account to get access to the software. Check out the M:EE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to get started. View this short installation guide with screenshots.

Step #3: Build familiarity with the game.You need to achieve some level of comfort with Minecraft: Education Edition. To help you, TCEA has created this M:EE Gameboard. (You can download a PDF of the M:EE Gameboard above.) There are various tutorials you can watch online at the web site. And here are M:EE online courses that will help build your comfort:

Video #1 – Learn to Play Minecraft: Get ready to jump into a Minecraft world. It will help you learn the controls you’ll need to play. Learn to move around, swim, climb, jump, and place and destroy blocks.
Video #2 – First Weeks of Learning: This is the introductory module for the Minecraft in Your Classroom course. Some teachers may wonder whether they should take the time to incorporate game-based learning into their already packed curriculum. In this module, you will learn (1) what type of learning environments result in the greatest retention by students and (2) how Minecraft Education Edition not only supports such learning environments, but creates a safe, risk-free learning space for students.
Video #3 – Building Blocks of Literacy: This panel explores how and why Minecraft is being used to encourage literacy through play. From artistic collaborations between literature and gaming to stimulating learning through role play and stories, to nurturing new voices and young storytellers, you will take a closer look at the ways Minecraft is inspiring a new generation of readers and writers.

Step #4: Learn key terms and tools in Minecraft: Education Edition. M:EE brings a wealth of specific classroom tools. These are intended to make the game less about surviving zombies, creepers, and griefing (e.g. destroying) and more about working together to externalize learning. Check this glossary available online.

Step #5: Plan your project-based lesson.There is a rich collection of M:EE lessons you can adapt for your own use! We will explore these in more detail in a future blog entry. For now, take a look at some of the ideas displayed in this TCEA TechNotes blog entry Amplifying Creativity: Minecraft Fairy Tales.

 

Did you know? TCEA is offering Introduction to Minecraft workshops throughout Texas. The first is January 23, 2017 in Pittsburg (Area 8). The second is February 27 in Edinburg (Area 1), and there is another on March 31st in Victoria (Area 3). Online course offerings will also soon be available! Sign up now to learn with a Minecraft Certified Trainer.

Conclusion

Technology can facilitate real-life learning through the presentation of ill-structured problems. Minecraft: Education Edition enables learners to create external thinking models as they work to solve those problems. This short guide should start you on a journey of discovery.

 

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innovation
Professional Learning

Activate Learning Innovators

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Change can be difficult. But it’s almost always necessary. So how can we activate learning innovators in schools? In this blog entry, we will explore key technologies and action steps.

Getting Connected

Today, we have access to new technologies.  Voxer, Appear.in, Edmodo, Twitter, blogs, Skype for Business, and  YouTube Live are only a few.  Decide whether the tool, such as GoogleDocs or OneNote Class Notebook, scaffolds learners’ efforts. Ask yourself, “How does this technology facilitate access and reflection across time, space, and devices?”

Growing from Network to Community

In a professional learning network (PLN), the more nodes (a.k.a. people) in your network, the richer the flow of ideas. Moving from information to innovative practice requires effort. Think of a PLN as a journey of learning and reflection. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) often involve groups. PLCs also describe a team’s shared journey of learning and reflection. Unlike a PLN, the PLC focuses on team efforts for achieving desired student outcomes. Which works best in your situation?

Activating Learners: Steps to Success

Allow me to share some action steps I have learned with past initiatives such as  Pathways to Advance Virtual Education (PAVE), EC3 iPads in the Classroom , and the Technology Integration Lead Teacher (TILT) Program in several settings. Take these action steps to get a similar effort started in your school or district.

  1. Organize learning around content that fosters innovation. That may be why one Texas district brought in George Couros, author of The Innovator’s Mindset, to lead #NISDTechCamp district-wide conversations (see my notes and  materials).
  2. Provide incentives that generate excitement among participants. Providing a stipend or technology equipment (e.g. iPad, laptop, Chromebook) that facilitates access is a common practice. When in a technology rich environment, offer options for various incentives. Remember incentives can also include badges for professional learning.
  3. Use a blended learning approach to meetings, including face to face and online. Be sure to bring the group together, face to face, at the beginning, middle, and end of the initiative. Social media has replaced cumbersome learning management systems (LMSs).
  4. Secure support from school/district leadership. Invite leadership to align strategic goals to your initiative and vice versa.
  5. Support participants in creating an online portfolio of work with video and audio reflections that results in certification.
  6. Let empowered individuals give back by helping others on campus.
  7. Celebrate, such as with a dinner or graduation ceremony. Celebrate the efforts participants have put into learning. This can assist them in assuming a new, influential role.

An Example: Innovation Cohort

“Reach for the edges,” says Ryan O’Donnel via a Voxerchat I’m participating in (connect with him via the ConnectedTL Tribe Voxer chat) as he shares his vision in this Innovation Cohort Application. Notice that there are several components, such as required meetings, designing an innovation project, site-based support, financial reimbursement for time, and an application process. Many similar efforts exist, such as the Google Certified Innovator program, Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE), Discovery Education Network (DEN) Stars program, as well as many more (e.g. Seesaw Ambassador).

Invitation to Reflect

Please share in the comments what your thoughts are about these kinds of efforts. If you have participated in these efforts, how did they impact your work?

 

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MIE
MicrosoftProfessional Learning

Celebrating the 2016 TCEA MIE Cohort

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Microsoft has a huge presence in classrooms and offices. Whether you are a student, parent, teacher, librarian, or administrator, you probably often find yourself interacting with powerful Office 365 tools and mobile apps. Through the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) program, Texas educators in 2016 were able to become certified, earning the coveted MIE badge.

Purpose of the MIE WorkshopsMIE

Microsoft and TCEA partnered to bring Texas educators comprehensive and engaging face-to-face workshops that spanned the state. Participants explored tools like Office 365, Microsoft Classroom, Microsoft Forms, OneNote 2016, Sway, and many other fantastic resources. These courses are designed to help educators deepen their grasp of Office 365 tools for classroom use and student learning.

Celebrating the TCEA Microsoft Certified Educators

We would like to congratulate the almost 340 Texas educators who have earned the MIE designation as of December, 2016. You can see all of their names here. This is a tremendous accomplishment and we are so very proud of each of these innovative educators!

Become a Member of the MIE 2017 Cohort

Interested in learning more about scheduling a face-to-face workshop or webinar series on Office 365 tools and gaining your Microsoft certification? Contact Ashley Weiler at aweiler@tcea.org. Group discounts are available for districts/campuses who want to register a group of their educators as a cohort; contact Dr. Bruce Ellis at bellis@tcea.org for more information on group discounts.

 

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professional learning
MicrosoftProfessional Learning

Mapping Your Holiday Learning

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

“What can I learn this vacation break?” As a lifelong learner, I like to ask myself this question when I have some spare time. Balance quiet family moments this holiday with anytime, anywhere learning. Below, you will find suggestions for self-paced professional learning this winter break. These will deepen your technological and pedagogical knowledge without impacting your budget.

mappingDid you know? Join the December 27-29, 2016 EdCamp Voxer event,  100% audio and mobile, available for free! Find out more!

Microsoft Education Community

The self-paced classes available will garner you badges and certificates you can print and share. In a profound way, these courses deepen your understanding of teaching and learning with technology in your classroom. Take these three steps to maximize your holiday learning.

Step 1 – Get a free account.

Your first step involves setting yourself up with a Microsoft Education Community account. Don’t lose your username and password. Some of the options that you have include a free Microsoft account (you can create one with your Gmail or Apple email account), Twitter, Facebook, and Office 365 account connected to work.

Step 2 – Select topics of interest.

Once you are logged in, you’ll see a menu bar running down the left side of the screen featuring several links. Click on the Badges and Points to see what options are available.

Recommendations for Microsoft classes are shown below, followed by more courses focused on pedagogy:

Microsoft Office Tools

  • Teacher Academy Windows 10 – A straightforward overview of Windows 10, great for newbies. You will earn 3,000 points and a badge for completing the course.
  • Teacher Academy OneNote – This provides some great insights into using OneNote, a collaboration tool that is available free to all. You will earn a badge and 3,000 points.
  • Digital Inking and Surface – Learn about digital inking and how the MS Surface Pro tablet can make learning more engaging. You will earn a badge.
  • Teacher Academy: Office 365 – Did you just get a free Office 365 account through work or on your own as a teacher? This course will help you create, edit, share, and work with others using Office Online, Outlook, and Skype for Business. Earn a badge and 3,000 points.

Enhancing Teaching and Learning with Technology

  • 21st Century Learning Design – This 20-hour course combines eight courses with 4-6 lessons each. You will earn a badge, certificate and have a better understanding of the learning that is possible in today’s classroom.
  • Digital Citizenship – Explore digital citizenship concepts and become a confident digital citizenship champion. You will earn 500 points for this course and it will only take 30 minutes to complete.
  • Technology-Enriched Instruction – Learn more about TPACK, 21st Century Learning Design, and how to integrate technology into your classroom. This three-hour course will earn you 3,000 points and a badge.
  • Amplifying Student Voice – In this course, you will explore how to amplify student voice through the lens of research, practice, and integration frameworks. Tools like Skype, Flipgrid.com, and Sway will be used. You will earn 500 points for completing this course.
  • PDLN Connect, Communicate and Collaborate – Visit classrooms that have set norms for cooperation and collaboration. You’ll see how technology can expand the walls of your classroom. Earn 500 points for this one-hour course.

Learn More About Coding

If you’re interested in developing your coding chops, then definitely check out Prepare to Teach Creative Coding Through Games and Apps.  Join the TCEA Microsoft Innovative Educators (MIE) Facebook group (with 210+ members) to tap into a dynamic community!

Step 3 – Share Your Learning

Take a moment to share your learning insights via a blog entry, record a voxercast and tweet it, or present at the next staff meeting.  Principals could certainly create a Padlet to facilitate sharing.

Did you know? Ditch That Textbook Digital Seminars are available for free. Go to the site and click “Today’s Speaker” to learn something.

TCEA Professional Learning

Need more human interaction? Check out all the available options at TCEA.org. These for-cost options feature TCEA Professional Development directors to support your learning efforts. Here are a few certification courses:

  • 21st Century Administrator Certification – Learn what you need to be successful in a campus leadership role.
  • Campus Technology Specialist Certification – Understand the tools and processes to better engage students and increase relevant technology utilization in the classroom.
  • IT/Technology Director Certification – Become an effective district leader and support administrators, teachers, and students in the use of technology.
  • Chromebook Certification (Level 1) – Dig deeper in their utilization of Google Apps for Education tools.
  • iPad Certification (Level 1) – Build a solid foundation for integrating the iPad in your classroom by participating in this certification.

Conclusion

Mapping your holiday learning gets easier every day. Treat yourself with anytime, anywhere learning!

 

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community
MicrosoftProfessional Learning

Building a Community

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

“We are longing for a community,” said a session participant at one of my Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) workshops. “Most of us have adopted Office 365 tools, but we don’t see ourselves in the numerous edcamps and workshops offered. Each of us is struggling to connect.” As instructional coach and author of The Art of Coaching, Elena Aguilar says, “With a powerful community I can do so much more. I am happier. I learn and expand and, possibly, I can transform.” The strategies below seek to answer the challenge of community building.

Five Strategies for Community Building

A few strategies that have worked include the following:

#1 – Connect

“Involve and connect with stakeholders,” I shared in a recent Skype call with USA MIE trainers. As I look at pictures from TCEA Area 1 and Area 8 participants attending the one-day MIE Teacher Academy, the connections with campus principals, regional service center staff, and library coordinators jump out at me. Some specific ways to connect include the following:

a) Amplify Their Voices

Each person has a story to tell. Here are three conversations that capture the heart of MIE events. I recorded them using the free Voxer app on my smartphone:

  • Voxercast: Listen to Crystal Just, Instructional Technology Specialist in Navarro ISD, share her insights in a spur-of-the-moment conversation about helping principals embrace technology.
  • Voxercast: Listen to Mireya Galvan, Coordinator of Library Services in Harlingen ISD, on using OneNote Class Notebook for Professional Development
  • Voxercast: Listen to Cris Chonka, Campus Technology Specialist in San Marcos Consolidated ISD, sharing her insights. Both Cris and Joanne Priest, an Austin ISD high school teacher, had just attended TCEA’s Creative Coding through Games and Apps (CCGA) workshop in December, 2016.

In addition to amplifying the voices of session participants, crafting solutions to common challenges remains important. For example, the TCEA TechNotes blog entry, Top 10 OneNote FAQs responds to specific questions that participants have asked.

b) Create an Online Sharing Space

“I appreciate the info you post,” said a technology director on the TCEA MIE Facebook Group. Creating an online space with shared learning opportunities stimulates dialogue. This dialogue also provides just-in-time support. When a critical service stopped working, TCEA MIE Community members shared their insights and knowledge to resolve the problem.  In another situation, after sharing Amplifying Creativity: Minecraft Fairytales, Javier Aguilar wrote, “Awesome!!”

#2 – Engage

“Excellence is possible without perfection,” I read one day. The quote captures the essence of my rough-hewn videos about Microsoft Classroom and OneNote Class Notebook. Videos can engage others in a wide variety of ways, making complex topics approachable. Another way to engage others is to curate content relevant to your community. For example, I rely on ReadItLater’s Pocket to capture content relevant to my community and then share it using IFTTT.com to Twitter and Facebook. Re-tweeting old content that is still helpful helps latecomers to the community or those who missed it the first go-around.

#3 – Model

“We have to be able to share resources with everyone, as well as only with those who are TCEA members.” Some people get access to workshop resources; others do not.  Microsoft’s OneNote 2016 makes it easy to create notebooks with unlocked and locked sections. Locked sections require a password to open. Then the notebook can be published online with non-passworded and passworded sections.

To encourage the use of OneNote for these purposes, I proposed sharing TCEA’s session resources with Academy participants. These actions helped expand internal understanding of OneNote’s functionality, as well as garnered positive praise from participants. We have to “dream the possible” so others can see and experience it.

Some examples include TCEA Connect!, Campus Technology Specialist Academy, and TCEA Area 20’s Tech-a-palooza Conference. Now that OneNote Online has shown itself as usable in this way, new initiatives such as the Technology Leadership Summit: Security are relying on OneNote’s passworded section feature.

#4 – Partner

“When can we have a Minecraft: Education Edition workshop in our area?” asked TCEA board member David Luna. “We definitely want to have one!” As a Microsoft Training partner, TCEA worked to seek out professional learning opportunities to better be able to facilitate training for Minecraft: Education Edition and Creative Coding through Games and Apps (CCGA). Then, TCEA’s Microsoft Certified Trainers/Experts reached out to collaborate with regional education service centers and TCEA area directors. This outreach program enables both TCEA members and non-members to take advantage of these two new initiatives from Microsoft.

#5 – Learn

Set time aside to tap into the stream of ideas, insights, and information available via social media. TCEA has built online social communities via the TCEA.org website, but also reached out to non-members via Facebook, Voxer (a mobile technology that makes audio-based chats possible, rather than text-based a la Twitter), and others. National and global communities of MIE Trainers and Experts employ Group.me, Twitter chats like #OneNoteQ, #msftedu, and Facebook to problem solve and get fresh information. These connections have a positive effect on learning and professional development worldwide.

Consider examining the TCEA MIE Facebook Group (open to all Texas educators using Microsoft tools; now with 200+ members) and the TCEA Campus Technology Specialist Voxer group as two examples.

Conclusion

“He who learns from one who is learning, drinks from a flowing river.” Never before have we had such easy access to “people in our lives,” as Matthew Kelly points out, “who raise our standards, remind us of our essential purpose, and challenge us to become the best version of ourselves.” Join us at TCEA in helping you find your essential purpose and allow us to provide you with the assistance you need to become the best version of who you can be!

 

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certification
ChromebooksiOS Tips and TricksProfessional Learning

Fall 2016 Online Certification Recipients

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Whether it is via a shared cart, 1:1, or BYOD, many teachers and students have access to iPads and Chromebooks to the extent that these are now common tools in their classrooms. Sometimes, though, it is easy to feel as if you know some of the basics, but not all that you need to really start using it as a powerful instructional tool. TCEA has developed two self-paced, online certification programs to help build these skills: the iPad (Level 1) Certification and the Chromebook (Level 1) Certification. These certifications are designed to help busy educators who don’t have time to attend optional after-school training, but do want the knowledge and skills to be adept users of the tools while earning 18 hours of professional development credit.

Each certification consists of self-paced modules to gain basic understanding of the device, pedagogical considerations when integrating the device in various settings (1:1, BYOD, shared cart, etc.), and introductory tutorials of some of the basic tools/apps that can be used on the device to engage students across the content areas. As a capstone to the online certifications, each participant develops a lesson plan that is correlated to specific content standards and integrates the device and tools/apps.

We would like to congratulate the graduates of the Fall 2016 semester who have earned the iPad (Level 1) Certification and/or the Chromebook (Level 1) Certification.

Certification graduates include:

  • Kayla Burgoon of Lubbock ISD – Chromebook (Level 1)
  • Veronica Castillo Baca of Harlingen Consolidated ISD – Chromebook (Level 1)
  • Veronica Castillo Baca of Harlingen Consolidated ISD – iPad (Level 1)
  • Kizuwanda Christie of KIPP – Chromebook (Level 1)
  • Scott Firenza of Lubbock ISD – Chromebook (Level 1)
  • Laura Howard of San Angelo ISD – Chromebook (Level 1)
  • Jackie Johnson of Seminole ISD – iPad (Level 1)
  • Stephanie Trook of Lubbock ISD – Chromebook (Level 1)

Learn more about these certifications or contact Ashley Weiler at aweiler@tcea.org . Group discounts are available for districts/campuses who want to register a group of their educators as a cohort; contact Dr. Bruce Ellis at bellis@tcea.org for more information on group discounts.

 

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OneNote
MicrosoftProfessional Learning

Top Ten OneNote FAQs

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Have you explored OneNote Class Notebook yet? OneNote Class Notebook works with over 35 different learning management systems (LMSs), including a few popular ones like Google Classroom, Edmodo, and Canvas! If you have tried it, you may have some questions about the best ways to use the program with your students. Here are the top ten questions we’ve received and their answers.

A Quick Update

But before we jump into questions from TCEA Microsoft Innovative Educators (MIE) participants, check out these just announced improvements for OneNote Class Notebook.

Get the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)!

1. How can I use OneNote Class Notebook in a regular classroom for students that only can use technology at school (no computer at home)?
Many schools are moving towards increased access to technology through tablets and other inexpensive devices that students can check out.

2. Does it integrate into Schoology and ESchool + easily?
Yes, OneNote Class Notebook integrates into Schoology. For eSchool Plus integration, your Office 365 Administrator (i.e. tech director or designee) can go to this web site to find out more.

3. Is using OneNote easier for taking notes for students than pen and paper?
Yes, it can be for students who take advantage of audio/video recording, as well as those who choose to use custom note-taking pages (e.g. Cornell Notes) that are available. You can use a Cornell Note-taking formatted OneNote page to assist students (consider the possibilities for AVID students who rely on this approach!). Be sure to watch the video.

4. Can notebooks be exported to another format?
Yes, Notebooks, as well as Sections and Pages, can be exported in a variety of formats, including MS Word, PDF, sections, and entire notebooks for backup purposes or sharing. To do so, use OneNote or OneNote 2016 and click on FILE where you will see the Export option. Watch this short snip on File->Export options.

Working with Students

5. What are the best practices for students using OneNote for collaborative note taking?
Consider creating a page per day or unit of study in the Collaboration Space of a Class Notebook where students can add content.

6. At which grade level do you GENERALLY suggest students begin using OneNote?
Students are using it at a wide range of grade levels, starting at kindergarten, where they rely on audio and images for note-taking.

7. If a student changes teachers, is it possible to transfer the student and his or her work into their new teacher’s Microsoft Classroom? 
Yes, students can be moved from one MS Classroom to another via Student Data Sync.

8. Can I create multiple collaborative spaces (teaming the kids into vocabulary “themes” is what I am trying to achieve)?
You can create multiple collaborative spaces in the Collaboration Space. These “multiple collaborative spaces” involve adding a password to a section. Watch how to do that.

9. Is there a way to track which user contributes or modifies content?
You can track student contributions by View->Show Authors (if in the Online version), as well as in OneNote 2016. Watch this overview.

10. Could I (the teacher) use student collaborative spaces, copy them into the content library, and lock all modifications?
Yes, as teacher, you can use their creations in the Collaborative space, then copy their creations into the Content Library.

And, since no round-up is complete without a bonus, here’s one more:

11. I’m trying to load OneNote on my iPad, but can’t get it to open. How do I get it to work?
First, install the OneDrive app on your iOS device (e.g. iPad, iPhone). Then set up your work and personal account on it. Once you have OneDrive set up, add the OneNote app. Then you are ready to open a notebook in OneDrive.

Conclusion

What other questions do you have regarding OneNote Class Notebook? If you and your district are actively using OneNote in any way, please contact Miguel Guhlin (@mguhlin on Twitter; mguhlin@tcea.org via email) so that you and your teachers can be invited to join the TCEA MIE Facebook group.

 

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TCEA 2017 - network
Announcements/Important DatesProfessional Learning

Seven Networking Opportunities at TCEA 2017

by Alexis Cline
written by Alexis Cline

Whether it’s meeting new people, reconnecting with old colleagues, or rubbing elbows with edtech innovators, the TCEA Annual Convention & Exposition is the perfect conference to strengthen existing relationships with peers and forge new connections with educators from around the country. You’ll want to make time to network with other educators, thought leaders, presenters, and exhibitors at one of the many events designed to get you sharing ideas and making connections. Here are just a few to consider.

Poster Sessions

New this year, the come-and-go poster session format allows for up-close access to edtech movers and shakers. Learn from those who are innovating teaching and learning as you talk with them one-on-one. There’s no better way to expand your network. Posters will be offered on the following days and topics:

  • Tuesday, February 7: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. STEM
  • Tuesday, February 7: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Makerspaces
  • Wednesday, February 8: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. 3D Printing and Virtual Reality
  • Wednesday, February 8: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Elementary-focused
  • Wednesday, February 8: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Leadership
  • Thursday, February 9: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. K-12 Coding and Computer Science
  • Thursday, February 9: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Amazing Resources
  • Thursday, February 9: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Redesigning Learning

Exhibit Hall Opening Reception

Tuesday, February 7
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

TCEA 2017 - Exhibit HallEnjoy the excitement and energy of the exhibit hall in a whole new way this year. Tuesday’s Opening Reception is the ideal way to kick off your convention experience. Dedicate some time for exploration and inquiry, discover the latest and greatest in edtech solutions, and pick up great schwag from over 450 education and technology vendors.

TCEA 2017 First Timers’ Session

Tuesday, February 7
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 8
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Want to make sure you get the very most out of your convention experience? This session, led by convention veterans who also serve as TCEA board members, offers tips for scheduling your day, choosing the best sessions and events for you to attend, and enhancing your experience in playgrounds and poster sessions. Whether it’s your first TCEA convention or not, you will learn (and laugh) in this fun and helpful session.

TCEA17 YOUniverse

Tuesday, February 7 – Thursday, February 9
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

TCEA 2017 - YOUniverseExplore the Power of You in this interactive learning area. Spend lots of hands-on time exploring makerspaces, breakout rooms, and programming. Discover activities and approaches that enhance learning by sharing in this peer-to-peer, network-rich presentation area.

Special Activities Taking Place in TCEA17 YOUniverse:

Makerspace Showcase
Tuesday, February 7
9:00 a.m. – noon

Come for a half-day of makerspace learning, growing, and building, and experience a variety of hands-on activities.

BreakoutEDU Immersion
Tuesday, February 7
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Adam Bellow, co-founder of BreakoutEDU, will introduce and explore the concept behind the craze. Attendees will be invited to participate in a BreakoutEDU challenge and learn how to implement the activity themselves for multiple grades and content areas.

Pokemon GO in Action
Wednesday, February 8
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Join in the fun of Pokemon GO and meet new friends. Designed for pro and novice players, we will explore local Poke-Stops and battle it out for gyms, points, and prizes.

TCEA17 YOUnited

Tuesday, February 7 – Thursday, February 9
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

TCEA 2017 - YOUnitedMeet other edtech enthusiasts in the social media and connection Hub of TCEA 2017. Featured presenters and edtech experts are scheduled throughout the week to share their favorites tools, techniques, tips, and tricks. Whether you’re new to social media or have more followers than Justin Bieber, this is the spot for integrating social media into your repertoire.

Educational Technology Day at the Capitol

Tuesday, February 7
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Edtech advocates will receive a briefing on educational technology issues and learn tips and tricks for effectively communicating with legislators and their staff members. TCEA will set up meetings with the offices of each participant’s senators and representatives and provide transportation to the Texas Capitol for meetings with your legislators. Advance registration is required in addition to a fee of $15 that covers transportation and lunch at the Capitol.

Convention Social “Get Powered Up”

Thursday, Feb. 9
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

TCEA 2017 - SocialThe Thursday social is the must-attend event at the convention, and this year we’ve moved it to a new, more convenient time. Let your hair down and power up with live music, great fun, and fabulous door prizes. There will be games, contests, and energetic tunes, all from the Live Music Capital of the World – Austin, Texas.

These are just a few of the networking opportunities available to you at TCEA 2017. When more than 9,000 educators come together for a week of learning and sharing, there’s bound to be a great new idea or inspiring story around every corner. Don’t miss your chance to plug the Power of You into the energetic mix that is this education conference. Register today.

 

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campus technology specialist
LeadershipProfessional Learning

We Feel Your Pain and Have a Solution

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Being a campus technology specialist can be very challenging these days. You try to work with all of your teachers, from the most tech savvy to the teacher who still can’t plug in her computer. Everyone wants you to troubleshoot technical problems, even though you’re not the technican. The office needs you to solve printer issues and install the new curriculum software, all by tomorrow.

And you wonder why it’s so hard to make some time to read up on the latest free apps or Web 2.0 tools that you can share to engage students. Few folks are aware of the extra time that you put in on a regular basis or how exhausting it can be to support adult learners; they only know that you make it look easy. But even on the best day, it can sometimes be a lonely job that few people understand.

campus technology specialistTo help you become a more effective and efficient campus technology specialist, TCEA has put together a solution, almost a miracle cure: an awesome group of presenters who know your struggles and can offer authentic solutions and advice to make your job easier and bring a smile to your face. Here are the top three reasons you should attend the Campus Technology Specialist Academy November 17-18 in Austin.

 

Reason #1: Relevant Solutions

Throughout the sessions of the Academy, you’ll hear how other campus technology specialists have worked with their staff to overcome the same challenges that you face. They’ll share what worked (and what didn’t), as well as critical tips to help you avoid the pitfalls that come with being a campus technology specialist.

Reason #2: Innovative and Tested Ideas

You’ll hear great ideas from experts in the field on how to motivate your reluctant teachers while challenging those who are always your first-adopters. You will leave with specific and actionable ideas, lessons, and activities that can be used with students, as well as with teachers, as you help them along their journey to innovative teaching and learning. And you’ll gain creative ways to offer professional development opportunities to better meet the needs of your staff.

Reason #3: You’re Not Alone

It is critical to both your sanity and your effectiveness as a campus leader that you have peers as contacts who can share their experiences and help you brainstorm possible next steps to try. Whatever your preferred method of connecting with others, you’ll find plenty of experts and supportive educators to add to your professional learning network to help you stay informed and balanced.

So, before you download the next app, restart the next computer, or counsel a teacher on why it’s important tocampus technology specialist integrate technology, take a moment to learn about the best learning event for campus technology specialists. View the sessions and schedule here and then register and join us at the TCEA Headquarters on November 17-18, 2016, for two days of refreshing, relevant training. Together, we can stop the pain and put a smile back on your face!

 

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