Above: Student from ACCESS Academy participating in the 7th Grade Career Tech Exploration Program, working with staff from Pixel Arts Game Education to design and develop video games. Photo: PPSComms
Welcome!
This monthly newsletter will feature cool teaching, learning and technology ideas, resources and tips, as well as news about upcoming learning opportunities. Feel free to forward this flyer and invite others to share in the learning! Send a message to Melissa Lim, mlim@pps.net, to join the Edtech Listserve to receive email news and updates related to learning, teaching and technology in Portland Public Schools.
Save the Date: Camp Chromebook, Wednesday, June 20
Join us for Camp Chromebook on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Boise-Eliot/Humboldt School in Portland, OR. Click the link above for more details. This is a *free* professional learning opportunity for any educators interested in learning more about Google Apps and G Suite for Education tools and how to integrate them into your classroom instruction using best practices and relevant strategies. All levels welcome. Check back for the schedule to see the sessions that will be offered. Register here for the event to save your spot! You can volunteer to facilitate a session here. You do not have to work for Portland Public Schools to participate. Please share with any interested colleagues.
Get Started on Your Coding Adventure with Grasshopper
What is Grasshopper? Grasshopper is the coding app for beginners. With fun, quick lessons on your phone, the app teaches adult learners to write real JavaScript. It’s currently available for free on Android and iOS. Grasshopper is built by a team within Area 120, a workshop for experimental projects. Get it on Google Play or download on the App Store.
Google Drawing Tips
In my experience, Google Drawing is underused and often forgotten. It's a great tool that can be used for posters, infographics, brainstorming and more. Check out these awesome Google Drawing resources:
- 8 Creative Uses of Google Drawings You Shouldn’t Ignore
- From Alice Keeler: 3 Things to Try in Google Drawing, Two Tip Sheets for Google Drawing
- From Kasey Bell: Google Drawings CHEAT SHEET for Teachers and Students!
Reminder: IT/Schools Outreach Meeting, Thursday, April 26, 4pm
Please add any agenda items to the shared meeting minutes doc at goo.gl/5JThGS. Join us in Nehalem (BESC/IT) or virtually via WebEx: portlandpublicschools.webex.com/meet/mlim or join by phone +1-415-655-0002 with access code: 809 660 757.
Virtual Office Hours
This year, I'll be holding virtual office hours on the third Wednesday of each month from 4-4:30pm. If you have education technology-related questions, would like to have a conversation or get feedback, please join me in my WebEx meeting room. I'll send out reminders, so just click the link at the scheduled time!
Questions or comments? Contact Melissa Lim, mlim@pps.net.
Credits:
Created with images by bhossfeld - "tent camp night star camping expedition dome"PPS