AES EdTech Hub
Tech User of the Month: Anita Ensley of Queen Creek Adult Education Program!
The ever so talented Anita Ensley, Lead Instructor for Queen Creek Adult Education Program, recently participated in the ESL Pro 2 cohort which focused on digital literacy. Her presentation at the wrap-up session was so impressive, she was nominated to be our final Tech User of the Month for the program year. Anita has also taken part in tech integration courses such as Building an Edtech Strategy Toolkit (BEST) and Building an EdTech Maker Space. It is in the thoughtfulness of the deliverables Anita creates that exposes her educator’s heart for improving student success!
Please provide an explanation of the two activities you created.
1) Integration Activity- the objective was to integrate an ed tech tool within a lesson to complement/reinforce and/or enhance language skills for an ESL class. I selected Jamboard as the ed tech tool to utilize graphic organizers in a collaborative and interactive platform for all students in my Hyflex class to participate. I created a simple template for the G.O. that can be replicated and used for any reading passage/lesson. It is easily replicable, by keeping a clean copy saved in my drive. It is easily sustainable; it requires no prep time and is not content/lesson specific. Graphic organizers also support evidence based strategy for adult learners. My students were very familiar with Jamboard this school year. We used it at least once a week for warm up activities and collaborative activities. All students in my class were accustomed to the routine of logging into their Google Classroom at the start of each class for activities. Both in person and online students in my Hyflex class easily access and utilize digital tools within Jamboard synchronously.
2) Skills Based Activity- the objective was to construct and implement an activity focused around one English language learning skill (Vocabulary, Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) that required students to practice practical digital skills. I selected a Vocabulary skills -based activity that implemented a shared Google Doc.The Google Doc contains an inserted table with five columns: Vocabulary, Synonym, Antonym, Google Translate and Name. Small groups of students were assigned and given editing permission to their Google Doc. The Google Doc was accessed in the Google Classroom. I presented, explained and modeled the Google Doc tools and how to type in the table before students worked in their groups. Student groups consisted of a combination of in person and Hyflex students. The vocabulary words were pre selected from a familiar/ pre read reading passage. Students had access to the passage in their Google Classroom and/or paper copies. Students delegated within their groups specific word responsibilities. Students practiced digital skills of opening a new tab and searching on Thesaurus.com. Students practiced digital skills of typing, changing font size, style and color.
Here is a slidedeck that provides additional explanation and a link to the template described above.
What key takeaways from participating in the ESL Pro cohort did you apply in creating the two activities?
Participation in ESL Pro reinforced the overarching goal we had selected for our program PL focus this year: digital integration and routine. ESL Pro was a great opportunity to collaborate, share and encourage other Arizona adult education teachers.
Some of the main takeaways:
- incorporating digital tools doesn't have to be overwhelming; simple, small steps of integration are best
- the difference between digital skills and digital tools
- when/how to implement digital tools for adult English language learners in a lesson
- which digital skills are integral in and outside of the educational setting for our adult English language learners
What are some outcomes you hope to see from implementing the activities routinely?
The more familiar and comfortable I am with digital tools, the more frequent I incorporate them within my lessons. My goal is to not just use technology for technology's sake, but implement where appropriate for an activity to increase and reinforce students' language skills through the use of digital tools . By integrating a few tools, a foundation can be established. After the foundation of the digital tool routine is built in class, and then you can expand on that established routine by increasing the expectation of student tasks and digital skills one layer at a time. When students are given frequent exposure and opportunity for practice of the target skills (language and digital), their comfort level will expand.
Integration Activity Example: a first introduction of Jamboard may just require students to learn how to post a sticky note with a one or two word typed response to a prompt. Additional skills can ask students to find and post images/pictures, use the shape tools, etc. Jamboard can be used for discussion starters, vocabulary reinforcement, grammar practice, reading strategies, etc.
Skills Based Activity Example: a first introduction of a Shared Google Doc may just require students to type an answer in response to a stated question. Additional skills can ask students to search and find answers on the internet, insert images, create a table, etc for the focal lesson topic/theme.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Don't overthink it! Integrating digital tools does not need to consume your entire class, nor do you need to have students using multiple digital tools in the same class period. Simpler is better, small steps are best. If you are overwhelmed, frustrated and resistant when trying to implement digital tools and digital skills, then your students most likely will be too, as well. Integrating activities that increase and utilize digital skills within a lesson should be fun and relevant to students and the teacher.
Thank you, Anita, for giving us some great activities to try out and words of wisdom to help us integrate technology meaningfully next program year!
Are you or someone you know implementing technology into instruction in an innovative way?
Send nominations to [email protected]
State-Provided Online Curricula
6/3/2022: Experience Discovery Education's summer of learning!
Discovery Education has a Summer Learning Channel, PL Resource of the Month, Strategy of the Month, and more! Review all this and more in their June Newsletter!
5/6/2022: Burlington English's new features!
We may be nearing the end of the program year, but that doesn't mean BurlingtonEnglish has slowed down! Chek out their flier on how Burlington can now integrate to your LMS, which is specifically designed to digitize unit tests that are typically PDF or worksheet based.
But wait, there’s more! BE’s website now has a Find a School feature for students who go to their site looking for ELAA courses. Click here to check out what it looks like and find a link to get your program on the map! Note that Burlington English’s team will review and publish it for you (so give them some time to process the requests).
4/1/2022: APRIL IS FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH, REVIEW DISCOVERY EDUCATION'S RESOURCES!
Discovery Ed's newsletter has timely resources for Financial Literacy as well as resources for the conflict in Ukraine in their News and Current Events Channel. Check them out here.
3/4/2022: Explore the new grammar content and ATTEND bURLINGTONENGLISH'S WEBINAR WEDNESDAY
BurlingtonEnglish has added over 100 new grammar lessons - including ICLS to use during synchronous class time! And check out this flier for info on BurlingtonEnglish's Webinar Wednesdays to learn more about classroom strategies and best practices for using thier English for Specific Careers content!
1/7/2022: Check out Discovery Education's Newsletter & a How-To Video on Odysseyware's AZ Adult Ed Standards Alignment
Click here for to access Discovery Education's January Newsletter. To learn how to access AZ Adult Ed Standards within the Odysseyware platform to assign targeted lessons, click here.
12/3/2021: Account Cleanup!
Check out these tips for cleaning out teacher and student accounts that are no longer needed. Contact info for each curricula is also provided if further assistance is needed.
11/5/2021: Utilize Odysseyware's Digital Literacy Courses!
Access Odyssyeware's suite of digital literacy courses by searching for Electives, then select Digital Literacy. You will find everything from typing practice to creating media!
10/1/2021: NROC - AZ Adult Ed. Standards Alignment Tool!
This tool aligns NROC's Developmental Math, Algebra, and English courses to Arizona's Adult Education content standards. Use this to identify lessons that will help reinforce and extend learning for students inside and outside of the classroom. Click here to access, use the tabs at the bottom to toggle between classes.
8/6/2021: Attened NROC's Back-to-School Info Sessions!
Register for one, some, or all of the August Info Sessions - practical, 30-minute demonstrations designed to help you maximize NROC's adaptable and customizable courses and tools - and rest assured that you'll have everything you need to kickstart an effective 2021–22 academic year! If you're unable to attend, register anyway, and you'll get sent the recording(s). A list of the sessions available and registration information is available here.
7/2/2021: Start the Year with a Clean Slate!
If you haven't already, don't forget to conduct an end of year cleanup in all three of the online curricula for all students/teachers who have left the program to begin the new year with less (virtual) clutter! Reach out to our representatives below if you need assistance:
Sylvia Gomez for BurlingtonEnglish: [email protected]
Jason Gipson-Nahman for EdReady: [email protected]
Kim Nguyen for Odysseyware: [email protected]
Burlington Core Initial Teacher Training
On Demand Training; reach out to [email protected] to get registered!
Live sessions will now be offered by request, please reach out to [email protected] with proposed date, time, and number of teachers.
Discovery Education Training & Resources
Getting Started with Discovery Education: please reach out to [email protected] with proposed date, time, and number of teachers (please note DE requires a minimum of 5 attendees).
May Resources:
Whether you are looking to celebrate Physical Fitness Month, spread awareness for National Mental Health Month, or commemorate the rich heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islanders during May, we have the right resources for you and your educators.
Spotlight on Strategies: Click here to view recording
The Spotlight on Strategies (SOS) are creative, research-based instructional strategies, presented by teachers for teachers. These simple instructional strategies incorporate digital media in meaningful, effective, and practical ways. During this session, participants will take a deep dive into Discovery Education’s Spotlight on Strategies. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the strategies and create a plan for implementing them in their classrooms.
Odysseyware
Initial Teacher Training: Please reach out to [email protected] to schedule. Note that access to Odysseyware will end on June 25th.
Arizona-Specific Resources
Blended & Virtual/Distance Learning Policy
The updated version includes pertinent AAEDMS information and features the newly approved online curricula. Click here to view.
State-Approved Online Curricula Info-graphic
This info-graphic contains the approved online curriculum for the Learner Mastery Model and Clock-Time Model as well as tips for success regarding reporting proxy hours in AAEDMS and the Teacher Verification Model! Click here to view.
AZ Library Resources for Internet Challenges
State Land Department’s Statewide Map of Public Wifi Hotspots: https://azland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=20dd52ea241e42f0932ac1a27580f3e0
A Tucson Based Group is Mapping Wifi and Food Distribution Sites for Their Communities: https://www.c2cpima.org/district_resources
Wifi Hotspot Lending Program Update: recently awarded funding for 16 libraries to start or continue lending programs, and with the CARES Act stimulus funding are in the process of awarding additional funding for hotspot lending. Reach out to your local library to see if they are a participant of this program.
AZ Library Tech Access Phoneline: Get FREE tech help with anything from help with computer issues, finding free wifi hotspots, to using your smartphone to access email and other apps!
Teacher Verification Model
Blended Learning Certification (TVM requirement)
Focus: Ensure an understanding of blended learning as a mode of instruction. You will also have a thorough understanding, and provide evidence to show as such, of the 'teacher verification model'. Click here to enroll
After you've completed the Blended Learning Certification course, submit an assignment for the TVM using this Resource Evaluation Tool Template.
Click here for a video walkthrough of the template to ensure your submission can be effectively used by other AZ Adult Educators.
Teacher Verification Model Lesson Repository with Search Feature!
Use this Google Sheet to filter and search for TVM submissions from around the state. Click here for an instructional video and/or follow the steps below on how to navigate it:
Click the link above then select “Make a copy”
Use the drop-down boxes to select your filter/search criteria
Delete the cell to clear the filter
NEW! Review this infographic for two added search features!
EdTech Tools & Training
Sandbox Office Hours
Sandbox Office Hours has an additional feature! We will still be utilizing the flipped model of blended learning by posting a video that introduces an EdTech tool to be viewed asynchronously one week, and then the following week, offer a chance to practice using that tool with a member of the EdTech team at the ready to assist and answer any questions you might have. After you've played around with a tool and determined it can fulfill a need for other teachers at your program, you (or your administrator) can request an additional training session to be held virtually for your program! Use the EdTech Training Catalog to help you fill out this Form and put in your request!
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Tech Tools for Sandbox Office Hours
It can be difficult to know what purpose a tool serves just by the name. So, we have created a table that tells you a bit more about the tool and how it could be used to enhance instruction (categories are based on COABE’s session ‘The Seven Elements of aHighly Effective Remote Teaching/Learning Program’). Once you’ve watched the video for the tool of your choice, don’t forget to pop in to a Sandbox Office Hour session to get your questions answered!
Teachers 'N' Technology 2022
Click here to access recordings to all of the dynamite sessions from TNT 2022!
Utilize Keynote Speaker, Dawn J. Fraser's, workbook to teach the principles of storytelling and/or craft your own stories!
EdTech Tools & Strategies for Distance Learning YouTube Channel
Check out all of our past sessions featuring digital tools that enhance instruction presented by the EdTech Team and AZ's Awesome Teachers! Click here to see the entire playlist!
Digital Tools for Different Access Scenarios
Check out this table that briefly describes various digital tools that can be used in all access scenarios (from a computer with reliable internet to a cell phone with unreliable internet to no internet or computer access)
HyFlex Model Info
There has been a lot of talk about the HyFlex model of instruction. Check out this infographic to learn a bit more about what it entails and how to get started. Check back next month for more tips on this model!
NEW: HyFlex Choice Board! Click here to learn about engagement strategies, technology tips, and more!
Instructional Strategies
Focus: Instructional strategies that are often referred to as 'The Marzano 9’, along with a range of technology tools that can be integrated into your instruction. Click here to enroll
Building a Google Site for Your Blended Classroom
Focus: Create a Google Site with a curated YouTube video, a Google Form, and some written guidance for students to follow. Click here to enroll
Digital Literacy Resources & Training
Digital Literacy Supports for Students & Teachers
- Northstar Digital Literacy has NSOL platform courses freely available at the moment, including: Basic Computer Skills, Email, Microsoft Word, and Career Search Skills.
Microsoft has a pair of digital literacy courses that go from basic computer skills to collaboration online.
Too busy to read? Check out this ISTE Podcast about Edtech questions.
Facebook has a Digital Literacy Library with 5 different modules of free lessons covering Privacy & Reputation, Identity Exploration, Positive Behavior, and more.
Google has an extensive list of courses geared towards adult learners in their Applied Digital Skills program.
KQED has a host of courses with instructors in mind that help with modern media such as video production and interactive media.
NEW! Digital Literacy for Teachers (Intermediate level)
Focus: Internet security, copyright & fair use, the Creative Commons, creating engaging presentations, utilizing feedback tools, creating surveys, and analyzing survey results. Click here to enroll
Digital Literacy for Teachers (Beginner to Intermediate levels)
Focus: Introductory training on Microsoft Office Suite and Google G Suite to support Digital Literacy in the classroom. Click here to enroll
Self-Paced Online Courses - Earn 4 hours of PD for each one!
NEW! Building a Google Site for Your Blended Classroom
Focus: Build a Google Site with a curated YouTube video, a Google Form, and some written guidance for students to follow. Click here to enroll
Digital Literacy for Teachers (Intermediate level)
Focus: Internet security, copyright & fair use, the Creative Commons, creating engaging presentations, utilizing feedback tools, creating surveys, and analyzing survey results. Click here to enroll
Digital Literacy for Teachers (Beginner to Intermediate levels)
Focus: Introductory training on Microsoft Office Suite and Google G Suite to support Digital Literacy in the classroom. Click here to enroll
Instructional Strategies
Focus: Instructional strategies that are often referred to as 'The Marzano 9’, along with a range of technology tools that can be integrated into your instruction. Click here to enroll
Blended Learning Certification (TVM requirement)
Focus: Ensure an understanding of blended learning as a mode of instruction. You will also have a thorough understanding, and provide evidence to show as such, of the 'teacher verification model'. Click here to enroll
