The Learning Edge

Keep yourself moving too – Here is my morning song to get myself going.  Watch it and dance along! “Can’t Stop The Feeling!’ (GoNoodle)

Watch Sam Kary, from The New EdTech Classroom in his tutorial on how to use Jamboard at the video linked below. For even more tips on using JamBoard visit Matt Miller’s (Ditch That Textbook), blog at Jamboard 20,

What’s Your Favorite App?

What is your current go-to app or website that has created powerful learning experiences for your students, specifically during the transition to remote learning? Share your favorites at What’s Your App?   Your app will be shared in future Learning Edge Newsletters in APP NEWS!

Bitmoji Classrooms

If you haven’t created your own Bitmoji classroom, now’s the time! Visit the PBS Teachers Lounge and learn from Ronald Catlin, Kennesaw State University, and the host of the KSU iTeach Podcast.

We Are Teachers 

The website for teachers with ideas, inspiration, and giveaways! A most recent post for teachers: 5 of the Most Common Virtual Teaching Challenges.  Check out the Amazon Prime Day Teacher Deals, and other discounts for teachers. Visit the We Are Teachers Facebook page too.

ISTE News 

ISTE is offering its course, Digital Citizenship in Action at 60% off in honor of Digital Citizenship Month! Info & registration More ISTE courses at ISTE U.

ISTE’s YouTube Channel offers videos on the ISTE Standards, online learning, and more. Christopher Bugaj shares tips on accessibility in this video below.

Student Mock Elections

PebbleGo Vote free election resource for K-5 students to research the presidential candidates, learn about democracy, and cast their ballot for the candidate of their choice. No subscription is necessary.

Scholastic Mock Election Students explore the election process and create a classroom ballot box to take part in a student mock election.

National Student Mock Election (NSME)

The 2020 National Student Mock Election is a group of civic-minded organizations coming together to ensure every school-age student has the opportunity to learn about civics in general and to participate in the most important function a citizen in a democracy can — to vote.

Google News

Google Workspaces
Google GSuite is becoming Google Workspaces, akin to Microsoft Teams and Slack. Only available now for businesses, but Google will be bringing the feature to education and nonprofit customers soon. Education customers can continue to access our tools via G Suite for Education. More info at Workspaces.

Google Meets Blur
Have you tried it? I have and it works well when you are in a location that is less than desirable, like a messy room! Visit Google Support or Updates to learn how.

Google Meets Breakout Rooms
Google has more updates coming for education, including the long-awaited breakout room feature. Read about this and more at Google 50+ Updates

EdWebNet Webinars

Virtual Libraries for Remote Learning  Join Michelle Luhtala, New Canaan High School, CT, October 21st at 3 pm, for this boots-on-the-ground session to discuss best practices, strategies & tools that have facilitated remote learning in their learning communities. Registration or get the Recording. CE Certificates are offered too.

GoNoodle

GoNoodle  Videos with desk-side movement helps kids, K-5, achieve more by keeping them engaged and motivated while learning throughout the day. Categories include Curricular, SEL, Sensory/Motory, and more! Videos in Spanish too. Check out the GoNoodle YouTube channel too! Love these guys from Blazer Fresh at Go Noo-dle!  Clap It Out!

Microsoft – Teams Breakout

Microsoft Teams has added the ability to create breakout rooms and should be available at the end of October! Watch the video linked here and also read the Jump to 365 Blogby

Canva and Zoom

Customize your Zoom backgrounds using Canva! Use their created backgrounds or change to fit your needs and creativity. You can create a free Canva account to get started.

Skype in the Classroom 2020 Upcoming Live Events!

Join Skype GlobalRead-Alouds – Tune in with your students every Wednesday at 10 am MT for a new learning adventure with Skype in the Classroom! Classroom discussion guides available too. Some upcoming events to join:

Zanin Mian, Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet, October 16
Celebrate Roald Dahl, October 28

For the complete schedule, registration, and more information visit SKYPE.  There are also On-demand events that can be accessed at SKYPE Demand or you can also request SKYPE Field Trips or Guest Speaker session.

Edutopia Videos for Educators

Edutopia, consistently provides us with new and timely videos – Black Teachers Share Their Stories, Building Adult Capacity for Social-Emotional Learning, and more.

CDE Educator Training

Trauma and Resilience Training for Elementary and Secondary Staff

CDE’s School Climate team is providing a virtual training series focused on increasing capacity and sustainability for integrating trauma-informed, culturally-responsive (TICR) best practices in ways that meet the needs of all students. The training focuses on general strategies and strategies during COVID-19. All training will take place on Fridays from noon to 2 p.m beginning in October. All sessions will be recorded. For more information visit CDE Trauma Training.

CDE K-3 Reading Training

Colorado school districts are required to ensure all Kindergarten through 3rd-grade teachers complete evidence-based training in teaching reading by the 2021-22 school year. CDE is offering training options to meet this requirement. Visit CDE READING for more information.

SPARK Newsletter

Don’t forget to read the SPARK newsletter from Colorado Commissioner, Katy Anthes. The Colorado Department of Education also offers many electronic publications for you. You can sign up by visiting the CDE Communications Office homepage: http://www.cde.state.co.us/communications.

10/15  CASEL SEL Exchange
10/15  SLJ Day of Dialog
10/21  Virtual Library Webinar
10/25 SLJ Virtual Summit Culture Shift
11/5   SLJ & LJ Library Con Live
11/5 National Literacy Summit

11/7 – 11/8 Learning & Brain  Social/Emotional
11/29 – 12/5 ISTE Virtual 
1/26 – 1/29  FETC
2/1  – 2/5     TCEA 
6/27-30       ISTE2021