Print Canvas Quizzes

Recently (Nov. 4) I posted about a script you can use to print Canvas quizzes. Another DLC just came across a Chrome extension (Canvas Quiz Printer) that does the same thing and is much simpler to use! Yay! Check it out!

Understanding Canvas Blueprint Syncing in Frisco ISD

Changes made in S1 are not connected to S2. 

Lock content in the Blueprint to keep yourself from accidentally editing in the Shell course. Locking from the Blueprint makes you have to go back to the Blueprint to edit content! Content items that are edited in the Shell course will not sync any additional changes made in the Blueprint. → 

Updating Canvas Navigation

You may have noticed a few more items show up on course navigation in Canvas. Move the items you’re not using out of student navigation.

LTIs (Learning Tool Integration)

SAVE when done!

• Cengage- For courses using an online Cengage textbook. You’ll need to contact your C&I coordinator for info on how to activate it if it’s available for your content.
• StudyMate- “The smarter way to make flashcards and learning games.” Accompanies our Frisco ISD subscription to Respondus Lockdown Browser this year. Available for ALL teachers! Read more.
• MasteryConnect- For our MasteryConnect piloting teachers. Paid account required.
• New Analytics- Enable in the shell course to view analytics for your course!
• If you change the Navigation Settings in the Blueprint, the next time you sync, check the box to “Include Course Settings” to push those changes to the S1 & S2 Shell courses for students. 

Teaching Digital Citizenship All Year in the Classroom

While it may not sound like a classroom management item, teaching students good digital citizenship can help cut down on off task or distracting behaviors and keep students more focused. Digital citizenship should be taught all year long. Take a few minutes to read Teaching Digital Citizenship All Year in the ClassroomLinks to an external site.) by erintigration.

Ditch That Textbook Digital Summit - Sat, Dec. 21 - Wed, Jan. 8

The Ditch That Textbook Digital Summit is a FREE online conference for teachers, starting on Sat, Dec. 21 and closing on Wed, Jan. 8, 2020.

It brings together some of the brightest minds in education to discuss technology, pedagogy and more.

Watch helpful, inspiring videos with top-notch educators. Generate FREE certificates for professional development credits. 

Here are the official details:

• The summit opens on Friday, December 21
• New videos will be released daily (except on December 24 and 25)
• All new videos will be available by Monday, December 31
• All previous years' videos will be available through the whole summit
• Videos will become unavailable on Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Register here: ditchsummit.com

Technology is a classroom TOOL, just like a pencil or textbook

At this morning's faculty learning meeting, I was reminded again that many staff members believe that I believe that technology is always the solution and that restricting student access to technology is always a bad thing. 

That can't be farther from the truth.

Technology is a classroom TOOL, just like a dictionary, textbook, pencil, etc. There are times that it's appropriate to use and times that it's not. 

When talking with teachers and administrators about options for coming lessons, if technology isn't a good fit for the learning outcome, I'll tell you! Every year I tell at least one person that it's not a good fit for what they're trying to accomplish. 

Technology can engage students in different ways. 

Technology can assist students in learning when they're ready.

Technology can give students control over the pace of their learning.

Technology can assist higher levels of thinking and in skills needed to be "future-ready".

Technology is not always an appropriate fit.

High School End-of-Semester Checklists

In preparation for the switch from Semester 1 to Semester 2, please reference these checklists:

• High School End-of-Semester Canvas Checklist
• High School End-of-Semester Remind Checklist

See Penney Matos if you have questions or need assistance!

Canvas Discussions

Canvas Discussions can be a powerful tool in your classroom! 

Check out this presentation from Instructurecarn 2018 that covers the importance of setting up good architecture to discussions and suggested hashtags to aide in organizing discussions. 

Then check out this Adobe Spark Page with more information, examples, and tips.  

Here's another example discussion:

How to use Chromebooks Offline

Matt Miller from Ditch That Textbook recently posted about using Chromebooks offline. This comes in handy for students who do not have internet access at home and for the rare occasions that our network goes down. He includes information about how to set it up, apps to use, and some lesson planning ideas. Check it out! 
Read more.