Deb Norton Tech

If the past school year has taught us anything about technology in the classroom, it's that quality trumps quantity. We live in a world with no shortage of tech teaching tools and resources. The key is sorting through to find the gems. The best tech tools and websites that actually enhance virtual or in-person learning and everything in between.  The following apps and websites make the cut because they enrich learning in a meaningful way. They are not just another bell or whistle. They actually enhance learning in ways that would not be possible without technology. Google Workspaces    Google Workspace includes all of the productivity apps we know and love - Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet and many more.  With features such as speech to text, real-time collaboration, smart compose etc., Google Workspaces helps us to be efficient and innovative in all that we do. Flipgrid Flipgrid is a video discussion tool with many innovative features and tools. ...

This week I read this article from Edutopia about Research-Based Tech Integration Strategies by Liz Kolb .  The big idea I came away with is that even though students all have their own devices, it is really important to keep the learning social and connected.  In other words, even if students are working on an assignment individually, they should still have opportunities to work socially with others. This week’s Links and Loves is dedicated to ways that we can do exactly that! #1 GSuite - With features such as sharing capabilities, built in chat, built in commenting, editing, suggesting and viewing rights and activity dashboard , users can connect and collaborate in many ways with Google Docs, Slides, Sheets etc. Google Meet also provides a safe platform for online conferencing. #2 Goosechase - Organize and run digital scavenger hunts to gather knowledge and information.  Allow others from your community and beyond to take part. #3 Slack - A fant...

Happy Veteran’s Day - today and tomorrow I celebrate all of the men and women that serve or have served in our military. Thank you to Andrew Schaller for putting together this honor wall   at Oshkosh West High School. My Uncle Jerry Kunde is on this wall. I listened to this podcast this week which gave me so many things to think about and consider with technology and deep thinking.  Are we using the applications and tools to the fullest potential? Did you read my blogpost on Ways to Use Animation for Student Projects and Engaging Lessons ?  It amazes me how far animation and 3D design has come in just a few years. This week I am working with a teacher and her students to record a Ted Talk using Flipgrid . I also set up a new BreakoutEDU , a scrapbooking and card making station and we finished a pixel art poster in the Innovation Lab . This week, someone surprised me with free printable pumpkins for our Innovation Lab. What a thoughtful thing...