DigiTechTeach

  • Berkeley Unified School District

Showcasing Ways Teachers are Integrating Technology in the Curriculum

May 7, 2018

Our DigiTechTeach blog is a testament to the many and varied ways teachers are creatively incorporating technology in their classes. It is a glimpse at the larger landscape of teaching and learning happening all around us. To capture a larger snapshot and broaden our view, Tech Teacher Leaders (TTLs) recently asked teachers at their schools to share examples of their work with technology. Then TTLs came together and checked out the collection by experiencing a virtual gallery walk.

Here is a sampling of the incredible teaching and learning happening across the school district:

Animal Reports using Google Slides

Students in Angela Reed’s 3rd grade class at Jefferson created Google Slides presentations about their chosen animal. First, they had to research information about the animal in 5 categories (overview, habitat, adaptations/body/appearance, diet, offspring, dangers, fun facts and glossary). Students learned how to choose appropriate articles to read and how to skim for information. Students also had to learn how to put the right words into the search engine in order to get the information they needed. Next, they then utilized the “boxes and bullets” note-taking structure to create a slide for each category. They had to decide which words would be included in the glossary. They also had to learn how to insert pictures and troubleshoot, such as deleting a slide. Lastly, they presented the presentation to the class and classmates were able to ask questions.

 

Stop Motion Art Project Linked to Narrative Writing

At Oxford, Rachel Martin’s 4th graders were wrapping up a narrative writing unit. Rachel and art teacher Anna Rainer thought it would be fun for students to apply these skills to an art project. They had students create a storyline (either individually or in groups of 2-3) and a paper art work scene with a few characters. Then, using an iPad and the stop motion app, Anna had students capture their story. It was a lengthy, but worthwhile, process. The students were incredibly excited and engaged!

Stop Motion Art Project

 

Using Newsela in Science

Matt Hinckley, science teacher at Longfellow Middle, uses Newsela in a Current Events in Science Assignment (CESA). Students read, take notes, and annotate an article from Newsela. Then they take a reading comprehension quiz and write a summary with their analysis (using a Constructing Meaning writing template).

 

All of the work gathered for the technology showcase is inspiring. The TTLs and the DigiTech department will continue working together to collect and share out ideas. Stay tuned!

– Mia Gittlen, K-8 Instructional Technology TSA

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Jessica Lee

Jessica Lee is the Coordinator for Library Services for BUSD and DigiTech lead. Prior to this year, she was a teacher librarian on special assignment supporting elementary schools and the Teacher Librarian at Willard Middle School for 13 years.
Jennifer Nguyen

Jennifer Nguyen is the BUSD TK-8 Instructional Technology Teacher on Special Assignment. She has over 14 years of experience working in both public and private schools, as a classroom teacher and technology integration coach.
Eric Silverberg

Eric Silverberg is a BUSD Teacher Librarian on Special Assignment, supporting libraries and instructional technology and Digital Citizenship. He has over 20 years experience working in public schools, as a classroom teacher, a teacher librarian, an arts coordinator, a drama/music specialist and a digital media teacher.
Mia Gittlen

Mia Gittlen was the BUSD K-8 Instructional Technology Teacher on Special Assignment from 2017-2019. She has taught English and history/social studies for eleven years. She also actively participates in East Bay CUE and the Krause Center of Innovation--two organizations focused on inspiring innovative learning.
Allison Krasnow

Allison Krasnow was the BUSD K-8 Instructional Technology Coordinator and a Teacher on Special Assignment from 2013-2018. She has taught grades 4-8 and is now teaching math at Willard Middle School.

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