LearnPlatform: Helping Educators Choose the Right Tech for Classrooms

In this episode of EdTech in the Classroom, we welcome Nancy Garvey, Director of Digital Learning at Coppell Independent School District and Bria Jones from Bulb Digital Portfolios on to the program to discuss the importance of digital curation through portfolios. I have been a big fan of Bulb for the last few months and it is an extremely easy application to use and is a fantastic way to teach your students the art of presentation. Check them out today!In this episode, we discuss:Why is it important for students to learn about curating their digital content?Why are digital portfolios importantHow are students using themValue of adding a portfolio component into the curriculumThoughts about year-long portfolios vs multi-year portfoliosAbout Bulb Digital Portfoliosbulb is an award-winning digital portfolio simple enough to be used from K-8, beautiful enough for high school, college and career pursuits, and powerful enough to use for a lifetime of learning. Over one million bulbs have been created by students and educators from more than 125 countries. bulb is ad-free, complies with global data privacy and security policies and doesn’t sell user information to 3rd parties. bulb integrates with most LMS or SIS systems, including Microsoft Office 365, Google, Canvas, Schoology and Blackboard. bulb partners with Clever and ClassLink to provide single sign-on functionality. Learn more at https://www.bulbapp.com.About our GuestsNancy GarveyNancy Garvey is the director of digital learning at Coppell Independent School District in Texas. Her team of digital learning coaches promote and support the use of digital tools and strategies across the district. Nancy is from Canada but moved to Texas in high school and holds a degree from Texas Tech University. For the past 2 years, she has been leading the implementation of bulb Digital Portfolios across the district.Bria JonesDirector of Customer Success at bulb Digital PortfoliosAfter working for seven years in the communications department for one of the leading school districts in the nation, Bria decided to invest her time and energy in a product she believed will positively change the way students learn and teachers teach. With a background in communications and a career in education, not to mention having an exemplary educator as a husband and growing up in a family where mom was a principal, Bria knows how to speak the language of educators and understands the needs of students.Bria resides in Colorado with her husband (a high school history teacher) and three sons.Links of Interesthttps://www.bulbapp.comTwitter: @BulbAppFollow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCastEdtech in the Classroom Homepage – www.EdtechInTheClassroom.comFollow our HostJeff Bradbury | @JeffBradburyExplore these ResourcesIn this episode, we mentioned the following resources:Use our conference game plan template to document and focus your learning this summer. The bulbLibrary has great examples and templates to use in your classroom and for your professional use.  Join our PLNAre you enjoying the TeacherCast...

In this episode of EdTech in the Classroom, we welcome Naasira Wahid from the Sony KOOV team and Andrew Buitron from Barrio Logan College Institute on to the podcast to discuss how KOOV is transforming classrooms worldwide by providing a robust STEM component that allows students to imagine, build, code, and create!In this episode, you will learn:Nurture creativity with KOOV blocks: KOOV blocks come in seven different shapes and seven different colors, opening up a wide world of 3D building possibilities. Inviting to both boys and girls, the blocks help learners to think in 3D and develop spatial awareness skills.Build robots with sensors and actuators to make them come alive: Coming complete with over 300 building blocks and accessories plus a plethora of sensors, motors, and LEDs, KOOV opens the doors to almost endless robotic possibilities.        Drag and drop visual programing: Using code to make robots come alive is simple, with a graphic interface that’s intuitive for both beginners and experienced coders.              Learning Courses for all skill levels: Over 50 hours of content to get students excited about coding, design and STEAM with a wealth of interactive, educational content progressing from basic components to programming logic, structure and processes.              Explore infinite options with Robot Recipes: Featuring step-by-step instructions, 43 pre-coded designs gives students a great way to build at their own pace and use the skills they learn along the way to create original robots. Safely share creations, view robots made by others and download code to remix: By tapping into the worldwide community of KOOV users, students can share creations, code and ideas — all within a secure space that’s well-supervised, student-friendly and incredibly collaborative.     Compatible on multiple platforms: Available for Mac OS, Windows, Chromebook and iOS (iPad only)2, the KOOV app is included with every KOOV kit1.             Ideal for students ages 8 and up:  From first-timers to seasoned junior creators, just about anyone can jump right into KOOV. Even advanced coders can challenge themselves by designing, building and coding their own creations.           A turnkey STEAM education solution for educators: Offering curriculum-aligned lesson plans, step-by-step teacher guides, student progress reports and classroom management features, KOOV can be quickly implemented in any classroom to support the STEAM educational approach.          One kit accommodates up to five students: KOOV is flexible enough for students to use for independent study or in a structured setting led by an educator. One KOOV Educator Kit can accommodate up to five students. Learn why KOOV is the coding, robotics, and design kit for the innovators of tomorrow!Click To TweetFollow our...

In this episode of EdTech in the Classroom, we welcome Shmoop, an online educational publisher that covers everything for test prep to online courses for all grade levels.In this episode, we discuss:An overview of Shmoop, digital publisher with engaging, comprehensive curriculum and test prep materials for districts. Shmoop has more than 300 full courses and 8,000+ videos is the only provider with test prep materials for all AP exams, plus SAT, ACT, GRE and more, and multiple practice exams for each. The focus for all content is to make it real, relevant and engaging for 21st-century learners. We’ll talk about:Why and how learning should be funHow to integrate humor in the classroomWhy high-quality content is relevant, engaging, and rigorousWhat students, teachers, and administrators love about ShmoopHow to design multimedia content that delivers student resultsWhy schools need to offer well-rounded content, including life skills, financial literacy, arts and music, PBIS, and more About CompanyShmoop offers hundreds of thousands of pages of original content. Its Online Courses, Test Prep, Teaching Guides, Learning Guides, and interactive Study Tools are written by teachers and experts and balance a teen-friendly, approachable style with academically rigorous concepts. Shmoop sees 17 million unique visitors a month across desktop and mobile. The company has won numerous awards from EdTech Digest, Tech & Learning, and the Association of Educational Publishers. Launched in 2008, Shmoop makes the magic happen from a labradoodle-patrolled office in Mountain View, California (www.shmoop.com).About our GuestsDavid SiminoffDavid Siminoff is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Shmoop. He has a passion for all things learning, and thinks that anyone making learning not fun should be meh'd upon. He graduated with honors in English from Stanford University; studied English literature at Oxford University; received his MFA from the USC School of Cinema and Television; and received his MBA from Stanford University. He is also a published author and award-winning screenwriter. Before diving into the world of education, David had a storied career at Capital Research Management Company, a division of Capital Group.Links of InterestClass Tech Tips: 3 Ways to Make Literature Real and Relevant feat. ShmoopShmoop subscriptions and licenses for students, teachers, schools, or districtshttps://twitter.com/Shmoophttps://www.facebook.com/shmoop/Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCastEdtech in the Classroom Homepage – www.EdtechInTheClassroom.comFollow our HostJeff Bradbury | @JeffBradburyJoin our PLNAre you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.Let’s Work TogetherHost:...

In this episode of EdTech in the Classroom, we welcome Jeff Meyer, the Director of Education for Learning.com.New Integration with Google Classroom (Fall 2018 Release)How are school districts consuming digital literacyHow can we assess the technology skills of our students?Aligning data against the ISTE standards4 pillars for LearningKeyboardingDo we still need keyboarding skills in our curriculum?Keyboarding vs Voice to TextWhen to start teaching Keyboarding SkillsOnline Safety / Digital CitizenshipWhen to start teaching Digital CitizenshipCoding and Computational ThinkingBusiness ApplicationsSpreadsheets and Word ProcessingSTEM EducationGamifying Learning in K-5Text-based learning modulesPython Coding in Middle SchoolThe importance of teaching computational thinking skills.Why Learning.com?By 2020, it is estimated that nearly 80% of jobs will require some level of technical proficiency. We live in a digital society. Students must be given the opportunity to learn and develop digital literacy skills – starting as early as Kindergarten. From keyboarding and word processing to coding and computational thinking, digital literacy skills are needed more than ever. Learning.com makes it easy to teach students the critical digital literacy skills they must have to succeed.About our GuestJeff Meyer is the Director of Education and is Learning.com’s resident product expert for our digital literacy solutions who works to identify best practices for internal and external audiences. Jeff has 34 years of experience working in education as a public-school teacher and coach, district curriculum and technology director and administrator. He is passionate about the need to transform education using data-based, inquiry-driven approaches and digital resources, especially with urban students and educators. Prior to his eleven years of service with Learning.com, Jeff worked in the Austin and Eanes school districts, Education Service Center, and University of Texas at Austin, Texas.Links of InterestLearning.com HomepageDigital Literacy CurriculumTwitterFacebookPinterestLinkedIn

In this episode of EdTech in the Classroom, we welcome Rachel and Shlomi from Smore on the program to discuss how educators and school districts are using Smore’s robust platform to communicate with students, their communities, and each other. Check out EdTech in the Classroom today for other great podcasts featuring your favorite EdTech companies.In this episode, we discuss:Creating a newsletter should be easy and fun, and deliver professional results Using Smore to update parents, staff (internal newsletter) and the greater community Learn how your audience engages with your newsletter through live analytics so that you can build smarter newsletters that you know your audience will love Analytics will show who opened your newsletter, which links were clicked the most, how much time was spent on the newsletter, etc. Using Smore for your entire schoolStreamline school communications and maintain the school's brand with all educators using SmoreControl, track, analyze The School or District License's Admin can actually maintain some control of the content going out to ensure that teachers and staff using Smore stay on brand. They can do this by creating beautiful templates that are on brand to send out to other educators on the License so those educators can use the pre-made templates and drop in their original content for their desired audiences. Admin (or admins) of the license have access to a Management Dashboard to view everyone who is active on the license and take a look at what is being sent out! We even have some schools who use the dashboard to create fun games and incentives for teachers/staff to communicate more.Smore Academy built in on-boarding. The built-in on-boarding ensures that all teachers/staff on the license get the proper training they need to be successful Smore users.The future of SmoreEven better analytics Smart tracking (how people engage with your newsletter to help you learn from Your audiences behavior)Hot spots on the newsletter Built-in onboarding with Smore Academycoming now + more in the future Newsletter template sharing About SmoreSmore enables you to create beautiful newsletters, share them everywhere, and track your results. It's fast and easy to update your class, colleagues, and community members. More than 800,000 educators across the globe use Smore to create gorgeous newsletters. Features like custom designs and enhanced analytics enable educators to quickly master their message and update students, parents, and colleagues in an engaging, professional way. It's easy to look amazing.How Can Smore Be Used In The Classroom?In this example, we are using Smore to create professional development tutorials for our teachers.About our GuestsRachel EpsteinMy name is Rachel Epstein and I am the Head of Business Development and Sales at Smore. I've been with Smore for 3 years and I love working here! We are a fun, dynamic and creative team that makes coming to work a pleasure, really! I am originally from New York and went to college at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I received my MA from Tel Aviv University in Environmental Science. Outside of work, I love backpacking trips, skiing on powder days and traveling whenever possible 🙂 I've been living in Tel Aviv for the past 5 years, enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle and incredible food. Links of...

In this episode of EdTech in the Classroom, we welcome Asmund Furuseth from Kahoot! To share the launching of a brand new Kahoot! Certification program for educators worldwide. For more information about Kahoot!, please visit www.Kahoot.comIn this episode, we discuss:New Kahoot! Certification ProgramLaunching on August 22, 2018How to create “Game Based Learning” with Kahoot!Formative AssessmentTo Introduce new topicsTo reinforce learning goalsWhy is it important for students to be able to create Kahoot! gamesStudents can think about quality questions and answersStudents have a deeper understanding of the content when creating questions for their peersNew Integrations with Apple’s Schoolwork AppAmazing use cases of Kahoot! in the classroom“Blind Kahoot” Where teachers use Kahoot to introduce a new topicNew In-App Quiz CreationNew user interface and spreadsheet importer for importing questions into Kahoot!About KahootSince its launch in 2012, Kahoot! has turned game-based learning into a pop culture phenomenon around the world. The game platform hosted over 70 million monthly active users and has a library with more than 50 million learning games, created and shared by fans in more than 200 countries. Kahoot! is on a mission to make learning awesome for learners in all contexts. The company is headquartered in Oslo, Norway with offices in London, Austin and Palo Alto. Let’s play!About our GuestsBefore meeting Kahoot! co-founders in 2013, Åsmund ran a wind turbine technology company called ChapDrive. He also advises and secures funding for various startups, where he holds Board Director roles. Åsmund has a Master of Science Degree in Physics from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.He owns a vintage sailboat and would like to spend more time sailing in the Oslo fjord (that he can see from our office window).Links of Interesthttps://www.facebook.com/getkahoothttps://twitter.com/getkahoothttps://www.linkedin.com/company/kahoot/https://www.instagram.com/getkahoot/Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCastEdtech in the Classroom Homepage – www.EdtechInTheClassroom.comFollow our HostJeff Bradbury | @JeffBradburyExplore these ResourcesIn this episode, we mentioned the following resources:Kahoot Certification Program (Launching August 29)<a href="https://kahoot.com/blog/2018/04/04/kahoot-integrates-apples-new-schoolwork-app/"...

In this episode of Edtech in the Classroom, we speak with Lindsey Petlak from ETA hand2mind about a brand new product called Daily Math Fluency.Daily Math Fluency includes 180 days of instruction designed to develop numeracy and the ability to use mathematical relationships to reason with numbers and numerical concepts. Daily Math Fluency consists of two major components: a teacher guide with 120 Number Strings and 60 Math Talks. Students Master Fluency Strategies using Visual Models & Manipulatives.What is included in Daily Math Fluency?1 Teacher Guide2 Anchor Charts120 Number Strings60 Math Talks1 Set of Picture & Dot Subitizing Basic Cards1 Set of 5, 10, Double 10 Frame Cards20-Bead Demonstration RekenrekFollow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCastEdtech in the Classroom Homepage – www.EdtechInTheClassroom.comFollow our HostJeff Bradbury | @JeffBradburyAbout our GuestETA hand2mind believes that children learn by doing. The company’s mission is to empower teachers, inspire students, and engage minds. A privately held company with more than 50 years of experience in education, ETA hand2mind’s hands-on learning solutions for math, science, STEM, and literacy are unique in the marketplace—covering manipulatives, lessons, teacher/parent support materials and more. ETA Hand2mind is always on the lookout for new ways to tap into students’ natural curiosity and spark an interactive learning process. For more information visit http://www.hand2mind.com/.Links of InterestFacebookTwitterYouTubePinterestJoin our PLNAre you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.Let’s Work TogetherHost: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradburyEmail: [email protected] Mail: http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemailYouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTubeiTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunesCheck Out More TeacherCast ProgrammingEducational Podcasting Today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today)The TechEducator Podcast (http://www.techeducatorpodcast.com)Ask The Tech Coach (<a href="http://www.askthetechcoach.com/"...

In this episode of EdTech in the Classroom, we welcome California Teacher of the Year Alex Kajitani on the program to discuss Multiplication Nation, a fantastic learning platform that helps students get a head start in the math classroom.Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCastFollow our HostJeff Bradbury | @JeffBradburyAbout Alex KajitaniAlex Kajitani (Kaw-juw-taw-nee) is the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year. He is the co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Teachers, and his first book, Owning It was named “Recommended Reading” by the U.S. Department of Education. Alex is also on a mission to get every kid in America to learn their times tables, and to make this happen, he created the popular online program www.MultiplicationNation.com. Alex is a highly-sought after keynote speaker who supports and motivates teachers nationwide, and he’s known around the world as “The Rappin’ Mathematician.” Alex has a popular TED Talk, has been honored at The White House, and was featured on The CBS Evening News, where Katie Couric exclaimed, “I LOVE that guy!” For more of his innovative ideas, visit www.AlexKajitani.com.About Multiplication NationMuliplicationNation.com is the first-of-its-kind, interactive, online training program that guarantees any student who uses it will master their times tables, so they can be confident in math. The program is extremely easy to use, works on any web-enabled device, and it is being used in homes and schools across the country. Parents and teachers love that they receive regular progress reports, and students love the engaging videos and assessments. MultiplicationNation.com was created by California Teacher of the Year, Alex Kajitani, who is on a mission to help every kid master their times tables. You can sign up for a free, full-access trial a www.MultiplicationNation.comJoin our PLNAre you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.Let’s Work TogetherHost: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradburyEmail: [email protected] Mail: http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemailYouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTubeiTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunesCheck Out More TeacherCast ProgrammingTeacherCast Podcast (http://www.teachercast.net/tcp)Educational Podcasting Today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today)The...

In this episode of EdTech in the Classroom, we welcome Natalia Ulianets from SelfCAD on the podcast to discuss their pretty awesome 3D modeling application. SelfCAD is an online 3D Modeling and Slicing program that allows students to create amazing physical structures no matter what platform they are using.In this episode, you will learn:How to get started using a 3D PrinterHow to start your students with 3D Cad designUsing the video tutorials on SelfCad.comFollow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCastFollow our HostJeff Bradbury | @JeffBradburyAbout SelfCadSelfCAD’s mission is to ensure that 3D design and printing is accessible to everyone. Of course, this includes professional designers; but it also includes hobbyists and students who have little to no prior experience using CAD/CAM software. In addition to its ease-of-use, SelfCAD’s incredibly low entry price point ensures that it is accessible to all.SelfCAD is an online, browser-based CAD/CAM platform which allows the user to model, sculpt, slice and print online. Furthermore, users do not have to spend months learning a range of complex software, nor pay hundreds of dollars for the privilege. Users can create and print objects in a fraction of the time that would be required with traditional CAD/CAM software programs.About our GuestNatalia Ulianets is the Project Manager of SelfCAD. Natalia has been working for SelfCAD for almost three years, she plans, schedules and oversees all phases of the project. Prior to becoming a project manager, she was the QA engineer on the project. Natalia holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, scuba diving and photography.Social Linkshttps://www.facebook.com/natalia.ulianets/https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-ulianets/https://www.youtube.com/selfcadhttps://www.facebook.com/selfcad/Join our PLNAre you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.Let’s Work TogetherHost: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradburyEmail: [email protected] Mail: http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemailYouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTubeiTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunesCheck Out More TeacherCast ProgrammingTeacherCast Podcast (http://www.teachercast.net/tcp)Educational Podcasting Today (<a href="http://www.educationalpodcasting.today/"...

In this episode of EdTech in the Classroom, we learn how LearnPlatform is helping school districts of all sizes make data-based decisions about the technologies that are implemented in classrooms.In this episode, you will learn:What challenges do school districts face in today's rapidly growing edtech market?Why is important for school districts to make the right decisions when it comes to their edtech purchases?What role does/should social media play in the gathering of data when deciding on bringing in a technology for classrooms?How does LearnPlatform create a partnership with school districts to provide the best solution for technology decisions?Is LearnPlatform the best option for both large and small school districts?How can LearnPlatform help shape what Professional Development looks like for teachers?How can parents learn about the technologies that are being put in front of their students?Follow our PodcastThe TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCastEdtech in the Classroom Homepage – www.EdtechInTheClassroom.comFollow our HostJeff Bradbury | @JeffBradburyWhy LearnPlatform?LearnPlatform is the comprehensive edtech management and rapid-cycle evaluation system for educators and administrators to organize, streamline and analyze their classroom technology to improve instructional, operational and financial decisions. The SaaS edtech system of record allows education organizations to effectively inventory and select digital learning tools, establish and maintain regulatory compliance, and measure outcomes to gain meaningful, actionable evidence to ensure learning ecosystems are safe and cost-effective. K-12 districts, higher ed institutions, and state education agencies use the research-based LearnPlatform to continuously improve standards of practice that drive blended and personalized learning at scale, increase student achievement and expand equitable access to education technologies.Lea(R)n, founded on the mission of expanding equitable access for all students to education technology that works, is the creator of LearnPlatform, the comprehensive edtech management and rapid-cycle evaluation system for educators and administrators to organize, streamline and analyze their classroom technology to improve instructional, operational and financial decisions. Built by, with and for educators, LearnPlatform empowers both individual educators and organizations with consistent, proven data that they can trust.LearnPlatform has a product library of more than 5,000 tools with more than 100,000 verified educator reviews. The platform is unbiased, meaning there is a level playing field for all: the only thing that matters is what works. Educators and leaders will get a comprehensive-yet-digestible overview of the edtech tools available, the needs they can help you address, and their relative effectiveness for educators in similar situations to yourself; save both time and money, and avoid non-compliance in edtech purchasing, implementation, evaluation, and management; and gain rapid, comprehensive insights on the way your edtech tools are used and how effective they are in achieving your goals so that you can make data-driven instruction and budget decisions.About our GuestKarl RectanusKarl Rectanus is an educator, entrepreneur and...