Digital Footprints

Hopefully you all received the letter we sent home about "cloud storage". 

As we mentioned in the letter, all LAUSD students are assigned an LAUSD (name@mymail.lausd.net) email address.  We will be using these accounts to access some great built-in Google features this year. 

Each  account comes equipped with:

•         Email address (gmail with LAUSD branding)
•         Google Docs (a free web-based software suite that allows users to create and edit documents online)
•         Google Calendar
•         Cloud Storage

As we prepare to provide students with their LAUSD email, Google Docs, and cloud storage information, we will begin talking about internet safety.  This week we will discuss “digital footprints” – specifically, which information is “safe” information to disclose, and which information is private and should not be revealed online.

We've Been Busy!

Hello again!  Here’s a bit of what we’ve been working on so far:

      Typing:  As LAUSD moves closer to the goal of conducting all testing on electronic devices, the teachers felt it was imperative that our students learn to type.  To that end, all Community students in 1^st through 5^th grades are working on typing!  And by “type” I mean proper, two-handed typing --  no more “hunting and pecking”!   Until the teachers decide on a comprehensive typing program they all like, we are using Dance Mat Typing – a free, online program.  *Since the kids only come to the lab once a week, it would be great if they could practice at home as well.*

  Microsoft PowerPoint:  For the past couple of weeks 2^nd through 5^th graders have been working with Microsoft PowerPoint.   Using subject matter they are studying in their classrooms, students have been experimenting with creating PowerPoint presentations.   (Eventually, we will experiment with Keynote as well.)

   Letter School:  Kindergarteners use iPads during their Technology time.  The kindergarten teachers expressed an interest in having students work on handwriting, so we have been working with a great app called “Letter School”.  It helps kids not only to recognize the letters and their sounds, but to learn the proper way to write them.  It forces users to write letters correctly – starting from the top! The kids love it because it has lots of cool sounds and fun graphics.  :-)

Welcome!

Welcome to the Technology Lab!

I’m very excited to be teaching technology this year!  The lab looks a little different – and we’re trying some new things, too!  Stay tuned.  :)