Monthly Newsletter – July 2023
July 6, 2023
Soaring through Obstacles: The Journey of Bessie Coleman
July 25, 2023
As the school year comes to a close, educators often reflect on their experiences and explore the innovative tools and technologies that have positively impacted teaching and learning over the past year. In a recent interview that we did for our Wednesday Webinar series, Dr. Liz Lubeski, the Technology Coordinator at Manheim Central School District, shared her insights on leveraging technology to enhance education. This blog post delves into the key highlights of the webinar, including the challenges faced, favorite experiences, and the most effective apps and technologies used throughout the year. To see the full webinar, please view the Best Apps and Tech Tools of 2022/2023 Webinar.
The Importance of Technology Integration
Dr. Lubeski, with 23 years of experience in education and a passion for educational technology, began by emphasizing the significance of integrating technology in the classroom. She highlighted her transition from being a middle school teacher to becoming the Technology Coordinator, where she focused on leveraging technology to enhance the learning experience for students. With a goal to empower teachers and students with digital tools, Dr. Lubeski has witnessed the positive impact of technology integration firsthand.
Favorite Experiences and Challenges
When reflecting on the past school year, Dr. Lubeski shared some of her favorite experiences. One standout moment was the successful implementation of podcasting equipment throughout the district. Students were engaged in creating their own podcasts, using sound effects and scripts to simulate historical events or explore thrilling topics. This hands-on approach not only enhanced their learning but also nurtured their creativity and communication skills. (Check out some tips on podcasts in our blog from 2021.)
However, along with the successes, Dr. Lubeski acknowledged the challenges of guiding teachers in responsible technology usage. She emphasized the importance of ensuring students’ privacy and safety, highlighting instances where teachers unintentionally exposed students to potential risks. To address this challenge, the district has implemented a policy that requires all technology tools and platforms to be approved and vetted by the district before being used in classrooms.
Effective Apps and Technologies
Dr. Lubeski went on to discuss the most effective apps and technologies that have greatly impacted teaching and learning in her district. One notable tool she mentioned is Canva, an all-in-one design platform. Canva provides educators and students with a wide range of features, including digital resource creation, collaboration tools, and even a live whiteboard for seamless collaboration. Dr. Lubeski praised Canva for its user-friendly interface, ability to make professional designs, and its availability as a free resource for educators.
She stated, “Canva’s continuous updates and dedication to meeting the needs of educators have made it an indispensable tool in the district. With features such as background removers and video editing capabilities, Canva has provided students with the necessary tools to express their creativity and synthesize their learning in one centralized platform.”
Dr. Liz Lubeski shared the importance of leveraging technology to enhance education. Through the implementation of podcasting equipment and tools like Canva, educators at Manheim Central School District have witnessed the positive impact of technology on student engagement, creativity, and collaboration. However, the journey towards responsible technology integration comes with its challenges, such as ensuring student privacy and safety. By embracing effective apps and technologies and establishing clear policies, districts can empower teachers and students to make the most of the digital tools available to them.
Resources from the Webinar:
Nearpod: You’ll wonder how you taught without it
UseChatGPT.AI daemon process is running…
App – Expeditions Pro – VR Tours
Stock 360° Panoramic Images and Videos for VR and More | 360Cities
Merge Cube | AR/VR Learning & Creation
Immersive Learning: AR In The Classroom | Discovery Education
Podcaster | Dynamic USB Microphone | RØDE
Student Podcast Challenge : NPR
