#ICE19 Annual Conference

Don’t get caught up in the EdTech Infomercial!  
The most popular question in educational technology may be, what are your favorite apps? When we attend conferences or search the internet, we want to know what the latest and greatest apps and tools are. It is easy to get caught up in a multitude of options that look great when they are presented, but when we get them back to our classrooms, they have little to no impact on student learning. Sounds just like a good infomercial, doesn’t it?

The good news is that technology can and does have a functional impact on student learning. Just as some infomercials sell amazing products, there are many edtech tools out there that help our students demonstrate their learning in new and unbelievable ways. So it’s important we don’t get caught up in the pitch, and we evaluate tools based on intended learning outcomes over the flashy bells and whistles. BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE … in my ICE ignite.

Finding Your Voice
Technology in education can benefit all students, but for kids with disabilities, it can be everything.

Learning by Doing:  The Power and Promise of Immersive Learning Experiences

LocatED App
LocatED, a free app that connects educators. The app has users in 24 countries and is organized into three sections: locate guidance, locate innovative ideas, and locate professional development.

Oodles of Learning Opportunities in Office 365
New to Office 365?  Come and see what wonderful tools are available right at your fingertips anywhere you have internet access.  Checkout what new adventures are available in Microsoft Tools for you and your students!  Differentiate instruction using Immersive Reader in Word,  create a slideshow from an outline in PowerPoint and use the professional designer tool.  "Branch" out to Forms to reinforce skills based on individual student needs.  So many ways to enhance learning in your classroom!   

Recipe for Success: A Thoughtful Approach to Students and Screentime
It's not uncommon for parents to struggle with determining the appropriate amount of screentime for their kids. The result can sometimes lead to unintended consequences when those children become students in our classroom. However, the quantity of time spent in front of a screen is less important than the quality. Learn more about an approach you can share with parents that puts an end to the debate and guides students down the path towards becoming healthy, happy, and digitally responsible.