Digital Learning at Grant Wood Area Education Agency

08/05/2024

Attention Iowa Seesaw Users! Join the Seesaw team in Fall webinars to enhance instruction with the Seesaw platform. First session August 6th for admin & coaches on implementation. More information & registration at http://bit.ly/SeesawPL4IowaAEA. Grant Wood AEA Iowa's Area Education Agencies

07/22/2024

Sad is over? Check out our Elementary CS Integration Course! Participants will engage in activities that build their confidence with understanding and teaching the K-5 Computer Science standards in multiple formats. Teachers will experience lessons as students, align and unpack standards, learn CS vocabulary and pedagogy, and work collaboratively with colleagues to explore resources and plan for implementation of at least one lesson before the end of the course. Sign up to be notified when the next course launches: https://buff.ly/4bGTBCE Computer Science Teachers Association Grant Wood AEA

07/17/2024

Session for Elementary Lit+CS research shows the importance in the early elementary setting. 📚 Creating story maps for books and then retelling in make long lasting connections. 🤔 Curious....contact team member Bridget Castelluccio!

07/16/2024

Join team members Bridget Castelluccio and Corey Rogers this week from for learning about all things Computer Science. Watch for further posts from the week!

07/02/2024

✅ Join team members Lynn Kleinmeyer and Bridget Castelluccio for the Edpuzzle Summit! 🧩 Their Edpuzzle + UDL pillars presentation will be on July 10th! 🗓️ This is a FREE virtual event! Register today: https://buff.ly/4bvwkCF 🆓

06/17/2024

🙌 It was an incredible first day of the Engage2Learn Symposium at today! Several DL Team members were amongst the presenters! In fact, Mindy, Gina & Amber packed their room with their Transformative Classrooms session! So much to celebrate!
🤔 Want to know more? Reach out to the Digital Learning Team!

06/10/2024

🌟 Attention All Educators! 🌟 Ready to level up your teaching game?

Before you dive into your well-deserved summer break, take a quick look at our Fall professional learning offerings. Set yourself on the right foot for the 2024-2025 school year!

🚀 We're excited to offer a range of professional learning opportunities tailored just for you! Whether you're looking to master new digital tools, enhance classroom engagement, dive in to computer science or simply learn some new tricks of the trade, we've got something for everyone.

👉 Fill out our Professional Learning Interest Form to let us know what you're passionate about and how we can support your growth!

🪜 Click the link below to take the next step in your teaching journey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetHYJF2HnKBqpTAmumzEs4nJnthaRBLKEZ1uXn2WJmRTeytg/viewform?usp=sf_link

👀 Click the link below to view the June Digital Learning Newsletter for details of each of the course offerings:
https://secure.smore.com/n/d164s-gwaea-dl-update

🚌 Let's make this next school year the best one yet for our students and ourselves. Happy learning!

This is an interest form for professional learning the Digital Learning Team is offering for 2024-2025 school year. Please mark any that might interest you for the new school year 2024-2025. We will then share details via email on how to register for any courses marked. View the June Digital Learnin...

06/05/2024

🌟 Farewell to our Inspirational Leader! 🌟

It is with a mix of gratitude and sadness that we bid farewell to our incredible leader, Stacy Behmer. Your dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment has been truly inspirational.

You've led with vision and heart, always pushing boundaries and setting new standards in education. Your impact on our team and the students and teachers we've served is immeasurable. You've been a beacon of hope and excellence, constantly advocating for what’s right and best for kids.

Thank you for being a mentor, a visionary, and an advocate. While we will miss your leadership, we are excited to see the amazing things you will undoubtedly achieve in your next chapter.

Wishing you all the best on your new journey!

We 💚 You.
~Your Team, now and always

06/04/2024

Today, we say goodbye to a truly remarkable teammate, Amber Bridge. 🌟 Your creativity, curiosity, and collaborative spirit have left a lasting mark on our team. It's been a joy working with you and learning from your innovative ideas.

As you move on to your new classroom, know that we are cheering you on every step of the way. Your new students are incredibly fortunate to have such a passionate and dedicated teacher. Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter!
Thank you for everything, Amber! Good luck and stay amazing! 🍀✨

We 💚 You!
~Your Team, now and always

05/10/2024

🔍 As we wrap up our exploration of the Aspects of Accessibility, let's explore Cognitive Accessibility!

💡 "Cognitive accessibility features help improve the clarity of information for all students, including those with cognitive disabilities or learning differences. Examples include text-to-speech and voice recognition software, text highlighting tools, graphic organizers, language simplification tools that provide alternative versions of complex language or text with reduced vocabulary or simpler syntax, and interactive and multi-sensory learning opportunities." (National Ed Tech Plan, p. 65)

🔗 Many of our resources mentioned earlier this week support Cognitive Accessibility as well. But if you haven't explored the DL Team's Transformative Classroom Metacognition resources, you're missing out! Be sure to explore these incredible resources: https://buff.ly/3y97GJX

05/09/2024

🔎 Today let's explore Physical, Visual & Auditory Accessibility!

🕹️ "Physical accessibility: Edtech developers should design platforms and materials so students with physical disabilities can navigate them. For example, some students may need to use alternative input devices. These devices allow individuals with mobility impairments to access or control computers or mobile devices without relying on traditional keyboards and mice. Examples can include sip-and-puff switches, eye-gaze tracking systems, and specialized keyboards.

👁️ Visual accessibility: Edtech tools and materials should accommodate students with visual impairments. Examples include compatibility with screen magnification software and screen reader software, high contrast settings that enhance visibility, or descriptions of visual elements within educational materials.

👂Auditory accessibility: Several features can make educational tools accessible to students with hearing impairments. Examples include captions, American Sign Language or transcripts for audio or video content, visual aids such as slides, diagrams, or visual illustrations, which can supplement spoken information and enhance understanding, and speech-to-text software. Classroom amplification systems can help students better understand spoken classroom instruction." (National Ed Tech Plan, p. 65)

🎧 Have a listen to an episode of the DL Team podcast "Divergent by Design" as they explore Assistive Technology through a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) lens: https://buff.ly/4ag8slI

P.S. Did you know that many of our GWAEA online resources have built-in accessibility features?! Be sure to check them out!

05/08/2024

🔎 Today let's explore Language Accessibility!

💡 "Language Accessibility: Accessible language accommodates people with Limited English Proficiency, defined as individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. Examples include providing multilingual versions of digital content, the ability to raise or lower the readability level of content, and creating audio and video content that accommodates users with limited literacy skills." (National Ed Tech Plan, p. 65)

🎧 Have a listen to an episode of the DL Team podcast "Divergent by Design" as they explore Language through a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) lens: https://buff.ly/4bkmhAK