Connects Academy Brochure

Day 1 – AM Sessions

Session One

Google Forms White Lab

Come learn ways to use forms for collecting data, graphing it, and as a formative
assessment tool. You will also learn how to use the branching feature in Google Forms;
based on a response, the form will take you to other options.

Introduction to Google Chrome Apps Gold Lab

Experience the variety and versatility of Chromebooks through apps and extensions.
Learn how to integrate Chrome apps and extensions into your instruction for a complete
blended learning environment.

iPad Apps Showcase Library

In this session, spend time discovering some of Instructional Technology's favorite iPad
apps that support curriculum. Leave with student-product examples that incorporate
these apps and your classroom curriculum.

Session Two

ChatterPix Kids Library

ChatterPix Kids can make photographs talk! Simply take any photo or clipart, draw a line
to make a mouth, and record your voice.

Google Story Builder Gold Lab

Google Story Builder allows users to create movie-looking stories that feel like a Google
Document. The story ‘comes alive,’ showing dialogue between characters.

Inspire with Inspiration White Lab

Learn about a robust concept mapping app. This app has an image library and the ability
to convert the diagram into a traditional outline.

Day 1 – PM Sessions

Session Three

Discovery Education Board Builder White Lab

Use our district purchased resource to create an interactive poster that includes videos,
clipart, photographs, songs, or other media.

Google Slides Gold Lab

Go beyond basic presentations with the power of Google Slides. Learn to use this online
tool with students for creating digital posters, interactive notebooks, animations, and
research projects.

iMovie for the iPad Library

Spend time building and creating iMovie projects using the iMovie iPad app. Leave this
session with a basic understanding of iMovie and ideas on how to use iMovie in your
classroom.

Session Four

Google Tour Builder Gold Lab

Google Tour Builder is a web-based storytelling tool which lets you easily create stories
and explore places around the world. Think of it as PowerPoint combined with Google
Earth.

Creating Nearpod Presentations White Lab

Using the Nearpod Web Content Tool, you can create your own interactive Nearpod
presentations using previously-made presentations, documents, and images.

Post-It Plus App Library

Use Post-it notes like you have never used them before! Learn to use the Post-it Plus iPad
app to create digital poster boards with paper-based Post-it notes. Get fun ideas for
student research and exploration, organization, and mind-mapping activities.

Day 2 – AM Sessions

Session One

TexQuest Library

TexQuest is a statewide digital resources program of the Texas State Library and Archives
Commission that provides anytime, anywhere access to high quality, authoritative digital
resources to all educators, students and students' immediate families. This also includes
access to Britannica School. Search by topic, lexile level, or TEKS. Materials include:
primary source, eBooks, charts and graphs, maps, newspaper and magazine articles,
videos, podcasts, photographs, radio and television transcripts.

Session Two

Using Chirp and PicCollage Gold Lab

Using these two apps together, students can create digital posters. Chirp allows you to
send photos to student iPads. Students can use the Pic Collage app to create a digital
poster using the photos you send them.

Using the Doodle Buddy App Library

Doodle Buddy is more than doodling! Learn how you can use this app to reinforce skills
taught in the classroom.

Blogs in the Classroom White Lab

Engage the learning of your students with blogs. Learn to utilize the digital blogging
landscape to encourage student creativity, participation, and confidence.

Day 2 – PM Sessions

Session Three

Information Overload: Creating Infographics White Lab

Learn different apps and web resources for students to use in creating their own
infographics. Leave with ideas and examples to use in your classroom.

Digital Story Creators Gold Lab

Tell your story through digital story creators. Discover how to encourage student
communication, collaboration, and research skills using a variety of online digital story
creators.

iMovie for the iPad Library

Spend time building and creating iMovie projects using the iMovie iPad app. Leave this
session with a basic understanding of iMovie and ideas on how to use iMovie in your
classroom.

Session Four

Introduction to Google Chrome Apps Library

Experience the variety and versatility of Chromebooks through apps and extensions.
Learn how to integrate Chrome apps and extensions into your instruction for a complete
blended learning environment.

Research with Google Docs Gold Lab

The Research tool makes it easy to add information from the web to your documents and
presentations. You can also search for copyright free pictures and cite your source using
the correct format.

VoiceThread White Lab

VoiceThread is a communication tool that allows for conversations with a variety of
media. Leave the session with the knowledge of creating and distributing VoiceThread
conversations to your students.

Day 3 – AM Sessions

Session One

Make and Use QR Codes in the Classroom Library

Learn how to easily create and use different types of QR Codes for different purposes in
your class. This will include creating audio QR Codes as well as resources for finding
already created QR Codes for use in anchor stations.

Attendee Choice __________________________ Gold Lab

Attendee Choice __________________________ White Lab

Session Two

‘App Smashing’ Made Easy Library

Learn to use multiple creating and communicating iPad apps such as Seesaw, Pic Collage
and Doodle Buddy to create student products for multiple subjects. This class will be
applicable mainly for grades K-4 but can be adapted for higher grade levels.

Attendee Choice __________________________ Gold Lab

Attendee Choice __________________________ White Lab

Day 3 – PM Sessions

Session Three

Kahoot! Library

Kahoot! is a game-based classroom response system and educational platform that leaves
your students begging for more. With a refreshingly new take on introducing a subject
and formative assessment - through quizzing, collaboration and presentation of content -
Kahoot! initiates peer-led discussions, with students left on the edge of their seats.

Plickers and Padlet White Lab

Plickers is a powerfully simple tool that lets teachers collect real-time formative
assessment data without the need for student devices. Use Plickers for quick checks for
understanding.

Padlet is an online, virtual bulletin board that allows people to express their thoughts on
a common topic quickly and easily. Teachers and students can share text, images, videos,
and files in a collaborative workspace that is accessible anywhere, on any device.

Session Four

Submitting Products and Projects Library

Your students have created a digital product. How do you get that project off their device?
In this session, we will present multiple options for this task, including Canvas, Google
Drive, and Seesaw. You will have an opportunity to try these examples using your
products created this week.

Technology Applications TEKS

(1) Creativity and innovation:
The student uses creative thinking and innovative processes to construct
knowledge and develop digital products.

(2) Communication and collaboration:
The student collaborates and communicates both locally and globally
using digital tools and resources to reinforce and promote learning.

(3) Research and information fluency:
The student acquires and evaluates digital content.

(4) Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making:
The student applies critical-thinking skills to solve problems, guide
research, and evaluate projects using digital tools and resources.

(5) Digital citizenship:
The student practices safe, responsible, legal, and ethical behavior while
using digital tools and resources.

(6) Technology operations and concepts:
The student demonstrates knowledge and appropriate use of technology
systems, concepts, and operations.

CISD Instructional Technology

Jarod Krissy Dewey Mindy Deborah Laura Ray
Lambert Calhoun Conway Harding Wilson Curewitz Krause

Instructional Instructional Instructional Instructional Instructional Computer Network
Technology Technology Technology Technology Technology Mediated Technician
Coordinator Learning
Coach Coach Coach Coach Assistant