Kidblog, Edutyping, & Reflector

Kidblog

Kidblog is a safe, secure way for students to publish their thoughts, questions, or writing online.  The great thing about online publishing is that students can show their teacher and other classmates what they are thinking or wondering.  Even better is that everyone who is part of  the blog can comment back to the person making the post.  So it is very quick and easy to get feedback from others to help answer questions or shape thinking.

For teachers, Kidblog can be a great way to get students thinking about something before it is taught, collect thoughts and questions during instruction, or get exit ticket thoughts as students wrap up their studies.  Kidblog also allows for anytime/anywhere access and learning.  Teachers can stay connected with students as they move through postings and make any necessary adjustments to the learning taking place.

Birdville ISD has recently purchased access to Kidblog.  If you currently have a Kidblog account or are new to Kidblog, these instructions will get you going!   Your campus DLS is eager to help at any step of the process  Email them with any questions!

Click the link for more on what Kidlblog can do for you and your students:  Why Kidblog?

EduTyping

EduTyping is a web based application designed for teaching keyboarding in grades K-5 and can be accessed from any Internet-ready computer. Curriculum includes Course Lessons, Reinforcement, Timed Writings, and In the News. Click here to see directions for getting started with EduTyping.

Reflector 2

Reflector 2 is software you can have on your teacher computer that will allow you to display your iPad using your projector.  

Wirelessly displaying your iPad on the projector will allow you to move around your classroom while:

• Showing students how to work a problem by using a whiteboard app like ShowMe (see below)
• Demonstrate to students how to use an app
• Display student projects from an iPad on the projector for the class to see

Note: In order to use Reflector 2, your iPads must be updated to at least iOS 9.

Reflector 2 Support:

• BISD Helpdesk Directions for Installing Reflector 2
• BISD Helpdesk Directions for Using Reflector 2

Technology Resources Page & Grade Level Symbaloo Resources

The Digital Learning team manages an online resources page on our website.  You can access the resources page by going to:

http://www.birdvilleschools.net/resources

This is the default home page in Internet Explorer when students log onto a computer.  Students and staff can also access this page through the shortcut called "BISD Technology Resources" in the Windows Start Menu under "All Programs".

In addition to these resources, we have worked to create websites with additional resources aligned to each grade level's content for each six weeks.  You can access these sites by clicking your grade level in the right menu of the resources page.

Once you click on your grade level, a site will open with resources divided by six weeks.

When you select your six weeks preference a symbaloo (collection of links) will appear with many sites for practicing skills taught in that six weeks.