TechFocus logo
TechFocus is a monthly feature on Schoolhouse 20, the district's cable TV channel (Cox Cable Channel 20 in Wichita) where we show you some of the innovative ways in which teachers throughout Wichita are using technology to engage kids in school. Each month we will highlight classroom projects, innovative technology, technology tips, and great internet resources for students and teachers.
April's Episode Highlights. To play movie, click here.  

Feature: ParentLink Calling System is a new program that is making communications with parents and staff members a breeze. Find out how! play segment

Technology Tip: Cammy Todd shows how to effectively and efficiently deal with Outlook attachments. play segment   handout

ParentLink logo

Internet Focus: Need some hints and tips on how to make safe and effective user names and passwords for all of your online accounts? Velma Davis will show you how! play segment

Classroom Focus: Blackboard is an online learning platform that is widely used by teachers and students across the district. View the video to learn why this software is so popular. play segment

Blackboard at home
February's Episode Highlights. To play movie, click here.  

Feature: See how iPods are being used in the classroom to enhance the learning experience of students at Pleasant Valley Elementary, Pleasant Valley Middle School, and Robinson Middle School. play segment

Technology Tip: Learn how to add and organize Internet favorites using Internet Explorer. play segment

MP3 player

Internet Focus: Learning now to view the history of website browsing on the Internet. play segment

Classroom Focus: See how technology is being used at Levy Special Education Center to allow students to overcome obstacles and to enhance student achievement.  play segment

Levy student
January's Episode Highlights. To play movie, click here.  

Feature: See how teachers across the district are using Podcasting to engage students. play segment

Technology Tip: Cammy Todd shows some great time-saving keyboard shortcuts. play segment  handout

L'Overture podcasting

Internet Focus: This month's internet focus features cyber bullying. play segment

Classroom Focus: Visit Pleasant Valley Middle School and see how robotics is impacting student learning in the After-School program with Brenda Hauff. play segment

PV middle school robotics

December's Episode Highlights.

 

Feature: See how teachers and students at PV Elementary and McLean use Blogging for communicating and sharing cultures. play segment

Technology Tip:   Want to learn some tips and tricks for using graphics in Microsoft Word? Cammy Todd will show you how in this month's technology tip.  play segment 

McClean students blogging

Internet Focus: Velma Davis and students from North High discuss social networking sites and how to stay safe. http://wiredsafety.org    play segment

Classroom Focus: This month we visit two ESOL classrooms to see what role technology plays in instruction. play segment

OK ESOL student

November's Episode Highlights. To play movie, click here.

 

Feature: See how teachers and students at Buckner, PV Middle School and Heights High School are using students response systems in the classroom (clickers) play segment

Technology Tip:   Learn how to use Google's file type search to make searching for just the right thing even easier. (directions )  play segment 

Clicker in use

Internet Focus: Velma Davis shares some tips for shopping on the internet, whether you’re a seasoned online shopper, or a first-timer.   play segment

Classroom Focus: Visit Coleman Middle School and Heights High School and see how Physical Education teachers are using GPS devices to keep students active. play segment

Coleman students geocaching

October's Episode Highlights.To play movie, click here.

Feature: Take a peek at a little device that is bringing in big changes to the classroom - the AirLiner. Featured classrooms are Joleen Wirtz from Gardiner Elementary, David Maneth from Jardine Middle, and Lea Aagaard from Heights High School. play segment

Technology Tip: Learn some great tips and tricks in Microsoft Excel from Cammy Todd.      (directions) play segment

Airliner in use

Classroom Focus: See how technology is transforming USD 259's Driver Education Classrooms by taking a peek at Alton Davis' classroom at North High. play segment

Internet Focus: Robin Surland shares some great education websites for all ages. For the complete list, click hereplay segment

People at work.

September's Episode Highlights To play movie, click here.

 

Feature: Learn how SMART Boards are used to engage students in learning at all ages. Featured classrooms are Beth McKee from East High, Chad Schuetz from Jackson Elementary, Amanda Amador from Spaght, and Denise VanHorn from Robinson Middle School.

Technology Tip: Cammy Todd shows you how to create an e-mail signature in Outlook (directions)

East high student
Classroom Focus: Amy Lawson, an art teacher at Colvin Elementary show us how she uses technology to teach students about animation.

Internet Focus: Homework Help  Websites - check out these fabulous websites to help students with their homework.

Kan-Ed
HomeworkHelp
Discovery Education
Google
Algebra Help
Kids Tool Search

Colvin students

August's Episode Highlights To play movie, click here.

 

Feature: Look at USD259's new Interactive Distance Learning Labs. Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) is a term used to describe an interactive educational video network that connects two or more locations, eliminating the barriers of concrete walls, time and distance.

IDL logo

Classroom Focus: Visit Pleasant Valley Elementary classrooms to see how technology is used in the Classroom City Project

Technology Tip: Do you have a lot of digital pictures you want to put into a presentation? Cammy Todd shows you an easy way to make a photo album in PowerPoint (directions)

Internet Focus: Robin Surland shares the Wichita Public Schools internet policy.

PVE students

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