Thursday, December 18, 2014

Made with Code




With the Winter Break quickly approaching, it’s time to Code the Holidays.  Google has created the website, https://www.madewithcode.com, where you can code the light sequence for a Christmas tree. After your code sequence meets your satisfaction, you can click the done button and submit your project to the Google website.  Okay, okay, now here’s the best part… Your light sequence will actually appear on a tree in the nation’s capital! You pick which tree, and Google will give you the date and time it will be displayed! 
If coding tree lights isn’t your thing, then try out some of the other project that Google’s Made with Code has to offer.  You can construct your own unique snowflake, create a 2D or 3D Avatar, or even build your own musical beats.

Made with Code has something for everyone. It's entertaining, educational, and anyone can do it! The website contains resources for other coding websites, as well links to at-
home projects. 

Enjoy your Winter Break, and don't forget to Code the Holidays!

2014 Ed Tech Endorsement Graduates

December brings white fluffy snow, crazy shoppers, multicolored lights as far as the eye can see, and a winter break to rejuvenate your technology soul. For eighteen Canyons school district teachers, December also brings a graduation ceremony. A ceremony celebrating completion of the full year Ed Tech Endorsement program. The ceremonies on December 16th celebrated the following teachers: Lori Anderson,  Karalee Birima, Anne Clyde, Ashley Fricker, Michelle Johnson, Cindy Krueger, Anthony Leavitt, Sandra Lecheminant, Karen Millenbach, Ed Mondragon, Lidia Ordaz, Kesha Prince, Ana Rodriguez, Doug Rolley, Meghan Schott, Lynn Smargis-Shumate, Alison Stroud, Eileen Struna, Marcus Voght, Susan Williams, Sarah Young.  Congratulations to all!


Wondering if you should participate in the Ed Tech Endorsement program? Eileen Struna shares the Top 10 Reasons you should consider the endorsement program.



The Education Technology Department is currently in the process of restructuring the Educational Technology Endorsement program.  As a result, a new cohort will not begin until August 2015.  Information about the new program will be available and distributed to teachers in April 2015.  Even though a cohort will not officially start until 2015,  a few classes will be offered through which participants may earn USOE or SUU credit, and the credits can be applied toward a future Educational Technology Endorsement. Registration is now open for the Digital Storytelling and Online Safety classes.  Register for classes online at http://training.canyonsdistrict.org. Class sizes are limited to 30 participants, and is first come, first served.  Click here for information.



I Learned So Much from the Hour of Code!

I wasn't going to post about this, but after seeing the reaction and watching the engagement from the students' discussions with each other, interactions, true cooperation, and thinking, I decided to change my blog post.

I was deeply inspired by what I witnessed this past week. These students are SMART. Smarter than I ever gave them credit for. I am excited about the promise that these kids bring!

Here is a video clip of one of the students during the Hour of Code  in a class this week. It was EXCITING!



One of the principals at one of my schools also participated. He yelled, "I'm awesome. I just want you to know that." Here he is.... Priceless.