Technology for “the Mamas and the Papas”
Jason Rainey, Executive Director of Human Resources
@jasontrainey
Dr. Lacey Rainey, Principal
@laceysrainey
DescriptionAre you “California Dreamin” about more efficient, effective communication with
parents? Well, “If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears”, we have some awesome
technology tools to help you “Go Where You Wanna Go” and reach your goal to
engage all parents! After this session, you will be “Dancin in the Street” with
excitement!
Goals ofParent
Communication
http://note.ly/lraineydentonisdorg
Apps
Apps● BuzzMob - Available on all devices; Share assignments with push notification;
Send updates and reminders; Share events with photos/videos; Chat with multi-
language translation.
● The Teacher App & Grade Book - Available on Android devices; Gradebook;
Share events; Send and comment on assignments
● Remind 101 - Available on all devices; Flexible messaging; Attach photos/videos to
messages; Translates into 70 languages
● TeacherKit - Available on all devices; Records attendance, grades, and behaviors;
Easily produces reports
Websites
Websites● Collaborize Classroom - Allows teachers to a closed discussion platform with
posted links to articles, newsletters, videos, etc. The site contains a large bank of
resources previously posted by other teachers.
● Thinglink - Turn a picture into an interactive resource for learning. Example.
● Padlet - Platform for bookmarking and sharing digital content.
● MindMeister - Students can use this site to create, share, and collaboratively edit
mind maps; integrates with Google Docs. Example.
● SymbalooEDU - Manage web resources to create a customized learning
environment for your class. Example.
● Edublogs - Education blogging platform designed for collaboration.
Learning Management Systems
Learning Management Systems● LMS (Learning Management System) - manages course content
● LCMS (Learning Content Management System) - creates and manages course
content
● Many also offer digital media platform
PC Magazine.The Best LMS of 2016. Retrieved from http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2488347,00.asp
Digital Portfolios
Digital Portfolios● FreshGrade - Capture, document, and share student learning on desktop and
mobile devices; Basic is free; Premium version for fee. Example.
● Seesaw - Student-driven student portfolio tool; Basic is free; Premium version for
fee; Schools can volume discount.
● Google Drive
● Three Ring - Apps for all devices; Video/audio/pictures; Easy for students to
utilize; $199/teacher/year
● Kidblog - Does not require student email; Developed by teachers;
$36/teacher/year
● LiveBinder - Integrates with Google Apps; Free version allows 5 binders/person;
Basic is $25/year/editor with unlimited binders & allows for collaboration
Digital Flyers and Newsletters
Digital Flyers and Newsletters● Smore - Easy design tool; 5 for free; Unlimited $4.99/month or $230/year - reports
usage. Example.
● Canva - Graphic design tool; Free version; Premium options for fee
● Tackk - Create designs; Social media aspect; Free
● Lucidpress - Design tool; Chrome Extension; Free for educators
● Piktochart - Infographic maker; 500 templates; $40/year. Example.