Monday, June 30, 2014

Go Noodle --Who doesn't need a brain break?

Learning is a taxing thing! Sometimes you just need a break to calm down and focus or get up and energize. Go Noodle (www.gonoodle.com) is a wonderful free website for these transitions.  Create a free teacher account and make a class for each of the groups you teach. Each class picks an avatar that will grow and change as the group accumulates brain break time.

Some breaks, like Airtime, encourage deep breathing while you travel across the USA and discover fun facts about the places you land. Other breaks, like Zumba and Koo Koo Kanga Roo, ask students to get on their feet and move. Plus the sing alongs of popular songs like Frozen's "Let It Go" and Pharrell's "Happy" are just great fun.

Find ways to incorporate GoNoodle into your class this year.


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Welcome to the Bay City Ed Tech Blog

Hey there! Thanks for stopping by!

We are embarking on a new journey in Bay City ISD. For starters, they just hired me to head up the Instructional Technology for the district.

 My name is Jennifer Shafer Wyatt. I am originally from Port Lavaca, TX, right down the coast! My teacher certification is 1-12, but I taught mostly Speech, Theatre, and English before earning my Master's in Library Science. Most of the past four years I have been employed by Region 3 ESC as the Library/Instructional Media and Digital Learning Specialist. My resume includes teaching teachers and librarians how to integrate technology into their learning environment in face-to-face workshops, online classes, webinars, etc. I have also presented at Regional, State, National, and International conferences both face-to-face and virtually. My three books on technology for the school library are available from Visions Technology in Education.

 I am excited to bring my expertise to Bay City ISD and begin a new journey as a Blackcat!