Heartland AEA Digital Learning News

As technology continues to shape the classroom, teachers are discovering tools that enhance teaching, streamline tasks, and engage students in new ways. Interactive whiteboards and collaboration platforms like FigJam, Pear Deck, and Padlet allow for real-time, dynamic lessons that encourage student participation and group work. Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Google Classroom and Canvas, make it easier to organize assignments, track progress, and communicate with students and parents, both in-person and remotely.

Video conferencing tools like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams help maintain connections with students for virtual lessons, meetings, and office hours. EdTech apps like Kahoot!, Quizlet, and Duolingo engage students with interactive activities, while personalized learning features keep them motivated and on track.

Additionally, assistive technologies like Read&Write, Speech-to-Text, and Immersive Readers support students with diverse learning needs, ensuring equitable access to content for all. These tools not only save teachers time but also foster a more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environment.

Heartland's Digital Learning Team is excited to offer another Day of AI workshop on December 5! This daylong workshop is designed to empower educators with the necessary knowledge to effectively utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The agenda covers a range of essential topics, including:

• An introductory overview of AI's role in education
• Exploration of AI tools tailored for personalized instruction
• Fostering AI literacy among students
• Navigating associated challenges

Interactive, hands-on sessions will help educators feel empowered to cultivate dynamic, student-centric learning environments that harness AI's potential to enrich teaching methods and bolster student achievement, all while upholding ethical standards and ensuring equitable access for all.

To maximize the impact of this workshop, we encourage you to bring a small team of colleagues to collaborate and implement strategies together. Register soon, as space is limited and spots will fill up fast!

Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is an annual initiative aimed at inspiring K-12 students to explore computer science, promote equity in the field, and celebrate the contributions of educators, students, and organizations advancing CS education. Held each year during the first week of December, it highlights the importance of computer science skills and encourages students to engage in coding through activities like the global Hour of Code event. The week focuses on raising awareness about the need for equitable access to computer science education, especially for underrepresented groups. It also provides an opportunity to showcase the creative and problem-solving potential that computer science offers students in all fields.

Click here to learn more or reach out to the Digital Learning team for help!

Click the button below to check out what CS books has available at Heartland AEA

The Department of Education has four upcoming opportunities for those interested in participating. If you have any questions about these opportunities, please contact Michelle Meier at michelle.meier@iowa.gov

1. Sign up for the Computer Science Bytes newsletter. This newsletter will keep you abreast of upcoming events and developments in computer science education from the state and other related organizations and opportunities. If you are interested in receiving the newsletter, sign up on the Department’s Newsletter Signup or Computer Science pages.

2. State of Iowa K-12 AI Guidelines The Department of Education will be convening a group of interested participants for the purpose of creating K-12 AI Guidelines. These guidelines would assist districts in planning instruction with and about AI as well as providing considerations for districts when choosing AI tools. The time commitment for this work is approximately two hours a month (with some work time in between) starting this spring into next school year.If you are interested in participating in this work, please fill out this form.

3. State Computer Science Education Plan It is time for the state of Iowa to update their Computer Science Education Plan. This work will help set goals and chart the path for computer science education in the state over the next five years. The time commitment for this work is approximately two hours a month (with some work time in between) starting this spring into next school year.If you are interested in participating in this work, please fill out this form.

4. State CS Advisory Committee The Iowa Computer Science Advisory Committee is looking for new members. The advisory committee meets face-to-face in Des Moines twice a year with smaller workgroup meetings periodically throughout the year as needed to complete tasks and projects intended to advance computer science education in the state. If you are interested in participating in this work, please fill out this form.

As we start digging into student research, use resources from Teach Britannica to help enhance your lessons! Britannica has now launched, teachbritannica.com. Here you can find mini lessons, instructional strategies, graphic organizers, as well as academic toolkits, all aligned to Britannica School.

You can also access it by logging into Britannica and you’ll see it in the drop down menu.

Our team of four Digital Learning, and one School Library consultants serve all areas of the Heartland Area Education Agency and designs and delivers the Heart of Innovation Summer Summit and Webinar Series. We are ready to deliver professional learning focused on effective digital learning and technology integration. Please reach out if we can design learning just right for you!

Email: haeatech@heartlandaea.org
Team Website: https://sites.google.com/heartlandaea.org/heart-of-innovation/home

Website: https://www.heartlandaea.org/educators/cia/digital-learning/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/heartlandaeainnovativeeducators/