Celebrating Computer Science Education Week

Hour of Code, 2020

In celebration of Computer Science Education Week (December 7 - 13, 2020) classes at Spofford Pond Elementary School were encouraged to participate in an Hour of Code.  Hour of Code is a worldwide phenomenon that reaches tens of millions of students in almost 200 countries. Spofford Pond’s school wide coding event is just one of hundreds of thousands that take place during this week around the globe.

In years past, all students would take part in the Hour of Code with me during their library-media classes. This year, students were offered access to an Hour of Code hyperdoc with various coding activities from the Hour of Code website.  Students were given the chance to learn computer science skills, math skills, problem-solving and perseverance in each coding activity. Through the hyperdoc they could work creatively to solve the puzzles and move through the programming lessons.

The Hour of Code hyperdoc offered opportunities for amazing discoveries, fun creations and confidence building exercises.

 
  Technology Essential Questions:

What are the fundamentals of computer programming?
How are algorithms used in coding?
How can you use computer programming to complete a task?
How is computer programming useful in real life?
How might you use computer programming in your future career?

SPS Tackles Hybrid Model

Technology and the Hybrid Model

Hybrid in the Classroom

As we end our first full month of hybrid learning I thought I would share a few pictures of how things look in the classrooms, in terms of technology.  In-seat students and teachers interact with remote students via Zoom on the Smartboard or interactive display.  Teachers are stepping up to the challenge of digitizing lessons, and organizing and running many different devices to make this happen.  Students, both in-seat and at home are patient, helpful and respectful.  The technical aspect is a learning curve for everyone and everyone is rising to the occasion.  The Spofford Pond community is certainly making the best of what can only be called an interesting situation!

Until next month, I wish you and your families a restful break!
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Mrs. Kosakowski

School Year 2020 - 2021

Technology Takes Center Stage as a Tool for Learning

In all my years (I won't say how many) either as a student, a parent of students, or a teacher, Fall 2020 marks the most interesting start to a new year school that I have ever experienced.  In fact, I am sure everyone in the Spofford Pond School Community is feeling the same way.  Back to school traditions have been reconstructed and various models for learning have been discussed, implemented and tweaked.  Everyone is working overtime to try to bring some semblance of "school" together.  Throughout it all, however, there has been one constant:  the extended use of technology in the lives of everyone involved.
At Spofford Pond School we are using a variety of technological devices and software tools to design and deliver content and curriculum to students.  Teachers are digitizing lessons and using technical tools to provide instruction for their sections of remote students.  Apps like Zoom, Padlet and Flipgrid have become staples in our digital tool box.
Additionally, it is also important to remember we are a Google for Education school.   Students use educational Google accounts to access Google Classroom, Slides, Docs and Forms (and more) which are all applications our teachers use to digitize their lessons.
In order for your student to be most successful with these apps, it is imperative that they use Chrome as their internet browser.  This is key for those students that are accessing remote materials from a Mac or PC.  If your student uses a Chromebook, you are good to go as Chromebooks automatically browse the internet with Chrome!
Here is some additional information about why using the Chrome browser is the best fit with our students' Google for Education accounts.
For Students:  Mrs. Boulay's Library-Media Classes:

For Families:  How to Sign Into Chrome and How to Install Chrome:

Be sure to check out other parts of this blog for information regarding technology use at our school.