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Explore innovative workshops, conferences, and special events on a variety of digital learning topics designed to enhance your classroom in a traditional or virtual environment. For more information about these professional learning opportunities, e-mail digitallearning@esc4.net.

New Learning Opportunity
New Course Available for registration (Fall and Spring 23-24)!

Region 4 is excited to partner with We Teach_CS and TACC to bring you Computer Science I!
Computer Science I is available on the Texas Virtual Schools Network (TXVSN), offered through a partnership between the Region 4 Education Service Center and WeTeach_CS of the Texas Advanced Computing Center at The University of Texas at Austin. This course was developed by a team of highly qualified computer science teachers, led by John Owen, a veteran Texas CS teacher, and WeTeach_CS Computer Science Project Manager. Join WeTeach_CS teachers as you learn Scratch, Jeroo, and Java.

completely aligns with the TEA TEKS for Computer Science I

counts as high school credit for your students

serves as a Pre-AP course, perfect for preparing students to continue into a second year of studying for the CSA AP test

is 100% online

Click here for more information about this new course!
The curriculum will be delivered through Codio, an online lesson platform and programming environment that's perfect for virtual learning. Throughout the year, regular live virtual meetings will be offered to give students the chance to interact with instructors throughout the course. All instructors are certified by TXVSN, and all students will earn this credit towards their high school diploma, just as if a local instructor was teaching the course.

Registration Fee: $375 (per semester)

1. At the top of the page, select the Parents and Students tab > First Steps
Read this section for general information and guidance on registering for a course. Registration for this TXVSN course is handled through your school or district via the TXVSN site coordinator (you cannot register directly). View the course catalog on this site to make your selection.

2. Scroll down this page to view the course catalog (use the filter menu on the left to select the school year (23-24), school semester (fall or spring), and, at the bottom of the page, select the provider (Education Service Center, Region 4)

Choose Computer Science I-A for Fall and Computer Science I-B for Spring. (*note you must register for both semesters as this is a yearlong course)

Region 4's 2023Instructional Technology Leadership Academy will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2023. Our goal is to provide exceptional hands-on and engaging professional development where leaders can enhance their skill set and network with other professionals.

Join Region 4 for Our Annual TexQuest Virtual Learning Conference
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m

Session ID: #1617452

Join us for a full day of TexQuest! Get to know the resources, best practices for implementation, and classroom uses. Customize your own schedule with "how-to" sessions from TexQuest providers. Sessions will be available for basic/experienced and elementary/secondary TexQuest users. Have your digital device ready and we'll help you find the resources to use in your classroom tomorrow!

https://www.esc4.net/innovationchallenge

Ready, Set, Action! Learn to create videos and animations with Canva (new)
Explore how you can deepen engagement and optimize learning with Canva's Video Suite and animation tools. Foster a more interactive learning environment by encouraging learners to creatively showcase their understanding and interact with content. With Canva's user-friendly guidance, you can quickly become proficient in creating high-quality video and animation content from start to finish. Get ready to elevate your video and animation skills with Canva! K-12 teachers can sign up for a free Canva for Education account at https://www.canva.com/education/

Virtual Session | August 24, 2023 | 4:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m​. | Fee: $35.00 ​

With Adobe Express, your curriculum meets creativity! Students can create easy, custom, graphics such as flyers, posters, videos, infographics, and more. In this course you'll be introduced to the platform and as well as design a simple "About me" graphic. Create your free account at https://www.adobe.com/express/create.

Virtual Session | August 28, 2023 | 4:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m​. | Fee: $35.00

This session is designed to help you use the 5E Instructional Model in a way that supports the 4Cs with innovative problem-solving and creative practices. This will enable you to craft lessons that are engaging and motivating. It will also help you progress toward mastery and integrate digital tools as instructional resources

Virtual Session | September 14, 2023 | 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. | Fee: $45.00

This session will provide a brief overview of copyright and fair use guidelines for using content and resources in the PreK-12 classroom. Open Educational Resources (OER) will also be discussed and shared in this session.

Virtual Session | September 11, 2023 | 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. | Fee: $45.00

We'll share some amazing digital feedback and assessment tools that you can implement into your classroom instruction. After all, they need to hear from you, and you need data to drive your instruction.

Virtual Session | September 14, 2023 | 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. | Fee: $45.00

For more information, you can also check out our professional development catalog here.

In this course, we'll provide you with a professional learning experience that will equip you with digital tools and strategies for blended learning instruction that is student-centered, engaging, and fueled by curriculum goals. Our purpose is to help you create an awesome learning experience for ALL students in both face-to-face and virtual classroom environments.

Self-Paced | Session ID: 1755395 | Registration Fee: $25.00

This course will provide teachers with the foundational support needed to successfully utilize the Schoology platform to support teaching and instruction, collaboration, and communication. While this course will be facilitated in Canvas, you can follow along in your Schoology course

Self-Paced | Session ID: 1708741 | Registration Fee: $25.00

Today's students are bombarded with opinions from every direction. You only need to look at the phenomenal rise of "social media influencers." Everyone has an opinion about everything, and there is always an audience! In this session, you'll see how easy it is to bring this trend into your classroom while helping students create their own podcasts regarding your classroom topics!

﻿Self-Paced | Session ID: 1688930 | Registration Fee: $25.00

Bring the power of teacher-created videos into your classroom to engage your students and allow for more flexible delivery! In this session, we'll survey several free or "freemium" platforms that can be used to create screencasts. In addition to best practices, we'll discuss the features of each and how it can meet your needs. Platforms covered at Canvas Studio, Microsoft PowerPoint, Zoom, Screencast-o-matic, Flipgrid, Screencastify, Loom, Prezi Video, and Zoom. * Tools are subject to change and may not be included in every session.*

﻿Self-Paced | Session ID: 1688956 | Registration Fee: $25.00

Blended Learning Roadmapping (Online) Packing for The Journey [Self-Paced Course]

Strengthen blended learning knowledge by engaging in an in-depth exploration of the instructional strategy from beginning to end. Through this journey participants will strengthen and develop skills to support their utilization of blended learning in any classroom or content area.

NEW! Blended Learning Roadmapping Series
Region 4's "Blended Learning Roadmapping" series of flexible and customizable courses provide support designed to assist campuses /districts in implementing the blended learning instructional methodology.

In this illuminating series, attend ees will learn the basics of blended learning (or get a refresher), be equipped with research-based digital strategies, s tre ngthen their use of digital resources/tools, learn about copyright and fair use, and learn to navigate the blended learning environment like a pro.

Because sessions are customizable, we are able to support you whether you are just beginning the blended learning journey, have successfully implemented the methodology, or are anywhere in between!

Foundations of Blended Learning for Administrators

The Administrator's Guide to Assessing The Blended Learning Classroom (Traditional or Remote)

Shifting Gears: Virtual Blended Learning

What is Blended Learning?

Blended Learning Best Practices in the K12 Classroom

Let's Get Ready to Blend-Setting Up a Blended Learning Environment

Managing The Blended Learning Classroom

Is It Working? Assessing the Blended Learning Classroom

Blended Learning Strategies for Student Engagement and Learning

Digital Tools and OER for the Blended Learning Classroom

Copyright, Fair Use, and OER for the K12 Classroom

Fostering Blended Learning in a Remote Setting

Interested in Learning More?

Do you need a thought partner on a new initiative or have a question about a digital tool?

Reach out to any of us and we can assist.

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Explore innovative workshops, conferences, and special events on a variety of digital learning topics designed to enhance your classroom in a traditional or virtual environment. For more information about these professional learning opportunities, e-mail digitallearning@esc4.net. New Course Available for registration (Fall and Spring 23-24)!

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Meet with Danica - Region 4 Instructional Designer - Danica M. Botts

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Get help with the creation of your Canvas or Articulate course! I can also share digital tools and strategies to enhance your next PD session!

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https://education.apple.com/en/resource/250010444

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Multitask with your iPad: Split view, Slide over, and Drag and Drop

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Multitask with your iPad: Split view, Slide over, and Drag and Drop

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With iPadOS, you can use multitasking to work with more than one app at the same time. Learn how to use the new Multitasking menu, the Dock, and Spotlight to work with multiple apps.

Types of multitasking

Apps that support multitasking can be used in a few different ways.

Split View: In Split View, two apps appear side-by-side. You can resize the apps by dragging the slider that appears between them.

Slide Over: With Slide Over, one app appears in a smaller floating window that you can drag to the left or right side of your screen.

Center window: In some apps, you can open a center window that lets you focus on a specific item, such as an email or a note.

Start multitasking

You can get started with multitasking by using the Multitasking menu, the Dock, or Spotlight.

How to use the Multitasking menu to open multiple iPad apps

How to use the Dock to open multiple iPad apps

1. Open an app.

2. Slide one finger up from the bottom edge of the screen until the Dock appears, then release.

3. Touch and hold a second app in the Dock, then immediately drag it up out of the Dock.

If you drag the app to the left or right edge of the screen, it appears in Split View with the current app.

If you let go of the app in the middle of the screen, it appears in a Slide Over window.

How to use the App Library to open multiple iPad apps

1. Tap the App Library icon at the far-right side of the Dock.

2. Touch and hold one of the larger app icons, then drag it into Split View or Slide Over. To see your other apps by category, tap one of the groups of smaller app icons. You can also tap the App Library search bar to see all your apps, then drag one of the apps into a multitasking view.

Use Spotlight to open multiple apps

To use Spotlight for multitasking, you need to have a keyboard, such as the Apple Magic Keyboard, connected to your iPad.

1. Open an app.

2. Press Command (⌘)-Space bar on your keyboard to open Spotlight.

3. Begin typing the name of the second app that you want to open.

4. Touch and hold the second app's icon when it appears in Spotlight results, then immediately drag it out of Spotlight.

If you drag the app to the left or right edge of the screen, it appears in Split View with the current app.

If you let go of the app in the middle of the screen, it appears in a Slide Over window.

How to open a center window on your iPad

1. Open an app that supports center window, such as Mail or Notes.

2. Touch and hold an individual email, note, or other item from the app's list.

3. Tap Open in New Window in the menu that appears.

To close the center window, tap Done or Close. You can also tap the Multitasking button , then tap one of the buttons to change the center window to full screen, Split View, or Slide Over.

Make adjustments to multitasking windows

When you have multiple apps open, you can make adjustments to customize your multitasking experience.

Use the shelf on your iPad

When you switch to an app that has multiple windows open, the bottom of your iPad screen shows a shelf containing thumbnails of all the app's windows.

Tap one of the thumbnails to open the window. You can also swipe up on a thumbnail in the shelf to close that window. In some apps, you can also open a new window by tapping New Window in the shelf.

Drag and drop between apps

With drag and drop, you can move text, photos, and files from one app to another. For example, you can drag text from Safari into a note, an image from Photos into a an email, or a calendar event into a text message.

1. Use Split View or Slide Over to open the two apps that you want to move information between.

2. Touch and hold a photo or file until it appears to lift off the screen slightly. To drag and drop text, select the text first, then touch and hold it. To select multiple photos or files, touch and hold one, drag it slightly, then continue to hold it while you tap additional items with another finger. A badge indicates the number of selected items.

3. Drag the photo, file, or text to the other app.

Use gestures to navigate your iPad

You can use Multitasking gestures on your iPad to quickly see the app switcher, switch to another app, or return to the Home Screen:

See the app switcher: Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold in the middle of the screen until the app switcher appears, then let go. Then swipe left or right to find another app or pairing of apps that you've used together in Split View. Swipe all the way to the left to see all the apps that you have open in Slide Over.

Switch apps: While using an app, swipe left or right across your screen with four or five fingers to switch to another app. On an iPad Pro with Face ID, iPad Pro 11-inch, or iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), swipe along the bottom edge of your screen to switch to another app.

Return to the Home Screen: While using an app, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen. You can also put five fingers on the screen and then make a pinch gesture.

Use apps while you watch a video with Picture in Picture

With Picture in Picture, you can do things like respond to an email while watching a TV show. If you're using FaceTime or watching a movie, tap the Picture in Picture button and the video screen scales down to a corner of your display. Then open a second app while the video continues to play.

To move the video, drag it to another corner. To return the video to full screen, tap the full screen button in the left corner of the video. You can also hide the video by dragging it to the left or right edge of your display. Tap the arrow button to make the video reappear.

You can use Picture in Picture with iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation and later), iPad Air 2 and later, or iPad mini 4 and later.

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With iPadOS, you can use multitasking to work with more than one app at the same time. Learn how to use the new Multitasking menu, the Dock, and Spotlight to work with multiple apps.

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How to use Slide Over on your iPad | Apple Support

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How to multitask with Split View on iPad | Apple Support

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How to remove the background from a photo

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How to remove the background from a photo

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You can hide unwanted portions of an image without modifying the image file.

1. Double-click the image.

The mask controls appear. The default mask is the same size as your image.

Tip: To display the mask controls on a Mac with a Force Touch trackpad, force click the image (press firmly on the trackpad until you feel a deeper click).

2. Use the controls to frame just the parts of the image you want to be visible.

3. Click Done.

To mask an image with a shape, click the image to select it, choose Format > Image > Mask With Shape, then choose a shape. Drag the handles on the shape to adjust its dimensions.

You can also mask an image with your own drawn shape. Hold down the Shift key while you click the drawing and image, select Format > Image > Mask with Selection, then drag the handles on the drawing to adjust its dimensions.

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In Pages on your Mac, mask (crop) a photo, remove background elements, and adjust exposure, saturation, contrast, and other image settings.

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Create a Magic Movie project in iMovie on iPad

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In iMovie on your iPad, create a new Magic Movie project, then choose your media and let iMovie create a movie for you.

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Keynote for literacy and language development

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Keynote for literacy and language development

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https://education.apple.com/en/resource/250010447

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Use the Clips app to turn your favourite moments into fun videos you can share with others. Express yourself with Memoji, animated titles, stickers and more.

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Storyboards are premade video templates for creating common types of videos like cooking tutorials, product reviews, or science experiments. To create a storyboard project, first choose a storyboard. Each storyboard includes a flexible shot list that provides a step-by-step guide to the clips you need to capture to make your video, as well as titles, transitions, and music to match. iMovie Trailers are now included with Storyboards.

If you're in a classroom setting and using an iPad set up as a Shared iPad, your projects are automatically stored in iCloud Drive rather than on the iPad itself.

Note: For educational institutions using Shared iPad, iMovie is designed to be used by students who are logged in on only one iPad at a time.

Note: To create a movie trailer, choose the Trailers storyboard, tap the trailer template you want to use, then tap Create. For more information about trailers, see Intro to trailers in iMovie on iPad.

After you create your storyboard project, you can add video clips, photos, and titles.

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Create a storyboard project in iMovie on iPad

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In iMovie on your iPad, choose a premade video storyboard to create professional-quality movies and trailers with your own videos and photos.

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Apple Clips has been around for a few years now. It's a clever app for iPad and iPhone for making short video clips that can be enhanced in any number of ways using emoji, text, symbols, green-screen effects, AR and more! It's become a firm favourite in many Primary school classrooms, is used by lots of teachers to make their own video exemplars engaging, as well as enabling pupils to use technology simply and creatively so they almost don't realise they're learning at the same time!

I've actually blogged about Apple Clips before, but recently, it's had a cool new update that has added to its possibilities (adding LiDAR technology - Light Detection And Ranging - to sense depth and enhance the AR effects), so I thought I'd share five more ways for you to make the most of it with your class!

1. Give every child a voice.

We all know the pupils who literally wither when asked to speak out in class or become visible in any way. Using Apple Clips to make short selfie videos as part of a learning activity can really help these pupils, as they can overlay Memoji over their own face as a mask. The tech is extremely good; the Memoji track your movements and facial expressions, so it's all very realistic. You can do the same with regular emoji too. For hidden learners, this mask removes the risk of speaking out in front of others, making an activity in oracy much less daunting.

2. Pump up your writing!

Getting pupils to write a short story and then turn it into a clip with an appropriate background with superimposed characters is great for encouraging them to not only use their writing skills but also build on those to include oracy and creativity when recording. The app is so easy to navigate that it's never a barrier and it's a fun and engaging way to improve confidence and communication in several different areas simultaneously.

3. Become a roving reporter

Forest, garden, futuristic city - pupils can use the app to put themselves in any location in their recording and deliver a news report from where they are. This engages their curiosity and gets them thinking about the place they are writing about. It's a great way to hook pupils into reading and researching locations, issues and stories, which leads to more creative writing for their reporter clips.

Here's an example my own children created recently to highlight their new YouTube channel:

4. Book review sharing activity

Here's a nice little project full of learning wins: creating short recordings of book reviews with Apple Clips and sharing them afterwards in a fun way using a separate app called Halo AR.

Firstly, pupils read their books and write their reviews. They can then record a clip of them delivering their review and enhance it with effects to bring it to life whilst using Apple Clips. So, for example, if it was about space, they can use a space green screen background and overlay any keywords, symbols and so on that they wish.

Now comes that Halo AR bit. Halo AR is a free app available on Android and iOS that turns any flat object into an AR trigger when it is scanned and it's really quick and easy for children to import and overlay their Apple Clips onto these triggers. Then, for example, whenever a pupil scans the room with their device's camera and picks up one of these triggers, a book review magically appears on each one. Great for teamwork, a group of pupils can work together to load their book review triggers, another group can find them and the teacher can ask the class questions about the books, the characters, reviews, recordings and so on. I wrote about it previously on last year's Appvent Calendar.

5. Accessibility

It's never too early to start teaching pupils the importance of creating work that's accessible to others. Apple Clips can help them be mindful of what people who can't hear or see need in order to access their creations. To assist, when pupils are speaking during their recordings, Apple Clips can automatically generate live captions to go along with their voices.

There's also another learning activity you can do here, and that's reinforcing the idea that automatically-produced captions need to be checked because, as we know, it's still an imperfect technology and often, words come out wrongly (e.g. 'their' instead of 'there') and need to be changed to make sense. Pupils can edit the subtitles quickly and easily within the app.

Learn more...

Apple Clips is a really versatile tool for the primary classroom and one that makes learning fun, which is so important for engagement at this stage.

If you didn't see my original five things to do with Apple Clips blog, you can read it here. And if you'd like to see practical ways to use the app, I recommend you check out this YouTube video channel by Jacob Woolcock, who has a great playlist of explainer app demos for all things iPhone and iPad - including one for Apple Clips. It's really well explained and great for getting an overview of the app's possibilities.

I hope you find these ideas useful to add to your use of Apple Clips in your classroom!

If you were interested in learning more about how you can work with me on projects such as these, please do not hesitate to get in touch via my contact page.

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5 great things to try with Apple Clips this year

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Apple Clips has been around for a few years now. It's a clever app for iPad and iPhone for making short video clips that can be enhanced in any number of ways using emoji, text, symbols, green-scre...

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Magic Movies are perfect for when you want iMovie to create your movie for you. Storyboard projects are perfect for when you want iMovie to guide you in creating a themed movie. When you know exactly how you want to organize your clips and would rather do it manually, you can create a movie project. The movie project doesn't offer the guidance and automatic features of Magic Movies and storyboard projects, but you get finer control over editing your final movie with advanced timeline editing tools available only to movie projects.

After you create a movie project, you can browse video clips to add to it. The media browser displays all of the video clips you've recorded from within iMovie, as well as any video clips from your photo library.

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Create a movie project in iMovie on iPad

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In iMovie on your iPad, create a new movie project and get started adding video clips and photos to it.

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https://www.pexels.com/

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https://unsplash.com/

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Plan + Create Videos using New Storyboards in iMovie