Skyward Assignments and Tests

In reading Dyame's post regarding using Google Forms as quizzes,  it got me thinking about trying this on Skyward. The appeal of creating a test or assignment that students can complete anywhere, anytime is almost too hard to pass up. In addition to this, from my understanding, Skyward grades the assignment! One of my major obstacles as an educator is finding enough time to thoughtfully and purposefully grade all of the assignments that students turn in, and do it in a timely manner that is of the utmost benefit to students. In creating assignments through this avenue, some simpler grading could be done via Skyward and more efforts could be given to grading written work. If anyone has tried this, I would love to hear your feedback.

Cheers,
Amanda Bee

Text Messaging

As most of you know I am also coach here at Chief Kanim. The other day, there were some players who did not show up to practice. I asked the players who were present to give me the missing players cell phone numbers.

I texted the missing players, and within seconds they responded with their apologies, and that they would be joining us for practice shortly.

In reflection I realized it was a powerful tool, and quite immediate. What is the protocol for writing, or responding to a student text message? Is there language for this? Just curious.

Hardware to support tech

One of the biggest issues I have in class is students doing work on Chromebooks but not having the capabilities to print the document.  Not that all documents need printing, as most of my assigned work can done online, but there are times when I want students to have a paper copy in front of them.   However, because our Chromebooks don't have access to wireless printers, paper copies in a class room are not possible.  I would hope that somewhere in our district's tech budget there is room for some upgrades to our classroom printers so that our students can print hard copies when needed. 

Anyone have thoughts are ideas to get around this until then?