Beyond the Handbook: Tips and Tricks
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​Tools and Tech

Why do I have my device(s)?

​The school device(s) (laptop, tablet, combination of both) issued to you are funded through the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) grant. MLTI was the first 1:1 program in the country and is still the nation's largest program of its kind. The goal of the grant is to provide you and your students with compatible technology to increase the number of learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom.


The device(s) are meant to play a significant role in both your planning and instruction. They are preloaded with software the state and district have identified as solid foundational tools for your use in the classroom. If you would like additional software on your device, please contact the school or district IT director for further instructions.


What should I do with it?

​For school assigned tasks like grading, attendance, and incident reporting, all teachers are expected to use their device as outlined in the
staff handbook (or whatever else your district uses). Beyond the mandatory tasks, all teachers will use their device(s) differently. You are given the flexibility to use your device(s) as a tool to create relevant and engaging content for your students.

Examples of how MLTI devices are being used…

  • Student created video projects
  • Comic strips
  • Instructional manuals for student projects
  • Educational games
  • Student created public service announcements
  • Graphic arts
  • Composing music
  • Sharing papers with peers and teachers for comments and edits
  • Assessments
  • Reading and math programs
  • Podcast creation
  • Collaboration space
  • Self paced learning

Personal Use on State/School Issued Devices
Always Remember...
  • The device belongs to the school
  • Expectations of privacy should be kept to a minimum
  • Your First Amendment Rights are limited on a school issued device
  • Your school is required to adopt and implement an internet safety policy.
Read the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) here
Do Not...
  • Violate copyright and trademark laws
  • Attempt to access unauthorized websites (obscene, pornographic, sexually explicit, or harmful to minors)
  • Solicit funds for profit or non-profit organizations unless given prior approval
  • Communicate on behalf of non-school related organizations
  • Communicate political views ​

Social Media

  • The power of social media cannot be denied. However, communicating with students using personal social media accounts can lead to compromising situations. If you prefer to communicate with students and parents using social media platforms, it is highly recommended that you create professional/school accounts. It is also recommended to communicate with administration and the technology staff before adding, following, or communicating with students or parents.
  • You must have written parental permission to post any picture with/of a student to personal social media accounts. The school’s media release(s) does not cover personal accounts.
  • We recommend waiting until students have graduated before adding or following them on social media.
  • Pressing “like” on a post is considered speech.
  • Privacy settings are not guaranteed to keep your information away from students and parents.

How do I get help with my device?

Most issues with your device can be solved by conducting a simple Google or Youtube search. If you are unsuccessful, please speak with _____________ (list of tech savvy teachers). If you are still unsuccessful, contact the IT department for assistance at (ext…)

Free Technology Resources
Learning Technology
  • Common Sense Education 
    • Great site for professional development and curriculum. The video library is a great resource for both beginning and veteran teachers.
  • Hour of Code
    • Website to help student learn basic coding skills in game form
​Digital Tools
  • Weebly 
    • Tool to create free websites
  • Twiddla 
    • Online whiteboard for teachers and students.
Free Media
  • Pixabay  
    • Site with hundreds of royalty free images
  • BenSound  
    • Site with hundreds of royalty free music and sounds.
  • Hippocampus
    • Collection of videos from leading online education providers (Khan Academy, NROC Project, etc.)​

​​ Assessment Tools
  • Easy CBM 
    • Reading assessment program​
  • Abc Mouse 
    • Does require teacher to create class game as lesson for young students ​
App Exploration
  • Apple Educator Representatives
    • Speak to your administration or technology coordinators if you are interested in having an apple educator come into your classroom to assist with using more Apple resources effectively
  • ALA Best Apps for Teaching and Learning List 
Research Tools
  • Marvel! 
    • Maine Virtual Library. Great tool for student to use for research in allows for free access to educational databases (ebsoco, proquest)
Other
  • Skype in the Classroom
    • Talk with teachers and students from around the world. Have class discussions and presentations using a global platform
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  • Home
  • What's On Your Plate?
  • Making Connections
  • How To Handle Situations
  • What's Coming Up?
  • Tools & Tech
  • About