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SPS Digital Learning Hour

SPS Digital Learning Hour

We're bringing you the latest news in the Springfield Public Schools in regards to technology along with inspiring interviews from teachers who are using technology in the classroom. We'll also inform you of latest updates, practices, and news as it pertains to our district.

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  • 150 episodes
  • Updated Apr 29, 2024

Episodes150

Newest first
  • Jan 9, 2020 · 23 min

    Episode 86 Heather Grimaldi

    Happy New Year! We're back and ready for a great 2020! This week we spoke with 5th Grade Teacher Heather Grimaldi from Frank H Freedman Elementary School. Learn how she is integrating technology throughout her Math and Science class. Links: https://www.beardedtechedguy.com/ https://www.curriculumassociates.com/products/ready-classroom-mathematics https://www.mheducation.com/prek-12/program/inspire-science/MKTSP-AIB01M0.html https://site.gcntraining.com/ Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Wakelet @beardedteched or my website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Music: BirdSound Technology Background https://audiojungle.net/item/technology-background/22785738Item mantlee Corporate Technology Innovation Background https://audiojungle.net/item/corporate-technology-background/23555034Item

  • Nov 21, 2019 · 28 min

    Episode 85: Sarah Varnauskas

    Check out this week's podcast episode featuring Sarah Varnauskas from Alice Beal school here in Springfield, MA! This veteran teacher is doing some awesome things in her classroom so listen in! Articles & Sites Mentioned: https://www.beardedtechedguy.com/how-to-h5p-for-interactive-content/ https://www.powerschool.com/solutions/unified-classroom/ https://my.springfieldpublicschools.com/welearn/SitePages/Home.aspx https://education.microsoft.com/courses-and-resources/resources/all-about-immersive-reader https://support.office.com/en-us/article/immersive-reader-partners-8ce56191-83cd-490f-9dfc-4e69d4bf5308 Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Wakelet @beardedteched or my website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Music: BirdSound Technology Background https://audiojungle.net/item/technology-background/22785738Item mantlee Corporate Technology Innovation Background https://audiojungle.net/item/corporate-technology-background/23555034Item

  • Nov 7, 2019 · 31 min

    Episode 84: Sarah Tobias

    This week's episode we talk with Sarah Tobias from The High School of Science and Technology (SciTech) all about the ways she's integrating technology into her English classrooms. Lots of Shakespeare and Animal Farm talking! Articles & Sites Mentioned: https://www.beardedtechedguy.com/ https://kahoot.com/ https://www.powerschool.com/solutions/unified-classroom/ https://piktochart.com/ https://quizlet.com/ https://my.springfieldpublicschools.com/welearn/SitePages/Home.aspx Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Wakelet @beardedteched or my website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Music: BirdSound Technology Background https://audiojungle.net/item/technology-background/22785738Item mantlee Corporate Technology Innovation Background https://audiojungle.net/item/corporate-technology-background/23555034Item

  • Oct 31, 2019 · 20 min

    Episode 83: Joshua Copen

    For this week's episode we talk with Joshua Copen from The High School of Science and Technology (SciTech) all about the ways he's integrating technology in the classroom. If you don't teach HS or Engineering, then this show is a must! Articles & Sites Mentioned: https://www.beardedtechedguy.com/ https://www.masscue.org/event/conference-fall-2019/ https://www.powerschool.com/solutions/unified-classroom/ https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/new Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Wakelet @beardedteched or my website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Music: BirdSound Technology Background https://audiojungle.net/item/technology-background/22785738Item mantlee Corporate Technology Innovation Background https://audiojungle.net/item/corporate-technology-background/23555034Item

  • Oct 17, 2019 · 30 min

    Episode 82: William Aye

    For this week's interview I sat down with William Aye, 4th grade teacher over at Lincoln Elementary School and discussed what he is doing in the classroom with his students. Next week: We will not have an episode, as I will be at Masscue presenting on how we are using this podcast to give teacher's voice in our district. I am planning on recording the sessions and if all goes well, I will post it next Friday! Articles & Sites Mentioned: https://www.beardedtechedguy.com/ https://www.masscue.org/event/conference-fall-2019/ https://www.curriculumassociates.com/products/i-ready https://www.mheducation.com/ https://www.stemscopes.com/ Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Wakelet @beardedteched or my website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Music: BirdSound Technology Background https://audiojungle.net/item/technology-background/22785738Item mantlee Corporate Technology Innovation Background https://audiojungle.net/item/corporate-technology-background/23555034Item

  • Oct 10, 2019 · 26 min

    Episode 81: Katherine Kruser

    This week I sat down Katherine Kruser, the Art teacher at Mary Pottenger on how she is integrating technology into her classroom through authentic practices. Articles & Sites Mentioned: https://www.beardedtechedguy.com/ https://www.gonoodle.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B_4jpUGZqw Watch at your own peril (it will get stuck in your head): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1lgIRQlrFk https://wakelet.com/@beardedteched Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched or my website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Music: BirdSound Technology Background https://audiojungle.net/item/technology-background/22785738Item mantlee Corporate Technology Innovation Background https://audiojungle.net/item/corporate-technology-background/23555034Item

  • Oct 3, 2019 · 24 min

    Episode 80: Brianna Cicero

    This week I sat down with an amazing teacher over at White St. Elementary School who is doing some awesome things in her classroom. Learn about the process she is going through to develop a try, discuss, connect classroom environment. Tools and sites mentioned: https://www.powerschool.com/solutions/unified-classroom/ https://portal.office.com https://www.beardedtechedguy.com/ https://www.curriculumassociates.com/products/iready/iready-educators-love-us.aspx https://wakelet.com/home Mike Tholfsen's Wakelet: https://wakelet.com/wake/dfce60d8-ec46-4e20-b695-4955aaf140be Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched or my website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Music: BirdSound Technology Background https://audiojungle.net/item/technology-background/22785738Item mantlee Corporate Technology Innovation Background https://audiojungle.net/item/corporate-technology-background/23555034Item

  • Sep 26, 2019 · 41 min

    Episode 79: Natalie Velez Cotto

    This week is a whopper! We discuss teaching 4th Graders and CS Education with Natalie Velez Cotto of Frederick Harris Elementary School in Springfield. Listen to all of the great wisdom and ways she is elevating teaching in Springfield. Plus we have a huge PowerPoint Update along with a few reminders for Unified Classroom. You don't want to miss this week's edition of the SPS Digital Learning Hour! Tools and sites mentioned: https://www.powerschool.com/solutions/unified-classroom/ https://portal.office.com https://www.beardedtechedguy.com/ https://www.smartboards.com/ https://www.csforall.org/ https://scratch.mit.edu/ https://makeymakey.com/ Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched or my website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Music: BirdSound Technology Background https://audiojungle.net/item/technology-background/22785738Item mantlee Corporate Technology Innovation Background https://audiojungle.net/item/corporate-technology-background/23555034Item

  • Sep 19, 2019 · 39 min

    Episode 78: Melany Laroe

    Blog Updates! Awesome Tools! A shout out to Mike Tholfsen from Microsoft EDU! Check out this week's podcast featuring Melany Laroe from Glickman Elementary and hear her journey as a teacher in the Springfield Public School District! Learn about what technology looked like in the classroom back in 2006 compared to today, listen to Ms. Laroe's journey through teaching and technology and some awesome advice she has for new teachers. Tools and sites mentioned: https://www.powerschool.com/solutions/unified-classroom/ https://portal.office.com https://www.beardedtechedguy.com/ https://quizlet.com/ https://wakelet.com/home Mike Tholfsen's Wakelet: https://wakelet.com/wake/dfce60d8-ec46-4e20-b695-4955aaf140be https://info.flipgrid.com/ Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched or my website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Music: BirdSound Technology Background https://audiojungle.net/item/technology-background/22785738Item mantlee Corporate Technology Innovation Background https://audiojungle.net/item/corporate-technology-background/23555034Item

  • Sep 13, 2019 · 19 min

    Episode 77: Brendan Reed and Unified Classroom

    This week I sat down with Brendan Reed, Project Manager for Unified Classroom and Digital Learning Analyst and we discussed all things Unified Classroom! All the updates and integrations that happened over the summer and the ways we are working with educators throughout Springfield. Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched or my website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Music: BirdSound Technology Background https://audiojungle.net/item/technology-background/22785738Item mantlee Corporate Technology Innovation Background https://audiojungle.net/item/corporate-technology-background/23555034Item

  • Sep 6, 2019 · 50 min

    Episode 76: Paul Foster

    This week I sat down with Springfield CIO Paul Foster and we discussed all the exciting things happening in Springfield. If you want to know what the future of Springfield Public Schools holds, this is a can't miss interview! If you are thinking about wanting to be a teacher, consider Springfield as a destination after listening to this! Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched or my new website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Music: BirdSound Technology Background https://audiojungle.net/item/technology-background/22785738Item mantlee Corporate Technology Innovation Background https://audiojungle.net/item/corporate-technology-background/23555034Item

  • Aug 29, 2019 · 10 min

    Episode 75: The Welcome Back Episode

    Welcome back podcast listeners! I hope you had a great summer. This week we just touch upon many upcoming podcast and blog topics. We'll catch you up on the latest news in the district and the directions we'll be taking this year! Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched or my new website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Music: BirdSound Technology Background https://audiojungle.net/item/technology-background/22785738Item mantlee Corporate Technology Innovation Background https://audiojungle.net/item/corporate-technology-background/23555034Item

  • Jun 17, 2019 · 30 min

    Episode 74: Girls Who Code

    That's it for the 2018-2019 School Year and we go out with a bang! Come and listen to our interview with a group of girls at Boland Elementary School who were a part of the first Girls Who Code group at Boland Elementary. You will not be disappointed hearing from these girls, who were the trailblazers at their school. Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched or my new website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Links: https://youtu.be/fC9da6eqaqg https://girlswhocode.com/about-us/ https://girlswhocode.com/our-team/#our-founder Music: Ashamaluev Music Corporate Ambient https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com/royalty-free-music

  • Jun 11, 2019 · 15 min

    Episode 73: Summer Fun!

    This is the penultimate episode of the 2018 - 2019 Season of the SPS Digital Learning Hour! We are looking forward to the Summer and so should you! For today's episode we look at some fun ways for you to learn this summer. Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched or my new website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Links: https://www.beardedtechedguy.com https://my.springfieldpublicschools.com/welearn/SitePages/Blog.aspx https://www.csforall.org/ https://csfirst.withgoogle.com/s/en/home https://classroom.powerschool.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8kzLKet7g7t7xTA81Gr3Xg/featured Music: Ashamaluev Music Positive, Corporate Ambient https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com/royalty-free-music

  • Jun 4, 2019 · 30 min

    Episode 72: Talmadge Elementary School Bedtime Stories

    This week I sat down with teachers Elena Trotta and Brianna Santaniello at Arthur T. Talmadge Elementary School to talk about the amazing initiative their teachers are taking on. We also chatted with a few students from the school to hear all about their love for Talmadge Bedtime Stories. We also have a bunch of announcements this week! You don't want to miss this! Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched or my new website http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Links: https://twitter.com/beardedteched https://www.beardedtechedguy.com/authentically-using-technology-in-the-classroom/ https://my.springfieldpublicschools.com/welearn/SitePages/Blog.aspx https://www.csforall.org/ https://csfirst.withgoogle.com/s/en/home https://classroom.powerschool.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8kzLKet7g7t7xTA81Gr3Xg/featured Music: Ashamaluev Music Corporate Ambient, Positive https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com/royalty-free-music

  • May 28, 2019 · 26 min

    Episode 71: Kerri-Ann Keenan

    This week I sat down with Pre-K Teacher Kerri-Ann Keenan over at Kensington Avenue Elementary School to talk all things Pre-K and technology. I learned so much about how Pre-K works and I think you will too! We also have a bunch of announcements this week! You don't want to miss this! Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Links: https://twitter.com/beardedteched https://my.springfieldpublicschools.com/welearn/SitePages/Blog.aspx https://www.csforall.org/ https://csfirst.withgoogle.com/s/en/home https://classroom.powerschool.com/ Music: Ashamaluev Music Corporate Ambient, Positive https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com/royalty-free-music

  • May 14, 2019 · 21 min

    Episode 70: Introduction to SAMR

    For this week's podcast I have a very exciting announcement about a training opportunity in the SPS district plus we discuss the finer points of the SAMR model and how you can apply it in your classroom. (You probably already do the first two letters without even realizing it) Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched or my website: beardedtechedguy.com Resources: http://ditchthattextbook.com/2014/04/03/10-ways-to-reach-samrs-redefinition-level/ https://www.schoology.com/blog/samr-model-practical-guide-edtech-integration https://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/matrix/ https://sites.google.com/a/msad60.org/technology-is-learning/samr-model http://www.assignmenthelp.net/blog/samr-model-pedagogy-technology-examples/ https://www.schoology.com/blog/tpack-framework-explained https://www.schrockguide.net/samr.html https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-10-18-what-the-samr-model-may-be-missing https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-02-01-how-samr-and-tech-can-help-teachers-truly-transform-assessment https://www.emergingedtech.com/2015/04/examples-of-transforming-lessons-through-samr/ https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Instructional_design/SAMR_Model/What_is_the_SAMR_Model%3F https://k12teacherstaffdevelopment.com/tlb/what-is-the-samr-model-for-technology-integration/ https://www.eschoolnews.com/2015/04/27/samr-model-problems-842/ Music: Ashamaluev Music Corporate Upbeat, Corporate Ambiance https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com/royalty-free-music

  • May 7, 2019 · 22 min

    Episode 69: Podcasting in the Classroom

    For this week's podcast we are focusing on doing podcasts in the classroom with your students. Take a listen and learn how you can use them in the classroom with your students! Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched or my website: beardedtechedguy.com Links: http://ditchthattextbook.com/2018/02/28/why-your-students-need-a-podcast-how-to-do-it-fast-and-free/ https://www.weareteachers.com/10-podcasting-projects-teachers-should-try-in-the-classroom-2/ https://www.npr.org/2018/11/15/662116901/teaching-podcasting-a-curriculum-guide-for-educators https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/how-podcasts-can-improve-literacy-in-the-classroom https://www.teachhub.com/technology-classroom-how-why-use-podcasts https://edtechdigest.com/2018/05/14/6-tips-for-podcasting-in-the-classroom/ http://www.readingrockets.org/article/creating-podcasts-your-students https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/19/learning/lesson-plans/project-audio-teaching-students-how-to-produce-their-own-podcasts.html http://inservice.ascd.org/4-benefits-of-classroom-podcasting-and-4-ideas-to-try-today/ https://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teaching_now/2017/09/teaching_the_art_of_listening_how_to_use_podcasts_in_the_classroom.html http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/printouts/podcasts-nuts-bolts-creating-30311.html https://k12teacherstaffdevelopment.com/tlb/what-are-the-benefits-of-podcasting-in-the-classroom/ https://www.brighthubeducation.com/teaching-methods-tips/37199-four-ways-to-use-podcasting-to-teach/ https://californiaeducator.org/2018/12/20/all-ears/ https://classtechtips.com/2018/10/29/podcasting-in-the-classroom/ Music: Ashamaluev Music Corporate Upbeat, Technology https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com/royalty-free-music

  • Apr 30, 2019 · 24 min

    Episode 68: Karla Gartsu

    For this week's podcast I sat down with Karla Gartsu over at Glickman Elementary to talk all things technology. Come and listen to her story on how she got to where she is. Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched Links: https://my.springfieldpublicschools.com/welearn/SitePages/Blog.aspx https://www.csforall.org/ https://csfirst.withgoogle.com/s/en/home http://beardedtechedguy.com/ http://botlogic.us/#sthash.qUbBw3bL.dpbs https://www.tynker.com/ https://products.office.com/en-us/home?ms.url=office365com&rtc=1 http://conticlassroom.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/2/5/13253855/animatingwithslides.pdf (This can be adapted to PowerPoint) https://classroom.powerschool.com/ Music: Ashamaluev Music Innovate, Technology https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com/royalty-free-music

  • Apr 23, 2019 · 31 min

    Episode 67: Katie Bevan

    Welcome back from vacation everyone! This week we have an exciting offer from Flipgrid (which is free and awesome). Come learn more about CS Education and future opportunities with Katie Bevan, who we interviewed for this week's interview of the week! Follow Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @beardedteched Links: https://my.springfieldpublicschools.com/welearn/SitePages/Blog.aspx http://blog.flipgrid.com/amplify https://www.csforall.org/ https://csfirst.withgoogle.com/s/en/home http://beardedtechedguy.com/ Music: Ashamaluev Music Innovate, Corporate Upbeat https://www.ashamaluevmusic.com/royalty-free-music