The Evolution of Classroom Design: How to Create Engaging and Collaborative Learning Spaces

As we shift further away from the days of a one-size-fits-all education, the classrooms of the past– rows of uniform, neatly spaced desks facing a teacher poised at a blackboard– are being phased out, too. As school districts and educators move towards an educational model that emphasizes inclusion, acknowledges learning differences and balances technology with opportunities to practice social-emotional learning and soft skills, classroom design is evolving, too.

Technology

Rapid technological advances are changing the way we live our everyday lives, and education is no exception. Emerging technology such as Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are likely to play an important role in classrooms of the future. The immersive nature of virtual reality provides an invaluable way for students– and educators– to learn about subjects that were previously abstract or inaccessible. From lowering the yuck factor in biology class by using virtual reality programs instead of having students dissect real frogs, to simulating travel to other countries and even planets, the possibilities for more engaging, immersive learning are infinite.

Technology has also helped increase accessibility. Students, teachers and parents can stay connected during times when they can’t meet in person. For instance, some districts continue to offer virtual parent-teacher conferences, which could help encourage participation among working parents.

Gamification is another increasingly popular tool in education. While teaching through play isn’t a new concept– as anyone who can recall playing the Oregon Trail game in the 1980s can attest–as the sophistication of technology increases, gamification becomes a more engaging and valuable way for students to learn.

Flexible classrooms

It’s estimated that between 15 - 20% of the population is neurodivergent– an umbrella term that acknowledges that people think, learn and process information differently. Autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other learning differences are all considered to be neurodiverse conditions.

Many educators are already incorporating more expansive seating options as they discover that some students learn better if they’re able to bounce on a balance ball, while others find it easier to focus if they’re positioned away from other students. Classrooms of the future are likely to continue to include flexible seating options such as wobble chairs, wiggle stools and bean bags.

Modular tables, desks or other types of workstations allow teachers to divide students into small groups for collaborative projects or to simply change up seating arrangements so students can get to know their peers.

Outdoor classrooms

To meet the unprecedented challenges of the Covid pandemic, educators were forced to think outside of the box. For many school districts, outdoor classrooms emerged as a way for students and teachers to gather more safely.

As it turns out, the benefits of incorporating outdoor classrooms go far beyond the pandemic. Spending time in nature has been shown to improve students’ focus, reduce stress and improve cognitive performance. Densely populated schools could benefit from using the outdoors as an extension of the classroom. Outdoor learning can also provide the opportunity for students to learn about environmental stewardship as well as skills like gardening and growing food.

Celebrating the Week of the Young Child®

As an educator or administrator, you’ve probably heard of Week of the Young Child®, the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) annual celebration of early childhood education.

NAEYC first launched the Week of the Young Child® in 1971 in order to increase awareness about the importance of early childhood education while recognizing the existing early childhood programs that provide support and resources to young children and their families. Still going strong after more than 50 years, this annual event continues to draw attention to existing resources while also illuminating gaps that exist, such as affordable childcare.

This year’s Week of the Young Child® will take place April 1 - 7th, 2023.

If your community doesn’t currently mark this special week, the NAEYC offers a toolkit with action steps on how to change that.

There are many ways to celebrate Week of the Young Child®; some communities have held festivals and parades, while others have used the time to advocate for quality early childcare and education. Some communities have decided a week isn’t long enough and have stretched out the celebration to cover the entire month of April! While the NAEYC invites communities to come up with their own unique ways to celebrate and advocate for early childhood education, they’ve created a themed schedule that can serve as a jumping off point when brainstorming for activities.

Music Monday

Music Monday provides an opportunity to kickoff the week using sound, music and movement. Examples of last year’s Music Monday activities include children making their own maracas, listening to music from different cultures and the simple yet delightful ritual of throwing a dance party.

Tasty Tuesday

The possibilities for incorporating food into the curriculum are endless– activities could integrate subjects like math, nutrition, foreign language and farming. You could start an indoor microgreen garden and harvest it with your students, ask kids to share favorite family recipes or embark on a baking project.

Work Together Wednesday

Work Together Wednesday is all about collaboration, teamwork and team-building. For instance, last year, one community created a yoga lesson where pre-k students and third graders partnered for Work (out) Wednesday. Other possibilities include initiating a community service project or a group art project.

Artsy Thursday

Thursday is a celebration of creativity. Successful past Artsy Thursday activities include preschoolers creating self-portraits, going for a nature walk to collect and then paint rocks, and a project where students virtually collaborated with older adults to create masterpieces made with marbles and paint.

Family Friday

The last day of activities focuses on bringing families of young children into the fun– and the learning. Parents might visit a preschool to accompany their kids on a nature walk or stop by school for a family lunch picnic.For more ideas on how to get involved and plan activities for Week of the Young Child®, visit the NAEYC website. If your school or community has a favorite way of celebrating, leave us a comment and let us know!

Four Ways Schools Can Support Teen Mental Health

In 2020, the clothing company Hollister Co. declared March 2nd to be World Teen Mental Wellness Day. The day is intended to help reduce the stigma around mental health challenges while also promoting self-care. With the National Alliance on Mental Illness, (NAMI) reporting that as many as 25% of teenagers will receive a mental health diagnosis during adolescence, educators are extremely likely to encounter students who are struggling with their mental health. Below, we rounded up some ideas for schools and teachers to support and educate students.

Incorporate stress relief tools

Having an array of healthy tools to deal with stress can be a great place to start the conversation around mental wellness. As educators, we know that what works for one student doesn’t necessarily work for another. Offer students a variety of tools to reduce stress so they can discover what works for them. Some might benefit from movement breaks or a quick nature walk, while others find that a short meditation or breathing strategy helps lower their stress levels.

Spend more time outdoors

Research shows that getting outside benefits us in multiple ways. Time in nature can improve attention and focus and lower stress. A Danish study even suggested that children with access to green space are less likely to develop psychiatric disorders as teens and adults. If getting outdoors isn’t feasible due to weather, listening to nature sounds and viewing images of nature can have positive benefits.

Normalize the need for support

Does your school make a concerted effort to bring school counselors, social workers and other mental health professionals into the classroom regularly so they become a familiar face for students? If not, consider giving it a try. Doing so reinforces the idea that taking care of our mental health is just another part of life to learn about, no different than physical education or science.

While teachers, school counselors and family members can all play a crucial role in getting support for students, there’s nothing quite as powerful as realizing that other classmates face struggles, too. If your school isn’t currently offering a peer support program, consider integrating a program into your district. Hope Squad, Mental Health First Aid and Sources of Strength are just a few of the programs which use peer support models to prevent suicide and increase positive mental health.

Get Novel

Mental health among children and teens is a serious topic, but sometimes sprinkling in a little novelty can help lower everyone’s stress levels.

One way to boost the mood of students (and staff) is to bring a friendly pet into the classroom a few times a week. A study in the U.K. found that bringing a dog into the classroom for two 20-minute visits a week was more effective at lowering stress levels among students than a meditation session.

Another idea high school educators could try is setting up a tea station in the classroom, as research indicates that drinking tea can actually lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

Coloring books, even for older students, is another fun activity that can reduce stress. One teacher introduced a monthly reading hour. She decorated the classroom with twinkly lights and invited students to bring snacks, blankets and pillows to the classroom while they read.

Finally, please make sure you’re taking excellent care of yourself. Don’t be afraid to mention your own self-care strategies to your students. It’s good modeling, and as a teacher, it’s crucial to keep your own bucket full so you can keep showing up for your students.

The Best Teachers Are Lifelong Learners: A roundup of online professional development resources for educators

In our fast-paced world, professional development remains more relevant for teachers than ever. Between evolving curriculums, the changes in how education is delivered, a growing focus on mental health and social-emotional learning and technological advances, teachers have a lot on their plates.

Beyond simply remaining informed on the latest breakthroughs in education and fulfilling requirements, there are additional benefits for teachers who stay engaged in their own learning. A rigorous professional development track can add to teacher satisfaction and retention, particularly in a time when schools are seeing teacher shortages. And, it’s not just the teachers and administrations that benefit from hearty professional development; research indicates that students experience significantly higher levels of achievement when their teachers engage in substantial professional development.

While in-person professional development offers unique benefits, the increase in asynchronous learning opportunities enables teachers to incorporate professional development into their schedules without missing school. It also means that the options for professional development can be overwhelming; below, we’ve rounded up a few standouts.

Google For Education

We’ll start by highlighting a few of our partners, who offer a wealth of professional development opportunities for educators. In addition to its certification programs, Google For Education delivers free online training on important topics like digital citizenship and online safety and using technology to increase accessibility in the classroom. Google For Education also runs the Certified Innovator program, which focuses on helping visionary educators develop their passion projects.

Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies partners with school districts to provide them with customized professional development. Their offerings include a suite of online training which includes courses like Authentic Student Learning & Gamification and how educators can harness social media to expand their professional networks.

Microsoft Learn Educator Center

The Microsoft Learn Educator Center hosts a range of professional development courses. Courses include Support Social and Emotional Learning with Microsoft Tools, which gives teachers tools to foster social and emotional skills and Mindfulness in Minecraft: Education Edition, which emphasizes the intersection of Minecraft and mindfulness. Microsoft Learn’s Educator Center also offers tracks on accessibility and inclusivity and student-centered learning.

National Geographic

For those interested in the sciences and nature, National Geographic offers free professional development courses for teachers. Class options include Geo-Inquiry, National Geographic’s take on project-based learning, as well as lessons focusing on storytelling and photography and teaching climate change.

Next Gen Personal Finance

Next Gen Personal Finance, an organization that promotes incorporating financial literacy and education into public schools, offers a variety of courses for teachers interested in promoting financial education. Topics include budgeting, understanding and managing credit and behavioral economics.

Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network

For educators interested in mental health and social-emotional learning, check out the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network. In partnership with the National Center for School Mental Health, they offer a free online class featuring modules covering topics like the impact of trauma on learning, mental health literacy and stigma reduction and strategies for supporting students experiencing adversity.

Staying on the Cutting Edge

The New Year brings to mind resolutions and fresh, blank calendars– it’s a time for pondering the future and setting goals. But the change of the calendar can also be an ideal time to take a look at where we’ve been and how we’ve evolved. At Arey Jones, we have a rich and extensive history in the educational technology field that stretches back more than 100 years.

Our Humble Roots

Arey Jones was originally founded in 1897. The company was launched to support the stationary and administrative demands of the local education market in San Diego. As technology advanced, the company adapted to meet the shifting needs of educators.

In 1972, the Broadway Typewriter Company, owned by the Scarpella family, purchased Arey Jones. While our business has expanded over the years, at its heart, we’re still a family business. The Scarpellas, who bring their many decades of experience in the k-12 educational technology field, continue to be involved in the daily operations of the business.

We’re Laser Focused on Educational Technology

While Arey Jones has been serving the needs of school districts for more than 100 years, it was in the 1980s and 1990s that we discovered our true calling– harnessing technology to enhance and optimize the k-12 learning environment.

We have a deep understanding of the challenges school districts face amidst the rapid pace of evolving technology because our company has evolved and flexed as technology continues to become a more integral part of life and education. We know that technology can be overwhelming– and we consider it our job to make it less so. We provide hardware, software, integration, service and ongoing support to our clients. From choosing which specific devices are best for students in your district, to imaging and configuration, to setting up carts for charging devices, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Our staff consists of seasoned professionals who’ve been vetted through background checks to ensure safety within the many schools we serve. Like the Scarpella family, the other members of our senior staff bring decades of experience to work with them.

We Work With the Best

We’re proud to partner with leaders in technology, including Google for Education, Microsoft Education, Dell and HP, to create the best solutions for school districts with varying sizes and needs.

We’d Love to Work With You!

With offices and fulfillment centers located throughout the United States, we’re poised to help school districts nationwide.

Our regional configuration centers allow us to design and implement technology solutions that meet the unique needs of the school districts we serve.

Our services continue well past the sale and installation of technology. Our support team is primed and ready to help with any issues that arise, allowing classrooms to stay focused on learning instead of troubleshooting. Our skilled designers, installers, systems engineers and support staff are ready to help when needed.

Would you like to know more? Contact us to explore how our educational technology solutions can serve your school district.

6 Fun Ways to Learn a New Language

Did you know December is Learn a Foreign Language Month? While it’s not realistic to master a new language in only a month, December could be a time to commit to resuscitating your rusty high school French skills or to finally start learning Portuguese.

The benefits of learning a foreign language have long been touted; research has even suggested that becoming bilingual might help protect our brains from cognitive decline associated with aging. Beyond the physical benefits, learning a new language broadens our horizons and allows us the opportunity to connect with new people.

It can be daunting, though, to figure out where to find the time to devote to taking on a foreign language. Fortunately, technology offers us more ways to learn than ever before. It’s no longer necessary to sign up for an evening language course or to devote your weekends to pouring over Spanish a textbook. Below, are a few ideas on how to incorporate learning a new language into your existing routine.

Apps

You’ve probably heard of language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel and Pimsleur. Browse the existing language apps to find the one that most appeals to you. For instance, Duolingo gamifies the process of learning a language and delivers snack-sized lessons, while Pimsleur’s lessons are 30 minutes long, but include a mode for use while driving.

Learn through entertainment

If boosting your language skills while lounging on the couch is more your style, check out Lingopie. Lingopie streams television shows in foreign languages and incorporates interactive subtitles depending on your level of fluency.

If you already have basic foreign language skills, reading a children's book or comic book written in a foreign language is a fun way to practice your comprehension.

Finally, listening to a podcast or music in another language while you’re taking a walk or commuting is yet another way of boosting your fluency.

Take a Class– from home

Taking an online class is another way to learn a foreign language. Sites like Coursera and edX offer a variety of asynchronous language classes, some of which are free. If being in a class with other students energizes you, though, consider a class that meets in real-time.

Meetup

Sites like Meetup or local adult education classes allow us to connect with groups of people with common interests in our geographic area. The possibilities for fun, in-person gatherings are vast– examples include holding a potluck featuring German cuisine or playing Scrabble using only Russian words.

Plan a trip

Incentivize your foreign language project by planning a trip to a country that speaks that language. There’s no better– or more fun– way to learn the nuances of a language than to immerse yourself in that culture. To make your vacation more affordable and have a more authentic experience, consider using a site like HomeExchange, which allows you to temporarily swap homes with someone in a different location.

Talk to your school’s foreign language teachers

Chances are you have a hidden treasure trove of resources in your school’s foreign language teachers. Ask them for recommendations, and leave us a comment if you discover any brilliant tips!

Increasing Educational Equity Among Students with Learning Disabilities

In recent years, technology has permeated nearly every aspect of human life. Now, it’s helping create equity in (and outside of) the classroom among students with disabilities. 

The percentage of students with disabilities has risen significantly as we get better at identifying challenges in learning. According to the National Education Association, 15% of children enrolled in public schools– about 7.2 million kids– currently receive special education services.

Assistive Technology is an umbrella term for any technology used to support learning or other activities of daily life. Examples of Assistive Technology could be as low-tech as a simple timer to helps a student remain on task, or higher tech, like text-to-speech software to support students who struggle with reading. Below, a round-up of apps and programs that help students with learning disabilities.

Co:Writer is an app that supports students who struggle with writing. The app includes tools like word prediction, speech recognition and flexible spelling to recognize spelling errors. This app, and others like it, help students with dyslexia, a language processing disorder which affects a student’s ability to read, write and interpret; as well as dysgraphia, a learning disability that affects a student’s ability to spell, type and write by hand.

Book Creator is a digital publishing app that’s loaded with accessibility features. Designed by parents of a child with dyslexia, features include Open Dyslexic font, a font specifically designed to be easier to read for those with dyslexia, and a read mode, where digital books can be read in different languages. 

Microsoft’s Immersive Reader, which is incorporated into many Microsoft programs, including Microsoft Word, supports reading through text decoding, read aloud, and a picture dictionary, among other tools. Students are also able to customize the way that text appears on their screen, which can enhance focus for students with dyslexia or ADHD.

Dyscalculia is a group of learning disabilities relating to calculating and math. Microsoft’s Math Solver assists students by breaking down complex math problems into more manageable steps. ModMath is a free app for use on iPads, and like Book Creator, it was designed by the parents of a child with a learning disability.

For students with low vision, Microsoft and Google both have features that support a braille display device, which connects with computers and translates text into braille. Microsoft’s app Seeing AI uses a smartphone camera to scan the environment, then offer information about the place the user is in. The app can also be used for scanning and translating a document, recognizing people in the area, and reading handwritten text. 

We’re proud that our partners, Microsoft and Google, have worked to increase inclusivity in their technology, as well as within their companies. Microsoft, Google, Dell and HP have all launched initiatives to hire more workers who are neurodiverse. Dell and HP both have programs specifically dedicated to hiring people with autism. 

If you’re interested in learning more about increasing inclusivity in the classroom, check out The Nora Project, a nonprofit that aims to promote disability inclusion by training teachers. 

Six Ways to Promote Mental Health in the Classroom

While the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the mental health struggles of children and adults alike, it also helped normalize and bring attention to the topic. The mental health of school-aged students, in particular, has been negatively impacted by the unprecedented disruption.

Today is World Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to increasing the awareness of mental health issues globally and to emphasize the importance of supporting mental health. Below are some ideas on how to incorporate mental health and social-emotional learning in your classroom.

Normalize and explore emotions

A great starting point for discussing mental health is to simply start talking about emotions with your students. Consider bringing in a resource like a feelings poster to help kids build their emotional vocabulary, or try introducing a game like Feelings Detective to your students.

Get Outside

A wealth of studies have shown that spending time in nature has a positive effect on mental health for people of all ages. As an added bonus, outside time can also improve students’ ability to learn and pay attention. Making extra outdoor time a priority in a busy school day can be a positive routine for students and teachers. Consider asking your students how they feel when outdoors compared to indoors; their answers might surprise you.

Discuss Self-Care

Adults aren’t the only ones who need self-care. Children can benefit from exercise, downtime, time spent outdoors, breathing exercises, journaling or simply being on the receiving end of the uninterrupted attention of a caring adult. Be a self-care role model by talking to your students about how you practice self-care, then open up a group brainstorming session where your class creates a menu of different ways students can nurture themselves. To take it a step further, divide your students into small groups and let them explore different methods of self-care, like listening to a guided meditation, journaling, or extra recess to see which ones they like best.

Incorporate Tech

Technology is a great way to engage students while sneaking in a little social-emotional learning. Microsoft Teams offers the Reflect app, allowing students to express how they’re feeling using emojis and characters. CLOSEGAP is a free app that incorporates social emotional learning, emotional check-ins and crisis support.

Include movies and books

In addition to tech, incorporating movies, books, and games into your curriculum can be an impactful way to make learning about mental health more fun and engaging. For instance, Disney’s "Inside Out," ideal for elementary school students, skillfully portrays the main character’s experience of dealing with strong emotions like anger, disgust, joy, sadness, and fear. For a list of books that broach mental health topics, check out Publishers Weekly’s list here.

Ask the school counselor

If you’re struggling to come up with ways to promote mental health amongst your students, consider reaching out to your school counselor or social worker. As the experts in this field, they’re likely to have an abundance of ideas about how to talk to and teach students about mental health. They’ll also know of other resources your school might offer, like counseling or lunchtime support groups for kids with anxiety or learning differences.

5 Ways Microsoft is Working to Improve Accessibility and Equity in Education and Beyond

Ensuring equity in education has long been a goal for educators. The need for efficient Internet at home during the pandemic highlighted the fact that we have a long way to go to address these disparities. Microsoft Education is trying to bridge this gap with several of their new products and initiatives. Microsoft Reimagine

Last December, Microsoft hosted a virtual event, Microsoft Reimagine. The event brought educators, changemakers and tech leaders together to share examples of inclusive education in action as well as offer resources and ideas on how to make learning more equitable. Other topics explored include the safety and security of school data, streamlining digital systems and harnessing computer science to prep students for the future. You can watch the event here.

Inclusive Tech Lab

Microsoft’s Inclusive Tech Lab is another branch of their work to increase inclusivity through technology. The Inclusive Tech Lab is intended to be a hub where Microsoft designers can collaborate with people with disabilities in order to create more accessible, innovative, inclusive tech solutions.

Microsoft Learn Educator Center

You likely already know that Microsoft offers a hearty catalog of resources for educators. Through the Microsoft Learn Educator Center, teachers and administrators can take modules on accessibility and inclusivity. From the nitty gritty, like learning how to better use Microsoft Reading Progress to increase fluency and courses on Dyslexia to broader subjects, like creating a more inclusive classroom and teaching special education via remote learning, this expansive library is a great resource for teachers.

Windows 11 SE

Windows 11 SE retains Windows’ dependable features while streamlining its design. Based on feedback from educators who saw the need for operating systems that are simpler and can be used on more affordable devices, Windows 11 SE was created to support students and educators in blended learning environments.

Designed for grades K-8 and featuring a cloud-first operating system, Windows 11 SE aims to limit distractions so students can stay focused. While the operating system includes several teacher standbys, like Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, One Note and Minecraft for Education, only administrators are able to download new apps. All the included Microsoft apps can be used offline, and OneDrive allows students to save files even when they don’t have internet access.

Windows 11 SE also includes features to support students with learning differences, like color filter and Immersive Reader, which supports students with difficulties reading. Through Microsoft Teams, second language learners have access to Microsoft Translator.

Surface Laptop SE

Designed for hybrid learning, the Surface Laptop SE comes preloaded with Windows 11 SE and Microsoft’s most affordable Surface PC to date. Battery life of up to 16 hours allows students to get through long days at school or home without losing power. The laptop comes equipped with a high-res camera for virtual meetings, and is designed to fit comfortably in students’ backpacks.

Reach out to us to discuss how Microsoft's latest tech innovations could benefit your school!

Best Education Apps for 2022

Over the past few years, apps have become a staple of education. Apps offer fun, engaging opportunities for students to explore learning. Here are a few of our favorite apps for 2022. 

Chances are, you’re already acquainted with Google Classroom. The app provides teachers a streamlined hub to centralize lesson plans, and assignments, as well as tracking student progress. Students can access assignments and see due dates. Discussion forums and teacher-student messaging provide an opportunity for collaboration or extra help.

Microsoft’s Minecraft: Education Edition harnesses the magic of Minecraft while teaching students about working collaboratively, coding and creative problem-solving. Microsoft offers free online training for educators to become Minecraft-certified teachers, game-based lesson plans, and an online community where educators can connect and share how they’re using Minecraft.

Making math approachable and fun is a breeze with DragonBox’s collection of math apps. Learners ages 4-8 can learn the basics with Numbers before graduating to Big Numbers and Algebra 5+, while Learn Chess uses puzzles and strategic tasks to explore the rules of chess. Kids ages 8 and up can try Multiplication, which uses mini-games to help teach the times tables, or Algebra 12+, which builds on Algebra 5+. The award-winning Elements teach geometric proofs as students race to save Greek mathematician Euclid from an evil dragon. A wealth of printable resources extends the lessons beyond the screen. 

The Epic! app gives students instant access to thousands of age-appropriate books. Teachers and students can track how many books they’ve read, while tools like Read-To-Me and Dictionary Look-up offer extra support and learning opportunities. 

While BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr. both deliver solid lessons on the standard educational topics, their social and emotional programming are what really set them apart. BrainPOP teaches kids about topics like digital safety and citizenship, mindfulness and sustainability in an engaging, age-appropriate manner.  

Kids learn the basics of coding through codeSpark’s puzzles, challenges and mini-games. Designed to expose young kids to coding, and reduce the gender-equity gap in STEM, once kids master the basics, they can design and create their own games. 

Designed to promote learning in kids ages 2-8, ABCMouse offers a full curriculum of lessons in math, science, reading and art. With over 800 lessons across ten levels of play and tons of extra content ranging from digital jigsaw puzzles to printable activities, kids and educators will love tracking students’ progress as they move through the levels.  

Quizlet helps students study more effectively. The app offers a digital alternative to flashcards and guides students on breaking down complex problems into step-by-step solutions. Choose from an existing library of Quizlets, or design your own to perfectly fit the content. Kids can play as individuals or in team mode to boost collaboration.

Khan Academy is a robust, personalized learning resource for students ranging from K-12 and even early college. The engaging instructional videos and practice exercises allow students to study at their own pace. In addition to test preparation (such as SAT, Praxis, and even the LSAT), traditional subjects include math, science, computing, history, and art history. Khan Academy also offers courses and valuable life skills, including social and emotional learning, personal finance and internet safety. 

Duolingo is a popular language app. With its friendly vibe and elements of gamification, kids (and adults!) can enjoy exploring a new language or take their existing knowledge to the next level. Lessons are bite-sized, and Duolingo now offers podcasts to enhance the learning experience.

Using EdTech to Teach the Arts

Technology offers endless opportunities to expand and enrich the way students learn. While many of us grew up learning to draw with pencil and paper, shaping clay with our hands, or gluing stiff pieces of macaroni to construction paper, today, the ways in which students can learn are infinite—and decidedly less messy.

Beyond cutting down on cleanup time, using edtech to teach the arts offers other unexpected benefits. Technology allows students with disabilities new, more accessible ways of creating, evens the playing field for kids who believe they can’t draw a straight line, and increases engagement for learners who might otherwise be reluctant to learn the arts. 

Below are a handful of impressive edtech tools that can be used for teaching the arts.  

Google Arts & Culture 

A quick scroll on Google Arts & Cultures reveals a multiverse of engaging content for curious kids—and adults, too. Curious students can explore art and art history by color, a time period, a culture or a theme. 

The site provides virtual tours of faraway museums or galleries, as well as a collection of arts and culture-based games in addition to its deep dives on visual art. 

Smarthistory

The result of a collaboration of more than 500 professionals in the art world, Smarthistory is another great resource for educators and students. The site hosts a variety of webinars, videos, courses and multimedia textbooks on topics of art history ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern art. 

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts offers educators free lesson plans on subjects like visual art, theatre, opera, literary arts and more. Whether you’re prepping for a high school lesson plan on Shakespeare or an elementary school unit on the life cycle of sunflowers using Van Gogh’s paintings, the Kennedy Center offers a rich resource for educators. Eager learners can also view video-based art lessons from a roster of talented visiting teachers.  

PlayART app

A fun app designed with younger children in mind, PlayArt allows kids to use existing elements from classic artwork and add their own touch, encouraging both artistic exploration with a pinch of art history. 

Music Constructed

Music Constructed provides music teachers with a variety of lesson plans, teaching units and a wealth of ideas, as well as three tiers of professional development resources. The site also boasts an online forum where teachers can network, connect or ask questions of their peers. 

Soundtrap 

Students can collaborate on musical projects or podcasts through Soundtrap, a cloud-based app. Soundtrap lets students experiment with sound, recording, rhythm and more. Students and teachers can add tracks from home, allowing plenty of opportunities to collaborate, whether in the classroom or from home. 

Book Creator

With Book Creator, students can create impressing, multimedia comic books, magazines or books. Designed to include reluctant writers and kids with learning differences, the app allows users to incorporate voice recordings, videos, icons, emojis and more as tools for expression. 

Summertime, and the Learning is Easy!

School may be out, but the learning never stops—especially for educators! If professional development is on your summer to-do list, we’ve got some ideas for you. Below, check out some professional development options from our partners.

Become a Google Certified Educator

Whether you want to learn how to better use Google tools to streamline your classroom, are interested in learning more about Chromebooks or you’d like to train other educators as a summer side hustle, Google for Education offers a variety of training paths. Free online training help educators make the most of classroom technology, while also preparing them for certifications, including Level 1 and 2 Educator Certifications to Certified Coach, Trainer and Innovator. 

A few highlights of Google’s free courses include the Digital Citizenship and Safety Course, which informs educators how to keep themselves and their students safe from phishing and other scams, how to manage and maintain an online reputation, and how to navigate issues around privacy. Meanwhile, in the Tools for Diverse Learners Training, explore ways to harness technology to better accommodate learners with special needs. 

Inspired educators with a vision to transform education can check out Google’s Certified Innovator program. The program nurtures educators who’ve passed the Google Certified Educator Level 2 exam in launching their own innovation projects with the support of a community of like-minded learners and mentoring. 

Delve into Dell Technologies Professional Learning

Dell Technologies collaborates with school districts to provide personalized professional development for educators. From virtual courses to professional certification offerings, Dell is committed to helping districts achieve their goals. 

Among Dell’s virtual courses, you’ll find classes like Authentic Student Learning and Gamification, which cover the benefits of gamification while also incorporating the theory into the training itself. Inquiry and Questioning: Igniting Student Curiosity with Technology provides a deep dive into the value of fostering curiosity, as well as the intersection of curiosity and technology. Leading a Culture of Change in your School examines technology initiatives that can be used to create change.

Explore the Microsoft Learn Educator Center

The Microsoft Learn Educator Center offers a plethora of training options. Whether you’re interested in integrating Minecraft into your teaching by becoming a Global Minecraft Mentor, learning more about increasing accessibility and inclusivity in your school, or diving deeper into STEM and coding, you’re sure to find training that matches your interests. 

Close the STEM gap by engaging girls goes over ways to close the gender gap and lead more girls and women into STEM careers. In Build social and emotional skills in your classroom community with Reflect, teachers learn how Microsoft’s Reflect app gives students the chance to identify their emotions, increase empathy and feel heard. For educators interested in how a blend of in-person and virtual learning might look in the future, check out Lead forward: Integrate the best strategies from remote, hybrid and blended learning for school leaders.

What are your favorite professional development resources for educators? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Cleaning up your Classroom Tech for Summer Break

Cleaning up your Classroom Tech for Summer Break

As the academic calendar winds down, it’s natural for educators and administrators to daydream about their summer plans. But before you leave your classroom behind for the summer, you might devote some time to do some digital decluttering of your devices. Think of it as the virtual version of wiping a chalkboard clean—it takes a little time now, but you’ll appreciate it when you return to the classroom next school year. Here are a few things to consider as you prepare for the summer break.

Decide on a strategy

Are you a dive-in-and-do-it-all-in-one-day type? If so, get out your calendar and schedule a day to spend on digital clean-up. On the other hand, if the thought of spending hours on end sorting through your devices makes your eyes cross, try setting aside smaller chunks of time. Spending just 15 minutes before or after each school day sorting through files can make the task more manageable. 

Delete, delete, delete

With the school year still fresh in your mind, it’s the ideal time to spring clean your devices. Are apps you or your school no longer use taking up space on your devices? Do you have saved parent email lists, photos, or lesson plans from previous school years that you no longer need? Go through and purge any apps, files, bookmarks, emails, and folders that you know you won’t need for the next school year. 

File it

“What if I might need it later?” is a common refrain when decluttering. If you’re finding you have a lot of files, apps, or lessons that you think you might need in the future, it might be helpful to create a “maybe” or “decide later” folder. You could even put a reminder in your calendar now for a date a few months into the next school year to review your “maybe” file.

Reflect. 

Let’s face it—the last few years have been incredibly challenging for educators. You’ve made it through another school year, enduring difficulties your professional training never could’ve prepared you for. Take a moment to acknowledge the wild ride it’s been, full of rocky moments and silver linings. You could even write yourself a short note summing up aspects of the school year that went well and those that didn’t.

Enjoy your well-earned summer break! 

EdTech and the Metaverse: What Could it Look Like?

EdTech and the Metaverse: What Could it Look Like?

Technological innovation is constantly evolving. The newest frontier in the digital landscape is the metaverse: a collection of universes in which the digital and the physical overlap. With technology and education being well immersed, it’s safe to assume that the metaverse will have an impact on schooling; the question is, how?

What is the metaverse?

Simply put, the metaverse is a digital space in which users can interact in a variety of ways. These can include communicating, gaming, and experiencing virtual reality. 

How will the metaverse change instruction?

1. DIFFERENT LEARNING SPACES

   With the immersion of the metaverse, the classroom itself is no longer limited in location. The redesigned structure, allowed by technological feats, will have students traveling outside the walls of their schools and into new worlds. Students will be able to use Virtual Reality headsets to explore other countries, historical eras, or even outer space. Augmented Reality glasses could revolutionize the field trip experience. Mixed Reality technology will work to make learning come alive.
   

2. CHANGES IN GAMING

   Educators understand that gamifying lessons adds fun and increases engagement. The combination of gaming and the metaverse only works to make the activities more life-like. Students can be challenged to rack up points by answering questions and completing assignments, and can “cash in” their points with some metaverse prize or opportunity. The creative incentives are limitless.  
   

3. ACCESS TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

   One of the most thrilling possibilities of metaverse for educational use is the opportunity to interact with artificial intelligence. This futuristic feature will undoubtedly excite students. Learners will be able to receive answers to commonly asked questions via digital avatar. Over time, the avatars could become more developed in their expertise, and possibly able to act as tour guides in the digital world.
   
   The educational metverse is full of potential to engage and excite students. With limitless creative potential, the metaverse could transform our understanding of traditional classroom learning. 

EdTech Tradeshow Survival Kit: Tips for Creating a Valuable Experience

EdTech Tradeshow Survival Kit: Tips for Creating a Valuable Experience

Because the world of educational technology is ever evolving, keeping up with the latest is integral to modern education. Attending professional development events, such as tradeshows and conferences, is one way to stay informed about the latest and greatest gadgets and programs in the field. 

If you’re headed to an event this year with your school or teaching team, we have a few pointers to ensure that you’re getting the best and most worthwhile experience. 

1. Have a goal in mind.
   Just like with classroom teaching, it’s wise to begin with a clear objective. So, ask yourself: what are you hoping to glean from this event? Perhaps it’s tech integration ideas, perusing newer and better devices, or even working on forging some networking opportunities. Decide what you want to get out of the event, and put your focus on accomplishing that goal. 
   
   
   

2. Get familiar with the schedule. 
   While some PD events may have a fixed schedule, others will allow for more flexibility in accordance with your goals. Take a look at the event schedule beforehand so that you’re familiar with what’s happening, when, and where. For a tradeshow experience, do some preparation beforehand and research which companies may have what you’re seeking.
   
   
   

3. Come with questions.
   At both conferences and expos, experts will be at the ready to help assist you. If you’ve done some advance research, you’ll be in the right place to get your questions answered.
   
   
   

4. Check out the event map.
   Your time is valuable, and you don’t want to spend it trying to find your bearings. Just a few minutes of planning time could save many more later on; so, make sure to take a look at the event’s map on their website before attending.
   
   
   

5. Bring the right gear. 
   Chances are, you’ll be hauling some stuff. Between your own personal device, brochures and other learning materials, you’ll need a quick way to transport it all. Use a comfortable backpack or a rolling bag to optimize comfort for the long day. Plan to wear a comfortable, business casual outfit and sensible shoes: for a tradeshow especially, you can expect a good amount of walking. 

Tradeshows, conferences, expos, and other events are crucial to professional development. In these spaces, teachers and administrators can learn best practices for technological integration, participate in interesting sessions, and have hands on experiences. By using our guide, you’re likely to end your day with helpful takeaways and great memories.

Top Ed-Tech Resources in 2022

As a premier educational technology supplier for several decades, Arey Jones knows a thing or two about the best machines in the business. We provide customized solutions for our clients, and with that, recommend excellent products that aid in the creation of modern learning spaces.

Our partners are pioneers in the field of EdTech, bringing to the table some of the most cutting-edge tools, gadgets, and programs. To kick off the new calendar year, we’re excited to share some of our favorite features offered by partners of Arey Jones.

HP

HP Education solutions commit to aiding education, everywhere. Its built-for-school technology is perfect for teachers and students alike. The HP Chromebook 11 is a top pick for education. It has so many features to love: a long battery life, a great sized screen, and a HD IPS touchscreen- just to name a few. It’s comfortable and reliable: great for traveling back and forth to school and home.

Microsoft

Microsoft Office 365 is integral to virtually every business and academic landscape. With must-have features like Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote, it’s impossible to imagine a school without it. 

Recently, Office 365 launched several useful, groundbreaking, and fun new features. Take a look at all of our favorites here. In addition, these free tools from Microsoft make everyday teaching tasks function a little easier.

Google

Google for Education remains a prominent figure in the EdTech world, and for good reason! Google Classroom is filled with incredibly useful programs. Their systems streamline everything from lesson planning to parent communication.

Peruse Google for Education for more information on specific features (such as slides, docs, and meet), and other highlights like professional development.

Google Chromebooks pack some power, but they also boast affordability. Their lightweight design makes them perfect for classroom use, and they can easily be navigated by little hands. When paired with the other, innovative features that Google classroom has to offer, Chromebooks can truly transform the educational experience- both from in and outside of the classroom. Check out some of our favorite things to do with Google Chromebooks.

Dell

Dell is a well-respected and well-known name in the tech industry. They have a device to fit every lifestyle and academic need. One of our favorites is the Dell 3110 Chromebook is designed to last. Its rigorous testing includes making sure it’s able to endure dozens of drops. The keyboard is spill and tamper-resistant, and the ports stay protected and covered with reinforced brackets. These awesome features and its impressively long battery life make this Chromebook a perfect fit for school.

Lenovo

Lenovo is one of the most trusted brands out there.  The Lenovo 100e is perfectly designed with education in mind. It’s durable and light, making it extra portable for students on the move. With rubber bumpers and reinforced hinges, it can stand the test of time (and the test of little ones) in the classroom. 

Lenovo’s 300e is a practical, impressive machine and comes at a price that any school administrator will love. It’s built with education in mind, and with the durability to thrive while under the care of younger students. We love its water-resistant keyboard and the seamless way it is able to run apps. 

These tech devices and programs are sure to assist in making 2022 a great year for education. Click here to find out what services Arey Jones has to offer.

Maintaining Data Security: Four Key Considerations for Administrators

Maintaining Data Security: Four Key Considerations for Administrators

The incorporation of technology into education has been a force for positive change, bringing units to life and building more efficient communication. But with the emergence of technological advancements relating to data comes the need to consider students’ virtual information- and how to keep it secure. 

Data privacy in education is extremely important, and maintaining students’ information privacy is a chief priority for school administrators. Take a look at some crucial considerations for admin when it comes to data.

Become familiar with the law. 

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It enumerates who has access to students’ information, and when. Only his or her parents can access a student’s educational record until the student is of legal age. There are specific instances in which schools can share information without permission. Some examples of these circumstances include: school officials with legitimate educational interest, other schools to which a student is transferring, or appropriate parties with connection to financial aid to a student. 

To read more about FERPA, click here.

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) outlines restrictions for the process when students might be asked for information as part of federally funded surveys or evaluations. Sometimes, surveys are used to help gather information and better understand certain issues facing students- including, drug and alcohol use and personal conduct. Schools are required to show parents the survey materials and give parents choices regarding content. 

To read more about PPRA, click here.

Establish best practices for the classroom.

Administrators are responsible for educating staff on best practices for data in the classroom. Teachers should be instructed to keep information secure: passwords and other student records should be kept in a safe, designated location. This applies to both physical and technological data. Teach educators how to help their students make good data decisions; these can include keeping passwords to themselves and asking adults before downloading apps. 

Learn more about how parents and teachers can help protect students’ data.

Always use demo data.

Staff training often requires the use of data for instruction. This can apply to learning a new program, analysis of testing data, or assessing academic benchmarks. When using data for demonstrations is necessary, the data itself- in training- does not need to be authentic. Always choose to use pretend data to ensure students’ privacy. 

Have a plan for data destruction.

After data has been utilized (or becomes irrelevant), it should be removed. However, this is not as simple as merely hitting “delete”. Digital data is difficult to completely erase as both storage and recovery techniques are innovative. Because of this, schools should look to methods of permanent data destruction. FERPA does not provide direct instruction regarding data destruction, nor does it require that particular methods of destruction be utilized. It’s considered best practice to have a third party work to clear, purge, and destroy this information. 

Data destruction and disk erasure are services offered by Arey Jones Educational Services.

Education has been forever changed by technology. Integrate these tips to guarantee that student data remains safe in your school.  

Tips for Transitioning Back to School After Winter Break

For everyone in the academic world, winter break is a happily anticipated time. It’s two weeks filled with much-needed relaxation and recreation. But after the days of presents, family traditions, and delicious baked goods, it’s difficult to return to the classroom, and to the mental demands of full-time schooling.

Coming back from break is inevitable, but feeling bummed about it doesn’t have to be. Check out our tips for successfully transitioning back to the classroom, and help get your students prepped and excited for a new semester.

Give Your Classroom a Refresh

A classroom, like a home, needs an occasional reset. Use this new semester as a chance to give your environment a little bit of a spruce up. Start with restocking community supplies, dusting surfaces, and perfecting bulletin boards.  Then, take a closer look at items that might need to be replaced, such as worn-off nametags, book covers, or old bathroom passes. Giving your classroom some TLC is certainly time-consuming (#teacherlife), but creating a fresh, happy environment is worth it.

This is also a good time to assess your storage options and electronic care. Take a look at our recommendations for organizing all of your important tech gear. 

Allow Students an Opportunity to Share

Most students, especially younger ones, will be excited to reconnect with classmates and will be anxious to share some of their winter break adventures with the group. For teachers, the challenge is to not have winter break stories interrupt instruction time. Meet them halfway by allowing students to share a break highlight with the class. Use this randomizer to call on participants, adding some extra fun to the activity. 

If you’re a middle or high school teacher, think about beginning the class with a pressure-free icebreaker. Oftentimes, students are shuffled into different class periods at the start of a new semester; some new students could be joining the school as well. In any case, it’s helpful to give everyone a fair shake at getting acquainted. Check out our ideas for easy, fun icebreakers here.

Practice Procedures

It might go by in a flash, but two weeks is a long time to be out of the everyday routine. If you neglect to re-teach procedures, students will create their own. Don’t let this happen to you! Go over your expectations for pivotal classroom transitions, such as: what to do when the bell rings, dismissal to and re-entrance from recess, passing in homework, needing to use the restroom. Taking the time to get on the same page will save you time (and frustration) moving forward.

Review, Review, Review

Teachers have a lot of content to cover- but as tempting as it is- don’t simply proceed as usual. If you have cumulative content, or if the break occurred in the middle of a unit, make sure to work in some review time. Consider beginning with a review game or engaging activity to get those brain juices flowing. This will ease students back into the swing of things and help ensure that fundamental understanding is there. 

Bethany at Teaching with Technology compiled an incredible list of tech-friendly, fun activities to excite your students.

With the help of these ideas, we think you and your students might even be excited to return to the classroom. Best wishes for a productive second half of the school year!

Say “Thanks” to Your IT Personnel This November

The last several semesters have been tough on teachers, students and staff, but especially on your IT personnel. In the wake of the pandemic, more attention has been focused on what resources students need to learn in school and while at home. IT personnel were instrumental in helping to provide the tools students needed for word processing, research and communication. Take the time to thank your IT personnel this month.

IT's Many Responsibilities

The sky is the limit when it comes to the tasks that your IT personnel must tackle. IT is typically responsible for assisting teachers, staff and students with any computer issue or question. “My computer won’t connect to the Internet.” “I clicked on something in an email and now I’m getting a malware message.” “How do I add another student to our Google Classroom?”

Your IT personnel also provide all the service and maintenance for every computer in the school so they run like they should. They also have the added job of staying updated on new software and installing programs and features. Some IT personnel are even certified to analyze the needs of students with disabilities, selecting the appropriate devices and providing training on how to use those devices.

Ideas to Say “Thanks”

Employee recognition, like saying “thanks,” helps your staff feel appreciated which can boost morale and productivity. 

• Write a Personalized Note: Thanksgiving is the perfect time to show your gratitude for your IT employees via a personalized note or card. “We’re thankful for all you do for our school! We appreciate your skills and dedication.”
  

• Give a Thoughtful Gift: Get to know the members of your IT department and reward them with a thoughtful gift they’ll enjoy. Give a great bag of coffee to a coffee addict. The latest NY Times bestseller is great for readers. Music lovers would go crazy for an iTunes or Spotify gift card. The options are endless as long as you know what your employees’ passions are.
  

• Offer Your IT Team Some Swag: Your IT department needs to have a lot of equipment and tools on hand – laptop bags, flash drives, HDMI cords and so on. Find a company to put your school’s logo on them for your IT department. The swag will help them do their jobs and show them you’re thankful for their hard work!
  

• Set up a Gratitude Wall: Showcase your IT department on one of your school’s walls. Put up photos of everyone in the department and ask some of your teachers and students to write a note of thanks for the help they’ve received. The more specific, the better. “Thank you for setting up my class’s Chromebooks so quickly!”
  

• Serve Lunch or Snacks. Food is always a great reward. Offering your IT lunch or an afternoon snack will always be appreciated. 

Arey Jones can support your IT department by being there after the sale. We can help with custom installation, site-to-site VPN connection, 1:1 asset management, secure disk erasure and more. Because sometimes the best way to say thanks is by offering some help. Contact us today about our personalized solutions. post content here…

Celebrate Your Teachers on World Teachers’ Day

A teacher can do tremendous things. They inspire, challenge, uplift, support and most of all, educate. Teachers have had a tough couple of years juggling their responsibilities with maintaining classroom safety during the pandemic. This year more than ever you should show your appreciation for all their hard work. One way to do that is by recognizing them on World Teachers’ Day.

History of World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day (WTD) has been held annually on Oct. 5 since 1994. It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. According to UNESCO, this Recommendation sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment and teaching and learning conditions. World Teachers’ Day is co-convened in partnership with UNICEF, the International Labour Organization and Education International.

Ways to Recognize Your Teachers

The sky is the limit when it comes to recognizing your teachers on WTD. Here are some ideas.

• Hold a Recognition Assembly. Public recognition lets everyone in your school, teachers and students, take part in celebrating teachers. A short assembly, it can even consist of a game, is a great way to take time to show your teachers just how much you appreciate them.

• Ask the PTA to Bring Donuts for the Breakroom. Everyone loves a sweet treat. Reach out to your local PTO or PTA (Parent Teacher Organization or Association) and ask them to recognize their school’s teachers by providing snacks for the breakroom. 

• Send Handwritten Notes to Teachers. A simple thank you goes a long way and a handwritten thank you goes even longer! Recruit some of the administrative staff to write handwritten thank you notes to each of your teachers. Deliver the notes to each of the teachers on WTD.

• Give Your Teachers a Break. A mental health break can do wonders for anyone but especially for teachers. Hold a lottery with the winning teacher receiving a free period when you take over their class. The winner can arrange with you the class he or she wants you to take over.

• Supply Them with New EdTech. So, this might not be able to happen just on WTD, but investing in new EdTech can make your teachers’ lives much easier. The latest technology from Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft EDU and Google for Education can make classroom learning more enriching and efficient. 

Arey Jones has been committed to supplying K-12 classrooms with personalized solutions from a variety of partners. We understand the unique challenges of EdTech. With over 45 years of experience working with K-12 schools, Arey Jones’ mission is to assist in the transformation of teaching and learning. We provide customized solutions that enable the creation of 21st-century learning spaces that support creativity, collaboration, innovation, and critical thinking.