Friday, February 13, 2015

Raspberry Pi and Banana Pianos
The world of computer design and programming often seems far away in Silicon Valley, but SDMS students will soon get a chance to find out that, in reality, that world is here, and now. Ms. Capwell recently got the components to build basic computers and some invention kits that encourage creativity and an understand of electronics and circuitry. Instead of relying on technology designed for consumption, like tablets or smartphones, this project will get kids designing and creating, igniting their inner maker to engage with technology, rather than passively watching or merely playing with it.
You might be wondering, "Raspberry Pie? Bananas?" As it turns out, only one of these projects uses actual fruit. Students will be building a computer from scratch parts, with a Raspberry Pi. This is an affordable, credit-card sized computer that works with basic components. The MaKey MaKey invention kits will allow kids to experiment making a basic circuit controller out of anything - bananas included - to control software and apps on their computers. Kids will build and code these devices themselves, sparking a greater interest in technology and bringing a sense of pride and accomplishment.
One of the most exciting things about this project is that it was crowd-funded through Donors Choose. Several people who donated to this project cited their own youthful experiments with technology as leading to more interesting career paths (many in computer sciences), and were excited to support the technological explorations of SDMS students. 

Friday, February 6, 2015

MEA Teacher/Test Administrator: what should I be doing?

Where should you, as a TA, be 38 days before the MEA test window opens.

1. Tested TIDE login credentials and explored the MEA portal.  Once you are in the Teacher/Test Administrator area, click the TIDE button.  If you can't log into TIDE or you have a message indicating your account is locked, you will have to call the Airast HelpDesk.  Their number and email are on the TIDE login screen.

2. Completed TA certification.  You can find that link once you have gone to http://me.portal.airast.org/

3. Completed the training test with your students.

4. Completed at least one practice test with your students.

5. Checked your school’s test schedule RSU #20 SBAC timeline checklist.  At a minimum of 3 weeks before your school begins testing, you need to start working from the TA Checklist.  You can find that link on the Checklist spreadsheet tab for your school (the tab names are along the bottom of the spreadsheet).

Review this information: 
MDOE PD video - this is 3 hours long.  The PD notes above are a summation of this video.
TA user guide - this document was created in April 2014 for the field test, but the information is still valid.
TIDE user guide - this document was created in April 2014 for the field test, but the information is still valid.

Check sbac.rsu20.org at least weekly

Ask an MEA (SBAC) question.  This an RSU #20 Google form.  We will review the questions submitted daily and publish the answers on our FAQpage

MEA School Test Coordinator: what should I be doing?

Where should you, as an SC, be right now.  It is Friday, 6 February 2015 and it is 38 days before the MEA test window opens for the Maine.

As of today, MEA School Test Coordinators should have:

1. Tested TIDE login credentials.  Explore the MEA School Test Coordinator portal.  Once you are in the School Test Coordinator area, click the TIDE button.  If you can't log into TIDE or you have a message indicating your account is locked, you will have to call the Airast HelpDesk.  Their number is on the TIDE login screen.

2. Completed the TA certification.  It would be a good idea for you to complete this 30 minute tutorial on using TIDE. SCs are able to administer tests.  You can find that link once you have gone to http://me.portal.airast.org/

3. Reviewed this information: MEA PD notes and MDOE PD video

Additionally,
  • Check sbac.rsu20.org at least weekly

  • Check your school’s test schedule RSU #20 SBAC timeline checklist.  At a minimum of 3 weeks before your school begins testing, you need to start working from the SC Checklist.  You can find that link on the Checklist spreadsheet tab for your school (the tab names are along the bottom of the spreadsheet).

  • If your school does not have a defined test schedule, that is priority #1.