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Spring 2023 Year-End Tech Update
WRSD Technology Integration Team
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This document outlines some notable changes to educational technology tools that you can expect to see when we return to school in the fall. We are also taking steps to streamline some of the products we use for instruction and want to be sure that you are fully supported in the coming school year.
Barry Sclar, Supervisor of Information Services Jennifer Knowles, PreK-5 TIS
Matthew Haynes, MS TIS Sean R. Sullivan, HS TIS
EdPuzzle and Screencastify
EdPuzzle is a tool that many WRSD teachers use to safely host instructional videos and add formative question sets to them. We subscribe to EdPuzzle’s Pro features, which have recently expanded to include creating, editing, and hosting screencast and webcam videos. EdPuzzle Pro includes unlimited storage for teachers’ video lessons. EdPuzzle Pro will be renewed, district-wide.
We currently also have a district-wide license for the premium features in Screencastify. Based on Screencastify usage data and the development of screencasting features in EdPuzzle, the district premium license for Screencastify will not be renewed for the 2023-24 school year. Teachers can continue to use the free version of Screencastify. Follow the link below for more information.
What is the video limit on my Screencastify Free account?
For next school year, we recommend that most teachers use EdPuzzle to create and share screencasts and webcam videos. We’re pleased with the way they’ve expanded the product and we’re excited to share these new built-in features with you. Teachers who would like support transitioning from Screencastify can reach out to a TIS for help.
Kami
Kami is an online tool that allows teachers and students to easily share and annotate digital documents like images and PDF worksheets. Based on our district usage data from this school year, it appears that many teachers are actively using the free features of Kami, but have not had a significant need for the premium features. We also know that some of the premium Kami features that we have tried are available at no extra cost through other online platforms. As a result, we will not be renewing Kami’s premium features for the 2023-24 school year.
If you are looking out for a feature that is only available with a paid Kami account, please reach out to a TIS so we can guide you to a solution for your classroom.
Newsela
Changes are coming to the free version of Newsela in Fall 2023. Teachers using free accounts will see modified functionality when they return to school.
Here’s the basic rundown of what users can expect next year:
- Newsela will curate 4 specific articles per month that teachers may assign. Teachers won’t be able to choose from the wider Newsela content library any longer.
- Each article will be available at 5 different reading levels.
- Teachers can still view and comment on student quiz responses for these articles.
Grammarly
Grammarly is an extension to the Chrome browser that checks and corrects spelling and grammar. In recent years, some Wachusett students and staff have used Grammarly to improve their writing. However, due to incompatibility issues between the extension and Google’s built-in editing tools, Grammarly will be removed for student use after this school year. Students should use the built-in grammar and proofing tools in Google Docs. The Grammarly extension will still be available for staff use, with the caveat that it may interfere with some features within Google Docs.