Blended learning approaches to curriculum delivery have become de rigueur for AISA schools, and are no longer considered “trendy”, “innovative” or something that is implemented when campuses close. The success of blended learning relies on a mix of pedagogical best practice and a range of appropriate digital tools.

District Licensing

Many schools are familiar with the online learning platform Seesaw and the meaningful student engagement it provides.
In December, AISA finalised arrangements with Seesaw and initiated a district licensing opportunity for schools. To date, nine schools have joined. If your school would like to take advantage of discounted pricing and access to collaborative resources, please contact either William Thuku (wthuku@aisa.or.ke) or Marcus Tanner (mtanner@his.ac.zw) for further details.

Webinar resources

Edpuzzle and Screencastify, both ASIA Learning Partners, offer a range of webinar series to help teachers effectively integrate these tools into their professional practice.

• Edpuzzle Zero to Hero
  Are you new to Edpuzzle and not sure where to start? This is the perfect session for you. This session will give you a basic overview of Edpuzzle, a quick demo of the interface, and some ideas for using it. We will also be exploring options for finding videos for our lessons and you will be creating an Edpuzzle video assignment.
  Target audience: beginners
• Edpuzzle Dive Deeper
  From differentiation to blended learning, from project-based learning to supporting our ESL/SEN students, Edpuzzle can help us save time, offer our students better and faster feedback, and give them agency! This session explores several ways of using the power of videos in our classroom, coupled with different pedagogical approaches.
  Target audience: intermediate/advanced users
• Edpuzzle Appsmashing
  Edpuzzle can give teachers superpowers even on its own. When coupled with other apps, the possibilities truly become endless. This session explores combining Edpuzzle with tools like Explain Everything, Book Creator, My Maps, Quizziz etc.
  Target audience: intermediate/advanced users
• Screencastify – Consolidate Tech Tools to Fight Fatigue
  In this on-demand webinar, the panel discusses the challenges and tech fatigue that teachers face with complicated workflows as well as talks about the strategies and tools that schools and districts can adopt to overcome these obstacles and simplify workflows.
• Screencastify – How Teachers Can Maximize Tech Stacks, Improve Engagement
  In this episode of EdTech Heroes, host Nef Dukes chats with four members of the Screencastify Squad — Rebecca, Katie, Olivia, and Laura. In this bonus episode, they share their thoughts on student engagement and how technology can be leveraged to increase it.

AISA Online Communities

AISA hosts a number of technology-oriented online forums, which are listed here. These communities have been very quiet in recent times – why not check them out, and post a contribution? It could be a question, a topic for wider discussion or an introduction to something innovative that has been implemented in your school. Be part of a collaborative effort with practitioners that work in schools similar to your own!

ISTE Certification for Teachers

ISTE Certification for Educators is a vendor-neutral, internationally recognized credential for educators who have demonstrated mastery of the Educators section of the ISTE Standards. ISTE Certification focuses on pedagogy, not on tools or devices, and is designed to change educational practice. The program combines 14 weeks of professional learning with a six-month portfolio application and review process.
Over 20 practitioners from AISA schools, consisting of teachers, coaches, administrators and support staff have engaged with this credential program, organized and sponsored by AISA. Participants are currently reaching the end of the coursework phase of the program and will soon begin preparing their portfolios to demonstrate their mastery of the ISTE Standards for Educators.

Article Written by:

Marcus Tanner
Technology Integration Specialist
Harare International School