Tech This Out! (NEW)
(REPEAT) Google Drive is going away?! NO!!!
You may have seen or heard recently that Google Drive is going away (have you seen this notice?). Nothing can be further from the truth. Google will be removing “Google Drive for Desktop,” which is a standalone program that syncs your Google Drive in the cloud with a folder that resides on your computer, on May 12, 2018. Please continue to use the cloud-based version of Google Drive
Chromebook UPDATE
Make sure your Chromebooks are updated to the latest Chrome OS! Many Chromebooks that have been sitting in carts may still be on an old operating system and will not work for testing or general instruction.
- Log in, click your account photo.
- Click the little “Settings” gear.
- Click Menu, click the little “hot dogs,” (the three little horizontal lines), then click “About Chrome OS,”
- If you are not on OS 65.0, choose “Check for updates.” It will download automatically, and should take only a few minutes.
Best Practices
POMS: Points of Most Significance
Students reflect on the most significant point of the lesson. Reflections are used to view whether or not the key points of a lesson are perceived as significant by the students.
Consider using Padlet to collect student responses. Padlet will allow students to favorite responses, which will make polling very convenient
For more information, visit HERE
*UPDATE*: there are changes to Padlet’s FREE platform. Educators are now only allowed 3 free Padlets. Watch this VIDEO for more info.
Digital DooDads
Quizizz-Read Aloud!
New on Quizizz – a read aloud option! When using the Quizizz app (not on the website), students can select an option in their settings to have the Quizizz activity read aloud to them. Not only that, they can choose from six different languages! Quizizz will translate all text (with the exception of the actual questions and answer choices) into that language, and will read aloud all text in that language. Check out this video to see it in action!
Padlet
Padlet is a free application that allows users to create an online collaborative bulletin board that can shared with students and allow them to add text, images, links, videos and more. Select a template or create your own (wall, canvas, stream, grid, shelf or backchannel). Students can use phones, iPads, chromebooks and computers to access the bulletin board. Check out this Padlet tutorial for more info.
*UPDATE: Padlet now limits users to 3 Padlet walls (or 3 more than you currently have). Check out this VIDEO for more info.
iMovie
Free is Fun! iMovie is still free on the Apple App Store for the iPad! This incredible movie and trailer making tool for teachers and students to create or use video for projects is fun and easy to use! iMovie provides audio narration, sound effects, theme music, editing and filter options to make dynamic movie projects. Make sure you have iMovie added to your iPad or class set for your next lesson! Check out this article for some tips and tricks!
Professional Resources
Cool Tools for 21st Century Learners
Learn How To Become is a website created by Dr. Jessie Moon Longhurst. There are tons of resources for new teachers, veteran teachers, and everyone else in between. If you’re interested in digital tools, lesson plans, or apps, check this site out and bookmark it. Click here to view it for yourself.
Social Media – Who to Follow
Tanya is the co-author of the book “The Google Infused Classroom”. She is an advocate of Digital Citizenship and is a Google Certified Innovator. She has a great website with resources for educators.
Follow Tanya Avrith
Jennifer is the creator and host of the Cult of Pedagogy Podcast. She has a great blog with tips with instruction, classroom management, and technology. Check it out here.
Follow Jennifer Gonzalez
*Interested in getting started on Twitter? Contact your ITS!
Professional Development
Online:
- The 4 C’s-Creativity, Communication, Critical Thinking and Collaboration: 2/5/18-3/9/18 (ONLINE)
- Formative Assessment Tools: 2/5/18-3/9/18 (ONLINE)
- Google G-Suite Tools for Secondary: 2/5/18-3/9/18 (ONLINE)
- Quizizz: 3/23/18-4/6/2018 (ONLINE)
- Flipped Instruction Course 1-Getting Started: 3/23/18-4/6/18 (ONLINE)
- Flipped Instruction Course 2-Diving In: 3/23/18-4/6/18 (ONLINE)
Coming soon!:
- Redefine Learning with SAMR
- Grading with Google
- Stations in Secondary
TIP: you can always search for professional development opportunities offered by Instructional Technology by browsing the “Online/Web,” “Technology Services,” or “Webinar” categories in Eduphoria.