Technological How-To

Technological How-To: Instructions

Welcome, students! As you will all become aware, I strive as a teacher to prepare my students for the unique challenges of the ever-evolving 21st century society that you are growing up in. As such, we are going to be using a variety of different technologies in our classroom, for things like daily work, assignments, projects, and just for fun! However, as I'm sure you all know, sometimes new technology isn't the easiest thing to figure out. Please find here a selection of help tutorials on common issues of the different technologies we use in class, to help you get started if I am not available to assist you!

Google Classroom

**NOTE** Instructions are often different, depending on what device you are using. ALL of the links below provide you with the choice to view instructions for either computer, Android device, or iPad/iPhone. Please choose the correct one!

Signing into Google Classroom

You will be asked to sign into Google Classroom nearly every day. In most cases, you will probably be logged into the same device, and automatically signed in. However, there may be times when you need to sign in on a new device, and you may forget the steps. Please follow the link below for help with signing in.

Submitting an Assignment

When it is time for you to submit an assignment, please follow the steps listed on the following webpage. There are also instructions for quiz assignments, marking as 'done,' and un-submitting, This page offers instructions for whatever device you are using, whether it is a computer, Android device, or iPad/iPhone. Please note that you can choose which device you are using below the first paragraph titled 'Turn in an assignment.'

Sending a Message in Google Classroom

There may be times you want to send a message to your teacher or a classmate within Google Classroom. Please follow the link for instructions:

Google Docs

In our classroom, we are going to use Google Docs for all of our typed work. (Please do NOT use 'Pages,' even if you used it in elementary school!) You are asked to use only Google Docs, because it has a number of very nifty features, including being able to access your document from any device, being able to recover (most of the time!) material that has been accidentally deleted, and being able to view multiple drafts (in case you forgot to print your rough draft before starting your good copy!) Pretty cool, huh?

Here is a video tutorial that teaches you the basics of using Google Docs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfgqtCi7hdo

And please remember:

****ALWAYS LOG INTO GOOGLE DOCS USING YOUR 'gnspes.ca' EMAIL ADDRESS, NOT YOUR PERSONAL ONE****

How to create a new document:

How to share a document with others:

Google Read and Write

Google Read and Write is a fabulous tool to help support students as both readers and writers! Please watch the video below to see what Google Read and Write can help you do:

For some extra help with the most common features:

How to add Google Read and Write Chrome extension

Google Read and Write Quick Reference Guide

Google Meet

Google Meet is a video conferencing app that is approved for use by students and teachers within the SSRCE. This is the program that we will use to communicate for class or small-group meetings if we return to remote learning.

Video Tutorial

Here is a link to a great video tutorial, created by a former middle-school teacher, that walks you through the basics of using Google Meet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUXbgDOfrfY

Written Tutorial

The video tutorial above is probably the fastest and easiest way for you to learn the basics of Google Meet, but if your internet is unable to open the video, here is a link to a written tutorial of Google Meet. There are a variety of options for you to explore, so please read to see which one is appropriate for your needs.

https://apps.google.com/meet/how-it-works/

Screencastify

In class, I will be using Screencastify to teach and record some of our lessons, so that you may refer to them at a later time. However, I will also be asking students to use Screencastify for some projects/assignments!

How to make your first recording (written tutorial)

Here is a link to a written tutorial that walks you through how to record your first video! Please note, right at the top of this link, there is another link that tells you how to install and set up Screencastify on your device. Below the tutorial, there is a 'Related Articles' section that takes you to some other, more specific Screencastify tutorials.

How to set up and record (video tutorial)

How to use Screencastify to narrate over Google Slides (video)

This video walks you through the installation and setup of Screencastify. If you have already done this, you can jump forward to 2:14 in the video - the instructions after this are specific to using Screencastify with Google Slides.

Book Creator

Book creator is a wonderful program for ELA courses like ours! We will be using it throughout the year, for various projects.

Book Creator Video Tutorial

Please follow this link for a video tutorial that walks you through the basics of using Book Creator. Please note that when you sign in, you must choose the 'Sign in with Google' option and use your school-assigned 'gnspes.ca' email.

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULJaIF_f7ok

    • For those who are looking for a specific feature, here is where to find a number of features in the video:

      • 0:32 Signing in

      • 1:48 Joining a library

      • 2:42 Copying a book

      • 3:19 Renaming a book

      • 3:47 Editing a book

      • 4:19 Rearranging pages

      • 4:48 Navigating the bookshelf and reading other books

      • 5:16 Collaborating on a book

      • 6:03 Creating a new book

      • 6:22 Using the + button and the Inspector

      • 7:00 Reading your book

How to make your own book (video tutorial)

Book Creator Support

For those of you who prefer to do your own exploring, or don't like video tutorials, the Book Creator website has many links to tutorials/support of various features. Feel free to browse around this page to find the item you need help with.

Blogger

In class this year, we are going to practice our 21st century skills by doing our journal writing through the Blogger platform. This means that you get to create your very own blog!

Creating and using your blog

Blogger is a fun platform to use, with lots of different design features! Below is a link to help you create your blog. Please remember to use your school-assigned 'gnspes.ca' email address to sign up.

NOTE: The link below will take you to a page specific to creating your blog. However, if you look to right of that there is a section labelled 'Help' and below it are links to take you to other areas you may need help with, like adding pages, adding posts, etc.

Getting started video tutorial

This video is a bit on the long side, and is geared more towards adults than students, but is very informative when it comes to getting started. This link will take you to a place partway into the video, because the first part is not necessary for you to watch.