Welcome! Here I will share the best on the web and most relevant and cool tips for middle school teachers. If I create a video tutorial or share instructions during the week, I will use this place to house all materials! The most recent posts will be added on top. You can search the page for keyword by using Command F keystroke. I take requests!
Check out the NEW page for the 2019/2020 school year!
Summer 2019
Summer 2019
GoGuardian Teacher - Interface Update Sneak Peek
GoGuardian Teacher - Interface Update Sneak Peek
Welcome to the new GoGuardian Teacher! Teacher has been redesigned for better performance, accessibility, ease of use, while still maintaining the functionality you know and love. Take a look at this quick overview highlighting some of the changes in the new GoGuardian Teacher interface!
Updates to GoGuardian
Updates to GoGuardian
Check out a complete list of all the updates at this link to the GoGuardian Blog.
Schoology - You can now Individually Assign All Materials Types.
Schoology - You can now Individually Assign All Materials Types.
Up until recently, the "Individually Assign" was only availabe for Assignments, Test/Quiz, and Discussions. NOW, it is available for ALL MATERIALS in Schoology! For instance, students are working on group work and you can assign all the links, external tools and content to this group only. In addition, you can have those students share images or videos in an Individually Assigned MEDIA ALBUM. This upgrade takes personalization and differention NEXT level.
Teaching with Touchscreen Chromebooks
Teaching with Touchscreen Chromebooks
Tons of ways for students to use them in your classroom! Find out how here.
Learn how to earn BFLEX by listening to podcasts. Click the link to be taken to the website that includes all the details you need! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at lmartin@basdschools.org or ezundel@basdschools.org for me information.
June 3, 2019
June 3, 2019
End of the Year PearDeck Templates
End of the Year PearDeck Templates
Add to your drive and then click File, Make a Copy to have your own copy to use in your Pear Decks!
Even more templates just released from Pear Deck: Pear Deck Templates to Deepen Instructional Practice
GMail Update
GMail Update
Schedule Send is now available!
Schedule Send is now available!
Attention Insomiacs! Go ahead and write that email at 11:00 PM, you can schedule to send it the next morning at 8:00am! (I might be referring to myself....)
Tech Updates for May 16, 2019
Tech Updates for May 16, 2019
Schoology End of Year Instructor Checklist
Schoology End of Year Instructor Checklist
Saving your Course to Resources is easy! This document will help you finalize your Course and save your folders to repurpose assignments and resources for next year.
There is also information about how to create a Collection in your Personal Resources and how to Share that Collection with other teacher collaborators. As usual, don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
In this animation, note that if you don't create a Collection in Resources ahead of time, your Course will be saved in the Home Collection in your Personal Resources and this is perfectly fine.
Just hit SUBMIT and your Course is saved to your Personal Resources.
Using Adobe Spark Page for Literature Analysis
Using Adobe Spark Page for Literature Analysis
In Michelle Wallach's 8th grade Language Arts classes at Nitschmann, students are curating their work as they progress through assignments and book study by creating their own REAL webpage using Adobe Spark Pages. Check out the student example to the right.
Great for any content area!
Thank you to Lillyanna Nowak for allowing us to share a sample of her webpage.
Chromebook Tricks - How to Search, Work Offline and the Three Finger Window switch!
Chromebook Tricks - How to Search, Work Offline and the Three Finger Window switch!
Chromebook Tricks - Taking Screenshots and Using Capslock.
Chromebook Tricks - Taking Screenshots and Using Capslock.
Two Great Shares from last weekend's Parkland Teacher Tech Conference
Two Great Shares from last weekend's Parkland Teacher Tech Conference
Science Fridays
Science Fridays
Tech Updates for May 1, 2019
Tech Updates for May 1, 2019
Infographics and Infographic Templates from Google Draw.webmInfographic Templates in Google Draw
Infographic Templates in Google Draw
**End of Year Project Idea
**End of Year Project Idea
Google Draw can be compared to an online poster board. Creating infographics is an easy way to have students compile researched information in the form of an eye-popping digital poster.
An infographic is a visual display that contains information in the form of images, text, graphs and numerical statistics.
This time of year is perfect for open-ended projects. Many students may like the option to choose to create an infographic vs. a google slide presentation or writing a paper. These google draw templates are the perfect uncomplicated way to have students use a very accessible visual tool to make their learning visible.
Google Draw Infographic Templates
Google Draw Infographic Templates
Thank you to Jeff Herb ! https://instructionaltechtalk.com/8-great-infographic-templates-for-google-apps/
**PLEASE CLICK FILE, then select COPY TO MAKE YOUR OWN COPY OF THESE BEFORE EDITING.
Adding Read Aloud (or any Extension) to your Chrome Account.webmAdding the Read-Aloud Chrome Extension
Adding the Read-Aloud Chrome Extension
A Text to Speech Voice Reader
A Text to Speech Voice Reader
Read Aloud is one of the most used Chrome extensions for accessibility in the BASD. This extension is easy to use because it is simply a click to turn on/off and can be configured to highlight selected text on any web page.
Students can add the Read Aloud extension by following a few simple directions. Or, just show them this screencast. It walks them through the process of finding the chrome extension in the chrome web store, adding it to their chrome account, and configuring the settings for optimal use.
How to Use Voice Typing on a Google Doc!
How to Use Voice Typing on a Google Doc!
A Speech to Text tool
A Speech to Text tool
If you always dreamed that one day you might have a personal assistant to type your notes, then voice typing is for you! All kidding aside, voice typing is a valuable assessibility tool for many students and a time saver for teachers. This tool has improved so much in recent years that you can actually include formatting! Add periods or commas by simply saying "comma" or "new paragraph." Seeing is believing. Give it a try.
And.....can you believe this? You can actually voice type in 90 different languages! (See the full list of languages on the Google Voice Typing support page.)
Want more info? Check this great blog post from Kasey Bell, from Shake up Learning! https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/7-reasons-need-try-voice-typing-google-docs/
WeVideo Podcasts
WeVideo Podcasts
New!
New!
Export as Audio Only Feature
Export as Audio Only Feature
Check out this excerpt from the official WeVideo Blog. Let me know if you want to try it, I would love to schedule some time with you and your class.
"Calling all podcasters! We’re pleased to announce that you can now export audio only in the WeVideo editor, in addition to exporting videos. If you’re into podcasting or want to give podcasts a try for the first time, WeVideo makes it easy to edit and export audio files. This feature is included at no additional cost with any WeVideo plan.
You don’t even have to create new content from scratch! It’s easy to repurpose videos you’ve already made and export the audio for a variety of uses: podcasts, staff training or to optimize your website for audio search. Everything in the WeVideo editor works the same; only now, on the Finish page, you’ll have the option to choose Audio only in addition to Video with audio. Download your finished file and you’re all set. Get more out of WeVideo and get creative with your classroom or business projects with audio!" www.wevideo.com/blog/news/product-update-export-audio-only-in-wevideo
Podcast Export.mp3A quick sample to prove that this actually works! Thank you Lisa Rodriguez for getting me going on this!
Word Association Games by Google Research -"Semantris"
Word Association Games by Google Research -"Semantris"
Semantris is part fun game and part google research tool that is powered by AI, Artificial Intelligence. It is actually relatively challenging and can be a fun class activity as a whole group or team-based. There are two games, Blocks and Arcade. Blocks is definitely the easier of the two because it is not based on speed. Click on the squares below to link to games.
Eliminate blocks of the same by giving the right clues before your blocks pile up! Not timed but still exciting!
Find a word association clue for the highlighted word to bring it down to the bottom of the pile. Time is of the essence!
Tech Tips for April 17th
Tech Tips for April 17th
Creating Media Albums in Schoology
Creating Media Albums in Schoology
Media Albums are one of the items you can add from the Materials page within each Schoology Course. Media albums are a great place for both teachers and students to share different types of media such as images, video and audio. We all have observed that students take ownership of their learning when they are creating a product to show what they know. It is often times a bit of a challenge to provide an authentic audience for their hard work and a safe place for constructive feedback. Media albums in Schoology provide that safe environment.
Schoology Media Albums
Schoology Media Albums
Peer Feedback, Gallery Display, Give and Take Project Media and More!
In this video, Sara Johnson, ,author of the Guiding on the Side Blog, shares five easy ways to use media albums in the classroom. I was going to make a video, but found this one and found it to be very helpful.
One of our own, Katie Steger, has used Schoology Media Albums for students to share and describe their artwork with captions. You can also set permissions that allow students to comment on each other's creations giving feedback or spur on collaborative project ideas!
In case you missed it, this Smore newsletter, contains all you need to start using GoGuardian in your classroom.
A downloadable official GoGuardian Teacher Guide
Three BASD created tutorials that show you the ropes of creating classes and how to live monitor.
GoGuardian Support Know-How
GoGuardian for Positive Class Communication
GoGuardian for Positive Class Communication
GoGuardian isn't just for monitoring students and controlling off-task activity. You can use this amazing tool to send out live class announcements and give valuable and encouraging feedback to students during class!
WeVideo
WeVideo
Finishing and Sharing a Link
We all love making video in WeVideo, but how do we share them? Watch this video to take you through successfully publishing and sharing your video creations!
Tech Tips for April 10, 2019
Tech Tips for April 10, 2019
Installing the Pear Deck Power Up Extension
Installing the Pear Deck Power Up Extension
If you want to be able to run videos and gifs that during a Pear Deck presentation, don't forget to add the Pear Deck Power Up Extension from the Chrome Webstore!
Adobe Spark Page Part 1.mp4Creating an Adobe Spark Page - Part 1
Creating an Adobe Spark Page - Part 1
Adobe Spark has three great tools in one.
Spark Page is a tool to create a one-page web page with a stunning layout and amazing visual graphics. Just a few ideas for your classroom include student portfolios, research projects, photo journals, and creative story-telling. In short, it is a user-friendly tool for students to show what they know. In this video, I demonstrate the login process and the first steps.
End of Semester Project Ideas
End of Semester Project Ideas
From Matt Miller's Ditch That Textbook Blog.
Some ideas he includes are make a webpage, make a screencast, make a series of podcasts and more! BASD students have the tools to do all of the above.
Lockdown Browser Teacher
Lockdown Browser Teacher
Lock down cheating on assessments by using the Lockdown Browser app in Schoology. Access Lockdown Browser in the left-side panel from within your Schoology Courses! Note: Lockdown Browser can only be used with Schoology Tests and Quizzes. Teachers must however, require that a Schoology Test or Quiz use Lockdown Browser. See instructions above.
LockDown-Browser-Guide-Schoology-Student.pdfLockdown Browser Student
Lockdown Browser Student
The key thing to remember for students using Lockdown Browser is that students DO NOT sign into the chromebook in the usual way. Students access the Apps grid from the bottom left-side Chromebook screen prior to login.
Student Created Comics
Student Created Comics
26 Ways to Use MakeBeliefs Comix in your Classroom - Bill Zimmerman
https://www.makebeliefscomix.com/
This website is a little dated but still my top pick for making comic strips that you don't want students to have to take an entire week to create. I love StoryboardThat.com too but students tend to spend so much time creating avatars and not as much on telling the story.
Tech Tips for April 3, 2019
Tech Tips for April 3, 2019
Google Tasks: Google's Version of an INTEGRATED To-Do List
Google Tasks: Google's Version of an INTEGRATED To-Do List
Keep track of your daily tasks, organize multiple lists, and track important deadlines with Google Tasks. Create and update your tasks from Gmail, Google Calendar, and the Tasks mobile apps. Tasks synchronizes across all your devices, so your lists and tasks go with you, wherever you are.
Watch the video below to find out how to use tasks right from your Gmail right-side panel.
Google Tasks in Gmail for Integrated To-Do Lists
Google Tasks in Gmail for Integrated To-Do Lists
Create beautiful graphic images with Adobe Spark
Create beautiful graphic images with Adobe Spark
Adobe Spark Enterprise Login and Create a Post
Adobe Spark Enterprise Login and Create a Post
Adobe Spark has three great projects types in one place. Posts, Pages and Videos. Spark Posts can be thought of as posters and graphics, Spark Pages are rolling websites that are rich with text,image and video and Spark Videos are versatile, easy, narrated animated slide shows.
In this video, you will learn how to properly log into Adobe Spark using the Enterprise Account and create your first POST.
Check out this blog post by Matt Miller, " 5 Ways to use Adobe Spark Post with your class tomorrow,"
Check out this blog post by Matt Miller, " 5 Ways to use Adobe Spark Post with your class tomorrow,"
BASD Adobe Spark Log-In
BASD Adobe Spark Log-In
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these instructions video or written instructions and you are on your way!
We have the premium version of Adobe Spark! The key is to choose the correct Log-In option. In the past, there were obstacles to student under thirteen using this amazing tool. Thanks to help from Adobe and working with IT, we have a sign-in that is COPPA compliant for all ages!
Click on this link to share these directions with students.
Parkland Teacher Tech Con
Parkland Teacher Tech Con
MAY 4, 2019
MAY 4, 2019
7:30 AM - 3:00 PM - 7 hours BFLEX
7:30 AM - 3:00 PM - 7 hours BFLEX
Springhouse Middle School
Teacher Tech Con is a full day celebration of the best tools, resources, and strategies that educational technology has to offer! Our day starts off and wraps up with engaging keynote presentations by "thought leaders" in the EdTech field. Throughout the day, educators choose from concurrent sessions on topics they are interested in, including tech tools & time savers, multimedia & digital storytelling, formative assessment, STEAM, innovative practices and more. Several exhibitors are invited to showcase their latest technology products and services. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Register here
Register here
Click here to notify Mark James you plan to attend.
5 Resources for Teaching and Learning about Baseball
5 Resources for Teaching and Learning about Baseball
Science of Baseball - Exploratorium
Anatomy of a Pitch - ESPN
The Physics of Baseball - PBS Learning Media
Perfect Pitch - The Kennedy Arts Center
The Baseball Hall of Fame - The National Baseball Hall of Fame Curriculum - *Aligned to Common Core Standards
Source: Blog Post, Free Tech For Teachers, Richard Byrne, https://www.freetech4teachers.com/2019/03/5-resources-for-teaching-and-learning.html
March 27, 2019
March 27, 2019
Creating Groups in WeVideo
Creating Groups in WeVideo
One of WeVideo's best features is the ability for teachers to monitor student video creation in real time with Groups.
Creating PROJECTS in WeVideo
Creating PROJECTS in WeVideo
Projects are video assignments that students or an entire class can collaborate on! Learn about the different project types in WeVideo and how to encourage collaboration in your classroom with video.
Voila! The Educator's Guide to WeVideo
Voila! The Educator's Guide to WeVideo
"We hope you find this guide helpful in getting started with WeVideo in your classrooms. This document is full of project ideas that span grade levels and subject areas and the foundational basics as well as tips and tricks to get you started." - WeVideo
Chrome Based tools for the Music Classroom
Chrome Based tools for the Music Classroom
"A lot of times it is common to focus on "The Big 4" of language arts, math, science, and social studies, when exploring technology tools for learning. However, it is important to see how technology can be integrated into all subject areas and skills."-Eric Curts, Control-Alt-Achieve Blog
https://www.controlaltachieve.com/2019/01/google-music.html
Google Slides Template
Google Slides Template
Historical Figure Pin Board or anything really!
Historical Figure Pin Board or anything really!
Make a Copy Link: Click here to make your very own copy.
Click the play button to see the template. Some classroom applications can be student biographical reports. What would Michelle Obama's Pin Board have on it? Or, for Language Arts or Lit, a great idea would be a character analysis.
How to Make a Blockbuster Movie Trailer
How to Make a Blockbuster Movie Trailer
Every great movie trailer has a formula that builds excitement and interest about the film. Have your students watch this as they prepare to create a movie trailer on WeVideo. This is a movie trailer about this "thing" meaning anything!
March 21, 2019
March 21, 2019
Pear Deck Math Templates
Pear Deck Math Templates
Make a copy link here. Click on the link to get your own copy of the Math Templates. Then follow the instructions in the video to your left.
Using the Pear Deck Math Templates
Using the Pear Deck Math Templates
The Pear Deck Math Templates are the only templates that are not found by using the Pear Deck Add-On. You will need to make a copy of the deck to your right and import them into a slide deck. The slides are already "Peardeckified!"
Google Tools for the Art Classroom
Google Tools for the Art Classroom
https://www.controlaltachieve.com/2019/01/google-art.html
Don't miss these great tips from Eric Curts about how to use Google Tools for Artsy things in your classroom. Not just for Art teachers!
Google Maps + Screencastify to create Virtual Tours
Google Maps + Screencastify to create Virtual Tours
A fun way to use google maps streetview and screencastify to have students create virtual tours of anywhere streetview is available!
Google Slides Gets More Awesome!
Google Slides Gets More Awesome!
The new Screencastify Add-on for slides makes it super easy to add a screencast to any google slide deck.
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