Zoom Security

Zoom has added a “security” icon in the host’s menu bar. This lets you quickly turn on or off features like participant chat, screen sharing and screen annotation. You can also instantly turn on or off a waiting room for your meeting. For more information check out their blog post.

Sketchnoting

Sketchnoting, also commonly referred to as visual notetaking, is the creative and graphic process through which an individual can record their thoughts with the use of illustrations, symbols, structures, and texts. By combining graphics with the traditional method of using text, the result is information that is captured and communicated visually and artistically.

Rubrics in Google Classroom

Google Classroom has added a rubrics tool built into assignments. In the student view, the rubric is visible when children open the assignment. They can open each description to read about what is expected. This can help get more correct submissions the first time work is assigned.

Backing Up Computer Files

If you want to back up your computer files we recommend that you purchase an external hard drive to save it to. You can purchase a 1 terabyte hard drive on Amazon for about $50. That size is large enough to handle a lot of large files types such as pictures and videos. How to back up your file information 👉.

Backing up iPads

If you are leaving the district, or moving to a non K-2 position, prior to turning in your iPad you may want to download pictures or videos from the camera roll. If you do you can use the Wifi transfer app, which can be found in the iPad's "Self Service" center. For complete instructions refer to this 👉 tutorial.

Erasing iPads

If you have a district iPad and you are leaving or transferring to another (non K-2) grade level you will need to turn in your iPad, case, lid, and charger.Those teachers need to log out of their Apple ID and erase all content and settings on their iPad prior to turning it in. Instructions for returning iPads 👉.

Saving Chrome Bookmarks

If you are leaving the district you may want to export your Chrome bookmarks before leaving. Bookmarks are tied to your Google login and will not be accessible after you leave. The video to the right will walk you through how to export your bookmarks and import to a new device.

Google Takeout

If you are leaving your school district, you can copy the contents of your Google Drive and transfer it to a personal Google account. Because files are copied, they will NOT be deleted from your school Google account, so it’s safe to do this process anytime. Instruction Link - https://bit.ly/2SjcS6u

Blended Learning - Instructional Videos

There are many tools you can use to create your own instructional videos. Use the premium version of Screencastify through the end of the school year. This video has instructions and a great tutorial for Screencastify. You can also use Zoom to record in the cloud or locally. And now, Flipgrid has screen recording, too.

Blended Learning - HyperDocs

Consider joining our Virtual Tech Training Google Classroom to learn more about self-directed learning experiences like HyperDocs. You can also learn about SeeSaw and many other blended learning tools.

Google Classroom Code: bjk4b35

Editing Zoom Recordings

You can crop the beginning and ending of your video in Zoom. Once your video is finished processing in your Zoom account, simply click on the name of the recording then click the image of the video. You’ll go into a playback screen, but you will also see a scissors icon. When you click it, you can drag the beginning and end to trim your video. This is a great way to get rid of those awkward starting and ending moments.

Emojis in Google Classroom

😻 Tech coaches take advantage of emojis in our Classwork topics (sections) in Google Classroom.

👉 You can create new sections by clicking Create > Topic.

💡 There are a few ways to add emojis. One way is to press the windows key and the period. This will bring up a searchable emoji keyboard. Another way is to use the website https://emojipedia.org/. You can search for an emoji and then copy it and paste it into your topic name.

👍 Emojis are definitely a great way to catch your students' attention.

Read to Succeed

If you need to take any Read to Succeed Course over the summer don’t forget you can take them through the Virtual SC PD site. Each course cost $85. Registration for the summer classes starts April 28th and runs through May 27th.

Park University

Park University is offering a 4-week e-learning workshop for K-12 teachers that begins May 4. The class is $50 and you get a certificate at the end to submit to Frontline.

Classy Graphics Course

Tony Vincent is offering a summer Classy Graphics Course. In this online course you will learn how to make your graphics and documents more awesome. The workshop is six weeks long and takes place June 16th through July 27th. If you register by May 26th you can save $15.

Have a great summer and thank you for your support!