Did you know that Google Slides provides Closed Captioning? 

In order to provide closed captioning in Google Slides - just click present and then click the "captions" button at the bottom of your screen.  Check out this short clip to learn more. 

This feature is great for …

Students who have hearing disabilities

Students whose first language isn’t English

Students in a noisy room

Students who like to process ideas through written word

It's Easy to Use Your Phone as a Remote for Your Google Slides

Want to know more...Check out this super quick video tutorial 

Need some ideas for student presentations/projects or even presentation ideas for you to use in class.  Check out this Tic-Tac-Toe Choice Menu Board.  (Template Courtesy: ShakeUpLearning)  

Click here for a copy. 

Video Options in Google Slides

Watch the short video clip below to learn how to choose start and end times for videos embedded into a google slide. Additionally, learn how you can select autoplay for your embedded videos.

Using Daily Agenda Slides in Classroom

Using agenda slides in the classroom are a great way to clearly set expectations for what will be happening that day. Creating daily agenda slides allows the teacher to stay organized as well as keeping students informed of work that they may have missed when they were absent.

Check out these sample templates (from the Curious Educator) for you to use in your class:

Sample Agenda Slides

The Glide App 

The Glide App - turns Google spreadsheets into beautiful, easy-to-use apps

It's super easy and can be done in 5 minutes.

Here is a simple video tutorial for 1st time users - but feel free to contact Ms. Talbert if you would like more information on how to set up an app or to brainstorm how you or your students can use it in the classroom

Check out this app I created for the library in order to showcase new books - Just scan the QR code with your camera or swing by the library to see the app in action.

Destiny Discover Extension

Once the Destiny Discover Google Chrome extension is set up, when you perform a Google search, you will see Destiny Discover search results in a ribbon above the Google search results. 

Why add the extension?

The extension allows you to see what books or resources we have in our library that relate to the topic that was searched. 

**See the video clip below for how to add it and how the extension works**

Creating a Hyperdoc for Use as a Sub Plan 

We all know that making sub plans can be somewhat of a chore - but creating a hyperdoc with all the information on it makes it easy for students to complete the assignments and makes it easy on your substitute.

Additionally, hyperdocs are great to use in class when you are there. They make a perfect station activity or they can be used to review a unit. Please feel free to contact Ms. Talbert if you would like help in creating one.

Be sure to check out the example below - it lists ideas for how you can set up the hyperdoc.

Click here for copy of hyperdoc for sub plan - You will need to make a copy and then you can edit it.

Creating QR Code Board Games in Google Slides 

Gamifying your classroom can be a fun way to review a unit or to introduce a unit to your students.

Creating a QR Code board game is very simple to do. All you need is Google slides, Google Docs, and a QR code generator extension (Get one here from the chrome store)

Steps to Creating the QR codes:

Create your tasks or questions in Google Docs (Make each question/task a separate doc)

Then use the QR Code generator to create a QR code for each individual question/task.

Copy that QR code and paste it into the game board. (You may need to resize it in order to get it to fit into the game board)

Share (view only) game board with students - They can make a copy and then play it. You will need to check out ipods for students to use the QR code scanner or allow them to use their phones if they have QR scanners on their phones.

Check out the DNA QR Code Game I created below. Click here if you would like a template that you can modify.

**Please see Mrs. Talbert in the library if you would like help setting up a QR code game board for your students to play.

 Using Google Keep to Annotate Images 

Google Keep makes it easy for students to annotate images - check out this video for more information.

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or want lesson ideas.

Using Voice Type in Speaker Notes for Google Slides 

Voice type for speaker notes is a great way for you or your students to easy add information about their slides or the presentation. 

Creating Student Feedback Slide Using Google Slides 

Using Google Slides to create a simple feedback slide or poster to send to your students through email or discussion post is a quick and easy way to provide encouragement for them as they are working on assignments. Your Google slide could easily feature a Bitmoji of yourself and some uplifting words of encouragement. Sending a quick note or slide to your students goes a long way with establishing teacher presence and building classroom community.

Directions on how to create one:

1.  Simply create a slide using Google Slides with whatever you would like to say to your student.

2.  Download the slide as a JPEG file - to do this click the slide in Google and then click "file" and "download". Select JPEG

3.  Once slide has been downloaded, then you can send it to your students through email or post it in Canvas.

Check out the one below that was made when we conducted the Online Canvas Training earlier in the school year. 

Parlay Discussion Boards 

Parlay Discussions Boards are a great resource for providing engaging discussion ideas with your students. These are perfect for class openers, Monday activities, emergency subplans, etc.

You can start by selecting a discussion topic from their extensive library. (Click here to check it out and Click here to see how it works) These discussion prompts contain readings and videos that give background information for students. Then students can submit a written response to the prompt and respond to one another in writing. Additionally you have the option to conduct live roundtable discussions.

Check out the video below to see Parlay in 60 Seconds.

Pit Stop PD - Using Google Slides to Monitor Breakout Rooms in Zoom 

Using Google Slides to help monitor breakout rooms in Zoom is a Game-Changer.

Follow these simple directions: 

• 1.  Share Google Slide Link to students explaining assignment and create a separate Google Slide for each group

• 2.  Then once students are in Breakout Groups - monitor the Google Slides using the Grid Layout (Under View)

• **Tip - Change the color of each slide

Checkout the slide below to see image of Grid Layout Format

Using Free Online Whiteboard Templates From Canva

Canva has some amazing free online whiteboard templates that you and students can use to share ideas and brainstorm. Students can share them and work collaboratively in real-time or at their own pace. These templates are a great way for students and teachers to share ideas in an interactive virtual setting.

Check them out here - https://www.canva.com/online-whiteboard/templates/ and see an example template in the image below.

**Additionally, you could download some of the template designs and use them in Google Jamboard.

Useful Tech Tool Tip - Getting Rid of the Extra Stuff Around YouTube Videos 

Add "-"into the URL after the "t" for the YouTube video you want to share to remove ad, comments, and suggested videos.

Example:

From this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY3J3Y_OU0w&t=7s

To this: https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=ZY3J3Y_OU0w&t=7s

Blackout Poetry Maker Website 

Even though it is not Poetry Month (April)...I thought I would share this website that allows you to create Blackout Poetry. It is extremely simple to use! You just click on the words that you want to keep and then select "blackout". Once your image has been created, then you can copy and paste it into Google Slides or save it to your computer.

Check it out here: https://blackoutpoetry.glitch.me/

Wakelet 

What is Wakelet? Wakelet is a free curating web-based tool that lets you easily save and organize resources. It is great for collaborating and sharing content found on the internet. You can use Wakelet to bookmark sites and create collections that you can share with others. Additionally, there are lots of possibilities/ideas on how to use Wakelet with your students. (Bonus: There is also a chrome extension for Wakelet which makes it super simple to save content.)

Some Ways that Students and Teachers can use Wakelet:

• Creating Digital Portfolios

• PBLs

• Newsletters

• Research gathering

• Choice Menu Boards

• Endless Possibilities

Check it out here: https://wakelet.com/ (Here is an amazing Educator's Guide too)

**If you are interested in a quick PD on Wakelet - reach out to me and we can get together at your convenience. (If enough people reach out, then I will develop a short PD session to offer for the county.)

Check out this Wakelet I created about the Book Dear Martin

Pit Stop PD - Adding Audio to Google Slides 

Have you ever thought about adding audio to your Google Slides?

Here are a few great reasons/benefits for trying it: 

• Increased engagement - Engages viewers by breaking up the monotony of just a slide presentation.

• Attention grabber - Helps to reduce distractions and viewers are more likely to stay focused.

• Better understanding - Visual slides and audio can help with the retention of material.

Check out this video to see how simple it is to add voice-over or audio to your Google Slides.

Google Chrome NOW has a built-in QR code generator.

You may or may not have noticed that Google Chrome now has a built-in QR code generator. When you type in a URL, there is now a tiny square present that when clicked creates a QR code automatically. (No more having to go out to a separate website or add a chrome extension. 

Using Flippity to Create Board Games 

If you have never tried out Flippity.net, then today is the day. Flippity now has a game board template and allows you to customize and create awesome review games for your students.

Check it out at https://www.flippity.net/

I would love to help you create some review games for your classes! Feel free to reach out and schedule a time for us to get together.

Check out the video below to learn more about how to create a Flippity Game Board.

Organize Your Computer Desktop Using Canva Desktop Wallpapers

Is your computer desktop a disaster? Is it unorganized and cluttered? I have the solution for you!

You can easily customize the wallpaper on your computer using Canva and create organized sections/folders to store your files.

If you are interested in learning more - please stop by and see me.  Also, check out the sample images below as well as the short video tutorial. **If you would like a copy of any of the sample images - just email me and I will share the file with you.

Newsela 

I am sure that many of you have heard of Newsela, but do you know that we have a subscription?

Go to https://newsela.com/signin and sign in with your Google school account. You will be asked a few questions and then you are ready to go!

What is Newsela?

Newsela is a website that allows teachers to find articles with appropriate reading levels for their students. Newsela articles also feature questions and writing prompts that align with many curriculums.

For more information - Check out this link:

https://go.newsela.com/Onboarding-Workshops.html

Finally, if you are wanting to discuss more ways about how Newsela can be used in your classroom - Come see me and we can brainstorm fun and engaging activities/ideas.

 Full Screen Interactive Google Slides Chrome Extension 

Do you love creating interactive Google Slides for your kids to use in the classroom but hate to show them in edit mode?

This is a great chrome extension that allows you to present your slides fullscreen while still being able to edit them. For example, you can present your interactive slide fullscreen and have students come to the board to complete a drag and drop activity.

Check it out HERE

Simple Ideas to Get Your Students to Collaborate with each Other

The following ideas were found on the "We Are Teachers" website: Click HERE for more information.

Get Creative with Storytelling - Have students get into groups and give each student a unique picture of a person, place, or thing (or whatever you choose that goes along with your curriculum) The first student begins a story that incorporates whatever happens to be on their assigned picture/image. The next student continues the story, incorporating their image/photo, and so on. This could be a great way to review vocabulary or explain the steps in a process.

Using Sentence Stems - Sometimes it is hard for students to dive deeper into conversations with their peers. Providing sentence stems is a great tool to offer students if they get stuck and giving them the specific language is a wonderful way to promote communication and collaboration.

Check out some of these example sentence stems:

• Can you elaborate on what you are saying...

• I see it differently because...

• To be clear, you are saying...

• Yes and furthermore...

Check out this WEBSITE for more examples of sentence stems.

Using Mote in the Classroom 

Mote is a FREE Chrome extension that allows you to leave voice notes and feedback, and much more!

Ways you can use Mote with your students:

• Quickly record a message to students on a particular website. Mote will generate a QR code or link that you can share directly with your students.

• Recording an audio message of encouragement or reminders to your students. This can be sent individually or as a group email.

• Insert audio quickly into Google Slides. (This could be used for a number of different activities)

• Inserting voice comment feedback in Google Docs. This is a great way to personalize your feedback to your students.

Gale Database Assessibilty Features 

Every year the library renews our subscription to the database called Gale in Context for the High School. Most students have been exposed to this database through their English Classes but I wanted to share one of the amazing features that Gale has to offer.

Gale has tremendous accessibility features that can help every student. For example:

• translating capability

• dyslexia fonts

• read aloud capability

• Line, word, and letter spacing capacity

• changing visibility capability

• etc.

You can access the Gale Database through the WMHS Library Website

or by clicking HERE

(Special Note - When you are at school the database will load automatically. If you plan to use the database at home you will need the password. Please see Ms. Talbert for the password or for more information/questions/etc.)

Vocaroo (Voice Recording Service) 

Vocaroo is a simple, quick, and easy way to record voice messages. These voice messages can easily be turned into a QR code with just a simple click of a button. Additionally, Vocaroo provides a link and an embed code for the recorded audio.

Ways for you or your students to use Vocaroo in your classroom:

• Record audio for gallery walk posters

• Practice translating passages

• Quick feedback on assignments

• Verbal explanations to problems or questions

• Audio Directions

• Etc.

Check it out here: https://vocaroo.com/