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May 15, 2024
Summer break is almost here so you know what that means.....summer professional development! There are two amazing back- to-back technology professional development sessions that I highly recommend (both are at Klein Cain High School):
New this year is "Deep Dive Advantures with our Favorite Digital Learning Tools" on June 6! Join us for a day of learning, discovery and inspiration where you can receive up to 6 hours of EXCHANGE DAY CREDIT! Come learn about Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Kami, Magic School AI, iPad Apps (Keynote, Numbers and Pages) and coding using Apple Swift Coding.
The other PD session is the well known "Empower Conference" on June 7! This annual Klein ISD Digital Learning & Library Conference is always a "must attend" because we always have knowledgable teachers and staff across the district presenting. Check out this list of amazing sessions you can sign up for in advance (can also earn EXCHANGE DAY CREDIT) but do this soon because sessions are filling up fast!
May 8, 2024
"Teacher Appreciation Week" means TCEA is offering all teachers FREE memberships! Since 1980, TCEA has been THE nonprofit pioneer in advancing teaching and learning through the use of technology. When you sign up, you are part of an online community where you can exchange ideas and get answers to questions you may have; weekly Lunch & Learns (always recorded); a Resource Library and a forever-free TCEA membership. Also, if you join TCEA this week, three new members will win $50 gift cards! Sign up today!
Keeping with the "Teacher Appreciation Week" theme, who doesn't like freebies and great deals?! Check out this list of businesses (more here) offering deals for educators this week. Take advantage of these cause you deserve it!
May 2, 2024
You probably didn't know that today is World Password Day. We all know having strong and secure passwords are very important and why not stress the importance to our students? This article talks about the importance of password protection and even includes a fun game you can have your students play!
Always wanted to have your students do a digital breakout but wasn't sure how to go about creating one? Check out this resource that includes valuable information about digital breakouts and even provides some you can pass along to your students to have them "break out"!
April 25, 2024
You probably noticed that students are now limited to the number of flashcards they can utilize in Quizlet. One alternative to Quizlet is Knowt. What is really cool about this website is that you can import a Quizlet set into KNOWT where you can then share the link in Schoology for your students (same process as before)! If you would like to explore more alternatives to Quizlet, here is a plethora of other flashcards sites you can also check out!
Can we please talk about how awesome the Quizzizz Extension is?! In one click, you can create interactive quizzes, reading comprehension passages, questions and multi-part quizzes from any website, link, news article or YouTube video!
April 17 , 2024
In case you missed the post in Schoology, the process to add new content from your Google Drive to Schoology has changed. Please read through this handout that provides the new steps on this process.
Who doesn't like to play bingo - especially at school? Check out these FREE bingo cards you can customize with content related to your subject. You can play this online or print them out - either way your students will have fun with this!
April 10, 2024
Not sure if your students are grasping what you're teaching? If so, check out this 23 Ways to Check for Understanding resource that includes some fun and creative ways to engage your students. There are many digital tools you can use in there, too!
Need a quick screenshot of something on your computer but don't want to take the time to access the snipping tool program? The shortcut combination of Windows + Shift + S will automatically save a screenshot to your clipboard in an instant!
Windows + Shift + S ⬇️⬇️
April 3, 2024
Schoology recently implemented a new feature allowing you to release grades all at the same time. Previously, when an assignment was graded, it was immediately viewable by your students. To implement this new feature, when you create an assignment, you will see a checkbox that says "Automatically Publish Grades." It is checked by default. Uncheck it if you want to release all the grades at a future point. To release the grades after grading, you simply go back and edit the assignment, and check the box and save changes.
We are all gearing up for the solar eclipse next week so why not have some fun with students beforehand? Here are four solar eclipse-themed activities that provide templates you can edit and use with your students!
⬇️CHECK to view grades⬇️
⬇️CHECK to view grades⬇️
⬇️UNCHECK to hide grades⬇️
⬇️UNCHECK to hide grades⬇️
March 27, 2024
Need a quick rundown on where all of your sound settings are on your Clear Touch panel during KOnnect Character Lessons? If so, check out this Clear Touch Sounds resource. If your sound is working on your ClearTouch, scroll down to the end of the document and it will show you how to adjust your audio in Teams.
Goblin.tools is a cool site that has a collection of small, simple, single-task tools designed to help users with tasks they find overwhelming or difficult. For example, need to break down steps for a task (Magic ToDo)? Need to make an email sound more professional (Formalizer)? Are you misreading an email (Judge)? These are a just a few features of this site - there are others so check it out today!
March 20, 2024
We all know that videos grab the attention of our students so why not add some questions to make them more interactive? A quick and easy way to do this is to use AI to generate those questions for you! Check out the "Create AI-Powered YouTube Quizzes in Seconds" article that lists a few great resources you can use!
Sometimes it's fun to do a "student check-in" before a lesson to gauge where your class is that day. If you would like a resource that has templates already created for this purpose, then check these out! ➡️➡️ Editable Check-In Templates
March 7, 2024
You may have noticed a new "record" feature in Google Slides. This tool allows BOTH teachers and students to present information with both video and audio. Here is a quick video tutorial on how to utilize this fantastic new feature! ➡️➡️
I can't believe March is here already - spring is in the air! If you need to bring some fresh energy into your classroom, check out these March activities and lesson ideas that will keep your students learning and engaged!
Google Slides Record - Made with Clipchamp_1709758188691.mp4February 28, 2024
Do you want a more detailed history of when a Google Doc was edited including graphs and stats? If so, you need to add the Google Extension, Draftback. If you are an editor of a Google Doc, you will be able to see more data with this extension than just "version history"!
You need to check out this "Trade Secrets" document that houses all the tips and tricks you need regarding Google Apps! For example, do you need to know how to jump to the next line within the same cell in Google Sheets? That tip is in there among many others!
February 21, 2024
https://123apps.com/ is a cool website our students have access to in order to create, edit and convert videos. It also has enhnanced audio tools, as well as PDF editors/converters. Feel free to share this wonderful resource with your students!
Need a YouTube playlist that has music students like without the inappropriate lyrics? Check out The Vitamin String Quartet Playlist for the Classroom (if you watch Bridgerton, you will recognize the music)! You can also create and manage your own YouTube playlists - here are directions!
February 7, 2024
Find yourself opening the same websites every day? If so, why not create a bookmarked folder in Google Chrome? Then, every morning you can open all of your websites at once! ➡️➡️
You need to check out the largest database of free customizable icons and stickers in the world called Flaticon. This site has more than a million icons and stickers in all formats for all kinds of projects: presentations, apps, websites, inforgraphics - you name it!
Right-click on folder and then choose Open all
Right-click on folder and then choose Open all
February 1, 2024
Are you seeing that your keyboard to your Clear Touch IS charged but still not working? Press function "fn" key and the number 3 on the keyboard to turn it back on. ➡️➡️
We all know that crossword puzzles offer a fun way to reinforce vocabulary and encourage problem solving in the classroom. TCEA has a fantastic list of free crossword puzzle makers where you can create your own for students!
fn + 3
fn + 3
January 18, 2024
Want to learn more about your new Clear Touch panel while earning some exchange day hours? If so, the district is offering Level 1 and 2 trainings in January and February. Sign up TODAY!!
If you want a new fun cursor, you definitely need to check out the Custom Cursor for Chrome extension! You can pick from a large collection of free cursors or upload your own. Just be prepared to spend some time trying to find that right cursor!
January 11, 2024
Need assistance with figuring out the new layout of the Eduphoria Aware? Our Assessment & Accountability department has a fantastic Eduphoria Aware Helpful Links file that has helpful tools on navigating Eduphoria Aware. Included in this are also helpful links to other resources, such as newsletters and webinars!
Prefer to unlock your iPad with finger print recognition rather than entering your passcode every time? If so, here are directions on how to do just that!
January 3, 2024
Wonder what the "Clear Touch Experience" icon on your Dashboard is for? If you click on it, you can join the vibrant community of Clear Touch users! This is a community dedicated to exploring and sharing innovative ways to enhance teaching methods and increase productivity in the classroom using Clear Touch technology. Here is a quick video on how to join and what it entails!
If you haven't used Canva yet, you will want to check out this awesome resource! All teachers have a FREE educator account, which offers you more tools and features than with the basic account. Check out these 5 Canva Hacks recently shared by TCEA (my favorites are the Magic Shortcuts)!
December 13, 2023
Giving your finals in Schoology? If so, here are Schoology Gradebook Setup reminders you will need to know (make sure you have a copy of your final somewhere else just in case we have Schoology issues again)! Important Reminder: DO NOT check the box "Set as midterm/final"!
You can continue to monitor your students during finals in Lightspeed Classroom, but you will choose Ad hoc (instead of Bell) and the amount of time you want to monitor that class (screenshot to the right). ➡️➡️
December 6, 2023
Need your sub to use your Clear Touch panel for students? If so, feel free to print out a set of these directions so he/she can use it in your absence!
'Tis the season to elevate your Clear Touch knowledge! Each day in December the Digital Learning dept. will unwrap the magic of a Christmas Clear Touch cookie (aka a tip or trick) to help you master your interactive panel. Happy exploring and indulging in the joy of digital learning!
November 29, 2023
Are you seeing students appearing "offline" in Lightspeed Classroom? If so, "refresh" (F5) and you should then see those students in your class. If you start monitoring before all your students are logged in, they appear "offline". Once you "refresh", you should then see them all in your class.
Need to extract text from images, videos, or PDFs? If so, then you definitely need to install the extension, Copyfish. This very cool extension allows you to turn text within any image into an editable format you can use in digital documents or emails. It also allows you to pull text in other languages - the perfect tool to use with your ELL and LOTE students!
November 15, 2023
In the mood for some fun fall activities to do with your students? Check out these 11 Thanksgiving Activities that you can incorporate into your classroom. There is a little something for every K-12 classroom!
Want to save your Eduphoria Strive Portfolio? When you log into Eduphoria Strive, click on Professional Learning < My Portfolio and then Print. You can then save your PDF that will include all your professional learning while here in Klein. ⬇️⬇️
November 8, 2023
Would you prefer the Klein Oak website's Directory to display your "preferred" instead of "legal" name? If so, you can make the change in Frontline (from Dashboard). Under "My Personal Information" you can add your "Preferred" name. Then, it will be reflected in our directory. ➡️
In case you never noticed it, you have a "Search tabs" tool at the top of your Chrome browser that allows you to open/close tabs. It will also display recently closed tabs that allow you to reopen them if needed. You can also search your tabs with this feature! ➡️
November 1, 2023
TWO NEW KAMI UPDATES:
"Publish Changes" feature in Schoology allows teachers to edit the assignment template files that have already been assigned to students. I just tested it out and the changes are reflected on the student's end instantaneously! Learn more HERE!
"Class View" feature in Schoology allows teachers to view the whole class' Kami assignment files at the same time, monitor progress, leave feedback and so many other exciting features! Learn more HERE!
Want to see if a YouTube video is categorized correctly in Klein ISD so students can view it? Check out this YouTube Filtering and Checking Video Category document. Please read through the material and when you do, you will see a Lightspeed Domain Lookup link where you can paste your YouTube URL link to see if it's categorized correctly.
October 25, 2023
Whether you are a big Google Docs user or not, these 12 Google Docs Features are good to know! All of them are quick and easy tips that will definitely increase your students' engagement and impress your colleagues!
Want to dip your toes into AI? Why not start by letting it create your next rubric? Check out How to Create a Rubric with Chat GPT. You can create one in less than a minute so it allows you to complete other tasks!
October 18, 2023
It's FREE TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association) Membership Time This Week! Every year this wonderful organization offers free memberships to teachers, which allows you access to professional learning resources and a fabulous online community. Personally, I have learned so many technology tips and tricks from this organization! To sign up, CLICK HERE!
Now this is a FUN tool! It's called Emoji Kitchen (or type "emoji kitchen" into Google's Search box). Then, click on the"Get Cooking" button. You can create a new, random emoji combination, or select from existing emojis! Students have access to this, too, so they can also have fun!
October 4, 2023
Make sure you register and attend Klein ISD's Tech Palooza coming up on November 4 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM! Check out the website that has all the information you will need to plan your day! Register Here!
You can now merge classes in Lightspeed Classroom! Yay! Please watch this video to see how easy this process is!
September 27, 2023
In this week's Digital Deets, I have 2 COOL websites you need to check out!
The first one is https://tinywow.com/. This site has the most frequently used tools for FREE! They offer PDF, video, image, and other online tools to make your life easier (also some AI tools thrown in there, as well).
Speaking of AI (Artificial Intelligence), this site has it all! It's called Magicschool.ai. This site has anything from creating lesson plans, rubrics, and assessments to other common tasks like creating an email response or writing a letter of recommendation. Instead of going to various IE sites, you can get all of your work done with just this ONE!
September 20, 2023
Since vocabulary is a huge component of student learning, TCEA published a list of awesome resources for teachers and students to create flashcards (Google Slides even has a template)! You will want to check them out!
When I first saw this Task Tracker Google Sheets template, I thought how helpful it would be during PLC time. Read more about how Google Sheets's Task Tracker can keep your group organized and focused while allowing you to modify that template to suit your PLC's needs.
September 13, 2023
Since many of you lost connectivity with your Clear Touch recently, I did a quick one-minute video walking you through the steps on how to connect it back to the Klein ISD network. If you continue to experience connectivity issues, please complete a Service Desk ticket for IT to take a look!
If you ever want to have your students test their LockDown Browser before a test, simply have them attempt the one-question Assessment in the All Klein Oak Schoology course (screenshot below). I have it set for them to take it as many times as possible and will remain open all year.
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