Embedded Files
October 13, 2017
If you have not done so already, you really need to subscribe to the Cult of Pedagogy Podcast and weekly newsletter. Jennifer Gonzalez is one of those rare education gurus that truly understands the struggles and needs of teachers working in classrooms.
She provides strategies for all types of teachers and grade levels. She touches on technology integration, classroom managements, and working with disruptive students.
Yesterday, Gonzalez released an updated list of ways teachers can streamline the grading process. I was happy to see some of the strategies I have used and recommend to teachers. I am 100% sure you will find something that will change the way you teach today or in the near future.
You will definitely find many gems from the resources she regularly shares!
September 27, 2017
My role this school year is more focused on instructional coaching rather than on technology integration. I am enjoying the role since I am helping teachers in a variety of ways, including the incorporation of technology into lessons and projects when it is appropriate.
An area where ELL (all students) tend to struggle is in reading and following directions. I have been recommending to the teachers I work with that they spend an extra 60 seconds explaining the directions of an assignment using Screencastify, one of my favorite Chrome Extensions. Screencastify allows anyone to narrate what is on their computer and quickly share the video. Screencastify syncs the video screencasts you make with your Google Apps--including Google Classroom, YouTube, and Google Drive.
I regularly use Screencastify to show teachers how to do something if they are stuck. This is much more helpful that writing out a wordy explanation. I have been helping one of my child's teachers (example is part of this post) create a Google website and use Google Forms. When she asks me questions, I often use Screencastify to make a quick video explaining what she needs.
A savvy teacher could include Screencastify into their assignments in many ways. In addition to using the extension to explain directions and model processes, teachers could require students to make screencasts explaining how they answered/completed assignments and/or questions. This process could work in any class at any level.
Ms. Hulya.webmApril 12, 2017
I can't believe it has been over a month since my last post...my apologies. It has been quite busy with school visits and my children dealing with illnesses. I am using this post to share a piece I recently wrote describing the courage of a teacher stepping out of her comfort zone to help her students create a school newspaper using Google Sites. Without rewriting the article again, why don't you check it out for yourself!
March 9, 2017
How many of you work at schools with old, slow computers? Neverware provides you with an opportunity to turn your dud into a rejuventated device.
Last March (2016), I came aross this CNN story about a company, Neverware, that created a way to turn older computers into Chromebooks. Because my schools were using problematic Windows based devices that were sucking up instruction time with wifi issues and update installations, I was excited to try Neverware. Unforunately, I was not able to convert the HP devices last year, but I did find success last week!
Because each Windows machine has different keyboards and setup formats, Neverware provides a variety of manuals to help with different brands and models. Unfortunately, the HP model we possessed were not covered on their site. NEVERTHELESS, I was able to use the manual of another HP model and through some trial and error, I converted a computer that was just sitting in a box into a usable Chromebook!
I have been able to convert four devices successfully. The first few times took longer because I was writing down my steps and altering them as I performed the conversation. However, by the fourth device, I was able to convert a Windows computer into a working Chromebook in 10 minutes (yes, I used a stopwatch!).
So what does this cost? Well, I have been using the FREE home version so far since I have only been testing the devices. I have had no major problems with the free version, however, the device does try to find a license everytime I want to log in, but you don't need it unless you want to add the Chrome Device management license. This license cost $30 per device and allows a school district to add the device to their administrative console. If you do want to use the education edition, there is another small fee (with options) that includes technical support. Go to this link for more pricing information.
March 2, 2017
I have been a die hard Google Keep user for a few years or so. At first (and currently), I was a big fan of using the app to organize my family's grocery list. The fact that my wife and I can add items from different places is very helpful. (You can see this in the screenshot on the right).
However, Google Keep is big asset in my professional life. I use the application to take on-the-go notes when working with teachers and administrators, as well as create quick reminders that sync with my Google Calendar.
Google Keep allows for seemless collaboration with other Google users--helpful for students, teachers, and staff alike to plan projects and perform tasks. Check out Alice Keeler's post showing seven great features you and your students can do with Google Keep.
This past week Google Keep went through an update whereby it now integrates with Google Docs. You can have both applications open on the same screen and incorporate items from each into the other.
February 9, 2017
If you teach at a school with large numbers of English Language Learners (ELLs) like me, you are probably already aware of Google Translate. For many years a user could copy/paste or type text in one language and instantly receive a translated version into a growing number of language options.
Additionally, Google Translate has a nifty Chrome Extension that allows a user to translate a website into another language without needing to copy/paste text into the Google Translate site. Sometimes it can be a little funky with editable Google docs, but it works pretty well.
Recently, I came across a NEW feature in Google translate that allows a user to upload a file and then translate the file into a different language! One of the burdens of copying/pasting text is that the formatting is changed, causing someone like me to spend too much time trying to make it look perfect. I have been playing with the feature and I am impressed...you should definitely give it a whirl!
PS...As the husband of a woman who learned English later in her childhood, Google Translate isn't 100% perfect for translations. Often countries might use different words to represent the same object, furthermore, each country/region might use different slang words. NEVERTHELESS, Google Translate is still a valuable tool for teachers/staff who want to provide translated materials with a quick turnaround.
Look at the examples below...
Look at the examples below...
February 2, 2017
You have probably heard the term "JigSaw" way too much in your teaching career. However, it is a great strategy for promoting collaboration and student centered learning.
One of my favorite professional learning sites, The Cult of Pedagogy, recently retweeted a great article about the Jigsaw--including the interesting history behind it's creation!
Additionally, Jennifer Gonzalez (the creator of the site) provides a short YouTube video explaining the tool and how you can alter the Jigsaw based on your classroom needs. She also provides some great tips when problems could arise when using a Jigsaw in your class.
Even if you are an experienced teacher, I recommend spending a few minutes reviewing these resources...perhaps you will find a gem that you can use to make your current/future lessons better.
January 23, 2017
Common Lit is a free tool that has been around for a few years that allows teachers to provide fiction and nonfiction texts (and now text sets) to students with assessment questions. The questions--both multiple choice and written are clearly aligned to Common Core reading standards.
Moreover, students have the ability to highlight, define, translate, and even have text read aloud within Common Lit. These scaffolding tools are great for struggling readers and ELL students. Instead of having to install a few Chrome extensions, Common Lit provides these tools within their site!
Common Lit provides readings organized by text set and theme. You can also organize materials by different Common Core standards, genres, literary devices, and more.
Recently, Common Lit added a Guided Reading Mode that provides embedded questions throughout a text. Students can answer these questions without a fear of receiving a scoring penalty. Students cannot move on within a text until they have answered the question.
Teachers without 1:1 devices can print PDF copies of materials. Additionally, Common Lit provides a teacher guide for each reading, as well as relevant resources/videos associated with each piece of text.
Common Lit is a great tool you should use in your teaching arsenal.
January 17, 2017
Last week Google Classroom finally added a feature that allows teachers to personalize posts for students. You can now decide if you want to post an assignment, question, post for individual students rather than just the whole class!
This new feature allows you to differentiate more efficiently with your students. Along with the tagging feature, teachers can create individualized modules for students.
Additionally, teachers can now receive notifications when students re-submit work or submit work late. This is a small update, but quite helpful to keep you in the loop.
If you want more information, check out this Edsurge article.
January 3, 2017
One of my professional goals in 2017 is to become a Google Certified Educator. Currently, a teacher/administrator/coach can achieve Level One and Level Two certification. Google provides the training and after paying a small fee, one can earn a badge showing off their accomplishment on their resume, website, or blog.
If you are a school leader and want your staff to step up their G Suite knowledge, you should consider ponying up the $10 it takes for a teacher to take the Level One certification test. For the small fee, you will have a more knowledgeable staff ready to help new staff in the coming years.
Isn't it time you are officially recognized for your G Suite knowledge?!?!
December 19, 2016
As I work with teachers and school leaders, I often blow their minds when I show them Google Drive add-ons. The simplicity of G-Suite apps is appealing, though sometimes it is nice to have the ability to do more complicated actions--this is where add-ons come in!
I regularly use add-ons in my Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. These add-ons are my favorites:
- Flubaroo: Add this to a Google Sheet to score Google Form assignments, receive great data analysis, as well as provide custom feedback to students.
- Split Names: This add on works with Google Sheets to quickly allow you to split full names into separate columns. If you teach in PGCPS like me, it can be frustrating when you pull an APEX/SchoolMax report and some reports split names, while other reports combine names.
- Remove Blank Rows: This add on works with Google Sheets to quickly remove blank rows and columns.
- Texthelp Study Skills: Add this to a Google Doc so you can highlight text while annotating a document. It is freemium, but even the free version allows one to highlight text with one color
- Kami: This add-on works with PDFs in Google Drive and Google Classroom. You and your students can mark up PDFs without needing to pay for expensive software that begins with an "A".
- Change Case: This add on works with Google Docs so you can quickly change the capitalization of words in a couple of clicks.
December 12, 2016
I have been a fan of the Cult of Pedagogy blog/podcast ever since I learned about it last year. The creator, Jennifer Gonzalez, provides resources to help teachers improve their craft.
Her most recent podcast/blog post focuses on Six Powerful Learning Strategies developed by the Learning Scientists. The six strategies they show with examples, images, and scientific evidence are meant to teach students how to study. Students usually don't know what it means to "study", therefore you could begin using one or more of them and explain why you are using it and how it will help your students.
On the right is a sample video showing one of their strategies, "Concrete Examples". I challenge you to find one or a couple strategies that you could begin using immediately with your students!
December 2, 2016
I am in love with the new Google Sites. I have had an operational website for many years that helped students review for the Government HSA. The site was built using Wikispaces, a platform I didn't enjoy using, but was pretty easy for a non web developer like myself.
I have finished creating my revamped Government HSA Review site. I am excited to have students try it out. As always, it is a work on pro
If you teach government in PGCPS or the state of Maryland and I would like to add other teachers to update and add resources. The new Google Sites makes collaboration quite painless. Email me if you are interested.
December 1, 2016
Are you looking for a great tool to share videos with students and include questions inside the videos? If this sounds like something you would use, check out EdPuzzle!
It's relatively simple to use and is completely FREE!
If you are looking for a way to differentiate content explanation while gather useful classroom data, check out EdPuzzle.
Report abuse