This is a work in progress.....
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January 31, 2017
Well, I made it....posting once a day for a month! Today was a very busy day! I hosted a training for 25 teachers. It was called the YOU conference...because it was all about YOU! We polled the participants about their needs and created 12 courses for them to attend. I am thankful I work with such talented teachers to serve as trainers. The teachers agreed that it was "worth the lesson plans." --A true sign of a good training. NO big blue binder as all presentations and materials were linked to a doc. It was just a fabulous day. Hyperdocs, formative assessment, Google Forms, Google Drawing, were just some of the topics. Here's to hoping I can do it again SOON! IT WAS A GOOD DAY!
January 30, 2017
So I am finally getting around to trying out Google Keep. Shake-up Learning posted a list of 17 things to try in 2017. So far, I am have tried six . Here is a quick video about using Google Keep. I am a list maker, so this should help me. I especially like that I can have it send me a reminder. I used the notes app on my phone, but I love how this becomes a to do list for me!
TECH TO DO: Go try at least 1 thing on that list above!
January 29, 2017
If you aren't using Google Classroom for 2nd grade and higher....YOU SHOULD! It's time to jump in and do it! Will you mess up? Will you fumble? Will you get over it? The answer is YES! As teachers, we have to model life-long learning and pereserverance. If you don't consider yourself a "techie", it can be challenging to want to go further with tech integration in your classroom. You will never know everything, so be the humble person you are and model learning something new for your students. Here is a tutorial for Google Classroom.
TECH TO DO: Make sure you have a Pinterest account!....and then go check out the great finds for Google Classroom on Pinterest.
January 28, 2017
I was out and about today for 3 games of lacrosse....so....here is a quick post. With Google Docs, I am pretty sure you know about See Revision History, which is an awesome tool to be able to see who wrote what and when they did it. It is even color coded...which is totally my thing. Well, there is another way to sww who wrote what and when IN REAL TIME or even in high speed. Go to the webstore or even your Google omnibox and search for DRAFTBACK. Your whole doc will be rerun keystroke by keystroke. Analytics are even provided.
TECH TO DO: And while we are talking about writing, here is the Google Story Builder. Create a quick video that mimics some of the introductory ads for Google Docs.
January 27, 2017
I found a great blog post about WRITING. It's chock full of ways for your students to write with a focus on being succinct and purposeful. Make the words COUNT...not a word count ;) Here is a link to the post on ControlAltAchieve. I suggest you follow the author on Twitter!
TECH TO DO: Here is a webinar with additional literacy building activities!
January 26, 2017
This post won't be a surprise....it is plain and simple...Our students consume and produce information differently thatn we did. Information is at their fingertips. Here is a nice graphic laying out this Digital Shift and it contains some information in a very digestible way.
TECH TO DO: Find one way to integrate tech next week!
January 25, 2017
My mind is blown....You have to check this out. Have you heard of those escape room places? Well, there is a non-room version called BreakoutEDU. I just went to a county STEM meeting and they had the "breakout box" for us. Each box is $125....so....hmmm, there has to be a low-cost alternative. How about FREE?!? There are Digital Breakouts...they are super awesome, thought-provoking and collaborative. I tried the one called Open the Pool. Here is a video from one of the creators of the digital option. I think knowing a little bit about how they are created will give you some insight. I would not show this video to my students.
TECH TO DO: One cool tool I found for creating fun activities in your classroom is a way to create a fake text message. I am sure there are numerous ways you can think to use this!
January 24, 2017
Do you use QR Codes? It's a great way to link information that is easy to access. You can create self-checking activities, link to digital student projects, differentiate assignments....the list goes on. Here is a self-checking activity to try if you like. Please be aware of the settings of your Google links if you want people to be able to access out of your domain. Here is a tutorial for you. I use the-qrcode-generator.
TECH TO DO: Check out Kathy Schrock's Guide to QR Codes!
January 23, 2017
I am so excited! It's official...I am a GOOGLE CERTIFIED TRAINER!
TECH TO DO: Go get your Level 1 certification! I will help you!
January 22, 2017
We are inundated with information on a second by second basis. How do we ensure that we are making fact-based decisions with the information we are provided? Real-time "news" clogs our media feeds. We must make sure our students are able to discern between legitimate news and fake elaborations. Here is a list of resources and lessons to use in the classroom. Most of them are for middle school and higher. For our younger students, maybe evaluating a website's authenticity would be a valuable skill. Here is a "fake site" for the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus and an article about how it stumped students.
TECH TO DO: Can you spot fake news? Read this article. Then take the "quiz."
January 21, 2017
Infographics are a great option for students to synthesize information from a variety of sources. It is an alternative to a traditional presentation. Here is a tutorial for creating infographics. If you are unfamiliar with the term, you will know exactly what it is when you open up the samples. There are a variety of infographic makers. I have used easel.ly with a few classes. I find the templates very helpful for students. Google Drawing is another option for creating the infographic from scratch.
TECH TO DO: Go to your Google Search bar and type in your current subject along with the term infograph. I think you will be inspired to try this in your classroom!
January 20, 2017
HAPPY FRIDAY! Looks like we are in for some nasty weather this weekend. While you are planning for next week, you may find a little inspiration here. This document is full of links to help you ramp up the level of SAMR in your lessons. Not sure what SAMR is....think Bloom's Taxonomy meets tech. Here is a 120 second tutorial. Let me know if you find any good stuff to share with your colleagues!
TECH TO DO: Go to YouTube and start a play list. Find 5 videos that you can use in your instruction and add them to your playlist. Now you won't have to search for them when you need them!
January 19, 2017
I use Google Maps every. single. day. to track my commute on the 91...but, I haven't used them in the classroom yet. Here is a video with some uses of My Maps in Google Maps. I also found this great resource with 10 Ways to Use Google Maps. Here is a very basic tutorial about how to navigate My Maps.
TECH TO DO: Here is a hyperdoc to introduce My Maps to your students. I think I need to go through all of these to learn it myself!
January 18, 2017
When the bell rings, is that the end of the lesson? Often times in the busy teacher life, we don't properly end a lesson. We just leave the student learning "hanging" until the next day. Here is a list of 40 Ways to Leave a Lesson. These aren't necessarily tech based, but can be if you like! My favorites are 3-2-1 and one not on the list....Tweet about the lesson in under 140 characters. #learningisfun
TECH TO DO: Socrative is a great site to incorporate into your lesson....use it to pre-assess, check for understanding, or even as an EXIT TICKET!
January 17, 2017
Focus on literacy with WORD CLOUDS. Here are two resources for ideas. This one will get you started with 5 straight forward ideas. This one will be a good resource over time with over 100 suggestions. If you are on a laptop or desktop, Wordle works well with the Mozilla browser. If you are on a Chromebook, you will have to use something like Tagul. I really like the visuals created with word cloud generators. They result makes your point without you having to say anything.
TECH TO DO: Make yourself (or your students) the shape of the word cloud. I created this with Tagul. How fun would this be with an autobiography?
January 16, 2017
What is the key to engaging your students THROUGHOUT the lesson? I know we all have amazing ways to HOOK our learners, but what do we do to sustain that engagement and challenge our students. Here is a blogpost from Steve Wick. I follow his posts very regularly. I find his resources very well-organized and easy to use. Here is his collection of resources for engaging learning with a focus on the 4 C's. Learner centered activities ensure students are actively engaged, building literacy, and perservering.
TECH TO DO: Share one (or more!) thing you are going to do to incorporate the 4 C's in your classroom. Here is the padet link.
January 15, 2017
Do you have your students create a magazine cover for a synthesis type activity? Do you struggle with the placement of text and images in Google Docs? Google Drawing is your answer! I think I use Google Drawing daily. You have so much freedom with the placement of text and image features. This tutorial will provide you with the basics. There are some samples as well. Enjoy!
TECH TO DO: Take your Google Drawing skills to a new level. Cartoon yourself!
January 14, 2017
Have you thought about becoming a Google Certified Educator? If you use Google regularly, you should be able to pass. Here is something to get you in the mood to take your Level 1 test. I really like the part in the graphic where it mentions modeling a growth mindset. Our students need to see us challenge ourselves and stick to a task even though we may struggle.
TECH TO DO: Explore a bit of Sylvia Duckworth's website full of her sketchnoting. It's quite the education buzz word.
January 13, 2017
If you haven't implemented Google Classroom, there is no better time than NOW. The time is NOW. Let's do it! Here is a tutorial that includes what it looks like from the student view. And I just found this comprehensive document full of screen casts. Before you know it, you will want to move into some of the newer functions of Google Classroom which include DIFFERENTIATION! Here is a great blogpost from @jmattmiller from DitchThatTextbook.
TECH TO DO: Join our Google Classrooms. Codes can be found here.
January 12, 2017
How do you check for understanding or use assessment FOR learning? There are multiple ways to get real-time information about how your students are meeting your learning outcomes. Many of these sites have a quick tutorial video and can be implemented in minutes. Please let me know if you needs support or want to send me a link to try out. Most of these apps can be used with a tablet, Chromebook, or smartphone.
- Padlet- (please see my January 9th post for this....plus a chance to participate in a padlet)
- Kahoot- multiple choice questions in a game-like atmosphere
- Socrative- variety of question types, competitive team rounds
- Google Forms- always a great choice for a variety of question types, including video. Probably the most versatile
- Classflow- If you have flipcharts in ActivInspire and your responders don't work well, this is a great alternative that has many of the bugs worked out. Download Classflow for Desktop and breathe new life into your flipcharts.
TECH TO DO: Pick one of the above and GO FOR IT! Start with something fun and low stakes. I am sure there is a 3-5 question check you need to make in the next 24 hours!
January 11, 2017
Do you INFOGRAPHIC? You have seen them. You enjoy looking at them. Have you ever thought about having your students create them? Talk about a great way to synthesize information! Students take information from multiple sources and compile it in an easy to read INFOGRAPHIC. This hyperdoc contains samples. websites, and ideas for you to use this in your classroom. It can be used in any content area. Bye bye to posters....create an infographic!
TECH TO DO: Go to your Google search bar and type in your current topic along with infographic. LOOK AT ALL THOSE IMAGES! Instant samples for whatever your topic is! Have fun!
January 10, 2017
Are you bored with the "basic" backgrounds in Google Slides? Try SlidesCarnival. There are some great backgrounds and the template layouts really help you add some variety to your slides. Just getting started? Here is a tutorial for Google Slides.
TECH TO DO: Have you ever thought about creating your own book? Format with ease using Google Slides as an e-book creator! Here is a blogpost from Shake-Up Learning.
January 9, 2017
Good Morning! So who wants a free coffee? I would like you to try out a padlet for a chance to win a free coffee! Padlet is a virtual bulletin board or corkboard where you can collect responses, images or links. Instead of your "teacher arm" wobbling to capture student responses, have them type their own on a padlet. On this padlet, please include your name (so I can send you your g/c for a free coffee, and include one tech goal you have for yourself or something you have learned from my Tech Sassy website. Winner will be announced FRIDAY! Look for the + sign in the lower right hand corner to start your entry.
TECH TO DO: Create your very own Padlet account and use it in the next week to let each student have a VOICE!
January 8, 2017
It's a beautiful day! Before the rainy week ahead, why not snap some photos on this glorious day! Here is a little challenge I found. While the blog and challenge are dated for a few weeks ago, the tips are still great. 5-Day Photo Challenge
TECH TO DO: Are you on Instagram? Why not set up a classroom account and show your parents how your class learns!
January 7, 2017
I am always looking for good resources and tutorials. Two names that pop up most times are Alice Keeler and Kasey Bell (aka Shake Up Learning). Their sites have clever ideas about integrating tech. There is no reason to tech for tech's sake...it has to be meaningful and purposeful.
TECH TO DO: Are you familiar with SAMR? (I know, another acronym) Here is a quick video to help you underdstand. I think it helps put the use of tech in the classroom into perspective. Technology isn't a discreet skill, it must be integrated and enhance the learning.
January 6, 2017
A teacher asked, "How can I get more proficient with Google Docs?"
My reply, "Stop using Word. Cut the cord."
If you don't think that you are that proficient with Google Docs, here is a tutorial to help bring you up to speed. If you need further support, here is a series of videos that goes through each menu individually.
TECH TO DO: Take a few minutes and organize your Drive. Create a few folders and get some files sorted. Did you know you can color code folders!?! Right click on the folder and choose the palette icon. I just love a good, color-coded Drive.
January 5, 2017
As promised, here is a little Google Form/Autocrat fun. By clicking on this link, you will answer a few questions like you would be filling in a mad lib. Upon completing the form, you will be (almost immediately) emailed a PDF of your mad lib. This is just a fun way to introduce you to the idea that data from a spreadsheet can be merged into a document. You could use this for form letters, certificates, etc. Recently, I helped one of our PTSAs at the high school automate their student of the month certificate system. All they have to do is press PRINT once teachers have submitted names. They have freed up scores of hours! Here is a tutorial video for learning how to use AUTOCRAT. It's a little long, but the presenter does a nice job.
TECH TO DO: Tell you school secretary or principal about AUTOCRAT....I am sure there is something they can use this for!
January 4, 2017
Do you know how to use Google Forms? Here is an "upcycled" lesson for you to go at your own pace. Google Forms Hyper Doc Tomorrow's post will totally rock your world...we are going to take Google Forms to a whole new level using an add-on called Autocrat. So, take my advice and get comfortable with Google Forms so the next step will be manageable.
TECH TO DO: Create a form you can use in the next week. Consider making something "fun" to introduce the tech to your students.
January 3, 2017
Welcome back to school! Instead of a resolution, how about #OneWord2017? What word will help define your 2017? How about having your students write their word after they have time to discuss it with a partner or table group? Padlet or post-it note...get your students TALKING! Here is my #OneWord2017 tweet!
TECH TO DO: Do you know how to create a URL shortener? This will be helpful so your students can navigate to a website (or a Padlet!) with less keystrokes. Video tutorial
January 2, 2017
I found a fun way to tell a story...BITMOJIS! I came across this article on Alice Keeler's website. We all love a good bitmoji! In the article, the students will be using bitmojis to retell an episode in history. I decided to try retelling my favorite movie, The Princess Bride. For this sample, I tried to keep it brief. In the article, the author refers to storyboarding and shows an example from Toy Story (totally relatable to the students). I really appreciate the idea of making history a STORY. It adds so much interest to what many see as just a list of dates and facts. The versatility of this assignment is a plus. Now you have a sample for history and language arts. If you make one, please send it to me so I can share it :) One of my goals is to create some resources for all to enjoy. kvoge@pylusd.org or voge.kimberly@gmail.com
TECH TO DO: Bookmark this page! Click on the STAR in your search bar. THANK YOU!
January 1, 2017
Today marks the start of my attempt to collect ideas, strategies, etc. to help engage students in learning. Being an educator is a tough job with a lot to balance. Technology isn't the answer for everything. Some lessons are best paper/pencil...which now seems "old school." One thing upon which we can all agree is that we need to ENGAGE our learners. If we can hook them from the beginning and they know WHY they need to learn a given topic, we will have buy in from the beginning. Gone are the days of sit and get, lecture style lessons. Here is a great blog post all about THE HOOK! Please consider following the author, Steve Wick @rechargeedu on Twitter.
TECH TO DO: Create a twitter handle and follow at least 5 people. My twitter is @KVoge71
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