Welcome Back to Technology

I have been taking a very long siesta.  Yes I mean nap.  This is the first year that I can remember not trying to get back on my "school sleep schedule" in a long time.  By this time in the year I am back to getting up at 6 am and sleeping at 10 pm.  This year I am just too tired.  I have been napping all day and staying up all night.  Yes I will suffer in about 8 days, but this year I am trying to stretch my summer break more than normal.  I have truly been super lazy.  Honestly it has been great I find that I am not too stressed out yet and I am just living on faith that all will be okay.

Now next week I will need to start getting my classroom ready and with that I will need to start thinking about how my one to one classroom will change the way I teach.  I figured I would start with a nice introduction project.  I want my students to understand my expectations of using their Chromebooks in my classroom and get to know them a little better.  I have decided to do this through some video creation.  My students will not have to stand in front of the class or play a silly ice breaker game (which I personally can't stand so I hate forcing it on others!).  There are so many video options to choose from so here are a few ideas.

Screencasify

This is a google extension that will allow your students to create screen-casts without having to download or open a program.  It is so simple to use.  When you load it on Chrome there will be a little image of a film tape on their ominbar.  All your students have to do is click and they can make a presentation using a power point/google slides presentation they create.  Give your students a day or two to create the presentation and screencast.  Then have them share it to the class for students to peruse or watch them all as a whole class. 

Here is a tutorial to help you get started!

Powtoon

I have talked about using powtoon as a teacher before.  I think it is so fun and free!!!  Students could create a cartoon by creating a character and having that character answer some questions you provide.  I am excited to try this out with my sixth graders this year.  I think they will have so much fun with this.  Check out this tutorial to help you get started!

Google Story Builder

My last suggestion is Google Story Builder.  I can't describe it I just have to show you how cute this can be!

Okay, Okay I know that was how to use it in math class, but wouldn't it be fun if we had our students reflect on their educational experience so far and tell us a story of what they have loved and what they have hated?  You could also just have them write about the funniest moment in their life as an introduction.  I mean come up with one thing you would like to learn about them and have them share a story.  Here is a little tutorial to help you get started.  

There are just a few technology tools that you can use to change up the way you introduce yourself to the classroom.  Think of the possibilities... You could even make a video introducing all of your classroom expectation so that your student are not hearing just another teacher go on and on about keeping their hands to themselves.  Really be open minded and expand yourself.  I know I have a week to make my own intro video.  What will your look like???  Feel free to share below in the comments section.  

Chromebook Palooza!

If you have been following along with my blog then you know I was seriously lacking some technology in my classroom at the end of the last school year.  If you need a refresher then click here to get a refresher on my plight!  So today is a momentous day as a teacher.  Today I get my loaner Chromebook BECAUSE all of my students will have one this next school year!!!!  Can you say...

So my next few entries might be a little focused on Chromebooks, but do not fear if you do not have these in your own classroom.  A lot of the research I have found on Chromebooks actually just talks about how to use google apps and websites more frequently in the classroom.  All of the things that I will talk about could easily be translated to laptops and desktops.  If you are using google apps for education then this is the place for you to check in with over the next few weeks. 

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook looks like a mini laptop.  However, it runs on the Chrome OS (Operating System).  This means that if issues pop up in class you will need to treat it a little differently.  I am working on collecting more information on this and I am planning on doing a mini post with some resources.  Chromebooks are made by a variety of computer companies, even Samsung makes a Chromebook.  Even if it is made by a different company they all have the same OS so no need to worry that will change your troubleshooting.

Also, Chromebooks are meant to just connect to the internet.  This means that all work done on a Chromebook will need to be kept in "the cloud".  This should be fairly easy if you are using google drive in your classroom.  The Microsoft suite also is online now and you could use that if you are not using google apps for education yet.  

Here is a little video to help you get started!

Chromebook Resources So Far...

I have been looking through some websites to get some ideas on how to use my Chromebooks in the classroom.  Here are a few site I have been looking over:

30 Way to use Chromebooks in the Classroom

Four Awesome Ways to Use a Chromebook in the Classroom

Chromebook Classroom

Now I just need to take a few of these start making my google classroom for the next school year.  As I explore for my own classroom I will share the knowledge that I have gained along the way.  

Do you have Chromebooks in your classroom?  What are your favorite ways to use them?  Let me know in the comments below.  

Until Next Time...

"Site"seeing through Google

I just got back from an amazing vacation to the Dominican Republic with my mother.  It was a special graduation gift for earning my master's degree.  It was relaxing and so fun to learn about the culture and push myself in new and exciting ways.  The most exciting part was climbing up a mountain just to fall down the waterfalls.  I found this activity has so many parallels in our lives as teachers.  When it comes to trying out new things I feel like it is an uphill battle.  Just like with new technology or the latest teaching strategy, or new curriculum.  The mountain is daunting and scary.  Sometimes we feel like we can make it, but there are ALWAYS other teachers, parent, students, family and friends that are there to back us up.  They are willing to slow down with us and coach us on.  Well, I felt like I would die climbing the mountain in the DR, but my mom and our guide stopped with me and kept coaching me on.  Even in tears and worrying about how I was holding everyone in the group back they kept coaching me.  When I made it to the top is was amazing and the cool water felt so great.  Now it is time to go it alone and take the plunge.  When you are trying on your own it looks so scary.

All you can think is "holy cow"!  You just have to think about all of your preparation and coaching,  and some how you push yourself to jump and when you look back it is not as bad as it seemed.  

At the end, you made it and are a better person and have had a great effect on those around you.  

Now I know that you are all wondering why I am sharing my crazing waterfall sliding adventure, but I found that my life as a teacher attempting to us technology is a lot like this scenario.  It is scary to try new things, but it all will work out.

Google Site Creation

This week's challenge is a little more daunting than normal.  We have been working on climbing to the top by practicing our google skills.  Now we are going to apply it all by creating a Google Site!  Don't be afraid, because now that we are on the top we just need to give the confidence to take the plunge.  Here is a video to help you get started.

There are a million different add-ons for your site.  You can add a calendar, mini-blog, checklists, and I could go on and on.  However, that might bore you so here are a few sites I found that can help guide you into whatever you are interested in adding.

WikiHow-Google Sites

Sample Teacher/Student Sites

Teacher How-To Create a Site

Google's How-To Site

There really are a billion (note how this number keeps going higher and higher) tools to help you on your way to creating a classroom website.  I created one recently for my debate and forensics team for next year and I am very excited to share it with my parents.  It will be one way that I can reach out to everyone interested in our team at once.  No more crazy emails hoping I have everyone on the email list!

I can tell you that Google has created an easy way to create a website.  I figured out the majority of it by taking the time to tinker around and the questions I did have were easily answered by googling my question.  You just need to take the time to explore and don't stress about the jump.  Remember when you are done you will wonder why you were holding back on creating a classroom site this whole time.  

Until Next Time...

Snacks and Movies

It is crazy how fast you summer can start to fill up.  I was planning on a lazyish summer, but that is coming to an end.  I have started to prepare for my vacation coming up soon, and the graduation for my Masters degree.  Not to mention I have started planning my sessions for our curriculum camp in July.  Packing, inviting, and planning has exhausted me!  I mean lets me real.  As teachers, we only take off about 3 weeks MAYBE of summer vacation.  I feel like by July I am back into prepping for the new school year mode.  I feel that this cartoon describes a real teacher's summer.

When life gets busy it is always nice to slow down with a little video time and that brings me to this weeks focus.  We are going to talk about youtube and videos in your classroom.  

Youtube

We all know it and love it!  I use youtube frequently in my classroom to help draw my students into my daily lesson or even reteaching a concept my students are struggling with.  I never realized how many tools there are to enhance your Youtube experience.  

First of all, Youtube has a special education channel.  Check it out by clicking HERE!  They have so many videos that are organized by subject and even what level you are teaching.  Imagine not having to go through all of the junk videos to get to the good meaty videos.  I love that this is a tool that Youtube has set up for teachers.  

Also, there are add-ons for your browsers that could make the video watching experience even better.  One of my favorite new extensions is called Turn out the Lights.  It essentially dims everything around the video so it is not as much of a distraction.  You have to check this out!  This is only one of a million ideas of how to use youtube in the classroom.  Check out this google doc with some great ideas on how to use youtube in your classroom.  

Snacktube

If you have been keeping up with my blog then you know I am always looking for a new website to enhance the video experience for my students in the classroom.  I LOVE edpuzzle for adding my own commentary, discussions, and quizzes to videos.  If you are not sure what I am talking about check out my post HERE.  So naturally when I was introduced to another awesome site I just had to share it with you.

Snacktube allows for you to collect a bunch of youtube videos and make a playlist.  It makes a much more student friendly interface.  There are not the distracting ads that would be there on a traditional youtube playlist.  Students could scroll through several videos and choose the one they would like to use or you could force them to watch videos in a specific order.  I would almost call this a video collage.  Check out the website HERE.  Do you have a website that you love to use with videos in your classroom?  If so leave me a comment below!

Until next time...

Touring on Google

Hello, friends! I hope your summer is allowing you to be as lazy as I have been.  I just got around to doing my summer kitchen rearrange yesterday.  All of my other days have been lounging with my cats and... that is about it.  I am excited to announce that both of my proposals for my school district's technology symposium have been accepted!  I will soon be sharing some amazing google apps and how to screencast with my fellow educators.  I am super pumped and so are others. I will be setting up both sessions on Google Classroom so if you are interested in getting access to that classroom then send me a quick email and I will get back to you with the code as soon as the class is up and running.
I am really excited about this week, but I discovered Google's Tour Builder!  I am sure we are all aware of Google Earth (if not check out the video below), but this tool combines Google Earth, Youtube videos, and images to create a tour of the world!

Google Tour Builder

Okay, so Google Tour Builder allows for you to create a travel "timeline" and moves around the world, country, or city as you tell a story or give students information through your own description.  To enhance this virtual field trip, you can add videos and images.  The end product is pretty amazing. However, I will warn you that they are transitioning into only the 2D version of this tool because most browsers no longer the support the 3D version (which I think it the best version).  Sadly, Chrome does not support the 3D version anymore IF you have the most current version of Chrome.  I did find a go around for this and that is using Mozilla Firefox browser.  Here is a tutorial to help you get started.

The website also has a ton of tours that are premade and ready to be shared with your class.  If you are wanting to check out one of my own creations here is a link to check it out.  Like I said they look much better using Firefox.  

Here is another tutorial on how to use the tool.  

Classroom Ideas!

The tool really has endless uses.  Here are a few ideas I came up with on my own.  

Science:  Show environments such as the rainforest all around the world. 

Social studies:  Use a "moving" map to show all of the important locations in a culture.

English:  Use it to help inspire students to write about a specific location/time.  

Reading:  Show students that actual locations within the text they are reading.  

Math: Find specific shapes in geography!  

Really the ideas are endless.  Be free and let you mind run wild.  I thinking about using to tool to get to know my students ambitions and where they want to go at the beginning of the year.  

What are some of your ideas for using Google Tour Builder?

Until next time...

Scheduling though Google Calendar and other Fun Tools

I took a relaxing week off and finished packing my classroom, giving finals, and taking a whirlwind trip to Ohio to celebrate a new high school graduate!  Needless to say, I am exhausted from my week off.  Thank goodness I have about six weeks to rest up before I get back to curriculum fun and preparing for school.

I do have great news!  I have been asked to present at my district technology symposium in July.  I feel super nerdy, but I am sooooo excited.  I submitted two proposals for my presentation and I am just waiting to hear back about my ideas.  I think this image says it all!

Onto this weeks fun!  This week I will be giving a short tutorial on how to use Google Calendar and some reviews of google tools that are available to you!

Google Calendar

Google calendar is a great collaborative tool.  It is easy to use and allows for you to share appointments and calendars with others.  I have put together a presentation to help you set up your own appointment. Click HERE for a short tutorial.

I would also highly suggest that check out some of the labs that are available.  Labs are experiments that google is conducting to see how well they work and how useful they are to others.  HERE is a site with a list of labs available and how to add them to your calendar.  

Other Google Tools

Google+ Hangout

This tool is so cool!  You can used it have a traditional or video chat.  You no long need to have a “meeting” to talk and plan with someone else. You can talk with multiple people at once.  The only downside (and I have not used it for about 9 months) was that it seemed a little glitchy when popping up the large image of who was talking.  Although google is always updating the tools and this might have been cleared up!

Here are a few ideas of how to get started using google hangouts:

This could be used for meeting other students across a larger district.  We could have book discussions across the city.  I could also see district meetings being moved online.  No need to travel across this district to meet with the ELA team.  I could just stay at my desk and attend the meeting.  

Here is a website with a guide for teachers on using google hangout.

Google Body

This tool is so neat to use with a touchscreen.  You can move around the manipulate the body to click on all of the systems.  I did find it difficult to maneuver around the tool to begin with but adjusted after about 5 minutes.  Unless you pay for the more advanced tools I found this tool to be somewhat limiting for teachers and that is primarily why I gave it a 5.  

Here are a few ideas to get you started using google body:

This could be used in a science class to have students fill out a study guide before a test.  I could also see students doing group work to understand how the body is layered and try to think of why certain portions of the body are connected to other portions.  

Here is a website with some lesson ideas!

World Wonders Project

I am really excited about this as a first time social studies teacher next year.  We will be studying ancient civilizations and this tool will be very cool to use to build student interest!  It has an easy to use search bar and gives a variety of options to help narrow down your selections.  There are images and museum exhibits for students and teachers to explore.

Here are a few ideas to help you get started using World Wonders Project:

I would love to use this tool to get my students interested in a new unit we are starting.  I would use it along with an anticipation guide.  I could also see using this for some research about the civilization that students are learning about.  I could assign various aspects of the civilization to groups and using the easy search tools students could create a presentation using the World Wonders project.  

Here is another website all about the project.

I hope you can use some of the information when thinking ahead to the next school year. What is your favorite google tool and how to you use it in your classroom. I would love to hear your unique spin on all of the great tools google has to offer.

Directions to get to Google Drive (get it drive...directions...)

We are officially on our final week of school! Yahoo!  We made it through another 178 days of school!  Okay, I will now stop using so many exclamation points because at this point if you are not excited then I don't know what to do.  I am feeling so exhausted at this point in the year, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and this inspires me to keep chugging along.  I feel like this truly illustrates my feelings about the school year.

Last week I told you that all of my students were going to have Chromebooks next year.  Then this week our school received an email saying they were going to start limiting what we can keep in our home drive and that we needed to start saving and uploading our documents, pictures, and videos to google drive.  I am thinking a review might be needed for a few of my teacher friends and those who just want to start using their google tools more!

Google Drive

If your school district is a "Google District" then you have unlimited space in Google Drive.  Anything you upload to Google Drive you can share with anyone and if you make a folder and share the whole folder with your team then anything you add to that folder will be shared with the same people.  My team recently used this when planning for MAP block schedule and everything I created/uploaded was automatically shared with my ELA team for all to see and use!  Let get onto a tutorial to help you out with this!

This video only uploads a document and shows you how to share one document, but like I said before you can upload videos and pictures.  Take advantage of all this FREE space for teachers!  

Here are a few links to some resources on how you can use Google Drive in your classroom.  

The Paperless Classroom with Google Docs:  This is a 13-page google document describing anything you might need to know to create a paperless classroom.  

38 Ideas to use Google Drive in Class:  This site has several ideas on how to use google drive.  This is a great place to get your creative juices flowing!

The Teacher's Guide to using Google Drive in the Classroom: This is another great beginners guide with some fun app tips thrown in!

I hope this information helps you get started with Google Drive and its amazing uses in the classroom. 

What is your favorite use for Google Drive in your classroom?  

Until next time...