Google Smoogle - Searching and More!

Update- Working in a classroom with limited technology sucks!  I am currently on week two of no classroom technology.  It makes my day feel like it will never end.  It really has me thinking about the worlds current addiction to technology.  I have realized I am an addicted.  I need a support group to help me though the next two weeks of class without the use of technology.

This week I was so desperate that I went old school technology with my students.  We were working in stations to look at various components of a debate and I made a listening station.  You know the kind we had in kindergarten with the follow along books.  An surprisingly after showing the kids how to work a CD player they had a blast with it.  Being without technology has helped my student understand just how "vintage" their teacher is...

Google Search for Students

If you have been keeping up with my blog then you know that my students are currently doing some research for a debate they will be participating in soon.  IF we had technology I would be having them use the internet to research the topic of fast food in schools.  I recently had my library (have I ever mentioned how awesome she is???)  present how to do google searches and I learned stuff from her.  I thought I was an expert searcher, but she is the true genius.  There is more to google than typing in some keywords and clicking search.  You should check out some of these hint on how to do a REAL google search!

My favorite eye opening tool about google searches is the grade level search tool.  I usually differentiate my instruction based on students reading level and I used to choose and article and then go though and modify it as needed before printing.  Now it is two clicks and I have grade level appropriate texts!

This is another cool way of doing google searches that I learning while getting my bachelors degree.

I typically use this type of searching when trying to quickly look something up during class time.  It is just some quick hints on how to get a better result faster.

Google Classroom

It is no secret that I love Google Classroom.  Most school districts are becoming "Google Districts"  where they are using all of the lovely Google Apps.  Google Classroom is one of those apps.  If your student have gmail accounts created by the district then creating a classroom and inviting students is easier than ever!  I have made a screen-cast to help guide you through how to use it.  This one actually have audio explanation due to the fact that I spent some money updating my technology sense the last headset died on me... :( 

I hope you enjoy the screen-cast and are thinking ahead to the new school year that is only 3 months away (for my midwest audience).

Until next time...