Free Technology Posters - Just in time for back to school

Just like any teacher, I love a good freebie!  What's more, freebies that I can hang in my classroom are even better.  That's what this post is all about....free technology posters.

The first website is full of information and printable posters.  For elementary/middle school folks, this set may be what you're looking for. Navigate to the website  WE are TEACHERS and click DOWNLOAD to gain access to eight "tech etiquette" posters like these:

Next up is a group of posters that help remind us "how to" in Google.  This set of eight posters can be found here:

Technology Rocks, Seriously is a great little blog.  She has some terrific freebies located on her "school posters" link.  You can find things like this:

And finally, you'll hit the freebie motherload when you visit Venspired.  She is truly talented and freely shares her creations with teachers.  By clicking on her Posterpalooza link at the top of her home page, you'll have access to posters like these:

Enjoy putting your rooms together!  Watch for "Google Forms Part 2" later this week.

Google Forms: The Coolest App in Google Drive That You May Not Be Using - Part 1

It’s the end of July, folks.  The cicadas are sounding, the aisles at your local Target and Walmart are filled with excited kids and exasperated parents looking for all the items on back to school lists, and teachers are slowly making their way back to their classrooms to prepare for a new year.  To that end, I want to share some tips and tricks that might make the new year run more smoothly for you.  

All district teachers have a Hutchdocs account.  For those of you who’ve been sleeping or simply not reading my blogs (SMH), Hutchdocs is just another name for Google Apps for Education but it’s tailored to our district.  I digress.  One of the coolest feature of Hutchdocs is the ability to create FORMS.  Sounds boring, I know, but it can really be life-changing. In Part 1 of this three part series we'll discuss data collection.

Data Collection

The sky’s the limit with data collection and Hutchdocs when using Forms.  Teachers can collect:

• IEP Goals
• Intervention Data
• RTI Data
• Classroom Data
• Online Reading Logs/Records
• Parent/Teachers Conference Data
• Incident Reports

Administrators can get in on this, too!  Click here to see examples of walk-through forms, custodial request forms, school hotline forms and more.

For those new to Google Forms

Eric Curts does a fantastic job of explaining Google Forms.  The screenshots below are courtesy of his website.

Creating Forms

Adding Questions

There are multiple question types from which to choose.  In addition, Forms has updated to let you add pictures and video links as well.  

Seeing Results

The great thing about Forms and results is that they automatically are compiled in SPREADSHEET, Google’s version of Excel.  You can view the results by looking at the sheet, or by graph (automatically created for you).  This is such a simple way to collect important data!

Want more on Google Form creation?  Click here to continue to Eric's full tutorial.  Next up in our "Google Forms" series:  Behavior Management.

Lovin' My Google Chrome

Over the last four days I've held six different technology workshops for our district teachers.  (Yes, it was supposed to be eight but Mother Nature knocked out the internet for two, go figure.)  We've talked about blogging, tweeting, scanning, creating auras.  We played Kahoot, investigated Infused Learning and became much more comfortable with  Google Apps for Ed  a.k.a. "Hutchdocs".  It was so much fun to see teachers get excited about technology and to have the time to investigate it.  That's one of the best things about the beginning of June.

Google Chrome Icon

One take away that I keep hearing from my peeps about is the info I gave them regarding Google Chrome.  Honestly, it was just supposed to be an aside, but once one really starts to play and can see all that can be done, it gets pretty exciting.  Here's what I told them:

1.  Use Google Chrome as your internet browser.  This is a must, or you won't get the benefits of what I'm about to tell you.  Also, you need to make sure you are updated to the latest version.  At press time it's 35.

2.  Once you have opened Chrome and verified you're up to date, click on the horizontal lines on the far right side of  the top of the screen.  Mine looks like this:

3.  Once you have clicked on those lines, this is the menu you will see:

The very first thing you need to do is make sure you are signed in to the correct account.  You can see from this picture that I'm not, I'm signed in as jamyreilly@gmail.com.  I would want to sign out of my PERSONAL account and sign back in with my HUTCHDOCS account.  Once I have done that, I can move on.  Seriously, if you learn one thing here, it's to check which account you're in first thing.  :-) Next, you can change your settings by clicking on that option.  The settings I changed (completely optional...I'm just sharing):

• I set a specific location for my start page:  When I click on button that looks like a house, it will take me to this page.
•  I added a check mark by the Home button so I could see it in my toolbar.
• I added a check mark by the "show bookmark bar" because I like to have a place keeper for the sites I visit regularly.
•  I increased my font size to LARGE.  I'm on screens all day and this option makes it a bit easier on my eyes.
• I clicked on ADVANCED SETTINGS  and checked the spelling box, because who doesn't need help with that?
•  For downloads, I chose to have them ask me where to put the files and changed my folder from  DOWNLOADS to DESKTOP.

Chrome Web Store

To get to the Chrome Store, just Google "chrome store".  Yes, it's that simple. Here you will find Apps and Extensions.  

Apps:  These are applications, when you add them and click on the icon, it will open a new window to that app.

Extensions:  These are add-ons to your browser.  When you add these you will find them next to your address bar on the right.  If they are not visible, you will see a small set of arrows.  Click on those and you will see your extensions.  

 Like an extension?  Click on FREE and you'll be able to add it to your browser.  (NO, games can not be played at school.  Avoid those extensions, please, as they are blocked.)  Want to remove an extension?  Right click on it and select REMOVE.  

Let's be honest, just looking at the Chrome Store can be overwhelming, much less trying to pick apps and extensions to download.  Here's an example of what's out there and what it will do.  If you see something that looks appealing, go to the Chrome Store and search for it.

If you'd like to see how it all works instead of reading about it, click here   Google Chrome Video  In this video I discuss all of the above in detail and show you how to change your theme as well.  

I think you'll have a good time investigating this.  It really does have some great tools that will help you speed up your productivity.  And let's face it, it's pretty cool too.  See you in the fall!

End of the Year; bring on the summer!

One could almost hear the collective sigh around the district on Tuesday morning.  Teachers and students alike woke without alarms, many without a single item on their agendas for the day, with nothing to do but putter and enjoy the first day of summer break.  I was always one of those strange ones who, although I was beyond thrilled to be out of school, felt like something was missing.  I needed routine and missed the crazy of the kids in the classroom.  It took me a couple of days to settle into my summer.   Although I don't have my own classroom anymore,  I still feel at loose ends at the close of the school year, but in a much different way.   When I was in one building and people retired or moved on, it was sad, we said goodbye and there was cake - I'm a firm believer that frosting makes everything a little easier to bear. In this role I am lucky enough to see the majority of 308 teachers in action.  I am awed and impressed by your dedication to your students and your craft.  It's really a pretty great gig! That also means that have to see more of you go, and that's the worst part.  So, I wanted to take this opportunity to say "So Long" and "Good Luck" to those of you who are retiring or moving on next year.  It feels strange not to have that closure (and the cake, of course).  I wish you well in your future endeavors.
     Speaking of future endeavors...our PBL class begins on SUNDAY!  So much for summer vacay, right?  You should have received an email with detailed instructions about logging in and getting ready for your first assignments.  If you have any questions, please email me.
     Please take some time to click through this website!  I've been working to make it more user friendly.  To that end, I've started using Symbaloo (an online bookmarking site) to embed links to sites for you.  The goal it to make things easier to to find.  Let me know your thoughts!  
     Tech classes start next Friday, June 9 with Hutchdocs Basic and Hutchdocs Advanced.  I hope you'll join me at the PLC.  
     Have a terrific, restful summer.  
                

My Google is Broken...

s   Hutchdocs (Google Apps for Education) was a new addition to our district this year.  Initially it was meant to roll out for grades 7 - 12.  Teachers and students were quick to recognize the possibilities of Hutchdocs when they saw that they could use any computer or iPad to connect, they could get on their accounts from home effortlessly, they could share lessons and projects with each other which made collaboration simple, and that everything saved automatically so students’ work was never lost!   As things usually happen when technology is concerned, word spread about the ease of use with Hutchdocs and the increase in efficiency, collaboration and engagement in the classroom.  At that time grades 4 - 6 were added.  Finally, some very interested, tech-savvy  third grade teachers asked if they could pilot Hutchdocs with their students, so 3rd grade was added to the list as well.   Wow!  Needless to say, I was and still am thrilled with the reception Hutchdocs has received.  Being invited into so many of your classrooms to introduce it to your students has been rewarding as well.  Teacher and students in our district have impressed me with their willingness to try something new!  Take a look at the usage and collaboration reports below and you will see the steady gain since October ‘13.  Brilliant! As with all new things there are bound to be a few glitches.  I get emails, occasionally, asking if Drive is down  or saying that  “Drive is going crazy today”, etc.  The bad news is that if things are running slowly or you send me an email telling me things are “wonky”, there is nothing I can do to help you.  I can troubleshoot if you have shared with someone and they can’t see it, have lost your password, need a new account, want new ideas for collaboration or classroom use, but I cannot tell you why an error message is coming up.  Like you, I can guess and then I have to investigate.    The good news is there is a website where you can look for some answers.  No, you are not diagnosticians, nor do we want you to attempt to fix any hardware on your computer!  These websites  will simply tell you if GOOGLE is having any sort of problems with any of their apps, offer suggestions if you are getting error messages etc.  If you have investigated and are still having problems with your COMPUTER, a call needs to be made to TSC @ 5640. Google Apps Status Google Apps Status is a no frills webpage that shows a chart of all Google Apps  and if there has been service interruption, if service is down or if there are no current issues at that time. Is It Down Right Now? The link here takes you directly to a Google drive page to show you if the site it up and running.  When the page loads, if you are curious about another website, you can enter the URL address in the upper right corner and search for it.  Very handy! Common Errors in Google Drive This website gives a list of the most common errors (ie: syncing won’t quit), and tells you how to fix them.  This has been a lifesaver for me, too many times to count. It can be extremely frustrating when you’re working with a group of students and Google  decides to “go crazy”, “not play nice”, “have issues”, or my personal favorite from a recent email: “I think my Google Drive wants to see other people.”.  I’ve been faced with the same sort of thing myself.  There is nothing worse than walking around a classroom filled with rowdy 14 year-old's whose technology doesn't work.  Oh wait, yes there is.  I think it’s standing in front of a rather large group of teachers or conference attendees ready to present,   and MY technology doesn't work.  I’ll admit it, it stinks.  However, we as teachers know that being flexible and ready for anything comes with the territory.  Hopefully the sites above will act as additional tools when minor errors occur with Hutchdocs. Also, please remember that summer professional learning is available for Hutchdocs on June 6 at the PLC.  From 8:30 - 11:30 we will start with Basic Hutchdocs.  Basic would mean creating folders, sharing, collaborating, creating contact groups, converting MS Word docs,  Presentations (like PowerPoint), Draw (like Publisher), and Forms introduction.  From 12:30 - 3:30 we will move to Hutchdocs Advanced.  This class will dig deeper into collaboration, classroom application, forms, add-ons, research and more.  Space is limited...sign up in MyLearningPlan to attend.

App Smashing: Tellegami and iMovie

App Smashing:  The process of using multiple apps in conjunction with one another to complete a final task or project.

I have been excited to see enthusiasm for ipads explode across the district this year!  Teachers K - 12 are using them for instruction and projects and have been asking for new and different ways to incorporated them into their classrooms.  You asked for it?  You got it!

Anyone who has used an ipad with students for a given amount of time has quickly figured out that using one app to create something or complete a task doesn’t quite get the job done.  That’s where “App Smashing” comes in.   By using multiple apps, users can create an experience that is much more engaging and a project that filled with higher order thinking skills. 

Today's apps:  Tellagami and  iMovie ( Safari and Camera Roll )
Most of us are familiar with iMovie, so I won’t spend time here going through the particulars.  Tellagami, however, may be new to some of you.  It’s an app where students can create their own avatars, complete with hair, eyes and clothing choices.  In addition, they choose backgrounds that their avatars stand in front of(pictures from the internet or that they create themselves), which is key for this project.  Once those items are chosen, students can record themselves reading 30 second voice-overs or choose from a list of voices available and type in information they have gathered for whatever project or task they are completing.  After previewing and saving (Gamis are saved to the iPad camera roll) , students have a product called a Gami.  If you plan on using Tellagami as a stand alone, some quick ideas you might try: 

• Have your character tell a story.
• Pick a person in history and have them introduce themselves
• Use a plant cell as the background and have the avatar name and discuss the function of each part of the cell.
• Recite a famous poem or speech
• Read a poem they wrote
• Take a trip or go back in time and describe where the location/time period
• Speak in Spanish, French, Mandarin or any language (http://www.freetech4teachers.com)

Tellagami + iMovie = Wow
 Import multiple Gamis into iMovie and you have a larger project.   As you can see from the Youtube link at the beginning of this post, I created multiple Gamis on different subjects, inserted them all into iMovie and uploaded the whole thing.   Students can add video introductions (think common core speaking and listening skills) add music, text and a conclusion as well.  Groups could put together vocabulary reviews, make one big presentation over a particular topic - collaboration is an easy fit here.  

How does this apply to you?   These apps can be used for students K - 12.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:
ELA:

• Record vocabulary definitions. Create a separate Gami for each definition.  Put them together in an iMovie to use as a study tool.  
• Compare and contrast stories in the same genre (e.g., mysteries and adventure stories) on their approaches to similar themes and topics.
• Book Reports:  Your Gami acts as the narrator for your report on theme, plot, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution.
• Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
• Explain simple, compound and complex sentences.  

Social Studies:

• Students could create Tellagami videos explaining important events, inventions, and accomplishments in historical figures’ lives.
• Explain how a bill becomes law.
• Explain how interest rates are raised or lowered.  

Geography:

• One clip could describe the landforms of point A.  The next could do the same for point B.  Students could write directions from point A to point B with a map in the background.  

Science:

• Students could act as news reporters at a volcano (picture of volcano as their background) in their first clip.  In the second clip, they could interview a classmate about what they saw…(think formative assessment……) etc.
• Students could  explain a multi-step procedure or experiment.
• Explain the outcome of a lab and the steps they took to get that outcome.

Math:

• Student could explain what PEMDAS is in the first clip.  In the second clip, student could walk us through a specific problem using PEMDAS.  It could also be used to show the thought process behind how students solved any math problem. 
• Explain why addition and subtraction strategies work, using place value and the properties of operations.
• Describe the effect of dilations, translations, rotations, and reflections on two-dimensional figures using coordinates.
• Identify arithmetic patterns (including patterns in the addition table or multiplication table), and explain them using properties of operations. 

There are so many possibilities when using Tellagami and iMovie together!  What are some ideas you have for your classroom?

This post is about a skill that is valuable for everyone to know:  COMMAND F (NOTE: the keyboard shortcut is “CTRL F” for PC users, but I’ll refer to COMMAND F, since that’s the Mac keyboard shortcut and I have to pick one.)
You perform this shortcut by:Mac Users: Holding down the COMMAND key on your keyboard and then  pressing the F key.  A pop-up window will appear in the upper right hand corner.  You type in your keyword there.  Details are below.  PC Users: Holding down the CTRL key on your keyboard and pressing the F key.  A pop-up window will appear in the upper right hand corner.  You type in your keyword there.         Never heard of it?  Don’t fret, you’d be surprised at how many people don’t know what it does!  COMMAND F is the keyboard shortcut for FIND. In this age of overwhelming data, we not only need skills to find the correct information in a search engine, but we also need to find information on a page.    This little gem has a plethora of applications for the classroom, too.  Here are a few:Researching   Some students begin researching by entering a keyword like “Honey Badger” into a Google search engine.  They find a website and either print an inexplicably large number of pages that they begin to wade through or stare aimlessly at the computer trying to find what they are looking for.  This is long, tedious, boring and often times finds students collecting  irrelevant information.  If instead, students have three keywords they begin with like “honey badger, species, habitat” they will have many more hits that are relevant to their topic.  Once they click on a website, by using the COMMAND F shortcut and typing in “habitat”, they will be taken directly to that spot in the cite.COMMAND F (CTRL F on PCs) is the perfect tool to use when you are reading for specific content online.  Say someone sends you a PDF about Assessments that is 108 pages long.  They want you to read it and generate an outline about Formative Assessments for a meeting TOMORROW. There’s no table of contents and of course, it’s 4:30.   Gulp.  You don’t have to read the entire document or make yourself nauseous by skimming page after page trying to find the info you need.  Using COMMAND F will take you to the first instance the words appear and as long as your cursor is inside the FIND box, you can hit the return key to take you to the next instance the word appears in the text.  (In the graphic here, you see what CTRL F looks like in Google Docs.  It highlights the words in green and gives me the total number of times the word command is used in my document.)    As you click through, it will take you to all the other places in the text where those words appear.  

Editing Essays
Teaching students to edit their papers can sometimes be quite a feat.  In a world where they’re told that every stick figure they draw should be in the Louvre, it’s sometimes hard to explain to them that there is such a thing as a rough draft and that their masterpiece isn’t finished after the first go around.  Teaching students the COMMAND F trick could make things a bit easier on everyone.  Here’s how that works - upon completing their rough drafts students should search:

• AAAWWWUBBIS...if you’re an English teacher, you know what that means.  Any word that could possibly begin a dependent clause can be searched separately, allowing students to check to see that there are no fragments in their papers.

• Dead Words:  If your class has a dead word list, ask students to search for them and remove them from their papers.

• Commas(Punctuation of any kind): Commas errors always seem to top the list.  Ask students to search for commas to decide if they have been used correctly. 

• Search for then and make sure that it refers to time passing. If it’s a comparison, it should be than.

• Some words often feel vague to readers; search for each of them and consider replacing them with more concrete words. These include good, great, interesting, wonderful, and truly.

• Search for its and it’s and make sure you’re using them correctly. (Not sure which is which? Google it.)

• Search for the word that and make sure that it’s not renaming a person; if it is, you can usually safely change it to who. 

• You – type in the search box the word you. If any come up and are not in a quote, figure out how to get rid of it. You might want to change it to people or one and make sure the rest of the sentence still makes sense.

• There, their – Search there. Every time you see it check to see if it is possessing the word after it. If it is, then you need to change it to their. Example: They drove their car to the store. Their tells me whose car it is. Then search their, and make sure that every their is possessing the word after it. Remember there has here in it, and their has heir in it. An heir is someone who will inherit or come to possess property of someone who dies.

• Think about words your students misspell often.  Make your own list of the top mistakes and ask students to run them through Control-F as the final step before submitting the final draft.

So, as you're planning your lessons and kids are researching online or editing their papers, COMMAND F (for Macs) or CTRL F (for PCs) can be a great skill to teach them.