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.  

Digital Learning Day Brings Info and Resources Galore

Digital Learning Day is Wednesday, February 5, 2014.  If you're asking yourself "what's that?" you've come to the right place.  Spearheaded by the Alliance for Excellent Education, Digital Learning Day recognizes innovative teaching and common-sense, effective applications of education technology that support teachers, improve learning, and help students achieve at their highest potential.

    In addition, thousands of state and local events will be held throughout the country, including the more than 1,000 local events that educators have added to the Digital Learning Day website. In conducting their events, educators will be tapping the interactive lesson plans andteaching toolkits available in several different subject areas, including English language arts, math, science, social studies, and more.
    “In the two years since the Alliance’s inaugural Digital Learning Day, the many uses of technology to improve student learning outcomes in the nation’s schools have skyrocketed,” said Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education. “Still, there are schools and classrooms where students are asked to check their devices at the door. Digital Learning Day was created to provide all educators—from those who are technology averse to the technology rock stars—with the support and guidance they need to feel comfortable using different types of technology to improve learning in their classrooms.”
   In addition to the local events, Digital Learning Day will include a national showcase event and virtual conference that will be broadcast live on the internet from the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. The showcase will be hosted by Judy Woodruff, co-anchor and managing editor of the PBS NewsHour, and it will feature Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler, U.S. Representative George Miller, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, Acting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education James H. Shelton III, Wyoming State Senator Rich Crandall, and Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Lillian Lowery.
    The national showcase will also feature educators and students from schools and school districts that are using technology to make a positive difference in student learning, including Talladega, Alabama; Beaverton, Oregon; Henry County, Georgia; Hillsborough, Florida; Albemarle County, Virginia; and West Windsor Township, New Jersey. Also highlighted will be key initiatives to bring broader adoption of technology into classrooms, including an urgent need to update the federal E-rate program, an immensely successful initiative that has connected 94 percent of schools to the internet, but as more teachers, students, and devices attempt to access a school’s network, it cannot meet the exploding demand for high-speed connections.
    “From simple beginnings, Digital Learning Day has become a worldwide event for showcasing how technology can improve student outcomes and support teachers,” said Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia. “I encourage everyone—educators, parents, students, and members of the media—to visitDigitalLearningDay.org or contact your local schools and school districts to see what they are doing to celebrate Digital Learning Day and learn how you can get involved.”
    Visit DigitalLearningDay.org for ideas about how students, parents, administrators and others can participate. Follow the action on the Digital Learning Day Twitter page, with the #DLDay hashtag, and on the Digital Learning Day Facebook page.
    In USD 308, we know that every day is a digital learning day, but the resources and celebration surrounding this event are truly too good to pass up.  What are you doing on Wednesday to recognize Digital Learning Day?  

'Twas the Day Before Break (A Technology Tale)

‘Twas the days before Break, and all through the schools The  teachers were using technology tools. The iPads were charged and the “carts” were plugged in In anticipation for class to begin. The students showed up with a gleam in their eyes, Because when there’s tech, engagement arrives. They take to it like a duck does to water, ‘Cuz the tech is the clay and the kid is the potter. At Faris and Graber and Lincoln and Wiley, Cool projects like “Linkville” make wee ones feel smiley. Others like Manny write blogs yes they do, And Bleything and Williams tried Hutchdocs woo hoo! Corcoran’s vid made the board say “That’s Great!” Burlie’s sixth grade  iMovie  was especially first rate. Winters does projects with Educreations, They make herstudents give standing ovations! Don’t forget Magnet @ Allen  or our  MCC, They are as  busy with tech as they can be. With Compass and iPads and SMARTboards  galore, They are always on the lookout for more, more and more! Then Morgan and the folks down at Avenue A, Bring technology into most every day. With Keynote, Edmodo, QR Codes and FasttMath, Their students are headed down the perfect path. Don’t count out the high school or CTEA, Their tech is “sick” as the kids these days say. They’ve got Robots and green screens and auto-mechanics, Robotic welders, wind tunnels-  I’m not done yet, don’t panic… There’s the Hoss Mill and paint booth that’s state of the art, The saw stop and printer that prints 3D parts. The teachers are stellar as they teach the mobs Of kids hoping they’ll become the next Steve Jobs. Loewen and Gusty and yes, even Durham Tackled Hutchdocs without a bad word between ‘em. The students enjoy it , Roehm knew that they would, They turn things in paperlessly the way that they should. Hutch Middle School, it was not saved for last, Their use of technology can’t be surpassed. They “Explain Everything”, Socravite and such Infographics, Thinglink gosh, there’s so much. So as this last day with students draws near, There’s just one thing more that I’d like you to hear. Thank you so much for your hard work with tech, Have a restful holiday season, as the halls you do deck! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!!! Amy Reilly

Linkville: A "Tasty" Second Grade Community

2nd Graders at Wiley Elementary got a taste of what building a community is like in Kristi Link's class. Focusing on Social Studies Common Core Standards that center around communities and what makes them thrive, students spent time brainstorming what was important for all communities to have, what citizens needed, and how buildings might be designed. Then, using a variety of items, the kids set to work building their community (they named it Linkville).  Kristi's class is part of a larger, multi-state project called a "STEM to STEAM" challenge. During the week of December 16-20 classes will Skype with each other to compare/contrast their engineered communities and discuss what it is like to live where they do.  To read more about this activity, you can visit the project website here.

Yes, We Can...Write Code. :-)

It's here!  Computer Science Education Week is upon us and as I posted in last week's blog a great way to recognize it is by visiting their site and treating your students to "An Hour of Code".  I am a firm believer in practice what you preach where technology is concerned so I signed up and participated myself.  It was FUN!  It was also a tad addicting. The minute I saw the Angry Bird logo I knew that kids would be interested but I was still sketchy about adults.  That skepticism quickly vanished when I entered the site:  http://learn.code.org/hoc/1   It was engaging and educational at the same time.  Basically users are trying to "write code" that gets the bird to the pig.  This video explains how:  

What a great way to get students excited about writing code!  There are extension activities as well for those students and teachers who are interested in going beyond the hour where they learn the basic concepts of Computer Science with drag and drop programming. The website provides 15-25 hours of "unplugged" classroom activities interspersed with game-like, self-directed tutorials starring video lectures by Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Angry Birds and Plants vs. Zombies.  
I strongly encourage you to introduce your students to the concept of coding in this way.  You won't be sorry!

iOS7 Is Here!

Ok, I know not all of you have an iPhone or an iPad, but my love of all things nerdy has me excited about the new iOS7 update for Apple devices.  If you have a Droid, continue as you were and catch the blog the next time.  For those of you who have an Apple device this is for you.  
On September 18, the update became available.  I spoke with a teacher friend of mine last night and she had already updated her system and deemed it "pretty slick".  So, I tried to update mine.  It was a no-go because the update was not yet available on my phone.  But no worries.  When I woke up this  morning there it was!  It took my phone about an hour to update to the new system.  That was from my home internet which has medium speed levels.  I felt like it was a reasonable amount of time.  How do you update your system?
1.  Go to settings.
2.  Click on General.
3.  Click on SYSTEM UPDATE.
4.  Download and Install OS7.  **Because it is a big update, you need to be on WiFi to download it.  In addition, it is smart to plug into a power source, as updating it can drain your battery.
5.  These same steps apply when updating your iPad!
       There seemed to be quite a few "policy" screens.  I hate to say it, but I click agree and continue without reading a word.  C'mon, you know you do it, too.  I'm trusting that I haven't promised anything too outlandish by doing so.
       The next part is the fun part because it's time to play.  Seriously, just like a kid does with a new toy, you have to allow yourself time to investigate all the new functions and the new look of your device.  A few sites that I have found to help you are here:
Apple  This is Apple's website.  They have a short video that will show you the new features of the iPhone and iPad with the update.
iOS7 Tips and Tricks  This is a blog created by an Apple employee.  She and her husband got the download early and have had a chance to check things out.  Read further to hear their opinions.  
Troubleshooting Tips  This site offers help with downloading the update and information about auto-updating apps and how to turn certain functions off.
       There are a plethora of sites out there that will help you.  Simply Google "iOS7 tips and tricks" and you'll see quite a few.  
       My verdict:  While I love all things nerdy, I'm not completely sold yet.  The look is a little too bright and shiny for my tastes.  I know I'll get used to it eventually, but right now I'm not loving it.  My battery seemed to drain at rapid speed today.  Not sure if that can be attributed to the update or the fact that I kept playing with it. I would recommend that to save battery you swipe UP to show the control center and tap on AirDrop.  Turning this function off will save your phone from searching for other phones or iPads nearby.  There are several other new features one can turn off to improve battery life, but until I try them I don't want to recommend them.  I do love the swipe feature for the control center.  That is pretty cool.  In addition, by double tapping the home key and swipping up on the pages you see, you can close your apps.  For some reason that seems to entertain me more than waiting for the wiggly x to show up.  Have fun with the update.  If you stumble upon a great tip that could help others navigate the update, please comment here!

Remind 101 - Perfect for communication with parents and students K - 12

Welcome Back!  There's nothing like jumping into a new school year with a great plan to communicate with parents and students.  Teachers choose sites like Edmodo, Facebook and blogs for that communication and they are terrific sources.  To add to your bag of tricks is Remind 101. 
What is it?
Remind101 provides a safe way for teachers to text message students and stay in touch with parents for free. Teachers use remind101.com, the Android or iOS app to send texts to students' and parents' phones without ever having to share their own phone number. Students and parents also never have to share their phone number with teachers. Ever.

How Might I Use It?
Field trip reminders, motivational messages, homework, exam reminders, schedule changes, fun facts, and trivia. It’s a great way to communicate information to students and parents safely! 

How do I get started?
Go to remind101.com on your computer, or download the Android or iOS app, then create your first class to see how it works. It takes less than two minutes to get started! 

My students are too young for cell phones.
That's when you use it with the parents.  Busy parents would love reminders about field trip permission slip due dates and test schedules.  They will LOVE this!

Everyone has two minutes, right?  And once your account is created, messages take seconds to write and send.  Today's parents and students are more connected than ever.  Remind 101  would be a great way to keep the lines of communication open between home and school.

Here's the link: Remind 101