Friday, April 28, 2017

Weekly Tech Tips and Tricks for April 28, 2017

maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com
Well it was lovely having spring here for a week or so, now it seems we've zipped straight to fall. Definitely Pure Michigan! Cooler weather takes some of the temptation away so we can get our spring cleaning done. While we're cleaning our windows and yards, and organizing our closets, we can also do some digital spring cleaning. Tips are included here to make your critical Google Drive folders stand out, connect your work and personal calendars, and help you control what you see in your Facebook feed. Other useful tips include teaching your students critical fact-checking skills and creating literature tours in Google Earth to coincide with novels they are reading. There are several other tips packed into this week's post. Take a look!




Help Your Students Fact-Check the Web Like Professionals


Connect Your Personal and Work Calendars in Google Calendar

Connect Your Personal and Work Calendars in Google Calendar, from Better Cloud Monitor
It's best to keep your personal and professional appointments in separate calendars, but you can easily link them so they appear together for you, but separately to co-workers.

Reorganize Google Drive with Emojis

Looking for a way to make some of your Drive folders easier to find? Add an emoji to the folder name, and it will automatically appear at the top of the list. There is a handy Chrome extension called Emoji for Google Chrome, available in the Chrome Web Store.  Once you've installed this extension, simply click on the extension icon (yellow face) to search for and copy or insert emoticons. You can actually insert the emoticons pretty much anywhere, not just in Drive. As illustrated in the .gif above, to rename your Drive folders, right click on the folder and select Rename. Click at the beginning of the name - this is where the emoji will appear. Click on the emoji extension icon and search for the emoji you'd like to use. Click on the emoji and it appears in the name of the folder (or wherever your mouse cursor is). Click OK, and your folder now appears at the top of your list of folders in Drive, with the emoji in the name. You can also use these emojis as digital stickers for student feedback, in the subject line or body of your emails, in your docs, or anywhere you can copy/paste.

How to Annotate Images on a Chromebook

Here is another useful tip for Google Keep - a pretty simple way to mark up images and photos.

Lit Trips on Chromebooks With the New Google Earth

Lit Trips on Chromebooks With the New Google Earth, from Control Alt Achieve by Eric Curts
See how to plot locations from a novel on Google Earth to create a 3D geographic tour of the story. This post also contains a tutorial video explaining the entire process. Google Lit Trips already exist for many student literature books. You can search by grade level or alphabetically. You'll download the file and share it with your students, push it out through Classroom, or even just import it into Google Earth yourself and show it to your students.

How to Create your Own Placemarks in the New Google Earth

How to Create your Own Placemarks in the New Google Earth, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
While you can bookmark locations in the new web version of Google Earth, you cannot create your own placemarks (yet), like you could on the desktop version. Say you want to create placemarks for all the battle sites of the Civil War, or volcanoes of the world for your students to see. Richard Byrne has suggested a work around for this using Google Maps and easily importing that map file into Google Earth.

Stop Motion Animation with Google Slides

Stop Motion Animation with Google Slides, from Control Alt Achieve by Eric Curts
Google Slides are not just for traditional presentations, they can be used for animation as well. This is a creative alternative for your students to demonstrate their knowledge of a particular topic.

How to Distribute Digital Stickers Through Flubaroo

Although Google Forms now natively allows you to do basic grading, the Flubaroo add-on allows for more advanced grading, like multiple correct answers, partial credit answers, and more. Last December, Flubaroo also added the ability to give student feedback via stickers and badges as well. This Google Forms add-on can make your grading life much easier.


How to Control What Appears in Your Facebook Feed

How to Control What Appears in Your Facebook Feed, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Although Facebook isn't technically an ed tech tool, it is used by many as a personal learning network (PLN). You can take control over what appears in your feed, and weed out the posts you are less interested in. 
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Friday, April 21, 2017

Weekly Tech Tips and News for April 21, 2017

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It sure seems like it's been a very wet spring. The good news, though is that the grass is very green, buds are turning into actual leaves, and there are now very few days below 45 degrees. Spring seems to really be here! Now if we could just turn off the water faucet a little so we can get the yard clean up done and enjoy being outside. This issue includes ways to do a little spring cleaning on your contacts list to keep those obsolete email addresses from popping up in Gmail, and stopping those annoying videos that automatically start playing when you open a web site. There's also a big new announcement - at long last Google Earth is now available for Chromebooks. Check out these highlights as well as several more ideas to use in your classes.


Do You Hate Those Videos That Autoplay, too?

Doesn't it drive you crazy when you open a web page and a video automatically begins playing? It's especially jarring when it begins blaring loud music. Well, you can prevent that from happening so you can surf the web in peace. Because there are two different video types on websites, there are two different steps you must take to prevent all videos from playing automatically. The first kind are Flash videos. You can turn this autoplay feature off in your browser settings. This PC World article will explain how to turn it off in Chrome, FireFox and Internet Explorer. The second kind of videos that play are in HTML5 format. In Chrome you can install the Disable HTML5 Autoplay extension. Once you've installed the extension, simply click on it and select Disable Autoplay. For Firefox, there is another PC world article that explains how to disable autoplay. You can still play the videos manually by clicking on them, but they won't automatically start playing on their own.

Clean Up Email Addresses in Your Gmail Auto-Complete List

Clean Up Email Addresses in Your Gmail Auto-Complete List, from Better Cloud Monitor
Here's another one of those annoyances you can easily remedy. When you are entering email addresses in Gmail and a list of suggested emails pops up, are there non-current addresses included in the list? Here's how to get rid of them.

Google Earth Now Works on Chromebooks!

Vatican City from Google Earth 3D View
Great News for all of you who had to give up those Google Earth activities when we switched to Chromebooks! Google completely rebuilt Google Earth, and now it works on Chromebooks. Instead of needing to download and install the Google Earth program, Earth for Chrome (as you would expect from the name) is accessed through your Chrome browser. Right now it only works on Chrome or in the Android app, but an iOS version is coming soon. To get you started, here is the link to Earth Help, and a tour of Google Earth by Richard Byrne. You can search for locations yourself by entering the address or name, watch the world spin to the location you selected, then read all the details about that spot. Voyager allows you to search for places by topic, such as national parks, natural treasures, history and many more. Switch from 2D view to 3D to street view to immerse yourself in the location. If you are just curious, roll the dice (yes really) and have Earth randomly pick a location to explore. Save your favorite locations and share them as well. Although this is a simpler version compared to the desktop version (which is still available) for Windows and Mac PCs, hopefully more features will continue to be added.

8 Ways to Create Videos on Chromebooks

8 Ways to Create Videos on Chromebooks, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Making videos are not just for iPads, my friends. Collect your images and videos, taken from any device, and create your videos on the chromebooks. You can also screencast from Chromebooks.

Open Ed Assessments, Homework, Videos and Lesson Plans

Open Ed offers thousands of free resources for all K-12 grades. You can sort by grade level, resource type, and either standard or subject. Resource types include videos, games, interactive, assessments, lesson plans, homework or audio. The next time you are stumped on how to teach or assess a particular standard, search Open Ed.

10 Ways to Make Lessons More Hands-On

10 Ways to Make Lessons More Hands-On, from Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller
How do you learn new things? Watch a video or Google instructions and then dig in and try it? We all seem to learn best by doing - and so do our students. Here are 10 ideas for making learning more hands on.

10 Ideas for Using Comics in Your Classroom

10 Ideas for Using Comics in Your Classroom, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Not only are there ideas here for different assignments using comics, but there area also suggestions for different tech tools to use, including Google Slides.

Teach With Kahoot!:  Go Beyond Review With the Blind Kahoot

Teach With Kahoot!:  Go Beyond Review With the Blind Kahoot, from Ditch that Textbook by Matt Miller
In addition to reviewing content with Kahoot!, you can also use it to introduce new topics by using Blind Kahoot!

Create Cloze Reading Activities with Google Sheets and Other Tools

Create Cloze Reading Activities with Google Sheets and Other Tools, from Control Alt Achieve with Eric Curts
Cloze tests are where students fill in the blanks in a reading passage, either using a word bank or not. This post includes three different ways to create your own cloze tests.
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Thursday, April 13, 2017

Weekly Tech Tips and News for April 14, 2017

Chapel in 3rd Station, Via Dolorosa
commons.wikimedia.org
Hopefully everyone has dried out from our damp Via Dolorosa walk this morning. We have much to reflect upon during the Triduum and Easter Sunday this weekend, and the 8th grader's Living Stations were a powerful inspiration. When you surface on Easter Monday, here are some topics to ponder while eating your chocolate bunnies. There are several Google related tips, as well as a video on email etiquette to show students. You can provide electronic feedback for digital student homework using DocStickers, and review content with Jeopardy games and flashcards. I wish you all a very blessed Triduum and Easter.


Fact Check Now Available in Google Search and News Around the World

Fact Check Now Available in Google Search and News Around the World, from The Keyword by Justin Kosslyn
Fact Check, previously only available in a few countries in Google News, is now available everywhere, and has been expanded to Google Search as well. You may start to see a Fact Check tag in search results, if the story has been fact checked.


How to Show Non-Printing Characters in Google Docs

How to Show Non-Printing Characters in Google Docs, from Control Alt Achieve by Eric Curts
Some of you may have no idea what non-printing characters are, but anyone who proof reads or edits documents knows this is a valuable tool. This is another of those tools that are available in Microsoft Word, but not in Docs. Non-printing characters will show you spaces between words, or more importantly, if you have too many spaces between words. It will also show you tabs, paragraphs (or soft paragraphs) at the end of a paragraph - basically when you hit the Enter key (or Shift-Enter), as well as tables (especially handy when there's no border around them), and page breaks. Wondering why you have an extra blank page in your document, look at the non-printing characters and you probably see a lot of extra paragraphs (where you hit Enter) at the end. It makes those necessary adjustments easy to spot to fix your document. Since this feature is not natively included in Docs, you can use the Show add-on to make it happen.

How to Delete an Unwanted Page in Google Docs

How to Delete an Unwanted Page in Google Docs, from Better Cloud Monitor
Have you ever encountered a stubborn blank page either in the middle of, or at the end of your Google Doc? Here are three ways to get rid of it.

6 Ways to Become a Google Slides Pro

6 Ways to Become a Google Slides Pro, from Better Cloud Monitor
Find ways to make your presentation interactive, use animations, make your mouse a laser pointer, insert videos and more.

A Cute Video About Email Etiquette for Students

A Cute Video About Email Etiquette for Students, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Students need to learn how to properly compose and send email, just like they need to learn to write letters. There are two short videos in this post to help with this, one is created by students, the other by a teacher.

DocStickers:  A Docs + Keep Integration for Old School Feedback

DocStickers:  A Docs + Keep Integration for Old School Feedback, from TechTalk by Stephanie Filardo
Do your students love getting stickers on their assignments? Most do, right? Well just because they turn in a digital assignment, doesn't mean they can't still get a digital sticker. Now, with the integration of Google Docs and Google Keep, it's pretty easy to do. Stephanie is even kind enough to provide a link to DocStickers she has created so you don't have to create them yourself - although you easily could in Google Drawings, and she includes a tutorial for that too.

Jeopardy Rocks Now as Factile - Jeopardy & Flashcards

Jeopardy Rocks Now as Factile - Jeopardy & Flashcards, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Jeopardy Rocks has now become Factile. In addition to a free resource to easily set up Jeopardy games, they have now also added flash cards. You can either create your own games, or copy them from the template gallery.

How to Manage Google Chrome Extensions

How to Manage Google Chrome Extensions, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Chrome extensions can add a lot of efficiency to the Chrome browser, but every now and again it's a good idea to take a look at which extensions we are no longer using and clean them out. This keeps Chrome running better, and also helps keep us safe from extensions that are not getting updated with security patches.
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Friday, April 7, 2017

Weekly Tech Tips and News for April 7, 2017

Sunset painted by God, Ferrysburg, MI  2010
The sun is setting on the end of Spring Break 2017. Those of you who are somewhere warm are soaking up the last dregs of your vacation - the last beach sunset, the last day with your toes in the sand, the last day laying in the sun. Those of us who stayed in West Michigan, and have experienced every season in this one week, are trying to squeeze in one last project, fun event, or day to sleep in. Either way, any change in our normal routine does much to refresh us and prepare us for the final push of the last two months of the school year. To help us with that push, this post has information about a major upcoming Windows 10 update, some G Suite updates, Google tips and cheats, ways your students can become more organized with Google Keep, as well as some information on copyrights, a guide to the SAMR model of technology growth, hacker-proofing your internet browser, and a way to create interactive diagram quizzes. I wish safe travels to all of you heading back home after your week away and look forward to seeing your tan faces and hearing about your adventures.



Windows 10 Creators Update Coming April 11

All Windows 10 users should be aware that a major update is coming April 11. You may see it on that date or a day or two later. Not sure what version of Windows you are using? When you boot up (turn on) your computer the Windows version will display on the screen. If you are using an ASA provided desktop PC, it is Windows 7. If you have purchased your own laptop from ASA in the last 2 years, it's Windows 10. This update will probably take more time to install than a normal monthly update. Included in the update, besides the usual enhanced security features/patches there will be new privacy tools, new features to Edge, and Paint 3D, which will allow you to draw in 3D, and lots of gaming enhancements. In Edge, there will be advanced tab management and ebook support. Other updates include a Night Light feature that reduces the blue light at night so you brain won't be a stimulated before you go to sleep, Mini View will allow a small window on top of whatever you are doing, parent controls for Xbox One and PCs, as well as child usage reports, as well as Remote Lock to automatically lock your screen when you walk away. There are also many security improvements and it will be easier to manage your privacy. If you'd like to read all the details, click here.

G Suite Updates:  

Calendar on iPad

Google Calendar is now available on iPad. Download the Calendar app, and you will be able to use it just like you do on the desktop, with the same features. Very soon there will also be a Today View widget so you can view your daily events on the lock screen. Check out the full details here.

New Login Page

Beginning sometime after April 10, the Google login page will have a new look. This new look will be the same across all devices (phones, computers and tablets). Additionally, the Stay Signed In checkbox will also be removed from the login screen. Once you are signed in, you will automatically remain signed in until you sign out. Please take care when using a public or shared device, and sign out when you are finished. All the details can be found here.

Hidden Shortcuts for Creating Calendar Events Right From Gmail

Hidden Shortcuts for Creating Calendar Events Right From Gmail, from Better Cloud Monitor
Here's a great time saver!

Google Keep Cheat Sheet

Google Keep Cheat Sheet from Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell
If you are interested in a complete guide to Google Keep, you can download a free Google Keep Cheat Sheet by subscribing to Kasey Bell's blog, Shake Up Learning.

15 Ways for Students to Use Google Keep

15 Ways for Students to Use Google Keep, from Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell
Keep can be a powerful tool for students, not just for taking notes, but also for bookmarking sites, setting up reminders for assignments, managing longer term projects and sharing progress with the teacher and/or other group members, research notecards, reading logs, checklists and more. There are many great suggestions. The Google Keep app and Chrome extension have been pushed out to student accounts. Interested in learning all that Keep can do? Here's a link to the Get Started With Keep section in the G Suite Learning Center.

Manage Another Email Account Inside Gmail

Manage Another Email Account Inside Gmail, from Better Cloud Monitor
If you have more than one email account (and who doesn't) and would prefer to have messages from all of your accounts come in through Gmail, you are in luck. Watch the video inside the post and you'll be streamlining your email in no time.

Copyright a Little Fuzzy?

Copyright a Little Fuzzy? From Tech & Learning by Sivia Tolisano
This is a good infographic to follow when determining whether or not to use online material for teaching or school work.

A Handy Infographic Explaining SAMR Model for Teachers

A Handy Infographic Explaining SAMR Model for Teachers, from Educational Technology and Mobile Learning
commons.wikimedia.com
The SAMR model basically identifies where you are in your use of technology in the classroom. Are you at the beginning "Substitution" level, where you are simply replacing what you've always done in class with a digital version? Maybe you are already at the highest level, "Redefinition", where you've completely changed what you are doing in the classroom based on the new activities you can do with technology, that you couldn't do without it. SAMR is meant to be a guide for your technology integration transformation. For example, once you've mastered Substitution, you start to broaden your horizons to enhance your learning activities with technology thus reaching the Augmentation level. This continues to Modification, and finally Redefinition. This infographic explains the process quite well. Where are you on the technology integration path?

8 Extensions That Should Make Your Browser a Little More Hacker-Proof

8 Extensions That Should Make Your Browser a Little More Hacker-Proof, From Gizmodo by David Nleld
Here are several extensions and add ons that will make your online experiences safer in Chrome and Firefox. Using these two browsers is a great first step at online security - especially if you are still using Internet Explorer. If you begin trying these out, you'll want to do so one at a time. Adding lots of extensions and add ons at one time make it difficult to troubleshoot if one of them conflicts with your other extensions or sites you routinely visit.

Create Interactive Diagram Quizzes in Formative

Create Interactive Diagram Quizzes in Formative from Practical Ed Tech by Richard Byrne
Formative is another free tool for teachers and students, which allows teachers to create assignments or quizzes and see student progress or results in real time.
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