Thursday, March 30, 2023

Tech Tips and News for March 30, 2023

One of the simplest things you can do to protect your photos, files, etc., is also one of the most neglected steps. Back up all your files! There are so many ways to do this, both online and off, it's just a matter of taking a few minutes to set it up. Hard drives don't last forever, and often they die without warning, sometimes taking all those priceless photos and videos with them. Backing up your files also gives you insurance against ransomware attacks. If you have a recent back up, you do not need to pay the ransom to get your files back. You can just wipe your device and restore your files. I urge you to take the time to read the article below about the best ways to back up your devices, and stop putting it off. Back up now - then enjoy your spring break with peace of mind.

"You Have a Package" Scam - Wham! Bam! - That's a SCAM #3



Google Urges Android Phone Users to Switch Off Wi-Fi Calling

If you use an Android phone and have WiFi calling activated, like I do, because of a weak cell signal at school, you'll want to turn off the WiFi calling. This is due to several security flaws that bad actors can exploit just by knowing your phone number. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you probably have nothing to worry about. To be safe, you can check or turn it off in Settings > Network & Internet > Calls & SMS. Your carrier should be listed if WiFi calling is off. If you see WiFi calling, turn it off.

ChatGPT vs. Bing Chat:  Which AI Chatbot Should I Use

Not all AI chatbots are created equal. Which one has more in depth responses, which one cites references, and which one can provide current information? This just compares two of the more popular chat bots. Google is in the process of releasing their version, called Bard. More information and comparisons will come during this AI evolution. 

What is the Best Way to Back Up My Computer

We haven't talked about back ups in awhile. This is the precaution that too few users take in case they get hit by ransomware or their hard drive fails. With regular back ups, you won't lose any of your files. It's the cheapest insurance you'll buy. You can set up either physical or cloud back ups to automatically run on a regular basis. 

18 BIG Updates to Your Favorite Google Tools (Video Demonstration)

If you wish, you can skip the Google Classroom updates by skipping to 2:14.



How to Add Audio to Google Slides




Google Sheets for Educators

Google Sheets for Educators, from Control Alt Achieve by Eric Curts
Are you intimidated by spreadsheets? Learn how to use this powerful tool in a 50 minute webinar.

Students Can Learn About Weather Patterns and Make Forecasts in the Smithsonian Weather Lab

This free online service is designed for elementary and middle school students. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Tech Tips and News for March 24, 2023

"Frustrated male middle school student" by All4Ed 
is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
It's always fun to try out new tech tools, but it's also important to know how pivot when things go wrong. This week, I've included a post from Practical Ed Tech to walk you through some troubleshooting steps to try when you run  into trouble. The best advice, however, is to test the new tech out before going "live" in the classroom with students. Sign in to a student chromebook with a student account, and see what happens. Do a test run of the lesson in your classroom to see if anything doesn't connect or is blocked. Use the troubleshooting posters in your classroom, as well as those in the post included below. If sites are blocked for students, shoot me an email with the URLs that need to be allowed. With a little planning, we can work through most snags and you'll look like a rock star in front of your students. 

Call Centre Scams - Wham! Bam! - That's a SCAM #2



iPhone or Android Slow or Buggy? Do This One Simple Thing Every Week

This is a good, simple habit to get into. The older my phone gets, the more often I need to do this just to keep it going. 

What's New on IXL - February 2023

New features include the ability to create quizzes in more subjects, and share them with other teachers.

Google Workspace Updates:  Improvements to Table of Contents in Docs

Were you aware that Google Docs will automatically create a table of contents based on headings? Just use the built in heading styles (you can customize them), and it becomes an automated process. When creating tables of contents in Docs, you'll soon be able to toggle between three default styles, page numbers and tab leader styles. Find out how to add titles, headings and tables of contents here. These expanded style updates will be rolling out by mid-April. You can read the details here. 

Six DIY Tech Fixes for Teachers

Six DIY Tech Fixes for Teachers, from Practical Ed Tech by Richard Byrne
Technology can be so complex, when you try something new, it's not uncommon that you run across a glitch here and there. Here are some common troubleshooting tips to try to fix any issues. Remember, it's always a good idea to do a test run on any new technology you are implementing in the classroom before class time. 

Google Slides Tier List Activity

Google Slides Tier List Activity, from Control Alt Achieve by Eric Curts
Stimulate critical thinking with this ranking exercise in Google Slides. This will also get some healthy debates going. 

Make or Use Custom Interactive Activies with Wordwall

Visit wordwall.net to create both interactive digital or printable activies to use with your students. Students do not need to login to access the digital activities. Activity types include Match up, Quiz, Group sort, Random cards, Random wheel, Matching pairs, Find the match, Open the box, Gameshow quiz, Anagram Flash cards, Missing word, Rearrange words, Wordsearch, Maze chase, Labelled diagram, Crossword, and True or false. There are many templates for you to use as is, or customize. You can assign the activity as individual assignments, or play as a group. There are three pricing plans. The free version allows 18 interactives but 0 printables, and 5 resources. For $6/month you can subscribe to the Standard version, and have access to 18 interactives, 16 printables and an unlimited number of resources. For $9/month, the Pro version will get you 36 interactives, 16 printables and unlimited resources. There are also school plans available for multiple teacher users. This could be a nice resource for creating some different activities now and then. 

Annotate Videos With Text and Pictures

Annotate Videos With Text and Pictures, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Need to add emphasis to a YouTube video by adding images or text? Timelinely might be your tool. 

14 April Fools Pranks Your Students Will Totally Fall For

So this one isn't tech-related, but it is fun!

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Friday, March 17, 2023

Tech Tips and News for March 17, 2023

Linnea Mallette publicdomainpictures.net

Not by design, but this week's issue is heavy on Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT and several other tools that can make your life easier, or maybe even more difficult. For what ever reason, there were a LOT of articles rolling through my feeds about ChatGPT and artificial intelligence in general. AI is showing up in Google Docs, Gmail, Canva, Google Search, Bing Search, Microsoft Edge, and more. While it's always easier to think of ways that new tech is going to cause problems, it benefits us to look beyond that and see how we can use the new tool to make our lives easier, or save time. That's what I encorage you to do with the articles included here, as well as those you find on your own. It's not going away, kids will be using it, so it's best to figure out how we can live with it. 

"It's YOU in This Video!" - Wham! Bam! - That's a SCAM #13

There's a lot of information packed into this 60 second video. I see these messages most in social media messages. 


Explore and Expand Your Canvas Proficiency

Are you looking to improve your Canvas skills? Here's the webinar for you, on March 21st and March 22nd. at 3:30 pm MDT (5:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time). This session will include discussions of new features, mastery paths and course pacing. It will also aid you in creating personalized learning opportunities, competency based learning, and setting up different due dates. 

Google Docs and Gmail are Getting AI Writing Features

Google Docs and Gmail are Getting AI Writing Features, from How-To Geek by Corbin Davenport
Everyone is jumping on the AI (artificial intelligence) train, and Google is no exception. Find out how you'll be able to use those AI features in Docs and Gmail. Type a topic and a draft will autmoatically be written for you. You can just go about tweaking it as needed. 

Trouble Sharing YouTube Videos with Students? Try Downloading

YouTube continues to be tricky to use with students. About a year and a half ago Google added the Under 18 feature, where Google services that are not part of the core Workspace for Education, or services that are difficult to restrict  for children were blocked for all users not designated as being over the age of 18. This is to adhere to the federal CIPA and COPPA laws. Their work around is to designate specific videos as allowed for students to watch, and by embedding or linking those videos into a Google Slides presentation, or in Google Classroom, students should be able to view that video. I say "should" because as we've experienced sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't. Because YouTube is not part of the Google Workspace for Education apps, Google does not support it - so we are unable to get any troubleshooting help directly from Google. Recently I've noticed YouTube now has a built-in download button. If students are unable to view an approved video, you could download that video, upload it to Google Drive, then share the video file (as you would with any other Drive file) with the students who are unable to view it in YT. Students should be able to watch in from the Drive link. 

An Overview of Using and Detecting Artificial Intelligence

An Overview of Using and Detecting Artificial Intelligence, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
This AI (Artificial Intelligence) article goes beyond ChatGPT, and into multiple tools you can use to save a TON of time. 


How to Make ChatGPT Provide Sources and Citations

One of the issues with ChatGPT is that it bases its answers on information it finds on the internet. Some of that information is not true or accurate. Since ChatGPT doesn't automatically cite its sources for the answer, it's up to the user to prompt it to do so to check the accuracy of the response. 

The Truth About ChatGPT:  Is it a Teacher's Friend or Foe? 

The Truth About ChatGPT:  Is it a Teacher's Friend or Foe? , from Kent ISD Bulletin by Amanda Walma
If you aren't tired of hearing about this yet, Kent ISD weighs in on this very popular topic. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Tech Tips and News for March 10, 2023

Sleepy Sun by Dall-E 2
It will probably be a little darker when we head to work Monday morning. Remember to "spring forward" on Sunday as we begin observing Daylight Saving Time. If you, your children or your students are wondering why we move the clocks an hour twice each year, there are lots of videos included in the last post below. It seems like we've long since discovered the cons outweigh the pros to this practice, but getting everyone to agree on whether to settle on standard or daylight saving time might take another century. In the meantime, I have found there are far fewer clocks to reset as atomic clocks and tech devices, including mobile phones, just automatically change. Now if I could just get my car to catch up automatically so I don't have to pull out the manual twice each year. 

Stop Using Your 4-Digit Phone Passcode in Public

This seems to be the latest scam making the rounds. Someone observes you entering a 4-digit lock code on your phone, then steals the phone when they get the chance to access all of your accounts. Find out what to do to protect yourself.

TikTok:   Why is it Being Banned from Government Devices?

Find out what the fuss is about. It might make you think twice about what you share on TikTok.

What's New in Chrome 111

What's New in Chrome 111, from How-To Geek by Joe Fedewa
Chances are good you'll be seeing the Update button soon in Chrome. Version 111 is rolling out now. There are some notable changes, such as where you'll be finding your downloads now, and how you can revoke forgotten website permissions with a Safety Check.  

Google Workspace Updates:  Refreshed Interface for Google Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides

New Workspace Interface - workspaceupdates.googleblog.com


Get ready, a new interface is coming for Google Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides. Things will look a little different, and some features may be moved to a new location. It seems like Google does this every other year, or so. It's always seems to be to provide a new, steamlined look, but results in a bit of user frustration during the transition. Key features include a simplified user interface at the top of the screen, which is supposed to help you find frequently used actions faster, as well as improvements to commenting, background, rulers and gridlines. The latest status info about the file, such as last edit and version history are now tucked behind a clock icon in the top right corner. In Drive, you'll notice improvements, such as key actions available inline on files for quick access, the ability to select multiple items and perform batch operations for frequent tasks, as well as new search chips to help you find files faster. You can find full details here. The update should be rolling out within the next two weeks. 

Boost Learning With New ELA Video Tutorials on IXL

IXL video tutorials are now available for select pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th-8th grade English language arts skills! Building on the popularity of IXL’s math tutorials, these expert-led videos feature Wyzant instructors that help students master key ELA concepts. Read and watch all about it on the IXL Blog. 

Fix Your Photos with Cleanup.pictures


I recently discovered this useful tool for removing unwanted defects, people or things from photos. Cleanup.pictures is a free tool for photos for 720p resolution. For higher quality photos, pricing starts at $3/month if you pay by the year, or $5/month if you pay by the month. It's very simple to use. Just drag your photo in the box, or browse for it, then use the brush to color in the item you wish to be removed. You can change the size of the brush if you need to erase small items. As you can see from the photo above, it works better on some photos than others, but it's a great start, and the price is right. 

Edit Your Photos on any Device with Image Candy

This is another image editing tool that crossed my screen this week. Image Candy is a free, web-based image editing tool that you do not need to sign in or create an account to use. It can convert an image (including HEIC) images to popular formats, such as .jpg, .svg, .dpi, and .pdf, it can even convert a video to a .gif. Other features include, resizing, compressing, rotating, flipping, and cropping images. You can also remove backgrounds, add text, add a watermark, and generate a meme. This site doesn't store your edited photos, instead you upload, edit and download. 

"But It's Still Sunny Outside!" - Short Lessons on Daylight Saving Time

"But It's Still Sunny Outside!" - Short Lessons on Daylight Saving Time, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Just in time to lose an hour of sleep this Sunday.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Tech Tips and News for March 3, 2023

Photo by Andrea De Santis on Unsplash
I'm currently taking the free ChatGPT course listed in this post. (Now I know why ChatGPT isn't very good at math!) It seems to be a well thought out approach to the pros and cons of AI in education. Rushton Hurley, the instructor, is a well respected and engaging tech speaker. He's been the keynote speaker at MACUL numerous times, and I've always been entertained and appreciated the message. The course includes seven 5-6 minute lessons, so it's not a huge time investment. Each lesson includes resources for further exploration, so you can dig deeper if you choose. AI is now integrating with the Microsoft's Bing search engine, and Google has released it's version called Bard. It's a matter of time before AI starts to infiltrate many common tasks. In fact, I routinely encounter AI chatbots when I place service calls, contact customer service and even pay my trash bill online.  It's a good plan to learn how to make it work for you and even streamline some of your routine tasks. As a teacher, it would also benefit you to be thinking about how to structure homework that can't be completed by AI services, such as ChatGPT. At this point, ChatGPT must be blocked for students because their terms of service indicate users must be 18 years old to use it. This will neither stop students from using it at home, nor will it answer the question of how to use it at school when a kid-friendly version becomes available. Invest half an hour of your time and see what you think. 




The Big List of Teacher Discounts and Perks in 2023

The Big List of Teacher Discounts and Perks in 2023, from We Are Teachers by Jill Staake
This is a comprehensive list of  tech discounts for teachers, as well as discounts for classroom supplies, clothing, home, newspapers/books/magazines, and more.

Google Docs is Getting Even Smarter Suggestions

Google Docs is Getting Even Smarter Suggestions, from How-To Geek by Arol Wright
Smart Chips are making it so much easier to connect data from another location into Docs and Sheets.

How to Add New Fonts to Google Docs

It's so easy to add more fonts to Google. Once added, they are available in all the Google Workspace apps. 

15 Google Forms Templates You Can Use in Class Tomorrow

15 Google Forms Templates You Can Use in Class Tomorrow, from Ditch That Textbook byt Matt Miller
These are ready-to-use templates you can use for surveys, morning check in, brain dumps, lesson reflections, self correcting quizzes, digital escape rooms, and more.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Sorting with Google Slides

Venn diagram sorting with a Dr. Seuss theme. Get the file copy with instructions. 

Free Course on ChatGPT and AI in Education

Free Course on ChatGPT and AI in Education, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Not sure what all the buzz about ChatGPT is about? Here's a free, self-paced course to learn all about it. ChatGPT is just the beginning of how AI will change our lives and education. I have blocked this for students using their ASA account because the terms of use indicate users must be 18 years old. This will not prevent students from accessing at home or on their mobile device. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)