Tech Tidbit - Voice Typing with Google Voice

Tech Tidbit - Color Coding Folders and using Stars in Google Drive

LCMS Tech Talk

Good afternoon!

Here is the latest Tech Talk... check it out!

https://sites.google.com/lcps.k12.va.us/techtalk/oct-27th

Kate Straley, ITRT

Louisa County Public Schools

Check out the The ITRT Cloud!

LCMS Tech Talk

Click here ( http://bit.ly/2cYboKx ) to check out the October 3, 2016 edition of the LCMS Tech Talk newsletter. There will be a new one (or two) each month. In each edition you will find information about upcoming workshops, the SAMR technology integration model, computer tips, helpful websites, Google updates, and more. Happy Reading!

Google Docs has columns!

Guardian Summaries in Google Classroom

Recently, Google Classroom released a new option called Guardian Summaries. The Guardian Summaries option allows teachers to add parent email addresses for updates as to what is happening in their child's Google Classroom. Parents can now receive a summary listing past due and upcoming assignments, along with a listing of most recent recent assignments. Click on the link below to watch a walk-through featuring how to turn this on in your Google Classroom.

How to use Guardian Summaries in Google Classroom

Welcome Back to a New Google Sites!

Google Sites got a makeover this summer! As many of you begin updating your webpages you will notice Google Sites has a new look. You can access Sites from your Google Drive just like you would when creating a new document. The new version has a minimalist look and feel to it. Like most new Google tools, I'm sure there will be many upgrades/tweaks that silently appear as Google gets feedback. Below is a nice run-down of what you will find in the NEW Google Sites.

Two on Tuesday: Google Books and Choosito

Here are two websites that you may want to try out for yourself and/or have your students use.

1. Google Books... (https://books.google.com/): Google books works just like a search engine would but it focuses on books and magazines. While there is an option available to purchase the resulting materials, there are many texts that are available for online viewing, free of charge.  Google Books allows users to narrow searches to limit the output (pick the century of the publication, the type, etc), to store the texts as a whole in a library on virtual bookshelves that can be either private or public, to search of each text for specific content, and to copy selections of text to be added to websites, blogs, or other documents. Our school Google logins work for Google Books.

Here is a great (short too) video that walks you through features of Google Books and offers suggestions on how you can use these features in your classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyrHFXbeMu8

How to use Google Books for research www.youtube.com How to use Google Books for research. Screenshots of this process are available here http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2013/10/a-short-guide-to-using-google-b...

2. Typically when I use a search engine for research, I encourage students to type "for kids" after the topic. When teens appear insulted by my suggestion, I tell them I even do this for my own research. Why struggle to read a complicated text when I can get the same information in a more efficient, less stressful way?

Another option is to use a search engine that offers a reading level index when results are delivered. Choosito is a website I have recently read about that does just this. There is an option to choose a reading level for the results (Early Readers, Emerging Readers, Fluent Readers, or Advanced Readers), as well as the option to narrow the search by a specific area of study. Users must register to search and the basic search features are free. For a yearly fee, teachers can make collections and manage student accounts.

Do you have any great technology tools you are using in your classroom? Please share with your ITRT!

Two on Tuesday... Choice Eliminator & Bingo!

1. I love the possibilities that come with the Choice Eliminator add-on in Google Forms. This add-on takes away choices for those taking your survey once they have been selected/submitted by a previous user. For example, I created a form/question that listed the items I needed for my class Valentine's party. As a parent selected what he/she was willing to donate, the item no longer appeared on my form for the next person who accessed it. And, bonus, as I created the survey, I could also state the quantity I needed of each, so cupcakes stayed on the live survey until "cupcakes" was chosen 3 times.  

I think this is ideal for class events, asking for class supplies, group potluck meals, and for appointment scheduling. As of right now, you will have to use the older version of Google Forms if you have moved to the newer version to access this, and all, Add-ons (look for the running man in the bottom left corner).  

Here are more details and a walk-through of how to get started: http://edtechteacher.org/choice-eliminator-add-on-for-google-forms-from-kate-wilson/


2. Looking for a fun (non-tech) way to review? You can create your own bingo cards here or search the database for cards that have already been created at https://bingobaker.com/.  If you create an account you can store the cards you create.

Free, Printable Bingo Cards by Bingo Baker bingobaker.com Bingo Cards. Bingo Baker makes it easy to create bingo cards. You can generate hundreds of random cards and print them using the printer-friendly PDF (with no ads ...

Enjoy!

Day 1: 12 Days of Google - "Blogger: The ITRT Cloud"

I always like to wrap up my last tip before we all depart to be with our families by saying Merry Christmas and thank you for being such awesome professionals to work with. I consider it a true pleasure to work alongside educators that pour their heart into what they do daily.  On this last day before Christmas break, I bring you a recap of all of my resources.  

The tool that I used is Blogger.  The ITRT Cloud is a blog maintained by the LCPS ITRT team. Please subscribe to the blog to you will continue to hear about great tools throughout the year.

Day 2: 12 Days of Google - "Google+"

Do you use Instagram, FB, Twitter, or Pinterest?  Well, how about a social media outlet that offers professional resources?  Google + is just that.  A social network to learn more about Google and to share what you are doing (with other educators).  I have found great classroom activities, articles and Google updates through Google +.  Give it try and if you are looking for communities to join and things to follow just look at my page.

Day 3: 12 Days of Google - "Build with Chrome"

This is a repeat for any of you that remember last years 12 days, but it is a noteworthy Google tool. Build with Chrome is basically online Legos that gives students the ability to build 3D scenes from a story, architecture from history, geometry, patterns, STEM projects and the list goes on.  There are three applications within this website.  You can go to “Build Academy” and complete courses, you can “Explore” other builds on Google Maps, or you can “Start a Build” and make your own creation. Students can use their Google account to save and share their work.  Have fun building!

Two on Tuesday: Classroom Updates, Santas, and Slides Animation

1. How convenient for Classroom to share updates today so I can include them in my Two on Tuesday blurb! Included in the updates are additional grading and sorting options. With the title "saving time while grading" how can you resist? Click here to read all the details: http://googleforeducation.blogspot.com/2015/12/new-in-Classroom-saving-time-while-grading.html 

2. Here is a fun pre-Winter Break website. "Santas Around the World" uses Esri to show how the Santa character has evolved over the years and how he varies around the globe. http://esripm.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/index.html?appid=eaa0878861784ebf9fea9e8505904cd0&webmap=3e746185d2de462eb7fd3b3ff54d5175. Click here and here(see a 2nd grader's project!" to learn how to create your own similar project using your school Google account and TourBuilder.

A little add-on... for those of you that still holding on to using Office by default, check out this 450 slide presentation created solely in Google Slides (similar to PowerPoint). Yes, you have time... the video is less than 2 minutes and very impressive! 

http://quietube7.com/v.php/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt9F7tKcZcU&feature=youtu.be

Enjoy your Winter Break!

Day 4 : 12 Days of Google - "Google Hangouts"

Google Hangouts is Google’s version of Skype or FaceTime.  It is a video conferencing tool. Imagine all the places your students could go or who you could invite into your classroom.  This would even be a great way for parents to be able to see what is going on in the classroom.  Maybe someone can’t make a parent conference or meeting, try a Google Hangout instead. What better way for students to practice their oral language skills and show what they know then scheduling a hangout with another class across the country or even across the world!!

Here is a great getting started guide for teachers and here are some good curriculum ideas. As with all of these tools I would be glad to help you implement 21st century learning strategies into your classroom.

Day 5: 12 Days of Google - "Google Phone Apps"

Now that we have talked about a lot of the Google tools, how about you simplify the way that you access them.  Here are some free Google phone apps that might just make your life easier. I use the Google Drive app to backup the photos on my phone so I don’t continually get the message that I am running out of storage. (Make sure you use your personal Google account if you plan to do that).

iPhone	Android
Chrome Web Browser	Chrome Web Browser
Docs, Sheets, Slides	Docs, Sheets, Slides
Drive	Drive
Classroom	Classroom
Photos	Photos

Day 6: 12 Days of Google - "Calendar"

Do you ever feel like you are forgetting a meeting or have you forgotten a special birthday? Many of you use Google Calendar for everything, some just for schools stuff, and others just when they need to sign-up for the computer lab.  In case you didn’t know you can have personal Google calendars (birthdays, appointments, church events, sports,music lessons, work schedules, etc.) and your school Google calendar all visible in one place.  I would be glad to show you how it works for me.  

Here are two ideas on how you may want to use Google Calendar for school.

1. Parent Communication log (private) - every time you write a note, email or call a parent add it to your Google calendar for documentation.
2. SOL’s and Quiz/Test calendar (public) - this would be a great calendar to put on your website and let parents subscribe to it.  Then they always know what you are teaching and when tests and quizzes will take place.

Day 7: 12 Days of Google - "Forms"

If you have been deleting my 12 days emails STOP! This is a tool that everybody (I mean EVERYBODY teachers, IA’s, secretaries, admin) can use.  Google Forms are those cute little questionnaires that you see everyone sending out (like the surveys and RSVP to staff events).  If you ever need to get info from a group of people Google Forms is what you want to use.  Whether it be an RSVP to the Christmas Party, feedback on a program you planned, or you might be putting together a lunch order for your team. Watch this quick video on how to create a Google Form…..it is very simple.

There are also a lot of great classroom implications.  Some of the things I have seen teachers use them for is formative assessments, Exit Ticket, access prior knowledge before a new unit is started, self paced lesson that includes video and links to websites to research. What a great way to keep students engaged up until the final bell on December 18th?

Day 8: 12 Days of Google - "Add - Ons"

Extensions and Apps and Add-Ons…...it probably all starts to run together in your mind.  It took me a while to get them all straight.  Add-Ons are tools that you “add - on” to docs, sheets, or forms to perform an extra task that Google doesn’t already have the capability to do.  Here are some add-ons to try:

1. Google Docs Add-Ons: Highlighter, Open Clipart
2. Sheets: Flubaroo (it grades your quiz for you), Data Everywhere (link Excel Data and Google Sheets data)
3. Forms: Form Limiter (limit the number of responses, this is great for RSVP’s) Form Notifications (get an email about responses or send an email to the responder when they submit the form)

Two on Tuesdays... Reminders & Notes & an Amazing Tech. Series

1. Today I tested an add-on that allows you to plan emails in advance to remind yourself and others about upcoming events or to-dos. Here is a brief video (3 minutes) explaining the Add Reminders add-on available in Google Sheets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGP1HXaoGik

I tested this out today to see what would issue might occur knowing our division uses Outlook instead of Google email. It was not a problem. I set the reminder to email a day before tomorrow's event and set it to send an email to my work email address and my personal one. It arrived in both places; not the prettiest of emails but it serves the purpose:

Teachers can use Add Reminders easily to remind themselves about tasks that are coming up but don't require immediate action.  For example, setting a reminder to update your website each month or a reminder to make an appointment for later in 2016 that you can only make three months out would be reasonable uses.

2. I am very excited by this one, probably because I find it fascinating that it works. You need to try the Note Anywhere extension in your Chrome browser. It allows you to put a sticky note (or multiple ones) on any webpage you visit. Those sticky notes will be on those pages the next time you visit that page unless you delete them off! Here is what the actual extension site looks like (where you can change the color of your notes in Settings, can see a list of your notes in Notes Summary, etc) and another of a sticky in action on a webpage. 

I think Note Anywhere would be a great tool for both teachers and students to make notes as they read online articles that they may need to refer back to at a later date. Or if you are creating a presentation for PD, your notes could serve as reminders for yourself, tips for your audience, or even as a cover for information you don't want to share.

Day 9: 12 Days of Google - "Google Classroom"

I know I have a lot of “favorites” but I am serious this time when I say Google Classroom is my all time favorite Google tool.  I mean it is a free learning management system that all of our students have access to.  It is a great way to go paperless.  Your students would rather complete an assignment on a computer than on paper.  Here are some assignment ideas for Google Classroom:

1. Sort your spelling words (template)
2. Editing Sentences
3. Watch a Video (YouTube, BrainPop, United Streaming) on a topic and answer questions on a Google Doc
4. Formative Assessment (exit ticket, 5 question Google Form)
5. Slideshow - students can show what they know through a presentation

If you have been using Google Classroom and grading assignments and giving feedback, you will be glad to know that you can export all of your grades!!  Here is the blog post with more details.