WW-P HS South EdTech Bulletin #3
Resources for Integrating Technology into Instruction
September 30, 2016
Google Classroom Follow Up
In the last edtech bulletin, we asked for feedback about the different features and classroom uses of Google Classroom. Here are some points of clarification (scroll to "Pirate Talk" section to read what GREAT things our teachers are saying about Google Classroom!):
- Google Classroom is a great way to provide feedback to students! Teachers can comment within an assigned Google doc, leave private feedback on a student assignment, or post a comment for the entire class.
- Our Genesis grade book is not inherently connected to Google Classroom. Working smarter, not harder, leave the grades in Genesis and utilize Classroom for feedback. No need to post twice!
- Post to multiple classes at the same time by selecting the class dropdown menu on a new post. Just be careful about editing. Unfortunately, posts are NOT linked. If you need to edit the post, you will need to individually edit in each Classroom.
- Strategically use the About tab to post important material and utilize the Topics tag for posts in your Stream to help stay organized.
New this week!
Resources for Back to School Night
Tech Tool of the Week
Do you use Slides during your Back to School Night presentation? Why not augment what you already have?
Google Slides Q&A
This function allows parents to text in questions without interrupting your presentation.
- To begin a Q&A session, click on the down arrow next to the "Present" button (found on the upper right hand corner)
- In the drop down menu, click "Presenter View."
- Click on "Audience Tools" towards the top of the pop up box.
- Once in "Audience Tools," click "Start New" to begin your session.
For more information on the Google Slides Q&A feature, visit https://support.google.com/docs/answer/6386827?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en
Poll Everywhere Slides Extension
Love Poll Everywhere? Now you can embed a live poll right into your Google Slides presentation! Here's what you do...
- Look for the extension "Polling in Google Slides," in the Chrome Web Store.
- Click "Add to Chrome."
- Open up your Google Slides presentation.
- You will see Poll Everywhere added to your toolbar (located between "Table" and "Help.")
Once you click on the Poll Everywhere extension, you'll be able to add a new poll or survey just as you would in Poll Everywhere's site. Please note that you'll need to be in presentation mode for your poll to go live. For more information, visit: https://www.polleverywhere.com/app/google-slides
Tech Refresh
Throwing it back to our first edtech bulletin!
Do you distribute materials or share resources during Back to School Night? Streamline the process and ease the burden by creating a QR code.
- Create a shared Google Drive folder with the materials you plan to distribute. Turn ON link sharing, then adjust the Share settings so anyone with the link can VIEW. Share the link as a QR code.
- Need to direct parents to a website? Share it with a QR code.
- Collecting information from parents? Create a Google Form and share the link with a QR code.
Use the Google QR Code Generator or QR Stuff to create a QR code to print & post in your classroom.
Resources and Ideas for Professional Development
Throughout the month of October, we will be sharing resources and ways to enhance your professional practice by connecting with other educators.
Check out:
- Ten Tips for Becoming a Connected Educator
- Top 4 Excuses for Not Being a Connected Educator
- Connected Educators board on Pinterest
Get started by connecting with your WW-P colleagues on Twitter!
Connect with like-minded educators! Attend Edcamp Penn on Saturday, Oct 8!
TL;DR
Google Slides
QR Codes
Connected Educators Month
Pirate Talk
What our teachers are saying...
- No paper clutter!
- I don't have to carry around stacks of paper to grade!
- Efficient!
- No lost papers excuses!
- Organization!
- Immediately reaching my students!
- I can interact with the kids and their work beyond the classroom!
- User-friendly and easy to navigate!
- Students can respond to each other in a moderated way!
We LOVE Google Classroom!
Kim Lowden
Supporting teachers integrating technology into instruction
I can support your technology integration by:
- Collaboratively planning lessons and units
- Exploring new tools or updates
- Integrating technology into existing lessons
- Team teaching, assisting, modeling with classes or departments
- Peer coaching
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting instructional issues
- Creating and sharing resources
Kindly send me an email or Google Hangout, and we will work out a time that fits with your schedule to meet 1:1, with your department, or a small cohort. You can view my calendar here: http://bit.ly/KLcalendar
Email: kimberly.lowden@wwprsd.org
Website: https://www.pinterest.com/msitech/
Location: HSS Media Center
Phone: 5216
Twitter: @ms_itech