DT&L Bytes
Digital Teaching and Learning @PCHS │ April 9, 2018
How Google Can Help
Recently I came across an article titled, “50 Ways Google Can Help You Become A Better Teacher.” One of my passions surrounds all things Googley, so initially I was caught up in all of the amazing ideas shared in the article. It wasn’t until I considered sharing this that I noticed the title: 50 Ways Google Can Help You Become a Better Teacher.
Let me say this - teachers are amazing! All the time, energy, emotions, and resources that we put into our content, planning, classes and individual students is beyond what people outside the profession can understand. Google doesn’t make you a better teacher. It is a tool. Teachers are the architects creating the environments that empower students in their learning. Google resources support those amazing things you bring into the learning environment.
Beyond the title, what does the article have to share? Here are some of my favorite ideas:
Have students analyze cultural tends using Google Trends.
Learn about staying safe online with Google’s Safety Center.
Use Google Expeditions to plan virtual field trips.
Connect art to your curriculum by creating and sharing galleries in Google Art Project.
Use Google Maps to tell digital stories with text, photo and video embedded into a trail students lay onto the map.
Use the Flubaroo extension to help grade formative assessments.
Have students follow a character’s journey with Google Earth.
There are many more ideas ranging from professional development, to online safety, to productivity in the article. Check them out!
What's APPening? - Magnetic Poetry with Google Drawings
It's National Poetry Month!
Have you ever played with magnetic poetry? Try using Google Drawings to create digital magnetic poetry. Personalize the word choices according to your content and theme. Let the students personalize their word choices.
Eric Curts has shared the directions and some suggestions in his site Control Alt Achieve. Click on the template link in the article or right below.
Which Digital Tools are You Using?
Partner with us and help us ensure your tools for classes, teams, clubs and activities are approved and ready for to use when you need them. PLAN AHEAD. Visit Pine Creek's Resource List; it includes the resources submitted by you. Don't see the one you'd like to use? Visit the District database. Still don't see your resource? Fill out the Digital Tool Application and we'll get it submitted to District IT for approval. Once the tool is approved, we'll update our list and inform you. This process takes time, especially if a purchase needs to be made.
Please be patient with us and the District as we embark on this new process. The District database is continually being updated as is our own resource list. Our goal is to ensure you have the resources you need while protecting our students' privacy.
Have questions? Contact anyone of your Digital Resource Team members, Susan, Sasha or Steve.
PCHS Digital Resource Application
ASD20 Digital Resource Inventory
PCHS Digital Teaching & Learning Resources
What can your Digital Learning Coach do for you?
- Share with you what tools we have available to you and your students
- Show you how to use the tools we have
- Push out course-specific apps to you and your students
- Co-teach with you so that you can focus on the content and I can focus on the tool and any digital issues
- Trouble-shoot issues, iPad and Desktop
- Share our Vision and what it means as we travel down the road towards making that it real
- Help you plan and reflect on lessons using digital tools
- Provide Digital Citizenship tips and resources
I'm here to serve you!
Susan Murray-Carrico, Digital Learning Coach
Email: susan.murray@asd20.org
Website: http://www.pchsdigitallearning.org/
Location: 10750 Thunder Mountain Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Phone: 719.234.2663
Twitter: @FrauSusi