Tech Bytes with Shantel
Feb. Edition- Here are some helpful EdTech Tips & Tricks
2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics
It's that time again! The Winter Olympics have started and will run for 18 days. Use this sporting event that comes just once every four years to tie into your curriculum! Check out these articles that relate the Olympic Games to technology-rich lessons as well as tech tools and tips.
PenPal Schools
Where can I find resources to help me get started?
The PenPal Schools blog is a great place to find high-quality resources for educators and students. You can also access professional development resources or learn about how classrooms around the world are using PenPal Schools from their Teacher Ambassadors.
Google Auto Draw
Google's AutoDraw Uses Artificial Intelligence to Help You Draw Like a Pro!
Google launched a program that uses fancy algorithms to match your doodles with professional drawings to make you look like you know what you're doing!
Lesson Ideas
- Instead of a Quick Write, why not Quick Draw!
- Warm-ups, Exit tickets, Brainstorming, etc.
- Demonstrate mastery of content vocabulary
- Give students a chance to show what they know... with images!
Click HERE for a link to AutoDraw! Just start drawing!
Eric Curts - Using Google AutoDraw for Sketchnotes, Infographics, Drawings, and More
Abode Spark
Adobe Spark is a great way to make quick slideshows, videos, sites, infographics & the list goes on!
Students could create book trailers, reviews, blogs, explain an ecosystem, explain systems of the human body, or even create a first-hand account of a historical event.
Creation is key with Adobe Spark, so try it out!
Class Tech Tip 1: Movie Making with Adobe Spark of Chromebooks - Monica Burns
Class Tech Tip 2: 5 Classroom Activities using Adobe Spark - Monica Burns
Telegraph
Padlet
Padlet is a virtual wall/bulletin board that allows students to create a sticky note to express their thoughts on a common topic. It can also be used as a collaborative tool like the activity in the Google Slides section. Padlet allows us to post text, links, images, and a wide variety of files including video.
New from Padlet:
Padlet has added new formats:
Shelf - Posts can be sorted into a series of labeled columns
- Canvas - Move posts around free-form style
Collaborate and assess with Reactions. Grade, star, upvote, or like posts - a simple way to give quantitative feedback. Read more about Reactions here.
You can now highlight text in your posts.
Categorize posts with Colors. Customize your posts one of five colors. Learn more about Colors here.
Seamlessly link your pages to an LMS. Learn more here.
Video Recording on a Padlet
Snap feature - allows you to take photos and selfies from within Padlet and post them to your pages
Dyknow & Connectivity Issues
Dyknow is a great way to monitor and manage your classroom. If you're not already utilizing Dyknow or started but stopped, give it another try! Dyknow will let you see what's on a student's screen, send attention screens to refocus students, and block or allow certain sites & programs.
- Report the student as not connected. (There is a button to report students not connected. Report them, please! Reports are reviewed and students who have consistent problems will be called down.)
- Have the student shut down their Chromebook and restart it. (This should fix most connectivity issues.)
- Be consistent (Make sure that your students know your classroom expectations with technology and follow them.)
- Proximity (Moving around the class sometimes nips off-task behavior in the bud. Nothing beats you standing next to or helping students.)
Shantel Lott
Email: slott1@kleinisd.net
Website: https://slott1.youcanbook.me/
Phone: 832-249-5122
Twitter: @shantellott2