WW-P HS South EdTech Bulletin #10
Resources for Integrating Technology into Instruction
February 15, 2017
The Perfect Gif
So, gifs... We've all seen the value of a well-chosen video clip in demonstrating a certain concept or inspiring a rich discussion in class. Well, gifs are like tiny looping videos. You may have seen them throughout social media or in text messages. Often, they're hysterical. At the very least they're eye-catching. This week's tech tool of the week is the GIFit extension, an easy-to-use gif generator that turns any YouTube video into a gif. You can create a gif and use it to set off a problem-solving session, spark storytelling, demonstrate centripetal force, whatever! Even better, you can have your student create them!
As your building TRST, I'd be happy to come in and demo it for you and your students. I'm also available for in-class support as they work with it. Just want to dip your toes in for now? Try adding a gif as your Google Classroom banner! I can help.
Read on to learn more about the Gifit extension and the latest update in Google Slides.
We hope you enjoy this week's HSS EdTech Bulletin and hope you all had a Happy Valentine's Day!
Tech Tool of the Week
Gifit
Ready to add gifs to your repertoire of instructional visuals?
- First, go here to add the Gifit extension to your Chrome browser.
- Then, go to YouTube and find that perfect video.
- Click on the Gifit icon located next to CC, the settings gear, etc. on the bottom left corner of your video.
- Set the start and end time for your gif, and select size (if you're using this gif for your Google Classroom banner, be sure to make it at least 800 pixels wide.)
- Click on the big red Gifit! button.
- Wait for your Gif to be created & click save!
- Enjoy your perfect gif!
Tech Refresh
Uploading videos in Google Slides
Speaking of those perfect videos. As of last week, Google opened up the ability to add videos from your Google Drive, directly into your Google Slides. Before then, you were only able to add videos from YouTube or other sites using a URL. This makes incorporating video demonstration assignments a snap.
Lesson idea: You can have your students film a short video on their devices to demonstrate what they learned, created, etc., save that video to Drive, and then add it to a shared Slides deck that you have pushed out through Google Classroom. Follow up with a Q&A letting your students take the lead in the discussion of what they filmed. Your students will be engaged and you'll have gathered formative assessment in one easy location.
- To add a video from Drive, go to "insert" (located in your Slides toolbar across the top).
- Click "video"
- Click "Google Drive"
Once the video is added, you can right click and select "Video Options" to adjust the start and end time of your video (no need to crop!), whether or not you would like the video to auto play when you get to that slide, and whether or not you'd like the video muted.
As always, I'm here to help if you'd like to try this out together!
Resources for PD
Feb 17 WW-P Unconference
This Friday, February 17, WW-P will have its professional development day in the style of an unconference. The unconference is a great opportunity to explore new ideas that you simply don't have time to explore during the school day.
Consider some of the ideas that have been shared in the tech bulletins, or that you've seen colleagues try in their classrooms and look for a conversation related to those ideas. Better yet, host a conversation or encourage a colleague to host a conversation to ensure that your needs are met.
Read more about what to expect and how to participate on Friday here: https://www.smore.com/tjcq9
Check out our top ten tips for attending an Edcamp here: https://www.smore.com/tmnk0
TL;DR
Create the perfect Gif!
Add videos to Google Slides
Participate at the district unconference
Pirate Love Notes to Technology
What our teachers are saying...
- How did I live without Google Classroom? I can't believe how easy it is to use, share resources with students, and collect student work. I'm using it with all of my classes!
- Google Keep is one of my favorite tools to use! I can't believe more people don't use it! I love that it syncs across devices. It's such an easy way to jot down notes and reminders!
- I think You Can Book Me would be great to use with students. No more wondering when a student is going to seek me out for extra help, or make up an assessment. This is great!
- NoodleTools has been a life saver (and changer) during the research paper. Students were easily able to write notes on their research topics, which I can see through the teacher dashboard. Students' research is more in-depth because of this tool!
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
Find a time that works for your schedule to meet and then book me using this link: https://kimlowden.youcanbook.me
Email: kimberly.lowden@wwprsd.org
Website: https://www.pinterest.com/msitech/
Location: HSS Media Center
Phone: 5216
Twitter: @ms_itech