Tuesday Tech Tips

I have moved all of the previous Tuesday Tech Tips here, hopefully this will make them easier to find.  

This weeks tip using Bloglovin'  to follow your favorite blogs and/or discover new ones. 

Step 1 - Create an Account (using either Facebook or your email)

Step 2 - Verify the Account 

Step 3 - Sign in

Step 4 - Use the Search Box in the upper right corner to search for blog names or topics or copy and paste the blog URL in the box.

Step 5 - Download the app to your tablet or smartphone (not required).  

Now every time there is a new blog post on your favorite blog, it will show up in your Bloglovin feed. 

Need some ideas on blogs -- here is a list of the Top 50 Education Blogs every Teacher and Educator should know about.  

3/18/14

Looking  for ways to energize your lessons?

Need some Quick & Fun Brain Breaks?

2/25/14

Check out some of the 54 different examples of formative assessment. 

2/18/14

Did you know you could use Google spreadsheet to make Flashcards?

Did you know you could use Google search box as a timer?

Did you know you could use Chrome Extensions to save time?

Did you know you can use Google Docs for Learning?

Click the following link for ideas on how to use Google Docs for Learning.

Click this link for suggestions on how to organize your Google Drive.

Did you know all of the answers to these and many other Google questions can be found here?

1/24/14

DNA for BYOD

There are many different devices in your classroom with BYOD such as tablets, smartphones, laptops and netbooks along with the school's desktop computers. The operating systems will vary with Windows, Apple, Blackberry and Android devices. Device Neutral Assignments and Activities or "DNA" will work best for all students and allow them to use their device of choice. They will be the most familiar with their own device's capabilities.

Some ideas for creating DNA

•                    Use generic descriptions. Instead of requiring "PowerPoint", use "presentation". Instead of requiring "Word", use "text-based" or "word-processing".

•                    Allow choice of product. Can students show their learning through a video, website, screencast, essay or presentation?

•                    Co-construct success criteria. If products will be different, what makes a successful product? How will it meet the curriculum expectations?

•                    Suggest cross-platform services. Many apps and services can be used on all devices. See link for suggestions.

•                    Group students purposely. An activity may require a camera and a computer/laptop--pair a student with a smartphone with another who has a laptop. Conversely, group students with similar devices.

•                    Use the classroom technology. Your document camera can be used to create images, video, etc.