Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Tech Tip Tuesday #20

Inline image 1
For this week's Tech Tip Tuesday, I have a Schoology tip.

Do you get too many emails from Schoology? Do you wish you got more emails from Schoology, maybe an email every time a student submits an assignment? You can customize your notification settings to meet your needs. If you utilize the Schoology app on your smartphone, you can also control what gets sent to your phone notifications. 

How to Change Notification Settings
- Click on the drop-down arrow next to your name
- Choose "Notifications" from the menu
     Inline image 2
- Customize away! Under each notification, you can choose on, off, or custom. "Custom" allows you to select the courses/groups/etc. for which you would like to receive notifications.

Inline image 1


What tips do you have for keeping track of changes in Schoology?

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Tech Tip Tuesday #19

Inline image 1

After our professional learning time last week, many of us have been using Google Forms in the classroom. Yay! Now we need to be able to easily view the results, which I like to do in a Google Spreadsheet with alternating colors. 

How to Quickly Apply Alternating Colors in a Google Spreadsheet
This tech tip works for any Google Spreadsheet, not just those associated with Google Forms.
Inline image 2

How have you been utilizing Google Forms in your classes?

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Tech Tip Tuesday #18

Inline image 1

Inline image 2

Did you know you can add notifications to Google Calendar events so you don't forget about important meetings? If not, this Tech Tip Tuesday is for you!

How to Add Notifications to Google Calendar Event
- In Google Calendar, click on an event to view more details about the event
- Then click on More Details or the edit button (depending on if you are in "classic" calendar or "new" calendar)
- Click Add Notification and choose any combination of Email, SMS (text message), or Notification (pop-up on your computer) at how far in advance you would like the notification

When you really don't want to forget about a Monday morning meeting...
Inline image 4

Want more?

What tips do you have for keeping track of schedules?

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Tech Tip Tuesday #17

Inline image 1

Hopefully, today finds you enjoying the January Thaw. Last week, when it was more like...

Inline image 2


I saw the USA Today article "8 things you shouldn't leave in your car in subzero weather." The first thing listed was cellphones. The article states that iPhones "shouldn't be operated at temperatures lower than 32 degrees." I would like to remind you to add Chromebooks to that list. (Also, don’t leave Chromebooks in your car in hot, summer weather either.)


Some other Chromebook care tips:
- The Chromebook should only be cleaned with a soft, clean cloth. Chemical cleaners or liquids, including water, should not be used on the Chromebook.
- Peripheral cables/cords should be inserted and removed from the Chromebook carefully to prevent damage. This should be done on both ends of the cable by grasping the plugs rather than the cord. The charging cord should be plugged into the wall outlet before connecting the Chromebook. When disconnecting, remove the cable from the Chromebook before pulling the cord from the wall outlet.
- Never put weight on the Chromebook, stack items on top of them or wedge them tightly into a backpack or case.

From East Central’s Chromebook Handbook and FAQ that can be found on the Chromebook page on the website.

Please model good habits for our students and encourage students to practice good Chromebook habits too.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Tech Tip Tuesday #16

Inline image 1

 
I love the "fresh start" of a new year! I like to take time to reflect on the previous year and plan goals for the upcoming year. While I am not big on New Year's resolutions (I do #oneword instead), I do have some technology goals for this year. My inspiration came from #TIES17, many people on Twitter, and this article on Edutopia.

Amanda's Tech Goals for 2018
1. Use Flipgrid with my students
2. Tweet to #isd2580 more often (perhaps aim for weekly)
3. Join a Twitter chat
4. Use Blogger to share my thoughts, ideas, etc. 
5. Begin a YouTube channel with my daughter (she's inspired by kids like Ryan

What are your technology goals for 2018?
Take some time to think about how you would like to use technology in both your personal and professional life.