Tech Tip Tuesday #25

Today's Tip:

Check out Google Drawings!

Google Drawings is one of my favorite go-to tools for creation. It's an easy to use way to make graphics, posters, printables, interactives, and much more. It reminds me of the old Paint program on computers but also is a lot like a single Slide with more tools available for drawing. According to The Google Drawings Manifesto for Teachers, "Google Drawings is the hidden gem in the core G Suite tools for education." If you have not used Google Drawings, I recommend looking at some of the templates below to get started. If you have used Google Drawings, I recommend looking at some ways to use Google Drawings in the classroom.

Template Resources:

Do More with Google Drawings

Google Drawings Graphic Organizers

Classroom Ideas:

Both of these resources include tutorials for getting started with Google Drawings.

The Google Drawings Manifesto for Teachers

Get Creative with Google Drawings

Some Google Drawings that I have created:

What will you create with Google Drawings?

Tech Tip Tuesday #24

Today's Tip:

It's time for the annual winter PSA, don't leave your devices out in the cold. And remind students too!

Unless you want your phone battery to die or your computer screen to have issues, leave your electronics inside. For more information on temperatures and technology, check out: Can I Leave My Gadgets In a Cold or Hot Car? The article is a little old (as far as the internet goes) but the information is still good. 

Some other Chromebook care tips:

(from East Central’s Chromebook Handbook and FAQ)
- 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.

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

What are your favorite winter survival tips?

Tech Tip Tuesday #23

Today's Tip:

Check out Quizizz, a self-paced quiz website.

In past PLCs and staff development sessions, I have shared other quiz websites like Kahoot, Quizlet, and Gimkit. Quizziz is similar and a great option to include more variety of practice in the classroom.

What I like about Quizizz:

* It's free. Like completely free. Not a free version or free for the first 5. Just free.

* There are TONS available to use. It is easy to preview them and there are filters to narrow it down by grade level, subject, and more.

* Students work independently and at their own pace.

* Students complete the same amount of practice problems.

* Teachers get detailed data reports making Quizizz a great formative assessment option.

* Quizizz has recently added powerups to compete with Gimkit, which makes it fun and engaging for the students.

What I don't like about Quizizz:

* This is really just a planning thing. Since students answer the same amount of questions at their own pace, there will be students that finish fast and students that take longer than others. Just be aware that you need to plan for this, as you would for any assignment or formative assessment. 

Interested?

* Check out this Getting Started with Quizizz guide. 

* If you would like, I can meet with you ahead of time to help you set up your account and choose a Quizizz to use in your classroom. 

What is your "go-to" resource for student practice?

Tech Tip Tuesday #22

Today's Tip:

Check out these three updates to Gmail. 

1. Open Emails in a Separate Window

If you want to have multiple emails open at once or the compose box in a separate window, you can! You need to hold SHIFT when selecting an email you want to open or when you click Compose.

shift + click = Opens in a new window

crtl + click = Opens in a new tab in Chrome (cmd on Mac)

2. Send Emails as Attachments

You can now attach emails to other emails within Gmail. Select the emails you want to send and either drag and drop into an email or click the three-dot menu and select Forward as attachment. 

Check out the visuals at G Suite Updates.

3. More Options in Calendar Invites in Gmail

When you open a Google Calendar invite in Gmail, you'll see a new "More Options" dropdown menu with Propose a new time or Add a note. Selecting either option will open that section in a new tab in Calendar where you can make those changes.

Check out the visuals at G Suite Updates.

What Gmail features are your favorites? What Gmail features do you wish existed?