If you use Typingclub.com (which is an amazing resource) there is the possibility that a student either missed the first day you introduced it or the student is new to your school.
If this is the case, simply enter into typingclub.com and if you use Google Classroom or Clever, simply select the icon (in this example we used Google Classroom). It then will populate all your classes and you will see the one you imported for this classroom. Make sure to choose re-sync (it is blue) and the student should be added.
Who doesn't enjoy magnatiles?!?! If you have not checkout their website, it is worthwhile of a glance. It will provide you with print out for your students to show them how to make creations, such as a rainbow. Really fun to check out!
Embedded below is a 1 minute and 20 second YouTube tutorial.
Google Chrome vs. 118 has a number of nice features. One of them that I really like is the ability to quickly and easily search for bookmarks.
So, instead of scrolling through all your folders and then the individual bookmarks, you can simply select the bookmarks icon, open the side panel, and search for your bookmark.
Embedded below is a 1 minute and 23 second YouTube tutorial.
At its core, 123apps.com is a collection of free online tools designed to cater to various needs, from audio and video editing to file conversion. One of the standout features of this platform is its simplicity. With an intuitive interface, it caters to users who might not have extensive technical expertise but need to perform specific tasks quickly and efficiently.
Embedded below is a 1 minute and 22 second YouTube tutorial followed by some additional information regarding the site.
2. Benefits for Educators
* **Multimedia Editing**: With the shift towards more interactive and multimedia-rich educational content, the audio and video editing tools on 123apps.com are a boon. Whether you're trimming a video for a presentation or editing audio clips for a podcast assignment, these tools are easy to grasp and use.
* **File Conversion**: Often, we come across resources in a format that might not be immediately usable. With 123apps.com's file conversion tools, switching between different file types becomes a breeze.
* **No Sign-Up Needed**: For educators wary of sharing personal information or signing up for yet another online tool, the no sign-up feature is a relief. Just hop onto the website, use the tool you need, and you're done!
You could sign-up as well as upgrade to what you see below.
* **Student Projects**: Encourage students to use the video and audio tools for their projects. Whether they're creating multimedia presentations or recording podcasts, these tools can elevate the quality of their submissions.
* **Resource Creation**: Teachers can use the platform to create their own teaching aids, be it edited videos, audio clips, or even converting documents to desired formats.
* **Collaborative Assignments**: Given its cloud integration, students can work collaboratively on a shared file, making group projects more streamlined.
**4. Points to Consider**
As with any online tool, it's essential to be wary of privacy and data security. Although 123apps.com doesn’t require sign-up, it's always a good practice to educate students about not uploading sensitive or personal information to such platforms.
**Conclusion**
123apps.com presents itself as a versatile tool for educators and students alike. Its range of applications and ease of use make it a valuable addition to the digital toolkit of modern educators. However, always remember to approach any online tool with a sense of caution and educate students about the best practices for online safety.
A great new feature built into Google Drive is the ability to quickly lock a File. While you as an editor can lock a file, please note that it can be unlocked by any editor. However, prior to editing, they will see that the file is locked and will need to select a lock and unlock it.
This is a great feature as I know many of us remember creating files and sharing with others only to find out down the line that someone edited the file to an extent that made it unusable. Then you would need to go into version history, etc. I remember a ton of conversations with people being upset about others editing their files.
So, how can you lock a file, it is really quite simple.
Choose right-click on a file in Drive, choose "File Information", and choose "Lock". Of course you can do the same to unlock. You can also unlock the file by choosing unlock in the file itself.
Embedded below is a 1 minute and 6 second YouTube tutorial.
Google Slides just rolled out a **brand new feature** that's going to change the way you present! 🎉
You can now use a **pen tool** directly in present mode.
Embedded below is a 1 minute and 30 second YouTube tutorial followed by a bit more information.
1. **Interactive Discussions**: Sketch, underline, or circle important points during presentations. Perfect for emphasizing key concepts or for on-the-fly annotations!
2. **Engage Students Better**: Let students come up and draw or write answers. An excellent way to make lessons interactive!
4. **4 Colors**: Customize your pen's color to match your slides.
📋 **How to Use It**:
Simply start your presentation, and you'll find the pen tool available by either selecting Shift L or the snowman (or the options menu) and choose to turn on the pen.. Choose the color you prefer, and you're good to go!
Have you tried it yet? Would love to hear your experiences and creative ways you're planning to incorporate it into your lessons. Comment below! ✍️
Ever been working with your class / student / or your own children and they just don't seem to be getting the topic you are working with them on? Recently my 9th grade daughter has had some tests on topics that I have not studied in over 30 years (example - how progressive was Teddy Roosevelt and what was his vision). While there are a few things I remember, I would need to do some research to jog my memory While yes this does work, if there are numerous questions and you would like a way to quickly access the question - try asking chatgpt the question. The tip I have found is to ask it in a way that may give some similes or metaphors - and the way I found is to ask it to explain the topic to a 3rd grader.
Embedded below is a video followed by two examples.
Wanted to let you know that the new version in Google Chrome has a bit of a different look to it. The icons look a touch different as well as the ability to see your open tabs and recently closed tabs.
To see if you have the latest version of chrome make sure to select the three dots in the upper right, settings, about Chrome.
The ability to quickly see the recently closed tabs is a great feature. A quick reminder to quickly reopen a closed tab is to select ctrl shift T.
Embedded below is a 1 minute and 11 second YouTube tutorial.
If you have ever had a Google Drive folder shared with you; however, you would like to make a copy of the folder you probably were bummed when you saw there is no option to copy.
While there is no magic button to copy it all, there is a way.
Make sure to choose the download option.
This will create a Zip file.
select save
Choose the zipped folder and make sure to extract all
Make sure you created a folder and save the extracted files to this new folder
Now, go back into Google Drive and upload the folder
If you have tried explaining a topic to a student, child, or someone else entirely and it just isn't working? Try using ChatGPT and asking it to explain the topic at its basic level.
The example I have below is from studying with my daughter.
She needed to know how Progressive Teddy Roosevelt was as well as his vision. In order to fully understand the answer, instead of asking it to explain it to a 10th grader I asked it to explain it to a 3rd grader.
Here are the responses. First is the 3rd grade response. You can see how this can help with gaining understanding.
The Brisk extension allows for leveled resources as it can adjust the reading level of any text on the internet. This is great for differentiating instruction and meeting the needs of all learners.
Make sure to add the extension and then open an article. You can then select the extension (lower right of your screen). You will then see an image as you see below. You can then adjust the reading level as well as translate the article.
To see this in action, take a look at the 1 minute and 30 second YouTube tutorial.
Quizlet's Magic Notes feature is a powerful AI-powered tool that can help students learn and retain information more effectively. With Magic Notes, teachers (and students) can upload their class notes and Quizlet will automatically transform them into flashcards, practice tests, and other study materials.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU HAVE A FEW ITEMS YOU CAN CREATE AND THEN IT IS $36 A YEAR.
Embedded below is a 1 minute and 29 second YouTube tutorial.
This can be a huge time-saver for students, especially those who have a lot of notes to review. It can also help students to identify the key concepts and information in their notes, and to organize their notes in a way that is easy to learn from.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Quizlet's Magic Notes feature:
Go to the Quizlet website or app and log in to your account.
Click on the "Create" button and select "Magic Notes" from the drop-down menu.
Click on the "Upload notes" button and select the notes file that you want to upload.
Quizlet will then process your notes and generate a variety of study materials, including flashcards, practice tests, and outlines.
You can then review and practice with the study materials that Quizlet has generated for you.
Here are some tips for using Quizlet's Magic Notes feature effectively:
Make sure that your notes are well-organized and easy to read. This will help Quizlet to generate more accurate study materials.
If you have a lot of notes, you may want to upload them in smaller batches. This will help to ensure that Quizlet can process your notes more quickly and efficiently.
Review the study materials that Quizlet has generated for you carefully. Make sure that the information is accurate and that the questions are challenging but fair.
Use the study materials in a variety of ways. For example, you can use the flashcards to practice memorizing key concepts, and you can use the practice tests to assess your understanding of the material.
Overall, Quizlet's Magic Notes feature is a valuable tool for students of all ages. It is easy to use and can help students to learn and retain information more effectively.
Here are some additional tips for teachers who are using Quizlet's Magic Notes feature in their classrooms:
Encourage your students to use Magic Notes to review and study for upcoming tests and quizzes.
Help your students to organize their notes in a way that is easy to upload to Quizlet.
Provide your students with feedback on the study materials that Quizlet has generated for them.
Use the study materials that Quizlet has generated for your students in your lessons and activities. For example, you can use the flashcards to lead a review game, or you can use the practice tests to assess your students' understanding of the material.
By following these tips, you can help your students to make the most of Quizlet's Magic Notes feature and improve their learning outcomes.
In this post we will discuss how to record a video on a Chromebook - see previous post as well as the video below. We will then discuss leveraging the power of Screencasting: A Guide for Students Using Chromebooks (using a tool such as screencast or other extensions).
On your Chromebook students can select the Screencast option and then create their screencast. What is nice now is the option for annotating. The other newer option is the ability to see a transcript as well as the ability to translate the video.
See video below for a step-by-step tutorial.
In the vibrant ecosystem of educational technology, screencasting has emerged as a versatile tool, empowering students and educators to create, share, and translate videos with ease. With a device as accessible and student-friendly as a Chromebook, diving into the world of screencasting becomes not only viable but also immensely beneficial. Let’s explore how students can utilize screencast on a Chromebook and understand the far-reaching implications of this tool.
1. Selecting a Screencasting Tool:
Chromebooks offer a variety of screencasting tools and apps, especially the Screencast option built in on your Chromebook. Popular options include Screencastify, Loom, and Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder. Some are available as extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
2. Setting Up the Screencast:
- Install your chosen app or extension.
- Adjust settings like audio input, screen area to record (full screen, application window, or browser tab), and video quality.
3. Recording the Screencast:
- Open the app and select “Record.”
- Choose whether you want to capture your entire screen, a specific window, or a Chrome tab.
- Opt for including or excluding audio, and select the microphone source if applicable.
- Click “Start Recording,” and you’re on your way!
4. Editing and Enhancing the Video:
- Utilize the in-app editing features to trim, add text, or insert additional clips.
- Add annotations or overlays for instructional clarity.
5. Sharing Your Screencast:
- Save the video file and choose a platform for sharing, such as Google Drive, YouTube, or directly via email.
- Generate a shareable link or embed code if sharing on a website or educational platform.
Screencasting: Benefits and Practical Applications:
1. Facilitates Diverse Learning Styles:
Students can create and share video content that appeals to visual and auditory learners, accommodating varied learning preferences within a classroom setting.
2. Enhances Collaborative Learning:
Screencasts can be shared among peers, promoting collaborative learning and peer feedback, which fortifies the collective knowledge-building process.
3. Bolsters Creativity and Technological Literacy:
The creation of screencasts enhances students’ technological literacy and allows them to weave their creativity into educational content.
4. Amplifies Student Voice:
Students gain a platform to share their insights, explanations, and narratives, thus enhancing their communication skills and self-confidence.
5. Enables Flipped Classrooms:
Educators and students can create instructional videos that peers can view at home, paving the way for more interactive and engaged learning during class sessions.
6. Assists in Demonstrating and Archiving Learning:
Students can document project developments, experiments, and presentations, establishing a digital archive of their learning trajectory.
Expanding Reach: Translating Screencasts:
1. Subtitle Creation:
- Utilize auto-captioning features available on platforms like YouTube, or use tools like Google's AutoML Translation to generate subtitles.
- Consider using translation apps or extensions to create subtitles in multiple languages.
2. Text Translations:
- Translate textual content within screencasts and provide multilingual transcripts, ensuring the material is accessible to a wider audience.
Closing Thoughts:
Empowering students with the capability to create, share, and translate screencasts facilitates a multifaceted learning experience that intersects with technology, creativity, and collaborative learning. The utilization of screencasting on Chromebooks not only endorses student engagement and participation but also nurtures a global learning environment, bridging linguistic and geographical gaps. As we usher into an era where digital literacy is paramount, integrating screencasting into the educational journey enriches learning experiences, crafts skillful digital citizens, and constructs a harmonious global educational community.
End Note:
Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, and additional tips on using screencasting effectively in the educational sphere! Together, let’s explore and enhance the digital learning experience for educators and learners alike.
If you are printing a document such as a Google Sheet and you follow the normal steps to print it out in landscape and it does not work properly try the following:
Ctrl P to print
make sure you select Landscape and then next
you now see that the document is not printing in Landscape (see below).
make sure to select more settings and then choose default for both margins and scale
Ted Lasso, the charming, mustachioed football-turned-soccer coach from the hit TV series, has won over countless fans worldwide with his infectious optimism and folksy wisdom. But did you know there's a Ted Lasso extension for Google Chrome that could offer some unique benefits for educators and students alike? Let's dive into how integrating a little bit of Ted can enhance your online educational experience.
1. **A Daily Dose of Positivity**:
Starting your day on a positive note can set the tone for the entire day. The Ted Lasso extension delivers a motivational quote from the beloved character every time you open a new tab. This can be a wonderful way to inspire and uplift both educators and students, especially on those challenging days.
2. **A Lesson in Emotional Intelligence**:
Ted Lasso, the character, consistently demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence. By constantly being exposed to his wisdom and perspective, educators and students can develop and nurture their own emotional intelligence, a crucial skill in today's world.
3. **Engaging Conversational Starter**:
Each quote can serve as a launching pad for classroom discussions. Whether discussing the meaning behind the quote, relating it to current events, or simply using it as a fun icebreaker, there are countless ways to integrate it into the educational day.
4. **Enhanced Personalization**:
For those who are fans of the show, personalizing their browser with the Ted Lasso extension can make the online learning experience feel a little more like "home". This personal touch can make all the difference in creating an engaging and comfortable learning environment.
5. **Cultivate a Growth Mindset**:
Many of Ted Lasso’s quotes revolve around resilience, perseverance, and a positive attitude—key components of a growth mindset. Exposure to such messages on a regular basis can help cultivate this mindset in both educators and students, empowering them to face challenges head-on.
6. **Light-Heartedness and Fun**:
In the demanding world of education, it’s essential to find moments of levity. The Ted Lasso extension offers a dash of humor and joy, reminding users not to take life too seriously and to cherish the lighter moments.
In conclusion, while it might seem like a simple browser extension, the Ted Lasso extension for Google Chrome offers a unique blend of motivation, emotional intelligence, and fun that can benefit educators and students in surprising ways. In the words of the man himself, "It's the little things that make the big things possible." Give it a try and bring a bit of Ted's magic into your educational journey!
This tutorial is very similar to the one mentioned above; however, this time you are creating an assessment in Quizizz within seconds using a .Doc, .PDF, or .PPT.
Once you select the option to Import or Upload a document, you will need to import or upload and choose between 5 and 15 questions.
You will then see the quiz created in mere seconds and then you have the options (like in all Quizizz assessments) to add a standard, change the time, change the point value, add additional questions, as well as preview and publish the assessment.
One item to point out. With the free version, you have up to 20 assessments. If you would like to create your 21st, you can either delete or archive a previous assessment. I would recommend archiving so you can bring it back in the future.
Embedded below is a 1 minute and 53 second long YouTube tutorial.
In this tutorial we will take a look at using Quizizz to create a quiz within seconds using their create with AI option.
Once you select the create with YouTube you will need to paste a YouTube URL and choose between 5 and 15 questions.
You will then see the quiz created in mere seconds and then you have the options (like in all Quizizz assessments) to add a standard, change the time, change the point value, add additional questions, as well as preview and publish the assessment.
One item to point out. With the free version, you have up to 20 assessments. If you would like to create your 21st, you can either delete or archive a previous assessment. I would recommend archiving so you can bring it back in the future.
Embedded below is a 2 minute long YouTube tutorial.
This random picker allows you to paste in your own names, as well as use stock photos instantly from a search. However, what I really like is the ability to randomize the names, sort alphabetically, and ten see the results as well as hide them.
The ability to edit the sound the wheel spins to as well as the duration of the spin, the sound with the end result, and the ability to change animation with results (fireworks, snow, confetti, etc.)
You can also instantly create two wheels and spin them at the same time is a nice feature.
Finally, the ability to name the wheel and save to your Google account is an amazing feature.
Embedded below is a 2 minute and 10 second YouTube tutorial.
