Sunday, September 30, 2018

How to find that perfect photo in Live Photos and save it in your camera roll.

On an iPhone taking a Live Photo has numerous benefits; however, getting a perfect still shot from the photo has been frustrating. That is until now.

Once you view your live photo follow these steps:

  • select edit (upper right)
  • under the photo, you will see a scroll 
  • move the scroll from left to right to find the photo you want
  • select Make Key Photo
  • tap the yellow live button (top middle)
  • select yellow Done (bottom right)
  • if you make a mistake and want to go the Live Photo, simply select Live Photo again and repeat the steps.
Embedded below is a 43 second YouTube tutorial showing how to accomplish this.


Take care,
Brad

Saturday, September 29, 2018

iOS 12 solution to no sound when load screen recording to YouTube

If you have updated to iOS12, created a screen recording, and then tried to upload the video to YouTube you may be frustrated with the fact that there is no sound. I certainly was and tweeted about it the other day. I could not figure out a solution.

Turns out what needs to be done is the following:

  • record your screen as you normally would
  • when the recording has been completed and is on your phone, you now need to re-record your screen
    • make sure you get your video ready to play
    • before hitting play, swipe up from the bottom and record your screen; however, instead of recording with the microphone, toggle it off and record your screen
    • when the video has finished, make sure to take that video and upload it to YouTube
Embedded below is a 1 minute and 54 second YouTube tutorial.


Take care,
Brad

Friday, September 28, 2018

Solo and Homework Games in Quizizz

If you have not seen the solo and homework games in Quizizz, take a look.

  • The solo game is simply that - the ability for a user to play a Quizizz game on their own. As a teacher you will not receive any data; however, the student will be able to play whatever game they wish without a game code. If you have any questions select the red help in the bottom left corner.
  • The Homework Game is a bit more involved than the Solo Game. When you select the Homework Game you can adjust when the game should be completed by as well as all the Question and Game Settings that come with a typical Quizizz game. 
    • A few items to point out is that a student can attempt a Homework game more than once. Just note that an asterisk will be placed next to the child's name each time they play the game (beyond the first time). Example - Jack tries the game for a second time, in your data you will see Jack's name as Jack*. 
    • When integrating through Google Classroom, "begin a Live or Homework game as you normally would. On the page where you get the game code, you'll now see a Classroom Share button (Homework game) and 'Share via' button(Live game)". 
    • If you have any questions select the red help in the bottom left corner.


Embedded below is a 2 minute and 8 second YouTube tutorial.



Take care,
Brad

Thursday, September 27, 2018

How to send a voicemail on your iPhone to Google Drive (or other destinations)

This morning I received a voicemail from my wife and kids and it was one in which I know I will want to hear it years from now. What I do (there are numerous ways to do this) is to send the voicemail directly to Google Drive.

To send a voicemail that means something to you (or you would like to share) - simply select the square with the up arrow and choose your destination (rename it if you like).

This is great as voicemails tend to be deleted and forgotten.

Embedded below is a 52 second YouTube tutorial.


Take care,
Brad

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Need to create a certificate, letterhead, flyer, etc? Try using Canva

Canva is a great resource if interested in creating certificates, letterheads, flyers, etc. I used my school account and logged on with Google.

I learned about Canva through Richard Byrne's blog post - click here for access to his post.

You can scan Canva's 50,000+ templates by selecting find templates (left side above Upgrade). When you find the template you would like simply select it and then select (click on it) one more time. Now you can go in and edit as you see fit (change the text, text color, style, add elements, etc.

One item of note, when you are finished creating and ready to download I had an issue with downloading to PDF the first time. I had to select PDF print and from there on out it worked perfectly.

Embedded below is a 2 minute and 4 second YouTube tutorial I created.


Take care,
Brad

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

How to insert the exact date/time in a Google Sheet as well as an Excel Spreadsheet

If you are in need of inserting the exact date and time in a Google Sheet or Excel Spreadsheet try the following.


  • Google Sheets
    • in an open cell type in 
      • =now()
      • this will enter in the exact date and time
      • to adjust select Format > Number > adjust to date / time, etc.
    • to enter in just the day 
      • =today()
  • In Excel
    • in an open cell type in 
      • =(now)
      • right click in cell and select format cell
      • format the cell to what you would like
    • to enter in just the date 
      • =today()
Embedded below is a 1 minute and 16 second YouTube tutorial.


Take care,
Brad

Monday, September 24, 2018

Epic Books A few tips about searching as well as how to know what your students are reading currently and a summary

Epic is an amazing site as it has over 25,000 books plus it is free during school hours! To find previous posts about Epic - please click here.

In the video below I show you how to search for books:

  • Advanced (search by AR, Lexile, as well as age)
  • How to search b cover view as well as details view (showing age, duration, ar, and Lexile)
You will also see how you can see what is being read currently as well as a total summary by student
  • Select activities (upper right next to your avatar)
    • Class log - shows what s currently being read
    • Student Summary - books finished, hours read, last active

Take care,
Brad

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Emojicopy.com - makes it easy to find emojis

Emojicopy.com allows you to find and copy emojis from your desktop/notebook computer. Emojicopy allows you to search for emojis in categories as well as search by word.

What is really nice is all emojis are placed in a text box (you can add regular text as well) and create a story. When finished with your story you can copy and paste where you would like.

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 6 second YouTube tutorial.



Take care,
Brad

Friday, September 21, 2018

Professional Plate - An "All About You" Google Docs template for teachers - display outside your classroom

Beth Hauf came up with a great idea for teachers to create a Spotlight Template. This Spotlight (create in Google Docs) is a way for educators to share a bit about themselves and place outside their classroom. One can only imagine the number of conversation starters this would create, from learning about where the teacher went to college, to their hometown, to their favorite food, etc.

Beth shared her template - you can access it by clicking here.

I decided to make my own (with a little Philadelphia style added) - you can access it by clicking here.

Please take note of a few items when you select my template:

  • You will need to be logged on to your Google account.
  • The link creates a template - select the blue Use Template (upper right corner).
  • You can now edit as you see fit.
  • To alter/change anything on the page, double-click what you would like to change
    • This will open up into a Google Drawing
    • Make your personal changes and select Save and Close.
  • Feel free to make whatever changes you desire - remember this is just a sample - make it unique to you!
Embedded below is a 2 minute and 43 second YouTube tutorial to walk you through the steps.


Thank you again to Beth for sharing this great idea! As always, if you have any questions please reach out.

Brad



Thursday, September 20, 2018

Apps recommended for teachers and parents of students with learning disabilities (over 1,000 quality apps)

Educatorstechnology has created a page with apps they would recommend for teachers and parents of kids with learning disabilities. The apps are arranged into four main categories: apps for dyslexic learners, apps for autistic learners, apps for the visually impaired and apps for learners with writing difficulties.

To access this post (from January of 2016) please click here or the link below.

https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2016/01/a-handy-chart-featuring-over-30-ipad.html?m=1


Take care,
Brad

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

This past week's posts (iOS12, PhotoMath, snooze keyword in Facebook, what happens on the internet in one day)


Hello everyone,

This past week's posts (iOS12, PhotoMath, snooze keyword in Facebook, what happens on the internet in one day)

Take care,
Brad

Screen time in iOS12

iOS 12 Apple introduced Screen Time. Screen Time provides you with information on how you're using your time on your iPhone and iPad.

With Screen Time, you can see some important information. Examples include how often you pick up your device (fascinating), which apps you're using, which apps are sending the most notifications, etc.

To access Screen Time follow these steps:

  • Open up the Settings app.
  • Scroll down to the "Screen Time" grouped with Notifications, Sounds, and Do Not Disturb.
  • Tap on "Screen Time" to see your usage statistics.
  • Screen Time Syncing
  • It is important to note that these statistics are collected from all iOS devices running iOS 12 where you're logged in with your iCloud account. 

You can view your data across all devices or on a per device basis. To view other devices, tap on the "All Devices" label on the main ScreenTime screen and then choose "Devices" from the upper right-hand corner.

When you open up Screen Time, a chart is shown with information on your last 24 hours of iPhone usage, organized by each individual app or which app category you've used the most, such as Productivity, Games, Creativity, or Messages. If you tap on that chart, you can see even more information from either the last 24 hours or the last 7 days.

In the Screen Time section, you can set scheduled downtime (for you or others) from using apps outside of those that have been allowed with App Limits. What I really like is being able to set specific time limits on app categories like social networking or games. Of course, you can override the limit by typing in the code. When downtime is activated - you will see the apps that are in downtime (they will show as a lighter version of the app).

What if you do not want Screen Time? Just turn it off (bottom of the screen).

Unfortunately, at this time the screen recording is giving me some issues when trying to send to YouTube. I will add the video as soon as I am able to do so. It is on my Twitter feed if interested.



Brad



Tuesday, September 18, 2018

New measurement app in iOS12

A new feature in iOS12 is the measurement app that is built into it.

Once you select the app the app will let you know to move the phone around and then will ask you to continue to do that (you will see a cube). Once ready to measure select the circle with a dot and then measure away!

Embedded below is a GIF showing me measuring a 12"tile in my house (with a ruler).



Take care,
Brad

Monday, September 17, 2018

PhotoMath App - scan a problem for the solution as well as step-by-step instructions

If you are interested in getting the solution (as well as a step-by-step walk through) to a math problem with your iOS device and a camera - try the free app - Photomath.

The app allows the user to use their camera to scan a problem and see the answer instantly. What is new to the app is that there is a step-by-step tutorial to explain and show how to solve the problem correctly.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute and 30 second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Flipgrid shares 10 great tips on how to introduce the site to your students - especially for the camera shy.

This post created by Flipgrid back in December of 2017 shares how to introduce Flipgrid to your students and how to build confidence as they share their voice.

To access the post click here.

There are 10 ideas they discuss in detail when you click on their post.

  1. Start simple
  2. Share yourself as an educator recording
  3. Record with a Buddy, Group or with Family Members
  4. Record Something Else!
  5. Interview a Friend 
  6. Create Paper Slides Videos
  7. Use Puppets or Masks
  8. Create a screencast
  9. Moderate Topics
  10. Appsmash!

Just a reminder before using Flipgrid - remember to get permission from families.
Click here for the PDF.

Take care!
Brad


Saturday, September 15, 2018

What will be new in iOS 12 (coming September 17, 2018)

If you would like to know what will be coming to iOS 12 - take a look at the tips on your iOS device. You can also see all the features by selecting this link (Apple's iOS 12 Features).

Embedded below is a video from the tips on my iPhone.

Take care,
Brad

Friday, September 14, 2018

How to snooze keywords in Facebook

In Facebook, there have been numerous times in which I wish I could mute, or "snooze", a keyword or words. These times included when a new movie was coming out and I didn't want to hear anything about it, a certain sports game, as well as during election season.

Good news - you can now snooze certain keywords in posts for 30 days. To do so,


Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute and second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad

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Thursday, September 13, 2018

This is what happens on the internet in one minute as well as real-time emoji use on Twitter and real-time twitter activity

If you are interested in what is happening each minute on the internet - take a look at this infographic below created by Lori Lewis and Chad Callahan. The stats below are simply amazing.


Take care,
Brad

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Twitter shortcuts

  • If you like Twitter and shortcuts - try a few of these.
  • N to compose a new tweet
  • Ctrl + Enter to send a tweet
  • F to favorite a tweet
  • R to reply to a tweet
  • T to retweet a tweet
  • M to send a direct message
  • U to mute a user
  • B to block a user
  • Enter to open tweet details
  • L to close all open tweets
Embedded below is a GIF showing some of these shortcuts in action.



Take care,
Brad

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Some helpful Windows Shortcuts (side by side, quickly close and reopen windows, see all open windows)

I love shortcuts and if you have a Windows machine - here are a few to try:
  1. Open windows to left or right with Windows Icon and left or right arrow
  2. Quickly close all Windows with Windows Icon and D
    1. Reopen Windows with Windows Icon D
  3. See all open Windows - Windows Icon Tab
Embedded below is a 57 second YouTube tutorial.


Take care,
Brad

Monday, September 10, 2018

3D Touch the phone app (iPhone) for quick access to phone options (contacts, voicemail, etc.)

3D Touch the phone app (iPhone) for quick access to View Most Recent Voicemail, Create New Contacts, Search for a Contact, View Most Recent Call, and search for favorites.

Embedded below is a 28 second YouTube tutorial.

Take care,
Brad

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Google Sites - Make it easy for your viewers to select a link - add a button

A nice added feature in Google Sites is the ability to add a button. A button makes it easier for your viewers to select a link you would like them to click on. I read the other day in a study that users are more tempted to click on a button than a hyperlink.

To add a button select button (under layout section) and then add the text and link. You can then adjust the size of the button and place where you would like.

  • Please note this feature is being rolled out and if you do not see it yet, you will soon.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute and 33 second YouTube tutorial.



Take care,
Brad

Saturday, September 8, 2018

How to add materials to the Classwork section in Google Classroom

In Google Classroom a much-needed feature is the ability to add materials. This, along with the ability to create topics allows your students to quickly access materials you post.

To add materials:

  •  enter into the Classwork Section of Google Classroom 
  • select + Create (upper left)
  • select material
  • enter in your information and add the material (file on computer, Google Drive, YouTube, or link)
  • add or select your topic (helps with organization)
  • please note that the information you post will also be seen in the Stream section
Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute and 33 second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad

Friday, September 7, 2018

How to update a previously created Google Classroom to include the Classwork page

If you have been excited about the "new" Google Classroom; however a bit bummed when you realized your old classroom did not have the Classwork section - you can breathe a sigh of relief. To add the classwork section open your class and look in the lower, left corner and click on the question mark. You can then select "add Classwork page".

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 34 second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad


Thursday, September 6, 2018

How to disconnect your WiFi temporarily on your iPhone

A very simple feature that can save you some frustration is to disconnect your WiFi temporarily on your iPhone. You can do this by swiping from the bottom and selecting the blue wifi (under airplane mode). This will temporarily disconnect you from the wireless but will continue to allow you to AirDrop and AirPlay.

Embedded below is a 29 second YouTube tutorial.


Take care,
Brad

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Commoncoresheets.com - amazing free resource for math, science, writing, etc.

Commoncoresheets.com is an amazing free resource for math, science, writing, etc. The meat of the site revolves around math as it provides you with the ability to search by grade, standard, topic, etc. What is amazing is the fact that there are numerous worksheets available to you to use, along with an answer key.

Think of all the possibilities as you could not only use this for your students but provide this resource with families as well.

If you wanted to take it a step further, why not use some of their questions and create an assessment in Quizizz, Kahoot!, Google Form etc? This way you would have them always at the ready and the assessment could give you instant feedback! Please see the top of my page to see how to create one of these assessments, or reach out to me - bradjdale@gmail.com.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a  2 minute and 7 second YouTube tutorial.





Take care,
Brad

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

How to convert a PDF spreadsheet to an Excel spreadsheet

Today at one of the schools where I work a teacher needed data from a PDF to transfer over to Excel so she could then create labels (mail merge).

I then showed her the website - https://smallpdf.com/  where you can quickly create a spreadsheet from a PDF to Excel.

Once you enter the site make sure to select PDF to Excel - load the file and download.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute and 2 second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad

Monday, September 3, 2018

Labor Day Videos for children explaining the holiday in a simple way

Happy Labor Day!

Embedded below are videos from PBS (1 minute and 36 seconds), HomeSchool Pop (8 minutes and 22 seconds), as well as a video from Books Read Aloud (4 minutes and 26 seconds).





Have a great day!
Brad

Sunday, September 2, 2018

On an iPhone - how to have a conference call (add call or merge)

If you use an iPhone and want to have a conversation with 2 people try the following.

To add a caller to your conversation simply
  • select add call
  • to add the caller (the other person will be placed on hold until you connect).


To add a caller when you are already on the phone and they are calling you...

  • select Hold and Accept (bottom right of the first picture below)
  • merge calls (bottom left of 2nd picture)




Take care,
Brad

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Flippity.com's Fun with Words. Use a Google Spreadsheet to see words in an artistic way.

Flippity.com allows you to turn a Google Spreadsheet into flashcards, a random name picker, word search, etc. A new one (Fun with Words) is the ability to take words and see them in an artistic way. To see a demo click here instructions click here, and a template click here.


  • When you click on the template (and make a copy) be sure to replace the 20 words and put in your own. 
    • A gentle reminder is to not alter anything that is blue.
  • At the top select File - Publish to the Web - then Publish - Ok - close out of the pop-up box
  • Enter back into the spreadsheet and at the bottom select Get the Link Here
  • Select the link that Flippity provides for you.
  • Take a look at the artistic creations
Embedded below is a GIF showing my creation, followed by a 2 minute and 2 second YouTube tutorial.







20
Ca
Calcium
75
Re
Rhenium