Tuesday, December 12, 2023

EdPuzzle AI - create multiple choice and open-ended questions with the click of a button

EdPuzzle's AI feature harnesses artificial intelligence to assist in creating educational content. It simplifies the process of generating questions for video content, making it an invaluable tool for educators.

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 22 second YouTube tutorial.



 Accessing the AI Feature: To use this feature, you'll first need to log in to your EdPuzzle account. Look for the AI icon or option in the video editing section.

Selecting the Video Segment: Choose the part of the video where you want to insert a question. The AI can help you identify key moments that are ideal for assessment.

Generating the Question: Click on the AI feature, and it will analyze the video content. It then suggests multiple choice questions relevant to the selected segment.

 Customizing the Questions: You can edit the AI-generated questions to better suit your lesson objectives or to make them more challenging.

 Adding Answer Options: The AI may also suggest possible answers. Review these and add your own options if necessary, ensuring there is one correct answer.

Creating Open-Ended Questions

Identifying Topics for Discussion: For open-ended questions, use the AI feature to highlight key discussion points or topics in the video.


Formulating the Questions: The AI will propose open-ended questions. These can serve as a starting point, which you can then refine to encourage critical thinking and deeper understanding.


Tips for Effective Open-Ended Questions: Ensure these questions are thought-provoking and open to interpretation. This encourages students to engage more deeply with the material.

Best Practices and Tips

Review and Edit: Always review AI-generated questions for accuracy and relevance. Make sure they align with your learning objectives.


Diverse Question Types: Use a mix of multiple choice and open-ended questions to cater to different learning styles.


Feedback and Adjustments After using the AI feature in a few lessons, gather feedback from students and make necessary adjustments to improve the learning experience.


Stay Updated: EdPuzzle frequently updates its features. Keep an eye out for new AI capabilities that could further enhance your teaching.

EdPuzzle's AI feature for creating questions is a game-changer in educational technology. It saves time, offers creative insights, and helps in crafting more engaging and effective video lessons. Embrace this tool to enhance your teaching and to provide a more interactive and personalized learning experience for your students.


Remember, the key to success with any new technology is experimentation and adaptation. Happy teaching! 🍎📚🖥️

Monday, December 11, 2023

Maximizing Classroom Engagement: Use Curipod for Exit Tickets

Exit tickets are a pivotal tool in the modern classroom, offering a quick snapshot of students' understanding at the end of a lesson. They not only provide immediate feedback but also help in tailoring future lessons to meet the needs of all learners. Today, we'll explore how Curipod, an innovative educational website, can transform the way you use exit tickets in your classroom.

  • What is Curipod?

Curipod is a versatile educational platform designed to enhance learning experiences through interactive tools and resources. It's particularly adept at creating exit tickets, which are brief assessments used at the end of a class to gauge student comprehension.

  • Make sure you sign up on Curipod
  • In this example I chose to create an Exit ticket with AI feedback and then created my own.
  • I pasted my prompt in the open question area.
  • You will see options to change the duration, entries per participant, vote duration, and results.
  • To share the screen make sure to choose present.
    • participants can join through typing in curi.live and typing in the pin
    • or choose the QR code
  • Participants will see their nickname and be prompted to type in their real name (which you can see at the end with the results).
  • You will then see data which you can download (as well see the names of the participants).
Embedded below is a 2 minute and 8 second YouTube tutorial.



I hope this blog post provides a clear and engaging overview of how to use Curipod for creating exit tickets! If you have any specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask.

Take care,

Brad

Friday, October 27, 2023

Typingclub - How to add a new student if you use Google Classroom or Clever.

 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.

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 24 second YouTube tutorial. You can also click on this link to show you how to get started with Typingclub.



Take care,

Brad

Check out the Magnatiles blog for some fun and meaningful impact and play. Includes some PDFs to print out for you and your students to enjoy.

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.



Take care,
Brad

Thursday, October 26, 2023

How to quickly search and find your bookmarks in Google Chrome version 118.

 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.



Take care,

Brad

Looking for one "free" site for video/audio/pdf tools, converters, and utilities - try 123apps.com

 What is 123apps.com?


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.



Lock files in Google Drive

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.


Take care,
Brad

New PEN feature when presenting in Google Slides

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! ✍️



Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Need a way to summarize a topic in a way that may reach your students in a way that you may not have tried?

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.



Friday, October 20, 2023

Google Chrome version 118 - A few cosmetic looks as well as a quick way to see open tabs and recently closed tabs.

 Hello everyone!

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.



Take care,

Brad


Wednesday, October 18, 2023

How you can "copy" a Google Drive folder and all contents into your Drive

 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
Embedded below is a 2 minute and 7 second video.



Take care,
Brad

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Need a way to summarize a topic in a way that may reach them in a way that you may not have tried?

 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.

Monday, October 16, 2023

How to change the reading level of an article to fit your specific class or student(s) using the Brisk extension.

 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.



Take care,

Brad

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Get flashcards, summary, practice tests, and discussion questions from notes, uploads, or Google Docs in seconds.

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:

  1. Go to the Quizlet website or app and log in to your account.
  2. Click on the "Create" button and select "Magic Notes" from the drop-down menu.
  3. Click on the "Upload notes" button and select the notes file that you want to upload.
  4. Quizlet will then process your notes and generate a variety of study materials, including flashcards, practice tests, and outlines.
  5. 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.

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Use Screencast on a Chromebook to record and share videos. The shared video can then be translated as well.

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.

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Trying to print in portrait but your document keep coming up in portrait? Try adjusting settings for margins and scale.

 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

Embedded below is a second YouTube tutorial.




Hope it helps. 

Take care,
Brad


Wednesday, October 4, 2023

The Surprising Benefits of Using the Ted Lasso Extension in Google Chrome

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!








Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Want to create a gradable quiz from a .Doc .PDF or .PPT in seconds? Try Quizizz's Create with AI.

  Recently I have been sharing how to quickly and easily create assessments directly from a YouTube video:

I also recently shared 
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.


Take care,
Brad


Monday, October 2, 2023

Want to create a gradable quiz from a YouTube video in seconds? Try using Quizizz's Create with AI.

 Recently I have been sharing how to quickly and easily create assessments directly from a YouTube video:

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.



Take care,
Brad






YouTube Tip - How to get a transcript and a summary of a YouTube video with one click.

 The other day I shared a Google Form and YouTube tip

Some of the feedback I received revolved around "grabbing" the transcript. As with a lot of "things" there is an extension for that.


Once you add the extension, the next time you enter into YouTube you will see the image you see below to the right of your video.
Once you select the GPT icon it will open up https://chat.openai.com/  and provide you with the transcript and the summary.

If you select the settings gear you will see the options to adjust what you need.

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 31 second YouTube tutorial.



Take care,

Brad




Wednesday, September 27, 2023

AI tip! How to quickly make a Google Form assessment in minutes directly from a YouTube video.

 If you would like to easily create an assessment directly from a YouTube video either for fun or for your students, take a look at the example below.

1. I opened this video 25 Facts you didn't know about Seinfeld.

2. I selected the tree dots next to share.

  • selected show transcript
    • show transcript again
  • copied the auto-generated captions 
    • I do like selecting the three dots and toggling off the timestamps

4. I then asked it to provide me with 25 multiple choice questions with answers based on the transcript from this YouTube video about Seinfeld. 
  • I then added the transcript and it provided me with questions and answers
5. From there I copied the questions and answers and pasted them in a Google Doc.

6. I then used the extension in Docs called Form Builder for Docs.

7. Once you follow the prompts, you instantly have your Google Form.

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




Take care,
Brad

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Fun random name picker. Spinthewheel.io Save names, use stock images, change the sound while spinning, duration of the spin, sound with result, as well as change animation with results (fireworks, snow, confetti, etc.)

A little over 4 years ago I shared a fun random name picker - Wheel of Names.

Today, I am sharing Spinthewheel.io

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.



Take care,

Brad

Monday, April 24, 2023

Real World Math! How you can teach perimeter and area of any place on Earth using the tools in Google Earth.

The past few weeks I have shared a number of sites that deal directly with mathematical concepts. In today's post I will be sharing how you can use a site like Google Earth and have students answer real world perimeter and area problems.

Once you enter into Google Earth, make sure to type in a place that you/your students know. In my example I used the high school where I went as a kid. 

Once the satellite image comes up

  • select the ruler on the bottom left in Google Earth
  • you will then see a popup in the upper right with feet as the default
    • feel free to change if you desire 
  • select your starting point and then drag around to create the perimeter
  • you will need to close the shape
  • in the upper right you will then see the perimeter and area (see image below)

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 17 second YouTube tutorial.


Take care,
Brad

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Want a summary of a YouTube video before even watching it? Ask Chat GPT.

If there is a YouTube video that you are not sure what it will include, try asking CHAT GPT/Openai.

All you need to do it the following:

  • Enter into https://chat.openai.com/
  • Ask it to please summarize this YouTube video for me with the link
    • Include the Title of the video
You can see an example below:


Embedded below is a 47 second YouTube tutorial.


Take care,

Brad


Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Use Google Sheets to instantly create an interactive Geomap

 If you have data (such as world population) that you would like to instantly make into an interactive map - try using Google Sheets.

Here are the steps:

  • enter data into the Sheet
  • Insert > Chart
  • Change the drop down chart type to either a Geo Chart or Geo Chart with markers
  • You will then see the chart
    • if you need to change make sure to select customize
      • to change chart style choose the drop down and make your adjustments
      • to change the chart (maybe from World to United States choose Geo and then region.
        • you can also change the color of the minimum, medium, and maximum
  • Finally, you can download the image, publish it to the web, copy, etc.


Click here to see the chart published to the web.

Embedded below is a 2 minute and 22 second YouTube tutorial.



Take care,

Brad

Google Drive tip - quickly see information about files such as who the owner is, when it was last opened, File size, and location.

If you have ever entered into your Google Drive and wanted to find the information below:

  • Owner
  • When last opened
  • File size
  • Location
    • this is huge as sometimes the file may be in a shared drive

Of course you could find out this information by selecting the i in the upper right corner

However, you if you see the icon next to the i - make sure to select it so then you will see information in a list layout as you can see below.


Embedded below is a 50 second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad





Monday, April 17, 2023

Simple and effective tip when you want to open a link from a specific website.

One time-saving tip that may be of some help to you (if you do not already do it)
  •  when you want to open up a link on a website but want to keep the original site open in your tab
    • make sure to right-click on the link and you will see the options you see below

  • more often than not the options of opening in a new tab as well as copying the link address is used the most
I hope this tip helps you.

Embedded below is a 51 second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Teach elapsed time using Visnos.com's Two Clocks.

If you are looking for a great activity for teaching about time, check out Visnos.com's Two Clocks.

The first clock shows the start time, while the second clock shows the end time. The duration between the times can be automatically calculated as well as the ability to hide either clock.


When you open the site you will see the two clock and when you drag the minute or hour hand you will see the duration at the bottom of the site. This is great for showing elapsed time as well as asking questions regarding elapsed time. You can also remove showing the answer to the elapsed time by clicking on the check.

With the clocks you can easily remove the digital clocks by clicking the off button.

The ability to link the clocks is a nice option to talk about elapsed time and how it looks at different parts of the day.

Make sure to click on the die for a random time for your students to answer.

Finally, if you would like some leveled questions be sure to choose the question icon for levels 1-5.

Embedded below is a 2 minute and 13 second YouTube tutorial.



Take care,
Brad





Teach fractions with a virtual fraction wall.

 A great visual for fractions is to use Visnos.com's Virtual Fraction Wall.


In order to see the colors on the wall make sure to select the red, yellow, blue, green icon next to the word fraction at the top.

A few items to pint out...
  • if you select one or more fraction bars you will see the new fraction on the right side
  • if you want your wall to go to 12s make sure to choose mixed (top of the site) and change it to large
    • you can also select 2s, 3s, 5s, and primes in the same location
  • if you would like a random wall make sure to select the die
  • you can also hide the fraction on the right so students would have to "guess" what each fraction is showing
  • if you want to show simplified, percentage, or decimal make sure to choose the area where it says fraction
  • I really like choosing fraction and then the EQ (equivalent) then select something like 1/2 and the rest of the fraction board will show what is equivalent to 1/2
Embedded below is a 1 minute and 51 second YouTube tutorial.


Take care,
Brad


Friday, April 14, 2023

Try Number Explorer on Visnos.com for a great visualization of division as well as factor-pairs, prime-factors, and division tests.

 Number Explorer is a great site for visualization of division. As you can see in the embedded picture below you will be presented with the division problem of 36/5.



  • You can easily adjust the division problem to what you would like - just make sure you select the check next to the number. 
  • You can show the numbers as well by clicking on the icon underneath of the die that says show numbers.
  • You can change it from balls to fish or cards
  • Change the mode to factor-pairs
    • see the factor pairs for the number you chose
      • this is so helpful for students to see this visualized
Embedded below is a 2 minute and 14 second YouTube tutorial.



Take care,
Brad


Time, angles, and fractions. A great way to teach time and angles virtually to your students - learn to recognize acute, obtuse, reflex and right angles.

 Visnos.com has an amazing resource available to learn how to recognize acute, obtuse, reflex and right angles called Time, Angles & Fractions


When you open the site you will see a clock set at 7:58 PM. Below are some items I wanted to highlight:

  • In the upper right of the screen you can see how you can toggle off the site showing the time as well as if you would like to use the 12 hour clock or the 24 hour clock.
  • To adjust the time simply drag the circle near the top of either the minute or hour hand.
    • If you look at the bottom of the right side you will see the elapsed time.
  • Once you reset you can then select the die and it will give you a random time with showing the elapsed time.
  • If you would like to show angles simply select the grey time and you will see a drop down menu of Time, Fractions, Angle, and Style.
  • When you select Angles you will see the angles between the minute and hour hand with the ability to measure with a protractor.
    • Choose the angle underneath and you will see the actual measurement.
    • You may want to change to thin hands.
    • Now try changing the measurement to minute to hour.
    • When you choose fractions you can drag the circle and adjust the number of pieces the clock is in.
    • When you choose style you can change the background, minute, hour hand, etc.
A great way to teach the clock as well as have them be able to see angles and fractions.

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



Take care,
Brad

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Check out these Random Spinners on Visnos.com. Easy to use spinners plus some fun built in activities that you could use at the end of class for some fun.

On Visnos.com they have a random spinner site that allows you to create from 1-4 spinners as well some fun built in math activities.


  • You will notice that there are 3 spinners available (you can make it 4 by choosing where you see the number 3).
  • You can change the sides for each spinner from 2-12.
  • Once you select edit you can then choose find rule, calculate, and substitute.
  • Then, you can choose the amount of time as well as if you want a negative result or not.
    • Go ahead and spin
    • You will then see the results of the spin and you see what the result will be and students are to find a way to make the numbers into the result.
      • example is 6 and 3
        • answer of 18
          • students are to then state
            • 6x3
            • axb
Embedded below is a 1 minute and 34 second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad



Looking for a website that allows you to create and manipulate polygons? Check out the Polygon Explorer on Visnos.com

 If you are looking for a website to manipulate polygons, try Visnos's Polygon Explorer. When you open the site you will see the image below.

A few things to point out

  • in the upper right you will see 
    • a protractor that you can measure each angle
    • next to the protractor you will see a ruler that you can measure sides
    • next to the ruler is drag which is the ability to toggle off the circles around each vertex
      • this is important especially when using the protractor as you will then not move the vertex by mistake
    • finally you will see 0.5 - you can adjust this as it allows you to drag the vertex 
      • at 0.5 you can position each vertex by 0.5  
  • underneath
    • sides
      • from 3 to 20
    • radius
      • from 0 to 10
    • angle
      • from 0 to 360
  • under the angle you will see
    • outer and then interior
      • when you select them you will then see the angles 
Embedded below is a 2 minute long YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

How to print out a number of documents students have turned in using Google Classroom.

If you are interested in printing out work that students have turned in from an assignment in Google Classroom (i.e. a Google Doc) and would like to print them all out without having to open each one individually, follow the steps below.

  •   Enter into the assignment in Google Classroom and choose View Instructions
  • Choose Student Work at the top and then choose the folder icon 
    • note you can also find the folder in Drive under Classroom

  • Select the documents you would like to print and then choose to download the files
  • This will create a Zip file
  • Create a new folder on your desktop
  • Open the Zip file
  • Choose the files you would like to Extract
  • Choose Extract at the top of the page (in pink)
    • then choose extract all
  • Choose the newly created folder
  • Select all the documents again and print them out
If the above steps look like a lot - please view the 1 minute and 56 second YouTube tutorial below. I think it will save you a lot of time.


Take care,
Brad



How to print out a number of documents students have turned in using Google Classroom.

Also works for how to print out a batch of Google Docs without having to open each individual doc. 

Brief Google Classroom tutorial revolving around assignments

 In this tutorial we are looking at Google Classroom.

  • When you enter into an assignment you can review the work in the bottom right (blue)
    • you will see the names of all the students which you can sort
    • add private comments to each individual student
    • see when the assignment was turned in
    • can also return work
  • Bottom of the assignment you will see instructions

Embedded below is a 2 minute and 19 second YouTube tutorial.



Take care,

Brad

Monday, April 3, 2023

How to insert email drafts directly onto a Google Doc for someone else to offer suggestions or assistance prior to sending.

If you have ever wanted someone to either proof-read or work on an email with you, now you can. Simply follow these steps:

  • open a new doc - doc.new
  • type @email
    •  choose Email draft

  • you will then see the address and subject lines for Gmail followed by the body of the email
  • begin writing your email as you typically would
  • when read make sure to share the document in the upper right and then the person/people you share it with would be able to assist you with your email

  • when ready to send the email simply select the Gmail icon next to the address and subject lines


  • this will open up your Gmail
  • hit send
Embedded below is a 1 minute and 36 second YouTube tutorial.


Take care,

Brad

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Virtual PATTERN SHAPES Explore counting, geometry, fractions, and more with a set of virtual pattern blocks.

 The Mathlearningcenter has created a great site for virtual pattern blocks. When you open the site you will see the pattern shapes on left which you can drag over to the board. As you can see in the images below you could show how 4/6 + 1/3 could equal 1 whole as well as how to show dimensions and area.





On the bottom left you can see different tangram shape outlines that you can then try to fill in the shape.


In the example below you can show perimeter and area of different triangles.



I really like this one because you can show how the angles in a triangle are each 60 degrees with the toggle protractor. 



Embedded below is a 2 minute and 50 second YouTube tutorial.



Take care,

Brad

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Virtual WHITEBOARD APP Solve problems and explain your thinking in a digital math workspace.

 If you are looking for a free whiteboard give Mathlearning Center's whiteboard app a chance.

When you open the site you are presented with what you see below in the embedded picture. You will see all of your tools for writing, typing, drawing all on the right side of the site. On the bottom it allows you to hide portions, share the screen, as well as join a specific link.

Below that you will see examples that Mathlearningcenter has shared.





Embedded below is a 2 minute and 21 second YouTube tutorial.



Take care,
Brad