Mastering the Art of AI Collaboration with Gemini for Google Workspace

 

Mastering the Art of AI Collaboration with Gemini for Google Workspace

Generative AI is revolutionizing the way we work, and Google Workspace's Gemini brings this power directly into your favorite apps like Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Sheets. But how do you make the most of it? The Gemini for Google Workspace: Prompting 101 Guide simplifies the art of creating effective prompts, offering strategies to improve productivity and creativity without sacrificing privacy.

Key Features of Gemini

Gemini integrates seamlessly across Workspace, enabling you to:

• Summarize information and surface insights.
• Generate personalized emails or presentations.
• Organize and analyze data effectively.
• Brainstorm creative ideas and draft professional documents.

Four Pillars of Prompt Design

Creating effective prompts is crucial for meaningful collaboration with AI. The guide emphasizes:

1. Persona: Define who the AI is acting as.
2. Task: Clearly state what you need.
3. Context: Provide relevant background details.
4. Format: Specify how you want the output to look.

For instance, you can prompt:
"You are a project manager. Draft a concise email summarizing the attached meeting notes for the team, highlighting key action items in bullet points."

Tips for Prompting Success

1. Use natural language and clear instructions.
2. Be concise but specific.
3. Iterate with follow-up prompts to refine results.
4. Integrate your own files to provide context.

Why Gemini?

With Gemini, your data remains secure within the Workspace environment, ensuring your privacy while enhancing productivity. Whether you're crafting a press release, managing schedules, or brainstorming marketing strategies, Gemini adapts to your needs.

Start exploring the limitless possibilities of AI collaboration with Gemini and transform your daily workflows into seamless and creative endeavors.

Screencastify Submit from a student point of view as well as what it looks like as a teacher

 

Screencastify Submit from a Student and Teacher Point of View

Screencastify Submit is a powerful tool for classrooms, enabling students to submit video-based responses and allowing teachers to review and provide feedback seamlessly. Let’s dive into the process from both the student and teacher perspectives, based on a walkthrough of how the tool works in real-time.

---

For Students: Submitting an Assignment
Imagine you’re a student using Screencastify Submit for the first time. Here’s what you’ll experience:

1. Accessing the Assignment

   • Head to Google Classroom and select the assignment that requires Screencastify.
   • Click the provided link to Screencastify Submit.

2. Signing In

   • Use your Google account to sign in. Make sure to click “Continue” and grant permissions by selecting “Allow.”
   • You’ll need to connect to Google Classroom twice to set up permissions fully. Don’t worry—this is only required the first time you use it.

3. Setting Up the Recording

   • Choose to enable your microphone and webcam. Select "Allow while visiting the site" to grant the necessary permissions.
   • Once everything is set up, start recording by clicking “Share.”

4. Recording and Reviewing

   • Record your response, whether it’s explaining your work, presenting a project, or sharing your thoughts.
   • After recording, you can preview the video to ensure it’s what you want.
   • If necessary, you can re-record. When satisfied, click “Submit.”

5. Submission Options

   • Once submitted, you’ll have the option to download your video for personal records or view it in Google Classroom.

---

For Teachers: Reviewing and Providing Feedback
From the teacher’s perspective, Screencastify Submit streamlines the process of collecting and assessing student submissions. Here’s how it works:

1. Finding Submissions

   • Log into Google Classroom and locate the assignment to see student submissions.

2. Viewing Videos

   • Select a student’s submission. The video will load—sometimes it may take a moment, so be patient.
   • Play the video to review the content.

3. Providing Feedback

   • Use the “Private Comments” feature in Google Classroom to give detailed and constructive feedback.
   • If necessary, you can return the assignment for revision.

---

Why Use Screencastify Submit?
Screencastify Submit empowers students to express their learning in a dynamic way, moving beyond traditional pen-and-paper assignments. For teachers, it’s an intuitive platform to assess understanding, encourage creativity, and offer meaningful feedback.

---

Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a student sharing your ideas or a teacher evaluating assignments, Screencastify Submit bridges the gap between communication and technology in the classroom. Ready to explore this tool? Jump in and see the difference it can make in your teaching and learning journey!

If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy screencasting!

 

A Flipgrid Alternative: Empower Student Voices with Screencastify Submit

A New Tool for Amplifying Student Voice

Are you looking for an alternative to Flipgrid (now known as Flip) to give your students a platform to express their voices? Screencastify Submit is a fantastic option for creating video-based assignments seamlessly integrated into your classroom workflow. Whether you are using Google Classroom or other platforms, Screencastify Submit allows students to record their screen, webcam, or both to complete assignments creatively.

Let’s dive into how you can start using Screencastify Submit to empower your students.

---

What is Screencastify Submit?

Screencastify Submit is a feature within Screencastify that enables teachers to create assignments where students record videos in response. It’s similar to Flipgrid but offers a streamlined approach, particularly for classrooms already familiar with Screencastify or Google Classroom.

Students can record their thoughts, presentations, reflections, or even demonstrate processes, all without needing to download extensions or sign into separate accounts.

---

Getting Started with Screencastify Submit

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a video-based assignment:

1. Enable Screencastify Submit

• First, ensure that Submit is enabled in your Screencastify account.

  • Navigate to the "Assessments" tab in Screencastify.

  • If you don’t see Submit, enable it in your account settings.

2. Create a New Assignment

• Start by selecting "Create Assignment."

• Choose from available templates, or create your assignment from scratch.

• Write clear and concise instructions for your students.

  • Example: "Record a 1-minute video explaining your favorite book character and why you connect with them."

3. Choose the Recording Type

Decide how students will record their response:

• Screen and Webcam (for presentations or demonstrations)

• Webcam Only (for reflections or discussions)

• Screen Recording Only (for screencasts or tutorials)

4. Share the Assignment

• Screencastify Submit integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom:

  • Select the appropriate class and students.

  • Add a topic, assign a due date, and schedule the post if needed.

• If you’re not using Google Classroom, you can still generate a link to share directly with students.

---

Why Use Screencastify Submit?

Here’s what makes Screencastify Submit a standout alternative:

• Ease of Use: Students simply click the link and start recording. No downloads, logins, or extensions required.

• Flexible Recording Options: Students can showcase learning in the way that works best for them.

• Google Classroom Integration: Teachers can manage and assign video tasks seamlessly.

• Perfect for Assessments: Use videos for formative or summative assessments aligned with learning standards.

---

Student and Teacher Perspectives

Curious about what this looks like in action?

• In future videos, we’ll explore Screencastify Submit from both a student and teacher point of view to see how easy it is to submit and review responses.

---

Final Thoughts

Screencastify Submit is a versatile tool that helps students showcase their voice and learning in creative, personalized ways. If you’re already familiar with Screencastify, this tool will seamlessly fit into your existing workflow.

Ready to try it? Dive in, create your first assignment, and watch your students shine!

If you have questions or need support, feel free to reach out. Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll take a deeper look into what the process looks like for students and teachers.

Take care, and happy teaching!

Winter Wonderland Fonts +How to Zoom In on the Details with of any part of page with a Chrome Extension.

 

Winter Wonderland Fonts and How to Zoom In on the Details with a Chrome Extension

Winter is here, and with it comes the opportunity to add a little frosty charm to your digital projects! If you’re looking for ways to bring the magic of the season into your documents or presentations, I have two quick and exciting tips for you: exploring winter-themed fonts and using a handy Chrome extension to zoom in on any part of a webpage.

1. Winter Wonderland Fonts

Eric Curts recently shared a treasure trove of winter-themed Google Fonts. These fonts are perfect for creating holiday cards, festive classroom decorations, or just adding a sprinkle of seasonal joy to your documents.

Here’s how you can try them out:

1. Explore Fonts: Visit the collection of winter-themed fonts (I’ll include the link in the blog post). Scroll through the list and pick one you like—let’s say Bonbon.

2. Add to Your Google Fonts:

   • Open a Google Doc.
   • Click on the font menu and select More Fonts.
   • In the search bar, type the name of your chosen font, like Bonbon, and click to add it to your fonts list.

3. Start Typing: Once selected, you can begin typing away with your festive font and bring the winter wonderland to life on your screen!

2. Zoom In on the Details with Crafty Zoom

Sometimes, you need to focus on a specific part of a page or project. That’s where the Crafty Zoom Chrome extension comes in handy. This tool allows you to zoom in on a selected section of your screen—perfect for presentations, tutorials, or fine-tuning your work.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Install Crafty Zoom: Head to the Chrome Web Store and install the Crafty Zoom extension.

2. Activate Zoom:

   • Click on the Crafty Zoom icon in your browser.
   • Select Start, and hover over the section you want to zoom in on. This will magnify only that part of the screen, making it easy to focus on details.

3. Toggle On and Off:

   • To exit zoom mode, either click Cancel on the extension or use the keyboard shortcut:
     • Windows: Control + Shift + Z
     • Mac: Command + Shift + Z
   • Use the same shortcut to bring the zoom back if needed.

This tool is incredibly user-friendly and can be a game-changer for presentations or workshops where highlighting specific content is key.

Why Use These Tools?

Winter fonts help create a festive atmosphere, perfect for engaging audiences, students, or colleagues during the holiday season. The Crafty Zoom extension, on the other hand, offers precision and focus, making it easier to guide viewers through specific details.

If you have any questions about these tools or want to share how you’ve used them, feel free to reach out! Happy creating, and may your winter projects be as magical as the season itself. ❄️🎄

 

Unveiling the Writing Process Using the Brisk Extension to Analyze Edits, Time, and Trends

Have you ever wondered how a document came together? What edits were made? How much time was spent crafting it? The Brisk Extension's "Inspect Writing" feature offers an insightful way to analyze the writing process behind a Google Doc. However, there’s a key limitation you need to know upfront: Inspect Writing does not work on read-only documents.

For more details, visit the Brisk Inspect Writing page.

How It Works

The Inspect Writing tool is a powerful feature within the Brisk Extension that allows you to view the history of a Google Doc, including:

• Pastes: Number of pasted text entries.
• Edits: The number of changes made to the document.
• Time Spent: How much time the writer(s) invested in the document.
• Trends: Patterns of activity, such as whether work occurred steadily or in bursts.

By selecting the "Inspect Writing" option in the Brisk Extension, you can unlock a timeline of the document's development. For instance, you might discover:

• A document with a single large paste followed by minimal edits.
• A document refined over months or even years, with edits spanning different dates and times.

Why This Matters

Understanding the history of a document can provide context and transparency, particularly for educators. For example, if you notice a significant portion of text was pasted in, it doesn’t necessarily mean the student didn’t write it—they might have worked offline or in another file before pasting it into the document. However, this insight allows you to ask meaningful questions about their writing process and provide targeted feedback.

Key Features in Action

Here’s what happens when you use Inspect Writing:

1. Quick Analysis: The tool reveals pastes, edits, and time data at a glance.
2. Detailed Timeline: You can view when edits were made over weeks, months, or even years. You can speed up or pause the playback to focus on specific periods.
3. Flexible Navigation: Jump to different points in the document's timeline to explore activity trends, such as spikes in editing before deadlines.

For example, one document might show a large paste with minimal editing, while another might reveal hundreds of incremental changes over many hours. The difference tells a story about the approach the writer took, whether it was drafting from scratch or polishing existing content.

A Note on Read-Only Documents

One limitation to keep in mind: the Inspect Writing feature cannot be used on read-only documents. If the document isn’t editable, the tool cannot provide the insights described above. Make sure you have editing access to the document you wish to analyze.

Final Thoughts

The Brisk Extension's Inspect Writing feature is a valuable tool for gaining insights into how a Google Doc was written, edited, and developed over time. Whether you’re an educator looking for transparency or simply curious about your own writing habits, this tool can shine a light on the writing process like never before.

To learn more about how to use this feature, visit Brisk's Inspect Writing page. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out!

Happy writing—and analyzing!

 

Empowering Student Feedback: Exploring the New Rating Scale in Google Forms

As educators, we know the importance of meaningful feedback, not just from teacher to student but also from student to teacher. Google Forms has taken a step forward in making this process more engaging and accessible with its latest update: the new rating scale question type. Let’s dive into what this feature offers and how it can empower both educators and students in the classroom.

---

What’s New in Google Forms?

The rating scale question type is a fresh addition to Google Forms, providing a visually appealing and flexible way to collect feedback. Instead of the traditional multiple-choice or short-answer formats, the rating scale lets students express their thoughts through interactive scales featuring numbers and icons.

Here’s what you can do with it:

1. Adjustable Scales: Choose from a range of 3 to 10 levels, depending on how granular you want the feedback to be.
2. Icons to Match the Mood: Students can rate using:
   • Stars 🌟
   • Hearts ❤️
   • Thumbs up 👍

---

Why Use the Rating Scale?

This new feature is perfect for educators looking to gather quick, honest insights from students. For example:

• After a Math Lesson on Fractions: Ask students how confident they feel with the material. Responses like “1 star” could signal a need for review, while “5 stars” might indicate readiness for the next topic.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Use hearts to let students rate how they feel about classroom activities or group work dynamics.
• End-of-Unit Feedback: Thumbs up or down can gauge overall satisfaction with a project or topic.

This method is not only simple but also fosters student engagement by making feedback fun and intuitive.

---

How to Get Started

1. Open Google Forms and select the question type dropdown menu.
2. Click on the new Rating option.
3. Customize the scale (3 to 10 levels) and choose your icon.
4. Add your question—be creative! For example:
   “How would you rate your understanding of today’s lesson on fractions?”

Once students respond, their answers will appear in your Google Forms responses, allowing you to quickly identify trends and adapt your teaching accordingly.

---

Empowering Reflection and Growth

The rating scale isn’t just a tool for feedback—it’s an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning. When we give students the chance to evaluate their understanding, we’re teaching them to take ownership of their progress, setting the stage for self-directed growth.

---

Have you tried the new rating scale in Google Forms? Let me know how you’re using it to empower feedback and reflection in your classroom. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Let’s continue finding simple, effective ways to connect with our students and make learning meaningful.

Happy teaching! 🌟

Use the Brisk extension to create an inquiry worksheet, DOK questions, as well as a resource on any

 

Use the Brisk Extension to Create an Inquiry Worksheet, DOK Questions, and Resources on Any Topic

Hello everyone!

I'm thrilled to introduce you to an incredible tool that can revolutionize the way you create educational content—the Brisk Extension. Whether you're aiming to develop an inquiry worksheet, generate Depth of Knowledge (DOK) questions, or compile comprehensive resources on any subject, Brisk makes it effortless. Let me guide you through the process using the Revolutionary War as our example topic.

Step 1: Install and Access the Brisk Extension

First things first, ensure you have the Brisk Extension installed in your browser. Navigate to the website or online resource related to your topic of interest—in this case, a website about the Revolutionary War. Click on the Brisk Extension icon to get started.

Step 2: Create an Inquiry Worksheet

1. Select "Create": Once the extension panel is open, click on the "Create" button.
2. Choose "Inquiry Worksheet": From the list of options, select "Inquiry Worksheet".
3. Set the Grade Level: You can specify the grade level to tailor the content appropriately. I'll keep it at 8th grade for this demonstration.
4. Generate the Worksheet: Click on "Brisk It" and watch the magic happen!

Within moments, Brisk provides a fully structured inquiry worksheet, complete with discussion questions and activities ready for your students. You have the flexibility to adjust the length and detail to suit your specific needs.

Step 3: Generate DOK Questions

1. Go Back to "Create": Return to the main menu and click on "Create" again.
2. Select "DOK Questions": Choose the "DOK Questions" option to generate questions across different cognitive levels.
3. Confirm Grade Level: Keep the grade level at 8th grade or adjust as necessary.
4. Produce the Questions: Hit "Brisk It" to generate the questions.

In about 20 seconds, you'll have a comprehensive set of DOK questions categorized into:

• Recall and Reproduction
• Skills and Concepts
• Strategic Thinking
• Extended Thinking

These questions are designed to enhance critical thinking and deepen students' understanding of the topic.

Step 4: Compile Additional Resources

1. Select "Create" Once More: Navigate back and click on "Create".
2. Choose "Resource": This time, select the "Resource" option.
3. Generate the Content: Allow a few moments for Brisk to compile the information.

Brisk will provide a detailed resource covering all essential aspects of the Revolutionary War, including causes, key events, and significant figures—all derived from the specific website you're using.

Why Use the Brisk Extension?

The Brisk Extension is a game-changer for educators:

• Time-Saving: Create high-quality educational materials in seconds.
• Customizable: Adjust content to match your teaching style and students' needs.
• Versatile: Suitable for any topic and adaptable across different grade levels.
• Engaging: Develop resources that promote critical thinking and active learning.

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, the Brisk Extension empowers you to enhance your teaching resources dramatically. It's an absolute must-have for educators seeking efficiency without compromising on quality.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Happy teaching!

Boost Student Engagement with the Brisk Extension: From Tutoring to Exit Tickets and Everything In Between

 

Increase Engagement with the Brisk Extension: From Tutoring to Exit Tickets and Everything In Between

As teachers, we’re always looking for tools that spark engagement, deepen understanding, and bring lessons to life. Enter the Brisk Extension, a versatile educational tool that can transform how students interact with your lessons. From tutoring tailored to specific content to dynamic debates and brainstorming sessions, Brisk makes it easy to elevate classroom learning.

Here’s a breakdown of how this extension can take your teaching from good to great.

---

What is the Brisk Extension?

Imagine a digital assistant designed specifically for your lesson needs. With Brisk, you can:

• Provide real-time tutoring based on specific information or websites.
• Facilitate debates on historical, literary, or even scientific topics.
• Engage students in inquiry and brainstorming activities.
• Connect lessons to real-world math problems.
• (Coming soon!) Use check-for-understanding tools and exit tickets to track student progress.

Whether you teach elementary or high school, Brisk offers something for every grade level and subject area.

---

How Does It Work?

Boost Student Activity

When you select "Boost Student Activity" in Brisk, you’ll unlock an array of interactive options like:

• Tutor Mode: Perfect for individualized support, this feature lets students interact with a chatbot designed around your chosen topic or website.
• Debate Mode: Create structured, topic-specific debates where students argue their side, using prompts and evidence provided by the chatbot.
• Brainstorming Sessions: Facilitate collaborative discussions and problem-solving activities.

Example: Running a Debate

Let’s say your class is studying the American Revolution. With Brisk, you can:

1. Select the Debate feature.
2. Choose a prompt like “Was the American Revolution justified?”
3. Preview and edit the chatbot’s responses to ensure they align with your objectives.
4. Share the activity with your students and watch as they engage in thoughtful back-and-forth debates.

You can adjust the complexity of questions and responses to suit any grade level, making it ideal for everything from middle school to AP-level discussions.

---

Tutoring Made Easy

Need individualized support for students struggling with specific content? Brisk’s Tutor Mode lets students:

• Interact with a chatbot based on content you select.
• Receive immediate, tailored feedback.

This can be a game-changer for differentiation, especially in classes with diverse learning needs.

---

Coming Soon: Assess and Reflect

Brisk is rolling out two exciting new features:

• Check for Understanding: Quickly gauge comprehension during lessons.
• Exit Tickets: Easily collect reflections or key takeaways from students before they leave class.

These features promise to make formative assessment smoother than ever.

---

Why Brisk?

Brisk isn’t just a tool; it’s a way to foster critical thinking, engagement, and collaboration. By integrating AI-powered interactions, it helps students explore, question, and understand content in meaningful ways. Plus, it’s user-friendly—you can set up activities in minutes and customize them to your exact needs.

---

Get Started with Brisk

If you’re ready to boost engagement and explore new ways of teaching, give Brisk a try. Whether you’re supporting struggling learners, sparking debates, or connecting math to real-world scenarios, this tool has something for everyone.

Have questions or want to share how you’re using Brisk? Drop a comment below or reach out to me directly—I’d love to hear from you!

Happy teaching!
Brad

The Brisk Extension. Create a Slides Presentation from any website and Engage Students with a Tutor

 

The Brisk Extension: Create a Slides Presentation from Any Website and Engage Students with a Tutor

Engaging students in meaningful ways can sometimes feel like a challenge, but the Brisk teaching extension is here to make life a little easier. This innovative tool offers a quick and efficient way to transform any website into a fully functional presentation, complete with options to personalize the content for your class’s unique needs. Let’s break down how this extension can revolutionize your teaching toolkit.

Transform Websites into Presentations

Imagine you’re teaching about the Revolutionary War. With Brisk, you can take a relevant website and select the “Presentation” option. Here’s how it works:

1. Set Parameters: Choose the grade level (in this example, 9th grade) and the number of slides you need (10 slides were chosen here). You can opt for slides without images if you’re using the free version or upgrade to include images.

2. Pick a Design: Select a theme for your slides. The “Light” theme is a popular free choice, but paid options unlock more customization.

3. Automatic Generation: Watch as Brisk generates your slides. You’ll see them populate in real-time, with the ability to stop and restart the process if needed.

Once the slides are created, you’re prompted to:

• Rate the generated content.

• Translate the presentation into another language.

• Add additional slides.

• Create a quiz or vocabulary list to supplement learning.

Enhance Content with Built-In Tools

One of the standout features is the ability to adjust the level of detail in your presentation. Whether you want a shorter, more concise version or something detailed and thorough, Brisk provides easy sliders to tailor the content to your liking. This flexibility ensures that your presentation meets the needs of your students, no matter their learning style.

Engage Students with Tutor Mode

Brisk goes beyond slide creation by offering a “Tutor” mode to foster interactive learning. Here’s how it works:

1. Create a Tutor Activity: With just a click, the tool generates a tutor activity based on the content of your presentation.

2. Share and Monitor: Share the tutor link directly with students. All student interactions are visible to the teacher, ensuring transparency and accountability.

3. Interactive Chat: Students can engage in a dialogue with the tutor. Any comments they make are monitored, providing a safe and constructive environment for learning.

For example, a student might type a question or even test the system by inputting something like, “This is dumb.” As the teacher, you’ll see all responses in real time, giving you insight into how students are interacting with the material.

Additional Features

Brisk offers advanced features for those who upgrade to the Educator Pro plan, such as enhanced content and broader customization options. However, the free version already packs a punch with its presentation, quiz, and vocabulary tools. Future updates promise even more engaging activities, like assess and reflect modes.

Why Use Brisk?

The Brisk extension simplifies the process of creating engaging, interactive lessons. By transforming websites into presentations and offering tools like tutor mode, it bridges the gap between content delivery and student interaction. Teachers save time while students benefit from a more dynamic and personalized learning experience.

So why not give it a try? If you have questions or want to explore its features further, don’t hesitate to reach out. Teaching just got a whole lot easier—and a lot more fun!

Simplify, Adapt, Assess: Transforming Learning with Brisk

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, tools that streamline teaching processes are invaluable. One such tool is the Brisk Teaching Extension. This blog post revisits Brisk, highlighting its features and recent updates that can make a significant difference in the classroom.

Getting Started with Brisk

To begin using Brisk, you first need to install the extension on your browser. Once installed, pin it to your toolbar for easy access. This ensures that you can quickly navigate to Brisk whenever you need it. If at any point you wish to hide the extension, you can simply select the three dots next to it and hide it from view. Bringing it back is just as easy—just select it again.

Reading Level Adjustments

One of the standout features of Brisk is its ability to assess and adjust the reading level of articles. This is particularly useful for educators who want to make content accessible to students at varying levels. For instance, an article may be written at a University level, but with Brisk, you can change it to suit a 1st grader or up to a 9th grader.

To adjust the reading level, simply select the "Change" option. The tool will analyze the article and present you with the current reading level. You can then choose the desired level, and Brisk will generate a new document tailored to that grade.

Creating Custom Quizzes

Brisk also shines when it comes to quiz creation. Teachers can generate quizzes based on any article they are working with. The process is straightforward: select the quiz option, choose the language, and specify the grade level. You can create multiple-choice questions, short answers, or long responses.

Once you select the type of quiz, Brisk allows you to create it in either a document format or a form format. This flexibility makes it easy to adapt to your preferred teaching style.

Customizing Quizzes

After generating a quiz, you can customize it further. Brisk automatically selects the correct answers for multiple-choice questions, but you can tweak any part of the quiz to better fit your classroom needs. You can add more questions, adjust the titles, and even include short and long response sections.

This level of customization ensures that the quizzes are not only relevant but also tailored to the specific learning objectives you have for your students.

Ease of Use

Brisk is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The interface is intuitive, allowing educators to navigate through its features seamlessly. The automation in quiz creation and reading level adjustments saves valuable time, enabling teachers to focus more on instruction and less on administrative tasks.

If you have any questions or need assistance while using Brisk, the support team is ready to help. Their commitment to user experience is evident in the updates and features they continuously roll out.

Future Developments

Brisk is continually evolving. The developers are committed to enhancing the extension with new features that will further assist educators. Future blog posts will explore these capabilities in depth, providing insights into how to maximize the use of Brisk in the classroom.

Conclusion

In summary, the Brisk Teaching Extension is a powerful tool that simplifies lesson planning, adapts content for diverse learners, and facilitates assessment through custom quizzes. Its features are designed to save educators time while improving the quality of instruction. As we move forward in education, tools like Brisk will be crucial in creating inclusive and effective learning environments. For any educator looking to enhance their teaching strategies, Brisk is definitely worth exploring.

Mastering Quizizz: Create Your Own Interactive Video for Engaged Learning!

In today’s educational landscape, engaging students through interactive content is essential. One exciting way to achieve this is by creating interactive videos using platforms like Quizizz. This blog post will guide you through the process of transforming any YouTube video into an engaging learning experience.

Getting Started with Quizizz

Quizizz is an interactive tool that allows educators to create quizzes, surveys, and now, interactive videos. To kick things off, you’ll need to select a YouTube video that you want to use. For this example, we’ll use a video about Valley Forge. Simply paste the video link into Quizizz to begin.

Exploring Existing Interactive Videos

Before diving into creating your own questions, it’s worth exploring existing interactive videos. Quizizz allows users to view content created by others. This can be a great way to gather inspiration or find a video that meets your needs without starting from scratch.

Creating Your Interactive Video

Once you decide to add your own questions, you can start customizing the video. After pasting the link and proceeding, you’ll see options to add notes and questions at specific timestamps. This feature is similar to what platforms like Edpuzzle offer.

Adding Notes and Questions

As you go through the video, you can pause it at various points to insert questions or notes. For instance, you might want to remind students of certain concepts relevant to the video content. This not only helps reinforce learning but also keeps students engaged.

Crafting Your Questions

When adding a question, you can choose from various formats, including multiple choice. For example, if you decide to create a question about a specific event in Valley Forge, you can provide two possible answers, marking the correct one accordingly.

After formulating your question, simply select the correct answer and save it. You can continue adding more questions as needed, ensuring that your interactive video is comprehensive.

Previewing and Saving Your Video Quiz

Once you’ve added your questions, it’s important to preview the video quiz. This allows you to see how everything flows and make any necessary adjustments. Additionally, you can customize the title of your quiz. For this example, let’s name it "Valley Forge."

Make sure to set your visibility options. You can keep it publicly visible, which allows other educators to access it as well.

Publishing and Assigning Your Quiz

After finalizing all your settings and saving the quiz, it’s time to publish it. You can then assign the quiz to your students, preview it, or even start it immediately. This flexibility makes Quizizz a powerful tool for educators aiming to enhance student engagement.

Wrapping Up

Creating an interactive video using Quizizz is an effective way to engage students in learning. By allowing them to interact with video content through questions and notes, you foster a deeper understanding of the material. If you have any questions about using Quizizz, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.

Thank you for reading, and happy teaching!

 

Creating Interactive Video Lessons with Quizizz: A Step-by-Step Guide for Teachers!

As educators, we’re always searching for tools to make lessons more engaging, interactive, and effective. One tool that deserves a spot in your teaching toolkit is Quizizz. While many of us know Quizizz for its gamified quizzes, did you know you can also use it to create interactive video lessons? This feature allows you to embed questions directly into videos to check for understanding and keep students actively engaged.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to create interactive video lessons using Quizizz, specifically focusing on a video lesson about perimeter. Whether you’re using a pre-made video from the Quizizz library, a YouTube video, or your own uploaded video, Quizizz offers flexibility and ease of use.

---

Step 1: Search the Quizizz Video Library

Start by searching the extensive Quizizz video library for a topic you want to teach. For this example, we’ll use a video on perimeter created by Mr. J. Simply:

1. Log into your Quizizz account.
2. Search for your desired topic in the library.
3. Preview the video and its embedded questions to ensure it fits your lesson objectives.

---

Step 2: Customize the Questions

If the pre-made questions in the video don’t fully align with your lesson, Quizizz lets you customize them:

• Click on “Copy and Edit” to make a duplicate of the video lesson.
• Modify existing questions, add new ones, or remove questions you don’t need.
• Save your changes when you’re satisfied.

---

Step 3: Assign the Interactive Video

When you’re ready to share the video with your students:

1. Click “Assign” at the top of the page.
2. Review the settings, such as enabling or disabling features like:
   • Video playback speed: Allow students to watch at their own pace.
   • Re-attempts: Enable students to revisit questions or sections.
   • Timing: Set a due date or time limits for completion.

You can share the video through:

• A direct link
• Google Classroom
• The Quizizz game mode by sharing a unique code students can enter at joinmyquiz.com.

---

Step 4: Monitor Student Progress

After assigning the video lesson, Quizizz provides detailed analytics to help you track student progress:

• View completion rates.
• Analyze question-by-question performance to identify misconceptions.
• Provide feedback to students based on their responses.

---

Why Use Quizizz for Video Lessons?

Interactive video lessons offer a perfect blend of passive and active learning. By embedding questions directly into the video, you ensure that students are not just watching but thinking critically and engaging with the material.

Bonus Tip: The interactive video feature in Quizizz is very similar to Edpuzzle, making it an excellent alternative if you’re already familiar with that platform.

---

Need Help?

If you’re new to Quizizz or have questions about using interactive videos in your classroom, feel free to reach out. As a technology integrator, I’m here to help you integrate tools like Quizizz into your teaching practice seamlessly.

Happy teaching, and enjoy exploring the possibilities of Quizizz interactive video lessons!

---

Takeaway: With just a few steps, you can transform videos into engaging, interactive lessons that captivate your students and provide real-time insights into their learning progress. Why not try it out today?

 

Master Flashcards with Quizizz: A Step-by-Step Guide for Educators

Quizizz, a popular tool for interactive learning, has recently introduced a fantastic feature for creating flashcards. This step-by-step guide will help you seamlessly integrate this tool into your teaching and enhance student engagement with flashcards for study and review.

---

What Are Quizizz Flashcards?

The flashcard feature in Quizizz lets you quickly turn articles, topics, or even your custom text into study aids for students. These flashcards can be personalized for different grades and shared directly with your class.

---

Step-by-Step: Creating Flashcards on Quizizz

1. Choose How to Create Your Flashcards

• When you start, Quizizz gives you the option to:
  • Paste text, a document, a topic, or an article.
  • Or, simply create from scratch.

For this guide, we’ll work with an article.

---

2. Paste Your Content

• Copy and paste your selected article or content into the text box provided.
• Adjust the number of flashcards you’d like to create.
• Select a grade level (e.g., 5th grade). Quizizz will tailor the content accordingly.

---

3. Generate Flashcards

• Click Generate Flashcards and let Quizizz work its magic.
• Depending on the length of the article and the number of cards, this process typically takes about 20 seconds.

---

4. Review and Customize

• Preview the flashcards to ensure they meet your expectations.
• Add more flashcards if needed or translate them to another language using Quizizz’s built-in translation feature.

---

5. Publish and Share

• Once satisfied, publish your flashcards.
• Share them with your class using a link or directly through Quizizz. This makes it easy for students to access and study.

---

6. Assigning Flashcards

• Assign flashcards to a class by:
  1. Selecting Assign.
  2. Setting any accommodations for students (e.g., extended time, larger text).
  3. Choosing a start time and your class from the list.
  4. Entering a title for the activity and hitting Assign.

---

Why Use Quizizz Flashcards?

Flashcards are a tried-and-true method for helping students retain information. With Quizizz, they become even more dynamic:

• Accessible for students anytime, anywhere.
• Easily customizable to fit classroom needs.
• Supports diverse learners with features like translations and accommodations.

---

Ready to Try It?

Whether you’re prepping students for a big test or reinforcing daily lessons, Quizizz flashcards can make a huge difference in how your students learn and retain information. Give it a try today, and let your class master their content like pros!

If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy teaching! 🎉

Create a Fun Holiday Activity Using Canva

Title: Create a Fun Holiday Activity Using Canva

The holiday season is a perfect time to add a sprinkle of creativity to your classroom activities, and Canva offers an engaging way to do just that! Canva recently shared an idea for creating a fun, festive design, and I thought I’d walk you through it step-by-step to help you bring it to life in your own classroom. Whether you're looking to create a holiday presentation, card, or digital decoration, this activity is easy, customizable, and perfect for educators and students alike.

Click here for Canva's Tweet.

---

Step 1: Start with a Holiday Frame

Begin by opening Canva and selecting the Presentation template. Search for “holiday frame” in the Elements tab and choose one that fits your theme. Resize it to cover the entire slide, ensuring it serves as the festive background for your design.

---

Step 2: Add a Snow Globe Element

Next, in the Elements tab, type "snow globe" into the search bar. Select your preferred design and adjust its size and position on the slide. Place it prominently to become the centerpiece of your holiday design.

---

Step 3: Upload Your Image and Remove the Background

Personalize your snow globe by adding an image!

• Go to the Uploads tab, upload your chosen image, and insert it into the design.
• Use Canva’s Background Remover tool to clean up your image, leaving only the subject. This makes it look like it’s floating within the snow globe.

---

Step 4: Add Falling Snow Animation

To bring your design to life, search for “falling snow” in the Elements tab. Choose an animated option to overlay on your snow globe, creating a magical winter wonderland effect. Adjust the animation's size and position to fit your design.

---

Step 5: Add a Festive Message

Now it’s time to add your holiday greeting!

• Insert a Text Box and type your message, such as “Happy Holidays.”
• Adjust the text size to around 120 for prominence and choose a holiday-themed font.
• Customize the text color to something festive, like red or green.

---

Step 6: Share Your Creation

Once your masterpiece is ready, you have several sharing options:

• Present: Use Canva’s presentation mode to display your creation in full screen.
• Share a Link: Copy the link and send it to colleagues, students, or families make sure to change your link so anyone with the link can view.
• Print: Download the design and print it for physical displays or holiday cards.

---

Why Try This in Your Classroom?

This activity is an excellent way to introduce students to Canva, a versatile tool for creative projects. It fosters digital design skills while allowing for personalization and holiday cheer. Students can use this process to create their own holiday greetings, design class presentations, or collaborate on group projects.

---

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear about your Canva holiday creations—share them in the comments or tag me on social media! Let’s make this holiday season a creative and festive one. 🎄✨

Happy Holidays,
Brad

Teaching Coding with Code.org A quick-start guide with helpful tips, including how to translate the entire page and monitor your students' progress effectively.

 

Title: Code.org Quick-Start Guide: Translating and Monitoring Student Progress

Code.org is a powerful platform for teaching coding, and getting started is simple. Here's a quick guide to set up your classroom, adjust language settings, and monitor student progress:

1. Setting Up Your Classroom

• Log in to Code.org and scroll down to create a new section.
• Choose your preferred setup method. If you use Google Classroom:
  • Sign in and retrieve the specific class link from your dashboard.
  • Copy the link and share it with students through Google Classroom for seamless access.

2. Changing Language Settings

• If a student accidentally changes their language setting, scroll to the bottom of the screen and reset it to English (or the desired language). It’s a quick fix to ensure all students can navigate the platform easily.

3. Monitoring Student Progress

• From your dashboard, select the class you want to monitor.
• Click on the class name to view detailed student data, including:
  • Time spent on activities.
  • Last active dates.
• Expand all rows to get a complete overview of student progress and engagement.

These steps will help you manage your classes efficiently while ensuring students have a smooth experience. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Happy coding! 🚀

Classroomscreen Timetable and and Stickers in Action!

 

ClassroomScreen in Action: Mastering the Timetable and Stickers

Hi everyone, today I’m excited to walk you through two super helpful features of ClassroomScreen: the Timetable and Stickers. Whether you're an educator looking to organize your day or a fan of using visuals to boost engagement, these tools can make a big difference in your classroom. Let’s dive in!

---

1. Timetable: Organize Your Day with Ease

The Timetable feature is perfect for structuring your day and making transitions smooth for both you and your students. Here’s how you can set it up:

1. Open the Timetable:
   Start by selecting the Timetable widget. If you don’t see it, click on the menu to add it.

2. Set Up Your Day:
   Click the Settings icon and type in the day of the week, for example, "Thursday." This is a great way to customize for your current schedule or adjust for special events or activities.

3. Add Activities:

   • Select Add Activity, then type in something like Morning Routine.
   • Adjust the duration—say 10 minutes for a quick morning routine—and even add an icon, such as a coat hanger, for a visual cue.
   • Add another activity, such as Library, and choose an icon like books to make it fun and engaging.

4. Personalize Your Timetable:
   Change the color of each activity for quick visual distinction. You can also go back and adjust these settings anytime by clicking on the gear icon.

The Timetable ensures that both you and your students know what’s happening and when. It’s particularly useful during busy times or when schedules change unexpectedly.

---

2. Stickers: Add Fun and Positivity

Stickers are a fun way to liven up your ClassroomScreen and provide encouragement or feedback. Here’s how to use them effectively:

1. Explore Stickers:
   Scroll through the selection of stickers to find ones that fit the mood or purpose. For example:

   • A cheerful Good Morning sticker for a warm start to the day.
   • A Thumbs Up sticker to acknowledge great work or behavior.

2. Customize Placement:

   • Drag and drop the sticker anywhere on your screen.
   • Resize it or mirror it as needed. Stretch the sticker to make it more visible or fit a specific spot on your screen.

3. Layering Stickers:

   • If you want to move a sticker behind or in front of another element, use the three dots menu to reorder layers. Select Send to Back or use the Control + Down Arrow shortcut.

This simple feature adds a personal, positive touch to your lessons, making the classroom environment more engaging and visually appealing.

---

Why Use These Features?

• Timetable: Keeps everyone on track and reduces confusion. It's especially helpful when you have younger students or a packed schedule.
• Stickers: Builds a positive classroom atmosphere and allows for creative expression. Plus, it’s a great way to acknowledge effort and good behavior.

---

Final Thoughts

ClassroomScreen’s Timetable and Stickers features are intuitive, versatile, and effective tools to enhance your teaching. Whether you’re planning your day or adding some flair to your screen, these tools are easy to use and impactful for students.

If you have any questions about getting started, feel free to reach out. Happy teaching!

Take care,
Brad

Simple tips to "fix" common Chromebook issues. Full screen, shelf moved, other accessibility issues.

 

Simple Tips to Fix Common Chromebook Issues

Chromebooks can be a great tool for students and educators alike, but they do come with their fair share of challenges. Today, we're diving into some common frustrations that may arise while using a Chromebook, particularly in a classroom setting. Here’s a detailed guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve these issues effectively.

Screen Visibility Problems

--------------------------

One of the most common issues encountered in a classroom is when a student's screen is not displaying properly. For example, a second grader had a screen that looked entirely blank at the top, making it impossible to see the address bar or any tabs. This can be quite frustrating, especially during a lesson.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, here's a quick fix. Look for a specific button right above the number five on your keyboard. Selecting this button can restore the visibility of the address bar and other essential elements of the screen. It's a simple yet effective solution that can save time and prevent disruptions during class.

Cursor Size Adjustments

-----------------------

Another issue that can arise is the size of the cursor on the screen. Sometimes, the cursor can appear excessively large, which can be distracting or make it difficult to navigate. Adjusting the cursor size is straightforward.

To change the cursor size, navigate to the accessibility settings. You can find this by clicking on the time in the bottom right corner of your screen, then selecting the gear icon for settings. From there, scroll down until you see the accessibility options. Here, you can toggle the “large mouse cursor” setting off if it’s currently on. This should help in making the cursor more manageable while working on assignments or browsing the internet.

Adjusting the Shelf Position

----------------------------

The shelf is another feature that can be customized to enhance usability. Some users prefer having the shelf at the bottom of the screen, while others might opt for it on the side or even at the top. If you're struggling with shelf placement, there’s a simple way to adjust it.

To reposition the shelf, use two fingers on your touchpad and drag it to your desired location. You can also choose to auto-hide the shelf if you find it distracting. This feature allows for a cleaner workspace, especially when focusing on tasks.

Managing Accessibility Features

-------------------------------

Accessibility features are designed to assist users, but they can sometimes cause confusion, particularly for students new to Chromebooks. It’s essential to understand how to manage these settings effectively.

If you notice that accessibility options are cluttering your quick settings menu, you can easily toggle them off. Go back to the settings menu, scroll to accessibility, and disable any features that are not necessary. However, if students need to use these features, they can always toggle them back on when needed.

Final Thoughts

Using a Chromebook in a classroom setting can be both empowering and challenging. By understanding these common issues and their solutions, teachers and students can navigate their devices more efficiently. Whether it’s fixing screen visibility, adjusting cursor size, repositioning the shelf, or managing accessibility features, these tips are designed to enhance the learning experience.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy learning!

Custom Cursor. How to add it, remove it, adjust the size, and most importantly instantly go back to the default cursor.

 

Mastering Custom Cursors: A Comprehensive Guide

In the digital world, the small details often make a big difference. One such detail is the cursor. Custom cursors can enhance user experience, making interactions more engaging and fun. In this guide, we will explore how to add, adjust, and remove custom cursors, with practical examples and tips to get you started.

Understanding Custom Cursors

Custom cursors allow users to replace the default mouse pointer with something more visually appealing or functional. This is especially useful in educational settings where teachers want to keep students engaged or create a unique browsing experience. But how do you implement these cursors effectively?

Getting Started with Custom Cursors

The first step to using custom cursors is to add an extension to your browser. For this guide, we'll focus on a popular Chrome extension. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Open the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for a custom cursor extension.
3. Install the extension and pin it to your browser for easy access.

Choosing Your Custom Cursor

Once you have the extension installed, it's time to choose a cursor. Most extensions will provide a variety of options. For example, you can select a football cursor for a fun twist. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Click on the extension icon in your browser.
2. Select a cursor from the available options.
3. Apply the cursor to see the change instantly.

Returning to the Default Cursor

Sometimes you may want to revert to the default cursor. This is especially useful in educational settings where distractions should be minimized. To switch back to the default cursor, follow these simple steps:

1. Locate the extension icon.
2. Click on it to open the menu.
3. Look for an option that resembles a power button; clicking this will revert to the default cursor.

Adjusting Cursor Size

Another feature that many custom cursor extensions offer is the ability to adjust the size of the cursor. The default size is often set at 32 pixels, but you can increase or decrease it based on your preference. Here’s how to do that:

1. Access the custom cursor settings through the extension menu.
2. Find the size adjustment slider.
3. Move the slider to increase or decrease the cursor size.

Managing Your Custom Cursors

As you explore different cursors, you may want to manage or delete specific ones. Most extensions provide a settings area where you can easily handle this. Here’s how to manage your cursors:

1. Open the extension settings.
2. Review the list of installed cursors.
3. Select a cursor you wish to remove and choose the delete option.

Removing the Extension

If you decide that you no longer want to use the custom cursor extension, removing it is straightforward. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Click on the extensions icon in your browser.
2. Find the custom cursor extension.
3. Click on the three dots next to it and select ‘Remove from Chrome’.

Conclusion

Custom cursors can significantly enhance the user experience, especially in educational environments. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily add, adjust, and remove custom cursors to suit your needs. Whether it's for a fun classroom project or to create a unique browsing experience, mastering custom cursors is a valuable skill.

If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy browsing!