Google Updates!

Incoming is now changed back to Shared with Me in Google Drive!  Read the update here! 

Google Drive items - File,  Make a Copy Automatic for students!  Check out how in this blog post!

Engaging Students with Google Tools

Use Google tools for students to be engaged in lessons!

Create guided notes with questions about the topic where students can fill in information and reflect on situations and scenarios using critical thinking skills.

Use Google Drawings for students to create diagrams for sorting information during a lesson.

Use a collaborative Google presentation for students to take notes and share understandings each with their own slide. 

Use these tools as formative assessment to assess student understanding and plan future instruction.

Sort learning activities in a collaborative Google Doc to engage students in inquiry.

Use collaborative Google Sites for students to work together to demonstrate knowledge and create a resource on a given topic.

Collaborative and Interactive Tech Tools!

Summer is the best time to tryout new technology tools to enhance teaching and learning! Check out a few of my favorite tools to start using in the fall!

Google Drive-Ultimate way to create and collaborate among staff and students!
Google Sites-Create a site for your classroom or team today! Add a resources page for students, add a page to share student work, embed presentations/documents to a page for students to see daily work, and include personal and course information to increase student and parent communication!
Schoology-the most dynamic course builder for teachers and students, including course content, assessments, discussion boards, and integrates with Google Drive!
Padlet-online sharing wall for class discussion, brainstorming, feedback, and collaborative work. Available as a Chrome Store App and now available as a Chrome Extension (Padlet mini)!
Infuse learning-great tool for formative assessment on any device! Create quick assessments and keep results to adjust instruction.

Summer Learning

As the school year ends, teacher are looking forward to relaxing and learning! Use summer time to rejuvenate your teaching by learning new technology skills and learning about new tools to increase student engagement! The amount of tools can be overwhelming, but try some out and see what works for you! Check out my bookmarks and resources on my training site for some great tools to get started with! Have a great summer!

New bookmarking tool!

Check out Pearltrees! A new bookmarking app for your phone,  tablet,  & computer!  I am trying to switch over to a new method of bookmarks to share!  Pearltrees is winning right now!  click the link and check it out!

Google ITIP 2014

Learning so much at #itip14 about blended learning, Chromebooks, Sites, and more interactive learning tools! Ready to try them out in the classrom and start planning for summer PD for teachers!

Model Blended Learning for Teachers!

Utilizing blended and digital learning tools in professional development training for teachers will inspire and motivate teachers to use the same tools in the classroom! Allow teachers to experience the resources as a student so they are able to see the benefits through the student and teacher roles.  Consider these tools for your next training:

• Google Groups for announcements, discussion boards, feedback, and reflection
• Today's Meet back channel for instant feedback and discussion on a topic.
• Schoology for self-paced courses to learn and practice new skills.
• Padlet for feedback, reflection, and discussion.
• Twitter to encourage engagement in educational chats and building a PLN.