Tuesday December 19. 2107

TECH TIP:  Stop Motion Studio

Beth Spence and I worked with her AP Biology classes on creating stop motion movies showing the cellular process.  Beth handled the content, and I handled the tech piece.  We recommended the use of the free app Stop Motion Studio.  We showed the classes how to use the app and then let them go!  Their final products were great; this could be excellent to use with other classes, particularly with process oriented topics.  Here was an example of one of the final products:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=3we7mGdr_1E

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BOOK TIP:  The New York Times Best Books of 2017

Looking for a good book to read over vacation?  Check out The New York Times recommendations of the best books of the year:

The New York Times 10 Best Books of 2017

The New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2017

Tuesday December 12, 2017

TECH TIP:  My Maps at Google Maps

Valerie Zantay asked me this week about using My Maps in her classes as they prepare trips.  In My Maps, which is part of Google Maps, allows you to create custom maps.  You can add in locations, images, videos and write in details as needed.  You can also add in Driving Directions, which will show you the route you will take.  This could be a good tool to use with classes if they need to tour historical locations, map out literature novels, or travel to other countries.  

BOOK TIP:  Genuine Fraud by e. lockhart

This is the next Student Book Club selection.  A bit of everything in this book:  suspense, mystery, hidden identity, social class and a tough female teen lead.  Can't wait to discuss with the group!

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

TECH TIP:  Google Photos Now Right in Google Drive

Google just announced that you can now access your Google Photos right from your Google Drive.  Having your phone camera upload your photos to Google Photos is a great way to save storage on your phone.  You then also have access to your photos on any computer via your Google Drive.  When you are in your Drive, you will now see Google Photos listed along the left hand side bar. 

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BOOK TIP:  National Book Awards Announced

The National Book Awards were announced recently.  Here are a few of the major winners:

• For FICTION:  Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
• For NON-FICTION:  The Future is History:  How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russiaby Masha Geshen
• For POETRY:  Half-Light: Collected Poems by Frank Bidart
• For YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE:  Far From the Tree by Robin Benway