Tuesday Tips December 18, 2018

TECH TIP:  Google Year in Search 2018

Every year, Google puts together a video that highlights the top searches on Google.  I admit to being obsessed this summer over the rescue of the Thai boys soccer team, and that made the list.  See how many of these you remember from this year.  Enjoy!

BOOK TIP:  Free Book Table tomorrow

My gift to you before each vacation is to get books into your hands, so you can enjoy the health benefits of reading over vacation.  Stop by tomorrow to see if there's something for you!

Tuesday Tips December 11, 2018

TECH TIP:  Google Docs new shortcut

A great new shortcut for creating a Google Doc was recently released.  Instead of having to go into your Drive or Docs in order to create a new document, all you have to do is in your Chrome browser, just type in docs.new and a new document is automatically created.  You can also do this with Google Sheets, by typing in sheets.new or with Google Slides by typing in slides.new. 

BOOK TIP:  Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany Jackson

I'm an admitted realistic fiction fan and this is one of my recent YA realistic favorites.  Monday and Claudia have been friends forever, but suddenly when Claudia returns from summer vacation, Monday is nowhere to be found.  Monday's family gives confusing messages about where she is and as Claudia digs deeper into where Monday is, she realizes how little she really knew about her best friend.  

Tuesday Tips from the Library

TECH TIP:  Flippity Scavenger Hunt Template

 

 Flippity is a great tool that easily turns content on a Google Sheet into things like flashcards, name pickers, crosswords and other games.  Their latest tool is one that makes Scavenger Hunts from a Google Sheets template that look like the screenshot below.  This is from the Demo Game, if you want to try it out.  

To make your own, you make a copy of the Scavenger Hunt template and then add in your own content and then when hit Publish to the Web, you will get a unique URL to share with your students.  Could be a good way to review material with your students. 

BOOK TIP:  There There by Tommy Orange

This book was recently named to Best Books of 2018 by The New York Times., but had been showing up on nearly all the best of lists that I've seen.  It is the story of modern Native Americans living in Oakland, CA.  Coming from multiple viewpoints, all who are going to attend the Big Oakland Powwow, their stories will combine and explode on that fateful day.  This book has been called galvanizing, extraordinary and masterful.  

Tuesday Tips November 27, 2018

TECH TIP:  Saving Documents to Google Drive from Databases

Scott Annand's Biology classes were in doing research for their upcoming paper.  I showed them how to save articles from the databases directly to their personal Google accounts.  This allows them to access these articles at any time, anywhere.  Once it is sent to your Google Drive, a new folder will show up for that database with the article in it.  Any highlighting or notes you've added will be there as well.  A great resource!  Here's how to do it:

BOOK TIP:  Best Books of 2018

The best of lists are starting to pour out.  These are great to look at for creating your own "To Be Read" list, or to find book ideas to give as gift this holiday season.   The Washington Post was the first to come out with their list: 

Washington Post Best Books of 2018

Tuesday Tips November 20, 2018

TECH TIP:  Animaker Animated Video Creator

  Animaker is an online program that creates animated videos.  With the free version, you use the pre-made templates and customize with your text and you can add in additional elements.    This is another great video program that students could use to share their learning.  

Each quarter I do a Quarterly Report that highlights the happenings and statistics from the library.  I use these Quarterly Reports as a way to learn some of these new programs.  Here is my First Quarter Report using Animaker:

BOOK TIP:  The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

 Our Student Book Club picked their next selection, The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black.  It is a fairy tale of sorts, as a boy wakes up after generations asleep in a glass coffin, only to get up with a young girl and a faerie king.  

Tuesday Tips November 13, 2018

TECH TIP:  Synth Podcast creator

In looking for presentation options for the Alt PE class, I came across Synth. Synth creates 256 second podcasts.  You can easily share them and put them into a group so if you had students doing this, they could play right after each other.  This is available to do on the web or as an app on your phone, so could definitely be something students could do on their own devices.  

BOOK TIP:  Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

This is a novel that is part murder mystery, part love story, part homage to the ecological marshlands of North Carolina.  Kya is the "marsh girl", growing up alone in a shack in the marshes of North Carolina.  No one knows the wonders of the marsh better than her, but when a townsperson dies in questionable circumstances, Kya is the prime suspect.  Slow paced at times, but with incredible writing that paints a picture of these marshlands.  

Tuesday Tips October 30, 2018

TECH TIP:  MMRHS Letterhead on Google Docs

As many of you are writing letters of recommendations, there is a MMRHS letterhead template in Google Docs that you can use.  However, in order to see the letterhead image, you need to have it in the Print Layout view.  Here is how to do that:

BOOK TIP:  Curated Book "Tasting"

Anne D'Aniello has her freshmen reading individual novels that focus on the theme of revolution.  I put together a mini-collection of books and we had them on tables and the students spent time at each table, getting a small taste of the books.  By the end of the period, each student had selected their own book.  I would love to do this for you as well!

Tuesday Tips October 23, 2018

TECH TIP:  Inserting Video in Google Slides and Adding a Start and End Time

This week, I worked with Scott Annand and Randy Koldys' Fundamentals of Biology class on creating Google Slides presentations.  I showed many of the students how to Insert a Youtube video into their presentation.  When doing this, there is also a way to limit the start and end time of the video if 

there is just a section you want them to watch.  This could be very helpful in your own presentations.  

Here's how you do it:

BOOK TIP:  An Unkindness of Magicians by Kat Howard

  This is a great Harry Potter read-alike, but for more of a grown-up audience.  Sydney is a magician who grew up in the Shadows, but is coming out to the "light" during the Turning, a contest where Houses fight for control of the magic world. Underlying this fight for power, is a murderer stealing magic from its victims.  Dark, fast-paced and fantastical, this is a great read (not to mention a stunning cover!)

Tuesday Tips October 16, 2018

TECH TIP:  NoodleTools Citation Maker

 As we get deep into the quarter, I'm observing lots of students writing essays and research papers.  I wanted to remind you about using NoodleTools with your students to insure that they are being ethical researchers by properly citing and documenting their sources.   NoodleTools is an online citation maker that students can use throughout their time here at Monument and hands down is the one tool that students report as being the most helpful.  I'd love to work with you and your classes on setting up accounts and using this service.

BOOK TIP:  Circe by Madeline Miller

This is the New York Times #1 bestseller, a retelling of the story of the Greek goddess Circe.  We read this recently in my book club and it had mixed reactions from the group.  Those that enjoyed it, loved it.  If you are a fan of Greek mythology, then this is the book for you.  I'd be curious your thoughts on this book:  are you a fan or not?

Tuesday Tip, October 9, 2018

TECH TIP:  Video Projects

Elsa Hernandez's Anatomy classes recently worked on video projects where they had to visually show different anatomical elements.  They worked on the projects in groups,  making use of the library as "space", including the whiteboard table here to annotate what elements they were describing.  

  

They then had the option to create a video using a platform of their choice.  Two of the ones we recommended were Adobe Spark or the app Stop Motion Studio video.   Let me know if you're thinking about a video project, I'd love to help!

BOOK TIP:  The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Our Student Book Club selected their first book of the year:  The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.  This book is a sci-fi cult classic.  Second before Earth is demolished, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet and travels the universe with a researcher for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.  Together, they explore the mysteries of the galaxy and life.  

Tuesday Tips October 2, 2019

TECH TIP:  Yo Teach! Backchannel Chat

Yo Teach! is a website that allows you to create a backchannel chat room.  This could be a good place for students to post questions or thoughts as part of a formative assessment or as an exit ticket.  You create the room, and through the Admin permissions, you can set a password and monitor content.  Once you've created the room, you can share the link with students or they can search for your room.  

Students can respond through text, an image or by drawing.  The drawing feature could be good for a math class as you could draw in problems or formulas.

BOOK TIP:  The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

 I've mentioned this book before, but the movie version opens this Saturday, so it will be one that students will be talking about.  This is an incredibly popular young adult novel that focuses on Starr Carter, who witnesses the death of her childhood friend at the hands of a police officer.  A powerful book that resonates with today's headlines.

Tuesday Tips September 25, 2018

TECH TIP:  Shared Google Slides to Lead Class Discussions

Kathy Erickson and I worked together last week on creating a system for her students to lead a daily math class discussion opener.  Using a site of potential resources I curated for the class:

 

The students then added their prompt to a shared Google Slides presentation.  This way, you have access to all the prompts and can set up the presentation and be ready to go right as the students walk in.  

BOOK TIP:  Banned Books Week

Each year, the American Library Association celebrates Banned Books Week, with the goal of  bringing "together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular." Here are the the top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2017:

  

Celebrate your freedom to read this week!

Tuesday Tips September 18, 2018

TECH TIP:  New Look for the MMRHS Library Website!

I use Google Sites for the library website.  Google recently phased out the old version of Google Sites.   Thus, the MMRHS Library website has a new look!  It is a work in progress, and I'll be updating all pages.  Check out the Databases page to see all the sources you could use with your classes!

BOOK TIP:  Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Celeste Ng burst onto the writing scene a few years ago with her breakout novel Everything I Never Told You.  This is her follow-up novel, and I liked this one even more.  It is the story of that "perfect" middle American family whose life gets upset when a single mother who doesn't like to follow the rules moves into the neighborhood.  Excellent character development and writing.  

Tuesday Tips September 11, 2018

TECH TIP:  Google Classroom Updates

I've noticed several students using Google Classroom with some of your classes.  Google announced some new improvements to Google Classroom this week, including the new Classwork and Materials sections.  

No longer are all the posts in the Stream section, but there is now a separate Classwork section where you can organize your assignments by topic or unit.  Once you are in the Classwork section, there is now an option to add in Materials.

These Materials no longer have to be associated with an assignment and can be kept in this new section.  I'm happy to help you set-up  Google Classroom or any other questions.

BOOK TIP:  Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Set in Reconstruction America, but with quite a twist.  Following the Battle of Gettysburg, the dead rise as zombies.  Former slaves and Native peoples are being trained to fight the zombies.  A fast-paced alternative history.  

Tuesday Tips September 4, 2018

TECH TIP:  Pear Deck Add-On for Google Slides

Pear Deck is a tool that allows you to share your Google Slides presentation with students.  Once students join your Pear Deck, they can follow along with your slides in real time. 

 With the new Pear Deck Add-On, you can add in formative assessment questions that students answer as you go through your Google Slides presentation.  The questions can be text, multiple choice, or drawings.  Pear Deck also integrates with Google Classroom.   Here is a video to show you more:

BOOK TIP:  My Summer Reads!

I read a ton of great books this summer!  This year, I'll be posting the covers of all my reads throughout the year on my desk.  Come see if you've read any of them!

Tuesday Tips June 12, 2018

TECH TIP:  Organize Your Google Drive

Before you head out for summer, getting your Google Drive organized with all your files ready for next year!  Two quick ways to organize are by using a color coded folder system and by starring important items so you have quick access to them.  Here's how to color code your folders:

Here's how to star folders:

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You may also want to move items that have been shared with you into your Drive so you have access to them.  Here's how to do this:

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BOOK TIP:  An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Add this one to your summer "to-be-read" list.  A powerful story of a marriage struggling to survive forces beyond their control.  Celestial and Roy have only been married a short time when he is wrongfully accused of a crime and sentenced to 12 years in prison.  Roy's conviction is overturned suddenly and he returns to Atlanta to find that things have changed in many ways, but will their marriage survive?  

Tuesday Tips June 5, 2018

TECH TIP:  Associated Press Explainer Videos

The Associated Press, a global news network whose aim is to provide unbiased news, has a YouTube channel with quick videos that explain various news topics.  These could be great to use in a class when discussing current issues.  Their latest video explains whether President Trump can pardon himself.  

BOOK TIP:  New York Times Book Review Summer Reading Suggestions

As you put together your personal summer to-be-read list, the New York Times Book Review has a list of 73 book suggestions in the following categories:

• Thrillers
• Cooking
• True Crime
• Movies and TV
• Travel
• Romance
• Music
• The Great Outdoors
• Sports

Tuesday Tips May 29, 2018

TECH TIP:  Tech Requests for Next Year

The Tech Committee of Tom Roy, Neel Webber and myself are putting together requests for technology purchases for next year.  If you have items you would like, get those to us by this Friday, June 1.  

I'm also interested in running "micro PD" sessions on tech items next year.  Let me know if there are topics you'd like to learn more about, and I'll plan these sessions.  Could be anything from how to better use Gmail, organizing your Google Drive, to making stop motion movies in your class.  

BOOK TIP:  Summer Reading Time

​It's that time of year when I'll begin to promote summer reading!  This is an all-voluntary program and, for me, it is simply about encouraging reading in any form over the summer break.  The students love the teacher incentives and I'll putting in your mailbox a form to fill out if you are willing to offer an incentive this year.   Thank you for considering being a part of this! 

Tuesday Tips May 22, 2018

TECH TIP:  Blabberize

 Blabberize is a very easy to use tool that allows you to make pictures talk.  You upload an image to Blabberize, adjust where you want the mouth to go, and then record what you want the image to say.  This could be a quick in class project for summarizing events, stating facts, or for formative assessments.  Here is my example one: http://blabberize.com/view/id/1755516

BOOK TIP: Faculty Summer Book Club The Power of the Adolescent Brain: Strategies for Teaching High School Students by Thomas Armstrong 

The Faculty Book Club will continue this summer!  I will have copies available of our next book,The Power of the Adolescent Brain: Strategies for Teaching High School Students by Thomas Armstrong, for you to read over the summer and we will meet in September to discuss.  In this book, Armstrong "looks at the power and promise of the teenage brain from an empathetic, strength-based perspective—and describes what middle and high school educators can do to make the most of their students' potential."  The mission of the Faculty Book Club is 

to promote reading and the discussion of professional and inspirational works in an atmosphere that fosters positivity and community. Let me know if you are interested!

Tuesday Tips May 15, 2018

TECH TIP:  Gmail Updates

There are some cool new updates recently made to Gmail.  These include:  a new look to the Gmail screen, a Snooze button to save email for later that you can't respond to right away, auto reply options, and easy access and integration to Calendar, Keep and Tasks.  Here are some screenshots of how to set it up and what it looks like:

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BOOK TIP:  The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

  For those of you who were fans of suspense novels like The Girl on the Train or Gone Girl, you'll love this one.  Anna Fox is a recluse, an agoraphobic, afraid to leave her Harlem brownstone.  She's an unreliable narrator, drinks too much, medicates too heavily, but what she saw at through her window was real. But getting to the truth of what she witnessed has many twists and turns.  Put this one on your beach read list for the summer!