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.