In Tech Integration class my students used Infogram to create basic infographics to demonstrate their learning of a TedEd video. By using infographics as a final product my students were able to demonstrate their knowledge of a topic in a much more varied and interesting way than by typical means. For more information watch this short video tutorial on using Infogram. Let us know if we can help support this project in your classroom.
Our Technology Integration Class evaluated the school district’s new Virtual Reality Goggles last week. If you want to learn more about using the VR equipment let us know. Jonny Fender wrote this review on his findings:
This week in Tech Integration we got the opportunity to go a few virtual field trips. We used a program called Google Expeditions to go on these field trips all over the world. We used a Nokia cellphone that was placed in a Virtual Reality headset to see these amazing places. The places that the […]
One of the great features about Google is how often they come up with new features and updates.
One of the frustrating things about Google is also how often they come up with new features and updates.
Jessica Grimes and I were trying to figure out how to create Distribution Lists in the new Gmail this morning. While its not hard, it has changed from the way it was done before. Basically you will need to go into your Contacts app by clicking on the grid of 9 squares at the top right. From there you will create a new LABEL (name it for the group you want), then you will go to your list of contacts and apply this label to them by clicking the three dots to the right.
This 3 minute video explains it in easy to understand steps.
By creating short informative videos on your chromebook teachers can help students access information in a variety of ways. Whether you are flipping classroom instruction or simply providing students another pathway to content, screencasting is simple and can be reused in the future.
Watch this short video to learn about how to use Nimbus to create screencasts which are videos of what is on your computer screen narrated by you. Screencasts can also be student-created to demonstrate knowledge and understanding and then shared with future classes.
Screencastify is another App that can be used for this purpose as well. Let us know if we can help!
Apps and extensions in Google Drive can be simple to install but tricky to delete.
Here are a couple of suggestions for getting rid of those pesky apps or extensions that you tried out and no longer want to use:
Socrative is a great EdTech tool that allows teachers to create quizzes and other content for use in the classroom. While there are a lot of options for doing this, Socrative’s Exit Ticket tool is what makes it stand out.
Use Socrative as an Exit Ticket tool to collect formative assessment data to drive your future instruction and reflect on the current day’s lesson. This is a strong way to bring technology into your classroom in ALL subject areas.
Socrative keeps it simple – the Exit Ticket defaults to the following questions:
– Student Name
– How well did you understand today’s lesson (multiple choice)
– What did you learn today (short answer)
– Solve the teacher’s problem (a quick problem you provide)
Answers will be compiled for the teacher to review.
There is a little bit of set-up in order to get this to work but it is VERY EASY. Teachers will download Socrative Teacher App and students will need to download the Socrative Student App from the Chrome Web Store. As with other cloud-based EdTech tools teachers can create a class and then give students the code to join.
If you are even a little interested I would encourage you to watch this video which walks you through the process of creating Exit Tickets using Socrative. As always let us know if we can support you in getting started with this tool. Please let us know if you end up using Socrative in your classroom or if you already use it let us know how it’s going.
Student and Teachers at WHS have had an interesting year. The introduction of 1:1 with the chromebooks has significantly changed the way we teach and learn.
Students have had to make adjustments to their learning and organizational styles. Most teachers have embraced Google Classroom to help students stay on task with what is going on in their classes. Offline mode has helped close the digital divide by allowing students to work on projects from home. 
Teachers have had to re-evaluate the way they present materials to students. In several subjects new textbooks provided online resources and the ability for students to access textbooks on their chromebooks. Students are using email and checking progress book much more frequently meaning the connection to teachers has increased.
All in all the introduction of 1:1 Chromebooks here at WHS has been quite successful. While it has come with its share of challenges, the benefits have far outweighed any negatives. We have many resources available for those who need support in any of these areas.
1:1 Resources:
Cane Tech Squad – The CTS Help Desk students are always willing to help students or teachers with any tech related issues.
Ext: 7236 Email: techsquad@wilmington.k12.oh.us twitter: @CaneTechSquad
Library Books – We have quite a few new books (yes, books) about chromebooks and 
EdTech. Teachers should check out Classroom Management in the Digital Age for tips on keeping students on task while using the chromebooks. Stop in the library to browse these titles.
Watch this replay of our CTS Jeopardy Live Twitter Game Show. The purpose of this show was to help educate students on the use and care of their chromebooks. We are working on the restricted mode issue so for now students might have to watch from home or another account.
Congrats to Parker on winning our first CTS Jeopardy Game.
Make sure you follow us on Twitter @CaneTechSquad to join us LIVE next time.
Teachers – Would you like CTS members to host a Live Jeopardy event with your class? Maybe you can challenge another class in your content area? Let us know!
When printing tests, quizzes, IEPS, or other sensitive materials consider using the Secure Print Feature on our copiers.
This seems to work best when you use the ‘ctrl-shift-p’ command to print.
Thanks Matt Geggie for reminding me of this handy feature.
WHS Library Learning Commons 