Wow, January went quick! I don't know about you, but this year seems to be flying by. Maybe it's because I have a junior and we are another step closer to him making some college decisions, or maybe it's because the older I get, the faster the years go. Either way, I can't believe it's we are the end of January 2022!
Take a look at the January 22' Instructional Tech Updates. There is information on Nearpod, Book Creator, Black History Month and YOUR STAFF LAPTOP!
We recently added Book Creator to Clever allowing easy access for students. Want to see some examples of a final product? Click here to search for examples by grade level!
To help get you up and running, check out these short and easy to follow tutorials: Getting Started and Library Settings.
As I moved into a coaching position I vowed to share everything! I was working with the teacher who was replacing me and handed over everything, printed and digital. While that may have been overwhelming, I think what was most beneficial was the time we spent collaborating about topics, projects and lessons I did and how I did it. It was then up to that new teacher to discover how to take what I gave them and make it their own or better. Young people have great ideas and see teaching from a totally different perspective then I do as a veteran teacher. So take the time and listen to what they have to offer, it might just open your eyes.
Recently she updated her post about the Morning Meeting slide deck with all the Slides for each quarter and the comments over 3,500. Most of the comments are about how her hard work is making an impact on students around the world. She willingly shared these out to the group and has given everyone access to freely make copies. Sneak Peak at Quarter 2. Above is the direct link access to the post and the group which you will be able to download the rest of the quarters. The time and effort that went into this is shown and many have taken her idea and made it their own. It just goes to show, Sharing is Caring and we all need a little help now and then.
Graphics - Video
Turn your text and photos into a professional-looking, attention-getting graphics. Simply pick a design template, add your photo or pick from free images, add text, and quickly resize your creation to fit your favorite social media site or blog.
Limitation: None...only your imagination!
Web Page - Video
Sometimes you don’t need a traditional website to get your message across. Adobe Spark Web Page is ideal for projects that don’t require more than one page, such as portfolios, presentations, blog posts, and photo galleries. Adobe Spark Page can showcase a research project, advertise a special event, or act as a weekly or monthly newsletter.
Limitation: It is a ONE page only webpage.
VIDEOS - Video
What story are you ready to tell? Whatever it is, Adobe Spark Videos free video creator lets your story shine. Take advantage of Adobe Spark Video’s expertly curated video themes as you begin building your video. Themes come loaded with fonts, transitions, and color schemes, so choose the one that suits your video the best and watch as it ties your clips together into a compelling video.
Limitation: 30 second video limit (per slide). Additional slides can be added to extend the overall length of the video.
Google Trends analyzes the popularity of top searches in Google Search across the world. The website uses graphs to compare the search volume of different queries to determine the popularity of a particular topic. This could be a great way for students to find out what people are searching, explore trending topics and do a 2020 Year in Search.
The Home Page will show the omni box where you can search for a particular topic, use the side menu, or scroll down to see the latest stories and insights, recently trending, and Year in Search.
`
There is also a place at the very bottom which allows your to Learn More, and take Google Trend Lessons.
While free playing on Google Trends, click on a topic from Recently Trending, and you will see the number of searches on this topic as well as related news stories. When you select the topic to dig deeper, you will see the statistics, interest by region, and related topics. You can share out the link via social media or just copy and paste specific links into a Google Classroom.
Here is a short 5 minute video which will do an overview about Google Trends, he does a good job explaining all the different facets of it.
Take some time to explore Google Trends you won't be disappointed! I can see many teachers using this for current event topics!
Here is the October 2021 Instructional Tech Updates.
We made it through the first quarter of probably the most challenging year of our careers. As October ends, with the excitement of Halloween, and the holiday's quickly approaching we tend to think about everything we have to cover. Well instead of thinking about what you have not covered, think about what you have and how the students are learning. While the content of what you are teaching is important, what is more important are the lessons you want your students to leave with. What impact have you made in the lives of your students? Are they better people because they had you as a teacher. My guess is yes they probably are. As the weather slowly begins to change, enjoy all the days you can get outside before winter comes.
Gmail has been busy updating over the summer. Here area a few of the items that you will come across. 
Click here if you are interested.
In addition to the video, here is a Mote Sample Content slide deck for teachers to see how Mote can be used within classroom resources.
Wow! July 7th already; where did the time go? If you have done any meetings this summer with Google Meet you would have noticed the new layout. It is really nice and will be nice for meetings and online learning for next year. While we are going back to in person classes (YEA!), there are still PLC's, meetings, etc, that will most likely be virtual bc of the nature of travel and time restraint's.
Take a look at the new Google Meet. Eric Curts does a really nice job explaining the new layout!