12 Windows Shortcuts Every Educator Should Know

Last night I was checking my twitter account and saw a tweet about a blog post regarding... "12 Windows shortcuts every educator should know" and instantly thought it was necessary to share. It provides times saving techniques for PC users so you can focus on the things that matter most.  A summary of the twelve techniques stated in the blog are below.  Check out the full blog post for the short cuts (Click here for the full blog post):

1. Snap windows side-by-side to work simultaneously
2. Add an interactive whiteboard or second screen quickly
3. Easily take a screenshot, copy to clipboard, and send directly to OneNote
4. Clear all windows and show only the desktop
5. Go back to the most recent window you are on
6. Minimize and maximize windows with ease
7. Zoom in and out
8. Instantly lock screen
9. Switch between different language keyboards
10. Instantly access Task View for a complete view of your windows 
11. Add another Desktop (available only on Windows 10)
12. Temporarily peek at desktop

Smallpdf - the platform that makes it super easy to convert and edit all your PDF files.

Recently, I was asked to send a PDF version of a presentation as an attachment via email.  As many of you know emails have limitations to the file size it can send and receive.  That was the case with me for this presentation...the file was too large to send via email.  Since it was requested to be an attachment I was bypassing sending it as a link using google drive.  I opted for using a free web tool   to compress the file to a size that was manageable to send.  This web tool is called Smallpdf, is extremely easy to use and has a variety of features:

Smallpdf is an online tool that makes it super easy to convert and edit PDF files.  Some of its feartures include: compressing PDFs, converting PPT/Word to PDF or vice versa, convert JPG to PDF or PDF to JPG, merging PDFs, Unlocking PDFs, and splitting PDFs.  This could be a valuable resource to you and/or your students so be sure to share it with them.  It is extremely easy to use and 100% free.

3D Cell Simulation and Stain Tool app for iPads

Are you a science teacher looking for another way to have your students explore cells?  If so, you should check out a free app on the iPad called 3D Cell Simulation and Stain tool.   This app is loaded with interactive features to complement instruction in biology, biochemistry and life science classrooms.

The app consist of videos, colorful images and is easy to navigate.  In addition, users can create their own cell images.  What a great way to use a single iPad in your classroom...use it as a center where groups can explore the cell on their own or display it via the Apple TV to demonstrate/explore cells as a whole group.

Key Features:

• 3D cell model and interactive walkthrough
• Cell imaging videos and descriptions
• Cell staining tools with additional products and imagery
• Create your own cell image with the ability to email your image

Zoom In: An interactive, web-based platform for U.S. history instruction and assessment.

I recently stumbled on a  new U.S. history resource that seems promising for use with grades 6-12 called Zoom In.  Zoom In is a free, web-based platform that helps students build literacy and historical thinking skills through "deep dives" into primary and secondary sources.   This online resource features 18 content-rich U.S history lessons that supplement regular instruction and assist with using technology to support students' mastery of content and skills:

• Reading documents closely and critically
• Identifying author's point of view and purpose
• Engaging in higher-order, text-based discussions
• Writing explanatory and argumentative essays grounded in evidence 

Teachers have the ability to set up a class, access teacher guides, assign lessons, monitor student progress and assess student work online.  This application could even lend to cross-curricular opportunities with English Language Arts.

Website:  http://zoomin.edc.org/

Web Resources to Enhance Literacy

Having 3 little ones at the Lower School, I had the privilege to participate in Literacy Night this past Tuesday.   It was very informative and I thank our LS Faculty for their time and effort.  They provided great information and resources.  As I was digesting all the great material on my way home I thought what a perfect time to piggy back on that night with a post about literacy web resources...for a variety of grade levels  (I have mentioned a few of these before, but thought it wouldn't hurt to restate them):  

• Storyline Online (Read Aloud)
• Popular children's books read by famous people
• Teacher activity guies available
• Provides a new read-aloud experience for students

• Wonderopolis (Shared Reading)
• Exploration and discovery of real-world content
• Question based reading prompts for informative reading/writing
• Great for daily or weekly whole class activities
• Built in teacher resources and vocabulary instruction
• Also great for independent reading

• Lingro (Word Study)
• Make any web site a click-able form to define unknown words
• Build students vocabulary and enhance comprehension
• Create word lists for review
• Great for ELL students and foreign language classes

• Into the Book (Guided Reading)
• Interactive practice activities
• Models 8 main reading strategies with guided activities and various examples
• Great teacher tools to expand lessons
• Easy to read standard alignment

• ReadWorks.org (Independent Reading)
• Lesson Plans and materials based on various strategies for reading and comprehension
• Leveled reading passages with built-in question sets
• Close reading samples
• Novel study units

• Newsela (Independent Reading)
• Differentiated articles based on student lexile level
• Easy search by grad level or CCSS
• Articles from various publications with real-world application

Turn your iPad into a teleprompter as an aid for students public speaking

Public speaking can be a challenge for many students.  I was reminded about this during one of the keynotes at ISACS last week on a topic about introverts vs extroverts.  It was mentioned that public speaking can be a very stressful experience for students and a bad experience can have a long lasting negative effect.  However, I do believe public speaking is an important skill to have and we do a fantastic job of teaching it at all levels here at DCDS (witnessed first hand through my own kids).

The key seems to be providing students with the ability to succeed.  Here is a neat iPad app that may aid in the success of a student while public speaking.  PromptSmart Pro or PromptSmart Lite allows you to convert your iPad into a teleprompter.  Students can add their speech to the app and control the speed and text size on the screen.  Here are some key features:

• VoiceTrack: Follows your words during your speech and automatically scrolls the text at your natural pace in real time
• Digital Notecards: For casual presentations stay on point with built in digital notecards to ensure you address important topics seamlessly
• Audio Recording with export to Google Drive (Lite version)/Video Recording with save to camera roll (Pro version)

I am just thinking out loud, but I wonder if there are creative ways to use this app in an elementary reading and writing curriculum...I'd be intrigued to hear some ideas if anyone has any (feel free to add to the comments)

PromptSmart Website: http://promptsmart.com/

7 Tech Tips for Your Next Read Aloud

Edutopia recently posted an article called 7 Tech Tips for Your Next Read Aloud and I thought it had some great ideas that could be used in our classrooms.  Here is a summary of the 7 Tech Tips and a direct link to the article for further details if you are interested:

1. Video conference in a guest speaker using Skype, Google Hangouts, etc.
2. Project the book on the big screen for everyone to see  using the document camera to project the hard copies of books.  
3. Set-Up online exit slips to have students to answer comprehensive questions or to share their opinion.
4.  Use digital text from the web or downloaded on a device and project it to the big screen.
5. Have students sketch a response to a read aloud instead of writing a response.  There are many applications that can help with this (some provided in the article and feel free to reach out to me for others).
6. Record students responses using recording features on our devices.
7. Get Social: Tweet the read aloud.  I know not everyone has twitter accounts, but the article talks about simulating a texting environment.  

Happy Reading!!!

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/7-tech-tips-read-aloud-monica-burns

BrainRush: A short, fast-paced learning game that automatically adapts to meet the needs of each student.

Game Based Learning (GBL) is a teaching methodology becoming increasingly popular in the classroom.  The premise is to use games that are designed with the idea of achieving learning outcomes to teach content.  I recently stumbled on a neat GBL resource called BrainRush.

BrainRush offers game based learning activities tied to all K-12 subjects.  The site provides  the opportunity to learn using existing game based activities called BrainRushes or by creating or customizing your own.  These games use an "adaptive practice technology" allowing this platform to be ideal for differentiated instruction. 

Accessing BrainRush is easy.  You can sign up for free using the Google sign up option (this allows you to sign in using your DCDS credentials).   Once logged in you have the ability to create a class to monitor student progress.  Here are some ideas for use in the classroom:

• Bell Work/Bell Ringer Exercises
• Homework Practice
• Vocabulary
• Stations
• Remediation
• Test Preparation

My favorite way to use this application would be to have students demonstrate mastery by creating their own BrainRushes. I am a big proponent of having students demonstrate mastery by creating (whether it be games, presentations, or assessments.)  I think in order to create and deliver meaningful content, students need to truly understand the content. These BrainRushes can then in turn be used review assignments for other students.  

Website Link http://www.brainrush.com