Hey everyone,
Just wanted to include the Presentation from today, as well as another presentation that I found that suggests various ways to use Google Apps in the classroom!
PD Presentation:
Suggestions on how to use Google Apps in the classroom:
(Put together by West K12 Apps User Group)
Monday, May 23, 2011
Google Presentations
If you are already familiar with Microsoft PowerPoint, then Google Presentations will be an easy switch for you.
To create a new Presentation, simply follow the steps as normal - clicking on Create new and then Presentation.
To create a new Presentation, simply follow the steps as normal - clicking on Create new and then Presentation.
To add a new slide, follow the directions below:
And to add images is almost as easy!
And finally, to change backgrounds or apply a theme to the whole presentation...
Here is a video that will summarize certain key points of using Google Presentation for you!
Hopefully you found this helpful! As always, let me know if you have any questions!
Google Forms
Google Forms are a great way to provide a quick and easy assessment, or to simply have students complete an assignment for you to mark.
To get started with Google Forms, all you need to do is to Create a new form, as you would create a new Google Doc.
To add more questions, you need to click on the Add Item button, which will give you a choice of what type of question you would like to include.
You can add as many or as few questions as you would like to your form.
Examples of ways to use Forms in the classroom? Here's a few! (Feel free to post other ideas in the comments area!)
- Reading comprehension assignment
- Exit slip activity
- Review assignment
- Spelling test
- Quiz
Once you have put your form together, you have several options on what to do next!
You can choose to email this form, which will provide the recipient with either a link to the form, or (if you choose) a copy of the form embedded in the email.
You can choose to see responses, which will take you to the spreadsheet version of the form, showing you the results that have been submitted. You will also have the option to view a summary of the results which will put the answers you have received into an easy to read format.
In the more actions section, you will be able to get the code to embed your form into a website (such as SchoolZone) or change the message recipients will view after having completed the form.
Not only will forms collect the information, but if your questions all have simple answers, you can have it auto-correct! To do this, you will add a script (an add-on, so to speak) to your form called Flubaroo.
You have now successfully installed Flubaroo! You should see a Flubaroo option on your menu bar.
From here, all you need to do (once you have some answers) is to click on Grade assignment and follow the prompts. **Before grading assignment, make sure that you have answered the form with an Answer key!**
For more explanation on the steps to follow, simply watch the following YouTube video to guide you through the steps.
So there you have it! Hopefully you can find fun and exciting ways to integrate Google Forms into your "cloud based" teaching!
Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions on how to use Google Forms or Flubaroo!
To get started with Google Forms, all you need to do is to Create a new form, as you would create a new Google Doc.
From here, you will be taken to a page that will allow you to build your form. Check out the image below to see the basics of getting started!
To add more questions, you need to click on the Add Item button, which will give you a choice of what type of question you would like to include.When you add a question, it will allow you to choose from the following list of question types. Some of the most useful types of questions are Text, Paragraph text and Multiple Choice.
You can add as many or as few questions as you would like to your form.
Examples of ways to use Forms in the classroom? Here's a few! (Feel free to post other ideas in the comments area!)
- Reading comprehension assignment
- Exit slip activity
- Review assignment
- Spelling test
- Quiz
Once you have put your form together, you have several options on what to do next!
You can choose to see responses, which will take you to the spreadsheet version of the form, showing you the results that have been submitted. You will also have the option to view a summary of the results which will put the answers you have received into an easy to read format.
In the more actions section, you will be able to get the code to embed your form into a website (such as SchoolZone) or change the message recipients will view after having completed the form.
Not only will forms collect the information, but if your questions all have simple answers, you can have it auto-correct! To do this, you will add a script (an add-on, so to speak) to your form called Flubaroo.
After this, you will have a window pop-up. To continue, you will need to click Authorize.
You have now successfully installed Flubaroo! You should see a Flubaroo option on your menu bar.
From here, all you need to do (once you have some answers) is to click on Grade assignment and follow the prompts. **Before grading assignment, make sure that you have answered the form with an Answer key!**
For more explanation on the steps to follow, simply watch the following YouTube video to guide you through the steps.
So there you have it! Hopefully you can find fun and exciting ways to integrate Google Forms into your "cloud based" teaching!
Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions on how to use Google Forms or Flubaroo!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Organizing your files "in the cloud"
With the amount of files that we all have on our computer, it would be mind boggling if they all were in the same place.
The default with Google is that all the documents appear in what they call your home. Initially it can seem incredibly overwhelming. But there is a simple solution to this issue.
Google has something called collections. They appear in the sidebar to the left of your list of Google Docs.
To create a new collection, simply click on the Create new button near the top of the screen.
This time, select the option that says Collection.
This will prompt you to name your new collection. Once it is named, it will show up in your sidebar. By right-clicking on that collection, it will provide you with options, such as changing its properties (name, description, colour, etc.), moving it, as well as several other things.
Have fun with the sorting!
The default with Google is that all the documents appear in what they call your home. Initially it can seem incredibly overwhelming. But there is a simple solution to this issue.
Google has something called collections. They appear in the sidebar to the left of your list of Google Docs.
These collections are basically just folders. You can create as many folders as you would like, change their name, colour code them, create sub-folders, etc.
To create a new collection, simply click on the Create new button near the top of the screen. This time, select the option that says Collection.
This will prompt you to name your new collection. Once it is named, it will show up in your sidebar. By right-clicking on that collection, it will provide you with options, such as changing its properties (name, description, colour, etc.), moving it, as well as several other things.
Hopefully this information is helpful for those of you looking to organize your documents! However, I do know that this can take some time to actually set-up and organize... So if this isn't for you, don't worry! What would Google be without a search function! At the top of your Google Docs Home page, you will find a search feature - a great way to find that one particular document you are looking for - whether it is in a collection or not!
How to import all your existing files to Google Docs
So as we move forward with the Portal, wouldn't it be nice to be able to keep everything that you have already created? Of course it would! And it is completely possible! Google has created a very easy way for us to import any kind of document and store it "in the cloud".
Not only will Google will convert any Word, Powerpoint or Excel document into it's Google version if you would like, but it can also convert PDF documents into Google Docs.
To import these documents, all you need to do is drag the file from your computer, and drop it into your list of Google Documents (see image below for where to drop).
Not only will Google will convert any Word, Powerpoint or Excel document into it's Google version if you would like, but it can also convert PDF documents into Google Docs.
To import these documents, all you need to do is drag the file from your computer, and drop it into your list of Google Documents (see image below for where to drop).
Not only can you drag and drop files, but folders as well!
If you would like all of the files to be in a specific collection, simply open that collection in your Google Docs, and then drag and drop your files there!
Give it a try and see how easy it can be to make that move towards the clouds!
Introduction to Google Docs!
So it's time to take that next step, and walk into the world of Google Docs! Today I'm going to give you the steps to help you create a Google Doc, name it and share it! We're keeping it basic today but will look deeper into what Google Docs has to offer us at a later time.
1. To start, sign into the portal, and click on your Documents icon (on the right). This will take you to see your docs!
From here, we are going to start be Creating a new Doc. On the left hand side of the screen you will find a Create new button.
After having clicked on this, a new window or tab will open with your brand new Google Doc!
2. The next step is to name your document. For your documents, I suggest naming them using the Assignment name.
A window will pop up showing you your Sharing options. From here you can change the sharing settings of the document, share the document with others, and change their sharing privileges.
If you make them viewers, they will be able to see the document, but will not be able to modify or comment on the document. If you allow them to edit the document, they will be able to modify the document and comment on it.
1. To start, sign into the portal, and click on your Documents icon (on the right). This will take you to see your docs!
From here, we are going to start be Creating a new Doc. On the left hand side of the screen you will find a Create new button.
Once you have clicked on this button, a menu will drop down - for today you want to select Document.
After having clicked on this, a new window or tab will open with your brand new Google Doc!
2. The next step is to name your document. For your documents, I suggest naming them using the Assignment name. As for students, to make our lives easier, we will implement school-wide that documents should be named the following:
Class, Instruction Group, First initial & Last name, Assignment name
ie: ES702, nbugeaud, Confédération
3. Sharing. This one, once again, is nice and straight forward. Near the top of your Google Doc, there will be a link that says Private to only me. To SHARE your document with others, you need to click on this link.
A window will pop up showing you your Sharing options. From here you can change the sharing settings of the document, share the document with others, and change their sharing privileges.To share with others, simply start typing their name in the Add people box. Once their name is typed, you will have the power to either allow the person to view the document or edit the document.
If you make them viewers, they will be able to see the document, but will not be able to modify or comment on the document. If you allow them to edit the document, they will be able to modify the document and comment on it. You will need to set these settings for each person you share the document with. You are able to share a document with more than one person at a time.
So there you have it! Making a new Google Doc is a basic task that will now get you on your way to exploring the new Google Apps at your finger tips! Feel free to take some time to explore Google Docs and see what else you can find out! I hope this was helpful, and if you have any comments or questions, make sure to post them below!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
How to make the most out of SchoolZone - starting today!
So we all know how to use SchoolZone - there's no question about that.
But do you all know everything that you can do with SchoolZone?
Over the last year, we have seen some pretty major changes come to SchoolZone that have flown under the radar. I'm going to take some time to point out some of these features to you. For some of you this may be old new, but who knows - maybe you might find a hidden treasure!
Attaching Documents
So this is a feature that has been around for a while, however we have seen some changes here as well.
In SchoolZone, we have the ability to add any type of attachment to a Note, Homework, Event, etc. that we create in SchoolZone. Just look for the little paper clip icon, and click!
You will find it on the menu for the Text Editor, as pointed out below.
Once you click on it, you will be able to upload any file type you would like (as long as it does not exceed the size limit of 3.1 MB). You can upload a document that you have saved on your computer, and as a new few feature, you can also choose to upload a Google Doc if you wish!
To upload a document from your computer, simply click on the CHOOSE FILE button. From here it will take you to a list of your documents and all you have to do is click on the document you would like to upload!
You can use this tool to provide students with electronic versions of any hand-outs, notes or assignments.
Another option for uploading documents is to upload Google Docs. If you have any Google Docs that you would like to share with students or parents, here is a very effective way to do it, which is actually quite easy (as long as the document has appropriate sharing settings - we'll get to this later...)!
Start by clicking on the paper clip button again, except this time you will need to select the option Google Docs - check out the picture below:
Just make sure the circle is selected, and then you will click on the Browse button. This will take you to a list of all your Google Docs. Now, if you have anywhere near as many Google Docs as I do, it may take a little bit to load.
But once loaded, you will be able to select the document you are looking for. Once selected, simply click on the Submit button near the bottom.
When publishing a Google Doc on SchoolZone, you have the option of posting it as a PDF, a view only document, or a document that anyone can edit.
Hand-In Feature
Another feature that has been made available on SchoolZone this past year is the Hand-In button. This features creates the opportunity for students to hand-in electronic versions of documents, allow teachers to check who has submitted assignments electronically, and allow teachers to provide students with immediate feedback.
To enable this feature, all you need to do is create a new Homework assignment, and before clicking save click on the box that says Hand-in.
Once having selected this feature, complete the entry as normal, with the explanation of the homework, and potential including a digital copy of the instructions.
As teachers, we will then be able to check homework that has been completed by students. To do so, all you need to do is go to the Homework Tab, and find your assignment that you have entered.
Below the edit button you will see a button that says Hand-in.
Once you click on the Hand-in button, you will then be taken to a list of the students that have submitted the assignment. On this screen you can also click on the link to view the students submission, as well as post comments or feedback.
Using this feature, teachers are able to quickly see who has not yet submitted an assignment by clicking on the link that says "To see the students who have NOT yet submitted files, click here."
Students are able to submit various documents for the same assignment - a great chance to submit a rough draft and a final version!
Parent Accessibility:
Another new feature is that parents will now have access to all of these documents and comments that are posted on SchoolZone using attachments and hand-ins. For all regular documents, parents will see the document, and for Google Docs, parents will see a PDF (static) version of the document as it is at that moment.So far this has helped numerous parents stay aware of what work their child is completing, as well as what is not getting finished.
As we learn more about Google Apps, there will be more ways in which you can integrate SchoolZone into your teaching. It is a great teaching tool that we are constantly working on improving. If you have any great suggestions as to how SchoolZone could be improved, please feel free to pass them my way and I will pass them on to the technical team working on SchoolZone.
Once again, I hope this information was helpful! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to talk to me or post them below! Thanks! :)
But do you all know everything that you can do with SchoolZone?
Over the last year, we have seen some pretty major changes come to SchoolZone that have flown under the radar. I'm going to take some time to point out some of these features to you. For some of you this may be old new, but who knows - maybe you might find a hidden treasure!
Attaching DocumentsSo this is a feature that has been around for a while, however we have seen some changes here as well.
In SchoolZone, we have the ability to add any type of attachment to a Note, Homework, Event, etc. that we create in SchoolZone. Just look for the little paper clip icon, and click!
You will find it on the menu for the Text Editor, as pointed out below.
Once you click on it, you will be able to upload any file type you would like (as long as it does not exceed the size limit of 3.1 MB). You can upload a document that you have saved on your computer, and as a new few feature, you can also choose to upload a Google Doc if you wish!
To upload a document from your computer, simply click on the CHOOSE FILE button. From here it will take you to a list of your documents and all you have to do is click on the document you would like to upload!
Another option for uploading documents is to upload Google Docs. If you have any Google Docs that you would like to share with students or parents, here is a very effective way to do it, which is actually quite easy (as long as the document has appropriate sharing settings - we'll get to this later...)!
Start by clicking on the paper clip button again, except this time you will need to select the option Google Docs - check out the picture below:
Just make sure the circle is selected, and then you will click on the Browse button. This will take you to a list of all your Google Docs. Now, if you have anywhere near as many Google Docs as I do, it may take a little bit to load.
But once loaded, you will be able to select the document you are looking for. Once selected, simply click on the Submit button near the bottom.
Hand-In Feature
Another feature that has been made available on SchoolZone this past year is the Hand-In button. This features creates the opportunity for students to hand-in electronic versions of documents, allow teachers to check who has submitted assignments electronically, and allow teachers to provide students with immediate feedback.
To enable this feature, all you need to do is create a new Homework assignment, and before clicking save click on the box that says Hand-in.
Once having selected this feature, complete the entry as normal, with the explanation of the homework, and potential including a digital copy of the instructions.
As teachers, we will then be able to check homework that has been completed by students. To do so, all you need to do is go to the Homework Tab, and find your assignment that you have entered.
Once you click on the Hand-in button, you will then be taken to a list of the students that have submitted the assignment. On this screen you can also click on the link to view the students submission, as well as post comments or feedback.
Using this feature, teachers are able to quickly see who has not yet submitted an assignment by clicking on the link that says "To see the students who have NOT yet submitted files, click here."
Students are able to submit various documents for the same assignment - a great chance to submit a rough draft and a final version!
Parent Accessibility:
Another new feature is that parents will now have access to all of these documents and comments that are posted on SchoolZone using attachments and hand-ins. For all regular documents, parents will see the document, and for Google Docs, parents will see a PDF (static) version of the document as it is at that moment.So far this has helped numerous parents stay aware of what work their child is completing, as well as what is not getting finished.
As we learn more about Google Apps, there will be more ways in which you can integrate SchoolZone into your teaching. It is a great teaching tool that we are constantly working on improving. If you have any great suggestions as to how SchoolZone could be improved, please feel free to pass them my way and I will pass them on to the technical team working on SchoolZone.
Once again, I hope this information was helpful! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to talk to me or post them below! Thanks! :)
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