Read & Write Extension in Chrome

This support tool was recently shared with me: add the Read & Write Extension in Chrome to allow students a reading immersive experience on any website. It's great for reading text out loud, understanding unfamiliar words & more. Here's how to add it:

Semantris

I’ve been looking for ways to explore ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE with my middle school Computer Science classees. I just happened upon this gem that mixes AI (aka machine learning) with vocabulary, keyboarding and mousing support features in a pretty cool way.

In Semantris, a project by Google AI, there are two types of games. One where the user types in clue words in an attempt to remove blocks that highlight like-words on the page. There is no time limit to come up with the clue, so you can take your time and be creative. Once typed, the program will match it with other words and remove them from play. It’s learning meanings or matching what users would associate with other words. 

The other game is a bit more intense. It’s an arcade game where you type clues to match the highlighted words on a list. The faster you type, the more points to win in a quest to earn a spot on the leader board. This one is fun as well, but you have to think and type pretty fast, in a rapid-fire manner, to keep up.

I would rate this site for 2nd grade all the way up the ladder. It was easy to access and easy to play. 

Artificial Intelligence, or machine learning, has become so popular in learning circles. This app demonstrates well to younger users just how the technology works. 

https://research.google.com/semantris 

Crime Scene - a PBL for 4th & 5th Graders!

Students in 4th & 5th grade love when we pull out a good PBL! Today, it was all about a Crime Scene. Apparently, 'someone' destroyed a beloved laptop and it was up to our students to try and figure out who did it. Who could do such a thing? What could possibly be the motive? It is up to our students to try and figure it out.

The Crime Scene - Students were given visuals of pictures of the 'victim' from all angles, fingerprints, dirt and mulch left by shoes at the scene, a set of initial suspects from eye witnesses and other loose and haphazardly left items at the scene of the crime. All of these bits of evidence have our students talking.

Breaking News fills in some of the blanks and our SRO is around for further questioning - all of this builds imagination.

Logistics - Students can work alone or in teams of two to try and figure the details of the 'crime'. They may chose any Word or Presentation program of their liking to fill in the gaps. They will have a Peer Review session. Several will be selected to present their projects to the rest of the class. Some will use this as their final technology project for the end of the year Tech Showcase!

This...is a good idea!

Virtual Travelers - An Extension of Research!

One of my favorite times of the year is when I get to explore with students new ways to search for information and learn new things. Bring on research using safe search engines and other techy ways to extend that research!

We start by learning how to search for information by doing a Scavenger Hunt of famous places from all over the world. My favorite site for this is Britannica Online - it's easy for Elementary friends to navigate, has wonderful images and videos, it reads articles aloud and translates the website in a variety of languages! 

We are Virtual Travelers - to extend this learning, we'll travel to these places virtually by using  the panoramic views in Google Earth. Loading the app onto a computer or accessing it online or on iPad, students can not only explore the famous place, but can explore the culture, the architecture, discover more about landforms, geography and so much more!

UPDATE: Sadly, Google Expedition has been retired - stay tuned for new and innovative ways to showcase new ways of learning. In the meantime….take a look at what we ‘used-to-do’ - perhaps, it may spark what ‘can-be-done’ now. Happy Travels! 

Google Expedition is also an amazing way to see the world. Using Virtual Reality - we are transported on a field trip to these sites. Using the lead device, it's easy to search for places and via the router, the field trip is then transmitted to the explorer's goggles. The sounds of 'oohhs' and 'aawws' from the students adds to the excitement. Hands down, this is a very cool experience!

This is how we roll - literally and virtually!
 

Google Keep - My Favorite Features From A Favorite App!

Google Keep has become one of my all-time go-to apps - especially when it comes to keeping organized or storing reminders. There are many great features, but here are my top favorite:

These features work on the app that is loaded to your device:

Adding collaborators - once a note or list has been created, at the bottom of the note is a box with 3-dots. Once clicked, features to delete the note, make a copy, send it, add collaborators, and select a color label are itemized. Adding collaborators is a snap by email or by typing in a name to select.


Sending a note or list through email, texts or through social media outlets - clicking on 'Send' brings up text, email, social media, and save as an image are some of the options.

Adding voice notes - By clicking on the '+' at the bottom of the screen, select to add a picture, choose an image from the devices photo gallery, draw an image or record a note. By clicking on recorder icon, press and hold the microphone. When finished the message is inserted to the list.

Setting reminders that alert - at the top of the screen is a reminder icon, tap it and add time, date and place.

And, the easy customizeable settings that add even more to the experience! Back out to main screen, click on the 3-lines at the top left, then the settings cog. Here is where more customizable settings can be changed. It's a snap!

Google Keep is a keeper!

Safe Search for Young Ones Who Want to Search!

I get a little nervous when students tell me they have a YouTube account or they Google searched something. We talk about safe searching habits, but my stomach still rumbles for what they may see while 'out-there'.

These are some of my favorite safe search engines for kids - and most are powered by our friends at Google (thank you very much!)  Kiddle and KidRex are both safe search engines.

KidRex has a "Kids" and a "Parents" section. From the random searches for 'dogs', 'rainbows' and others, I've been happy with the top results of my searches.

I'm a bit happier with Kiddle as the results seem to be more 'kid-friendly' - with images, varying reading levels, a wiki section and more. When I surveyed students, they seemed to have been able to find what they were needing more in Kiddle.

Students want to be YouTubers, but you never know what they're going to view when they search for 'that' image. Enter YouTubeKids.  There is a YTKids app for Apple and Android devices and features kid profiles, watch history, blocking options, video reporting and my favorite, a timer option - so parents can set a limit on how much time is spent in the app - nice features.




My list will always include Wonderopolis - which offers so many interesting topics for everyone. I get a 'wonders' email everyday, which makes for a nice reading break during the day. These folks also offer online camps, wonder-jar challenges and more. Big Fan!


Cool videos? The Kid Should See This is the place to go! Videos about science, tech, music, art, dominos, robots - you name it...they have a cool video about it. This is a fun way to give a break during the day and see something cool....very cool!




When you need a word, a rhyme, antonyms or definitions, WordHippo works brilliantly. This site is a fun favorite!

Thanks to these sites for keeping the advertisement kid-friendly as well. Young students need places online that they can turn to for good kid-friendly information and good kid-friendly images, making being a good digital citizen a little easier.

Google Search for Images

https://www.pexels.com/search/flowers/

Searching for the right image is made easy when using the search filters available in Google. I can filter my search results by size of image, by color, by type, by when the picture was taken and by usage rights.

When demonstrating the proper techniques to students, I start by typing 'flowers' in the query box in www.google.com

By clicking on Tools, gives a secondary menu with all those options to further filter the results.

Search by size of the picture - large, medium, icon, with variables refining the size of the image.











Search by color and the results will filter the picture content by that specific color - or choose full color, black & white or transparent

Search by type of picture - a face picture, a photo, clip art, line drawing or an animated image.










Search by the time the image was taken - in the past 24 hours, past week or a customized range.









And then, what I tell the students is the most important filter - by usage. We can search by images we're allowed to use and to use and make modifications. This is also an excellent time to reiterate that no matter the permissions, we always give credit to the photographer. An excellent opportunity to reiterate our Digital Citizenship responsibilities.

https://www.pexels.com/search/flowers/

The results - this image is of medium sized, orange flowers, that were taken in the last 24 hours and have a 'Labeled for reuse' filter.

Thanks to the folks at www.pexels.com for this extraordinary image!

Google Translate - Smartphone Style!

I have easily become a huge fan of Google Translate! Using my iPhone, I can speak the words using my phone's microphone, take a picture using the camera or write a word and with a snap, it is translated!

I held the phone up to a friend who spoke Spanish, using the microphone and Google Translate translated it in English for me.

Google hits it out of the park with this one!

Google Keep

One of my all time favorite apps is Google Keep  It is an app that works on computers, smartphones, tablets and seamlessly syncs instantaneously in between them all. This is a great app that offers great ways to keep organized and manage all the "things" in your life - and what a nice addition to the Google Apps family! Google Keep is easy to access, super easy to add reminders, lists and pictures. Added features include setting reminders, adding collaborators, color coding events and items to make them distinguishable, and complete access to a variety of lists that can be created.


I have several Google Accounts and in Google Keep, I'm able to switch in between accounts for my organized list of 'to-dos' for each. This is incredibly helpful.

I'm excited to introduce this to our 4th & 5th Graders - Google Keep will come in handy for them to keep up with assignments, due dates, lists of materials or activities, and so much more.


This is a great idea...and a great app!

Surveys, Assessments, Exit Tickets and More...oh my!

This question comes up several times a year: the need to do an assessment or the need to survey a class about a completed unit of study...what program works best?  Here are a few that I use:

Three times a year, I Survey Students in the Tech Lab about a variety of topics we've covered throughout the year. A great program for this has been Socrative (http://www.socrative.com/) There is a 'Free' account and then a recently added (and very cool, I might add) 'Pro' account.  The signup is easy and getting started creating the survey, a snap.  Pictures, texts are added and a 'Class Code' is created.  This code is given to the Students, they enter the 'Room' and can either take the survey at my pace or at their own pace. Once everyone is finished, a report is download to view results. This might be a good option for getting Parents Contact Info along with their interest in volunteering at Open House or any other event that pops up.  The report can then be sorted and printed or saved on a device for access throughout the year.  I am a big fan of this program not just because it's easy to use, but because you can also access it from any device.  I've been in a class where phones, chromebooks, iPads and Macs were all taking a survey at once.  Very cool!


Google Forms (https://www.google.com/forms/about/) is another great option and part of Google's amazing suite of programs. Similarly to the other Google Apps, this is another option for creating forms, assessments, surveys or exit tickets.  Again, very easy to create and the templates are quite appealing. When the questions are answered, by clicking on the tab "Results",  allows for easy & quick access to the data, that can then be converted to a spreadsheet for sort, print and save.  Google Forms is another program we use for Open House, Volunteer Sign-ups and more. I like how the form can be connected to Google Classroom & most all other Learning Management Systems, which makes it incredibly easy to get Students input quickly without creating links or embed codes. Nice feature.

Keeping Organized with....Google Keep!

New to me, Google Keep, is quickly becoming my favorite app & online program for taking notes. Google has hit it out of the park, yet again, with this one.  In it, I can keep lists of things that I need at the store, appointments that need to be made or things I simply need to remember.  As well, it is a very attractive program as you can add pictures as a header to the note, as well as change the color background of each note.  I like that reminders can be added for days and times in the future and a notification alerts when it comes due.  Another very cool feature is the ability to add collaborators to the note.  This is how we can keep track of due dates and group reminders.  There are two views: a listed view and a 'canvas' view.  On either view, when the item is pressed, it can be moved to another area on the screen or list, making it easy to change priorities quickly. An audio option is also available & useful for adding items. Available online, as well as on iOS & Android smartphones & tablets that sync simultaneously with each added item.  I also have opened up each of my Google Apps accounts, so I'm able to keep notes for my personal account & my school account, as well as switch in between very easily.  Hands down, a great way to keep organized!

Ideas for Next Year....Right Here!

Already, I have ideas for next year!  And even though we just ended the School year and we're fresh into the Summer...sleeping in and getting started on a tan, I'm jazzed about things I'm going to do with Students next School year! Here's a few:

#1 - Exit Tickets - Next year, 3rd thru 5th will end each Lab time with an Exit Ticket and I'm using Padlet! (www.padlet.com) Each work station will have a QR code for their Grade and will ask the question: "What did you learn today" or "What do you still have questions about". Invariably, this will help plan for Lab times to come and steps to help them. This will be that added 'reflective' step that I feel I've missed this past year. Some Students went flying through each activity, while some struggled with certain steps. This might clear that up!  I can't wait to see what they will have in mind!

#2 - Document Level Checklists - Essentially, for each document we learn to create; whether it's a Word Doc, a Presentation Doc or a Spreadsheet Doc,  there will be a checklist of things they'll need to accomplish in each to be proficient.  So, if a Student is in 5th Grade, they will start at the Kindergarten Level Checklist and work their way up to the final checklist for 5th Grade.  The final check is to "Present in Peer-Review & in their Digital Portfolio w/reflective comments".  Here's the Checklist for the Word Document!  I'm really excited about this one.  There are similar ones for Presentation Documents and Spreadsheet Documents.  My favorite part is the reflective part where Students will engage in Peer Review & adding a link or screen-shot to their Digital Portfolios.

#3 - Speaking of Digital Portfolios, I was quite pleased with Students in 3rd thru 5th using Microsoft SWAY. (https://sway.com/) They added 'Cards' with pictures and reflective comments about their completed Tech projects throughout the year.  Very cheeky program and the Students enjoyed adding their content.  At the end of the year, select Students presented their Portfolios to the rest of us.  The imaginations of these Students was really quite something.  I learned so much about what they think, what they like and what still gives them issues with technology.  Glad to know....this creates a checklist, of sorts, for next year!

For Kinder, 1st & 2nd Grade Friends, we'll use Seesaw. (http://web.seesaw.me/)  A perfect program that is fun to use, while easy to add any type of content.  I love this program!  More off, Students really do too! I also like using this program for Discussions with older grades about a whole host of topics. My favorite part is that I have to approve each entry prior to the rest of the Lab seeing the posts.  This is one of my favorite programs of all time! 

For next year: Reflection...Success Checklists....More Reflection!  I think I'm on my way here to a great new start to the new School Year! Bring it on....well....after some time sleeping in and working on that tan!

Creating QR Codes in Google Apps!

My earlier posts have included some of my ideas for using QR Codes in the Classroom.  Since many of my activities require a bunch of QR Codes, I needed a way to 'batch' create the codes instead of creating them one-by-one.

So...what better way to create these Codes in mass quantities then by using my Google Apps account!  Here are easy step-by-steps for getting the job done:

1) In Google Apps, create a 'Sheets'
2) Adjust column and row height and width to make a large square (approximately 3"x3").
3) Title Column 'A':  Text/URL/Contact Information or whatever you want your QR to contain.
4) Title Column 'B':  QR Code
5) In Column 'A', on each row, type in what you want your QR Code to be about (text, contact, URL, etc.)
6) In Column 'B', type in this formula:

       =image("https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?chs=150x150&cht=qr&chl="&A2)

Note that the last 2 characters of this formula represent the cell from Column 'A'. If you copy & paste this formula down Column 'B', make certain that last number is for the correct/adjacent Column 'A' cell.
 
7) Tip: If the QR Code doesn't show in the cell in Column 'B', try looking at it from 'Print View'. Many times, my cells were blank, but in 'Print View', I saw the code and it scanned perfectly.

8) Before going live with these Codes, I always 'test drive' them for accuracy and to make sure there are no errors.


Voilà!....you've made QR Codes!


Elana Moore

YouTube Kids!

Breaking News:  Google launched the YouTube Kids app today (literally) and I like it!  No...I love it!  Totally kid-friendly, without all the 'holding-your-breath' moments of anxiety flipping from video to video. And best of all, there are no cringe-worthy ads to pop up!  Thank you Google!  YouTube Kids is a free app for both iOS and Android devices. Time Limits and Search Limits can both be set, which are nice features. With 'Search' turned off, kiddos can still have access to and enjoy the Shows, Music, Learning & Explore Channels....which are jammed packed with good, clean and really-fun entertainment.  I tested many searches and was pleased at the "safe" outcomes.  Activities and videos like KidPresident, Legos, Kiwi Crate with fun science experiments, Art for Kids Hub with 'how to draw' videos make up some of the fun things kids can do in this very kid-friendly environment. 

Here's a look: (http://youtu.be/OUmMAAPX6E8)

YouTube Kids is now on all of our School's iPads and will be used for centers, for extra learning time and for indoor recess.  As well, many of our Staff Members with younger children were very happy to download it on their personal devices.  Again...thank you Google!

Happy about this safe viewing for our young friends!

Elana Moore

Thank you Google...Classroom by Google

I'm such a Google fan! Google Classroom (no surprise) is amazing! It is a "safe" environment for Students and Staff to interact, capture assignments and view classroom announcements. Students enter in a classroom code which links them to their classroom. They can see their assignments, view, edit and participate in discussions, add pictures, videos and so much more. This is a great tool! 

Off the top, one thinks of Edmodo and Schoology...and tho they "own" this arena, Google is now giving you a great alternative!l

I'm a cheerleader for "Classroom". In a snap, my Encore Classrooms were set up, assignments were easily made. It all was just that easy!

Good job Google...good job!

Elana Moore

A Virtual Field Trip!

I love to start the year off with 2nd & 3rd Graders taking a Virtual Field Trip using....Google Earth!  It is so much fun watching them travel the globe!  We first talk about what it's like to be a Virtual Traveler and then have the Students guess which application would be the best for such an experience.  Their eyes light up when they hear how they'll travel!!  And why not? Google Earth is an awesome tool to use as they set their sights on famous landmarks all over the world, like:  Leaning Tower of Pisa, The Eiffel Tower, Niagara Falls, the Speedway in Daytona, the Statue of Liberty, and throwing on a virtual bikini for a trip to Hawaii! Their list is full of world famous landmarks that I switch out each year for new experiences!

To get the best view of these sites, have the Students change the settings under 'Labels' to make sure they are seeing all the 3D images, by clicking on the arrow next to 'Gallery' and the box next to '3DCities'. Then, challenged them to click on as many of the 3D-balls in their windows for the ultimate 'Field Trip'!  I also encourage them to look at the buildings, people and surroundings....are there similarities or differences from our own lives...and what are they?  Would you want to live or vacation in these places?  And so many more questions that help in this exciting exchange!

This experience is a great starter to learning all about these places and more as they begin 'Research Season' in their Grade level activities! 

Bonus:  Have Students take screen-shots of their favorite places, making sure to cite their sources, as a part of a creative writing experience!

Ideas:

* Use Google Earth for "Holidays Around The World"

* As part of their learning to Research.

* Use as a part of Civic Ed - what are the differences/similarities between the way we live our lives and those that live a world away?

* View ancient ruins

* View planets in outer space!

Happy Traveling!

Elana Moore

"Safe Search for Kids by Kids"

 

Kid Rex.org is a safe search engine powered by Google and is a great way for Elementary aged Students to research topics for their projects or any assignment in a safe environment. This will come in handy during "Research Season" at our School!

Happy Safe Search!
Elana Moore