Many of my teachers wished they had enough iPads so that each of their students could have their own. Unfortunately, that isn't always possible. If, however, you have some iPads for your students you can still use Google Drive easily in your classroom! One of the challenges of students sharing one iPad is that they have to log in and out of Google Drive, RIght? Turns out there's a way around logging in and out with a pin code. Caveats: This only works with Google Drive (not other, non-Google apps, that kids will still have to login/out of). It doesn't (as of today) work with Google Classroom. Setting this up:
Voila, you can now share an iPad between mutliple students without having to remind them to logout. This works for all Google Apps (Docs, Slides, etc) with the exception of Classroom (so far). Thank to one of my colleages & GAFE for this info. Google is tricky- we've all been there...you come in on Monday morning, login to your account and it suddenly looks different. It can be a little unnerving (especially when you're training)- but I like the change, it keeps me on my toes.
So, I wasn't surprised last month when Google (reasonably) quietly released Google Keep (keep.google.com). Initially, I didn't know too much about it and I waited a couple of weeks to investigate it because I didn't know if I would use it. Do I ever! It turns out that I love Keep. I probably should have started out with "What is Google Keep?" Google Keep manages lists, reminders, and notes for me, which I really like. I know there are other services and sites that do that too, but I already use Google a lot and it's nicely integrated right into my existing account. The top three reasons I like Keep are:
Do I wish for more from Google Keep? Of course (this wouldn't be my blog if I didn't!). Primary on my list of concerns is that there is no iOS app. You can use it in Chrome on your iPhone or iPad but it's not great. The experience on the Andriod app is pretty awesome, as is the web desktop version. It's in both my personal accounts as well as my Apps for Education account- so this could definitely be a great tool to use with your students and integrate as part of your class. It would work well in conjunction with Calendar to keep kids organized and on track. I could also see students collaborating on a shared writing checklist, end of the day proceedure, or even steps in a science lab. I especially like the sharing aspect of Keep. Have a Google Account? Give Keep a try! Full disclosure: this is a BIG departure from what I usually write about. It has nothing to do with education (unless you really read into it). If you skip this post, I completely understand :)
Were you after the Lilly {Pulitzer} + Target stuff this morning? I know I was. I had plans for those pineapple sandals (size 10) and one of the shift dresses (size 4). I even got up before 8 to get there, grab my coveted items, and get home for a relaxing Sunday al fresco with the husband. Then I woke up. A friend and I got to Target at 8:03....Eight Oh Three! There was nothing left on the racks. Nothing {PS: Target opens at 8}, What I did see was a whole mess of frantic girls and women hunting, searching, and cajoling. People seemed desperate- they were stalking and hunching in aisles over piles of treasures like Smeagol/Gollum from LOTR. They were animals. I couldn't believe it...it happened again- (cue memories of Zac Posen & Missoni). So. Stinking. Frustrating. After my third Target today (where they were taking down signs & promotional stuff, since it was truly over), I got to thinking- what's the deal? How can everything sell out in FOUR minutes? As I logged into ebay to find my two items, I realized I knew how. I'm helping make a market for the lunatics that swoop into target and fill their shopping cart with everything on the rack. They clearly are not shopping for themselves, their families, or friends. They're shopping for ebay. It wasn't one hour after it went on sale at Target that the postings were on ebay. I want to say it's not fair, I want to say it's not right- that it's Target's fault for not instituting limits on how much people can buy....but if I'm going to spend even $20 over the retail price on those pineapple sandals (they're really cute), then I'm contributing. It's my fault. So what if I didn't? What if we didn't? What if we don't make room for that resale market of the swooped goods? What if when the list these items, we agree to pay retail and no more? I'm going to do it. If I find my items at retail prices on eBay, I'll get them. If not, then not...I don't need them anyway. And that's really the lesson, we don't need all of these things. As Americans (most of us) have SO much. Instead of hustling our children to Target on a Sunday morning to grab at Lilly gear (I get it...it really is darling), let's focus on our relationships, experiences, and living our best life. That's something I can get behind. Who's with me? I use Chrome...a lot. There are many reasons why Chrome is my browser of choice (#2 is Opera), but that's a different list for another day. One reason I love Chrome that there are extensions and apps you can add into Chrome to make it even better.
Chrome Apps and Extensions are bits of software that you choose and install to do specific things. Keep in mind that if your school district may restrict the use of some extensions and apps (some of mine are). These are in a loose list in order of how much I use them, which gives some indication of how wonderful I think they are. If you'd like more details on any of them, feel free to contact me...I'd be glad to share more/help you! Instructions for adding extensions/apps here.
Do you use Chrome extensions or apps? What are your favorites? Something happened this morning: I was collaborating on Twitter with @techy_Margaret & @thatswightman and I added a random hashtag (#TechCoachBookClub)...trying to be clever. But, guess what? It's real, and it's happening. April 14th at 8pm will be the first Instructional Technology Coach Book Club.
I am excited to collaborate and connect with people near and far who do what I do. Our first book will be The 20Time Project (amazon link). The plan is for us to read it and then join a discussion between 8-9 pm on Tuesday, April 14th. I'm tentatively planning that our discussions will be on the second Tuesday of each month. Information is on a website here. Like it? Share this idea with your colleagues...have an issue? Let me know! So, I got this email from Facebook today: ...which was pretty amazing, yet disturbing. I've been making a conscious effort to stay off Facebook (I'm not judging you!). Why? Because I don't really post on Facebook...ever (basically the opposite of my relationship with Instagram, and Twitter). I only consume on Facebook, and I think I tend to be happier without spending as much time on it as I have been recently. If I'm going to be honest about MY Facebook (and why not?), I don't follow too many people anymore. We're 'friends', but I don't follow them in my feed. There are only so many times I want to see your: naked kids in the bath (zero times), you in a bikini (eeek!), or what you had for dinner last night (...). It's nice that Facebooks lets you maintain that connection without having to see things you aren't interested in. Oddly enough, my Facebook feed is about 90% these three things:
Facebook (for me) tends to be a time-waste vortex. I accomplish nothing and can easily lose 2 hours on it (at least with Pinterest, I actually DO some things I pin). I'm not saying I'm going to leave FB, I tried that...it didn't work. But, I would like to get my use down to 1-2 times a week, rather than (embarrassingly) 4-5 times a day. All told, the nerd in me loves that Facebook knows that I haven't been logged in and can email me, but at the same time, it creeps me out a bit. What's your relationship with Social Media like? The role our phones now play in our lives is amazing. It's funny that it's still called a phone, since it is such a departure from what used to be on the kitchen wall. I use my phone to take photos, connect with friends, do work, my banking, even control the lights in my living room. Given the multifaceted functions these computers (seriously, that's essentially what they are) can do, it astounds me how little security people utilize when carrying them around. Here's the story: recently, a student came into my office and explained that her phone had been stolen (she has recovered it). The thief reset her phone in attempts to use it, so all of her content was erased...including her photos. My first question was: "Did you have a passcode on it?". She said she did, but it was still set on simple passcode (just 4 numbers) AND she used the row straight down the middle...which is the first thing I always guess. People hear a lot about password and device security, and I think most of them just brush it off. It really is important to safeguard your information. Not only to keep yourself protected, but also to keep control of your content. Back up your phone and make a difficult passcode. If yours is numbers, change it- here are instructions on turning off simple passcode (on iPhone...need something else? Let me know). A good passcode contains:
It's never too early to help students develop good habits when protecting themselves online- passcode security is part of that. You can help by modeling good security, too!
What steps do you take to secure your online identity? Google Classroom has probably been the best new tool of 2014-2015 in our division. What I have especially been loving about it is that Google has taken teacher (and Tech Coach) feedback to heart and has made changes to enhance the experience for teachers and students.
Recently, Google has made these changes to Classroom (& the App):
I appreciate that Google makes changes based on feedback and is really working hard to make this FREE resource work for teachers. Does your staff worry about being replaced by computers? I think ( okay, I know) that some of mine does. Our division put an online learning graduation requirement in place and I have heard that some people are concerned that they will be replaced by an online course.
It makes sense...we could have the students all on module-type courses working from home or proctored computer labs...or have one teacher instructing hundreds of students in an online course. It would certainly save money in these times of tight budgets. Seriously though? I don't see that ever happening. I certainly hope it doesn't happen! While I love online learning (it works really well for me), I know so many more teachers (and students) who aren't fans. I would wager that most people need at least some face-to-face, human interaction in order to learn comfortably and effectively. Module, automated-type courses offer a wonderful opportunity for credit recovery, acceleration, and home-bound students but for the majority of learners, I doubt that is their preferred method of instruction. Even when you add an online teacher into the mix, some people don't know that teaching an online course is A LOT of work! It takes organization, engagement, and (copious amounts of) time to make an effective online teacher-led course. If I were the coordinator for online learning, I'd make the classes smaller online, than they are in a brick & mortar school. As an Instructional Technology Coach, I love to inspire teachers to use more technology to engage and inspire their students, but I worry that some of them might think that the computers are trying to replace them. So, I made this (below) and put it on my office wall, just so those concerned teachers know where I stand. Feel free to print it and post it in your space, too. I have supported a number of 1:1 classes with different types of devices: iPads, laptops, Chromebooks. I am passionate about 1:1 learning. I understand the challenges (read: funding) to making that happen in many schools, but if a teacher is going to REALLY integrate technology into their instruction, then technology needs to be ubiquitous...like paper.
Do people think twice about a classroom having paper? Of course not- that's just something that you 'have' to have in order to teach/learn, just like students. Back in the day, paper was a hot commodity (truth be told, at some schools is still is now). Students would write on any scrap they could find and many times, practice was done on slates or other reusable-type surface. Over time, paper became less expensive, readily available and in most classes (ubiquitous) and now, most people can't image a classroom without it. Shouldn't technology be the same? If you wheel a cart of devices in once a week or have 2 computers set up in the back (that take 20 minutes to login), is that really integrating technology into instruction? I think there is really only one way for teachers (and students) to fully embrace technology and to truly integrate it into teaching and learning...by having a 1:1 classroom. One device for one student, every day, all day. When considering expanding 1:1 programs, my guiding idea is that students should reach for that device like they would any other tool...it should be the paper, the pencil in the classroom. When that happens, you're integrated. Aside from the money issues (ugh, money), a 1:1 program is scary for teachers (and for IT support if we're being honest). When you ask teachers to make a shift from what they've been taught and what they've been doing, it's a cause for apprehension. There are some things you can do as the coach to ensure (hopefully?) a positive outcome. 1. Make time. You might not know it now, but that teacher is going to need a lot of your time. Plan with them before the students get their devices. Spend some time in the classroom, especially when kids first get their devices. Set aside some on-going planning time with the teacher (this is SO valuable). This is your ambassador, your baby bird...eventually they will fly from the nest and share the wonders of 1:1 at your site, but they're going to need support to get there. 2. Build a student support network. I take a two-tiered approach on this. First: ask the teacher to identify a handful-ish (2-6) of students that are capable, kind, and trustworthy to be your student support team. These students should be the first place that classmates go for support (train the teacher to refer kids to colleagues first). I love this because it shows that students can fix problems too AND it saves the teachers' time, which is key. Second: get self-serve resources together for kids. Make a link for password resets, support guides, and other helpful information all in one place so that students can be self-sufficient. Most of them don't want to ask for help, so give them the tools to be a problem-solver. 3. Get an extra device. I can't think of how many times one device would go down and the teacher would be desperate for another, because they had their whole lesson based on needing that device (YAY...that's just what I wanted!). Rather than disrupting the lesson or having them share, have an extra device (if you can). It doesn't have to be the newest or the best- just something that they can use to do the same work. I won't lie. Starting, expanding, and maintaining 1:1 programs is a lot of work, but in my experience, it is the best way to support teachers in shifting their instruction and supporting students in learning how to learn for the future. Could I have saved a whole mess of aggravation by not pushing them with my school? Sure. But the benefits and fantastic changes coming out of those classes make me want to transform the whole school into a 1:1 learning zone. A Tech Coach can dream... |
Kendra MurphyI'm a Technology Coach and IT Support for a school. I'm passionate about 1:1 classrooms technology in instruction. Archives
September 2015
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