Tips from Around the Internet

"Oh! I should blog about that!"

It's something that I say to myself on a regular basis as I open emails from different organizations or read articles about something new and exciting; so here we go!

New Features of Google Slides
Google Slides is the Drive version of PowerPoint.  You can either upload existing PowerPoints or Keynotes or create a new slideshow directly in Google Slides.  It has many of the features you would expect from PowerPoint or Keynote, like the ability to add transitions and animations or embed videos and images.  It also has features that are not available, like collaboration with a partner or the new features that were unveiled last week - Q&A sessions and laser pointer.  Now you can create a private "chat" within a slideshow that allows viewers to ask questions or make comments during the presentation that are visible to the presenter in a separate window.  Other audience members can see these questions or comments and even "vote" for them to indicate that they have that question too.  With a wireless mouse or an app like Splashtop, presenters can now also use a virtual laser pointer to draw attention to key details in their presentation.  Pretty groovy.

Digital Resources from SCOE
I was recently reminded that the Sonoma County Office of Education not only has a fabulous lending library but also has digital collections!  The SCOE Library Media Center now has 280 new eBook titles available for Sonoma County schools. Access to the books, which are geared for grade K-10 students, is free and does not require a library services contract. The link to these free books is epointplus.com and can be accessed by using the username and password "sonoma."

Schedule Posts to Google Classroom
And finally, to you Google Classroom users, Google has added a feature that allows you to schedule posts to your classroom.  This means that you can create content ahead of time and set a day and time when that information will post so that students get the information just in time.  One way you could use this feature is to plan out a day when you know you will have a substitute.  The instructions for an assignment and directions to the class could automatically publish and the directions to the sub would be to point the kids toward classroom, where they could get instructions directly from you (you could even post a quick video of yourself giving the instructions!).

A Mathematical Tool: No theory, just a take away!

Mathematical Practice #5: Use appropriate tools strategically.

Not only do mathematically proficient students consider the available tools when solving a mathematical problem, but mathematically proficient teachers need to consider the available tools when building and supporting student understanding of mathematical concepts. The key word here is available!

Sometimes you need quick access to a copy of a simple tens frame, fraction strip, number line, or hundreds chart. And you never need it when you are on that page in the EngageNY manual. You need it way before for pre-teaching or long after for reteach and review, yet you have no idea where to go back and look for it, right?

Whether you teach KinderBridge or 8th grade, there is a mathematical tool here for you to take away and use tomorrow. Click on the link to see what's available.  http://lrt.ednet.ns.ca/PD/BLM/table_of_contents.htm  Offered in a downloadable word document format, you can manipulate these to your needs and likings. I guarantee you will want to bookmark this page in your browser!