Add to Google Classroom Chrome Extension

If you use Google Classroom then you need to try the Add to Google Classroom Chrome Extension. This allows you to easily create a new assignment or announcement from any webpage. 


The only negative part is that you can only create an assignment/announcement from this extension for one class at a time. There are 2 workarounds though:
  1. From the extension, save the post as a draft. Then click view to open the post in Classroom and from the draft assign to the various classes. 
  2. Post the assignment/announcement from the extension and then use the new reuse post feature in Classroom to re-post to multiple classes. 
Here is a quick tutorial to show you how easy it is to use this extension. 



So if you haven't tried this extension, I highly suggest you give it a try. 


Great Websites to Find Royalty Free/Creative Common Images

Many people forget that using someone else's image can violate copyright law. Here are some websites teachers and students can use to ensure they aren't breaking the law. 

Google Images
When finding an image on Google, it is important to change the usage rights to ensure the image is free to use. 


If you plan on changing the image in any way make sure to select one of the 'with modification' options. 


Pixabay
This site has nice royalty free images and you can log in with your Google account. 

Pics for Learning
Find safe photos to use in class with no login required. You also have the option to save the image to your Drive.

Photos for Class
This site has safe G rated images from the the makes of Storyboard That. There is no login required to download the images. 

Check out my page for more websites with creative commons photos. Happy image hunting!





Recording a Screen Capture Video with TechSmith Snagit's FREE Chrome Extension

TechSmith Snagit is a great tool to use to capture screenshots, capture screen capture videos and make quick GIFs. A GIF is a video that loops over and over with no sound. Here is an example:




What to learn more about using Snagit to record a video. Check out my quick tutorial:





Revision History: Great Feature in Google Drive

Revision history gives teachers and students a record of the additions, changes and deletions that are made on a Google document, spreadsheet, slide, or drawing. You must be an owner of editor of the file in order to access revision history. 

Here is a quick demonstration on how it works:


Communicating and Collaborating with Padlet

Padlet, an online bulletin board, is a great tool that teachers can use with students for communicating and collaborating. It is easy to use and students can sign in with their Google account, so no email is needed. 



Each post is limited 150 characters, so keep this in mind when choosing this tool. If you have never used Padlet, here is a quick tutorial that will get you started. 

When using Padlet with others, I like to keep the board as free-form while people are posting and then switching it to grid for people to read and to lead into the discussion.

While I feel integration ideas are endless, here are few suggestions to get your brain thinking:

  • Brainstorming Ideas - students can brainstorm writing topics, 
  • KWL chart - students can make their post title either Know, Want to Know, Learned and then give the information that pertains to each of the post titles.
  • Eportfolio - students can use this to add attachments showcasing their learning
  • Exit Tickets - students can post what they learned in class that day. 
  • Number of the Day - teacher can create the board to represent a number and the students can include all the ways you can make that number
  • Story Analysis - students can analyze the various parts of a story/book
  • Essential Questions - teachers can pose an essential question and students can give their thoughts. 
  • Observations - teachers can embed an image and students can state what they see and what they wonder about the image.
  • Art Critique - teacher can post an image of a piece of artwork and students can give their critique
  • Review - students can post the information they feel was the most important on a particular topic. This can help get a discussion going on relevant/irrelevant information. 
  • Anchor Activities - resources students can use to increase their understanding of a given concept. 
  • Problem Solving - have students take a picture of their work and upload onto a board. Students can talk about the various methods you can use for problem solving. 
Here are some of my boards:

  • English Language Arts - resources I have gathered for the language arts classroom. 
  • Math - resources I have gathered for the math classroom
  • Science - resources I have gathered for the science classroom
  • Social Studies - resources I have gathered for the social studies classroom
  • Mash-ups - combining two or more tools to create a unique learning experience


Have a great time with Padlet. I am sure you will find so many uses for this easy to use tool.