Student Google Logins Are Available

Thanks to Mike, TJ, and Scott for sending out the "all clear" for teachers to begin working with student district Google log ins.

The lists of student user names/ gmail addresses are in a folder on the Staff Shared Directory under “Google Student Account Info”.  You’ll need to know that location if you want to import them for sending of group student emails (instructions for doing that are below).

Information on passwords is provided below:

WHY ARE THESE COMING OUT NOW?

We’re sending these out now because some teachers have expressed an interest in getting started/ experimenting a bit using Google docs with their students.  In fact, Melanie Strock and Ara Fee (among others) have already started experimenting – Melanie to post, track, and receive assignments and Ara as a way for students to turn in assignments and take quizzes using his website.  Some others would like to use online resources that require a student email.  Please know that nobody is being required to use these now, but there’s certainly no time like the present to get started if you’re ready.    

WHAT CAN I DO WITH THEM?

1. Get students into some of the Google Apps (like Google Docs).

 – and if you have a website and would like students to “turn in” Google docs assignments on it, I’ll be showing everyone how to do that in Google Forms training in February, but I’m very happy to show you before then – just let me know and I'll show you how).

2.  Maybe you’d like to use an online resource and students need emails for registration purposes.

3.  Once students have email addresses, you can send them email reminders, assignments, make up work, etc. 

• How can I make contacts out of all those names and send a mass email to all or some of my students at once?

• To set up groups and create mailing lists for them, here's my how-to video (and as always, I’m also happy to show you in person).

HOW SHOULD STUDENTS LOG IN? 

AND how can students get forgotten passwords reset? 

 AND how can I get my own STAFF password reset? 

Ask students to use the the DISTRICT Google Login. Depending on how a teacher decides to share information, students may not have access to everything if they don't; in addition, students won't need to remember the long log in username.

The district login link is in 3 places on the MIDDLE SCHOOL edline site: Student Links (Google Apps for Education Log In (District) and Staff Links(Google Apps for Education Log In (District); it’s also the first link under Links.  It’s also on the LV District site).

   

WHAT'S THE LOG IN AND PASSWORD? 

Since this is a public site, please log in using your LV District Google account information and then click HERE.

I now have access to the dashboard, which allows me to reset passwords & add and delete students; I can also now reset staff passwords, so please let me know of issues related to these functions.

Microsoft's Answer to Google Docs and SmartBoard Online

Check these out...
 (and let us know what you think)

1.  SkyDrive from Microsoft

UPDATE:  the name has been changed to ONE DRIVE (read about it here)

One 1:1 issue that's garnering plenty of discussion is what happens if students no longer have access to Word (or other programs in the MS Office Suite) but teachers still want to use some Word docs they love and continue to create assignments using Word.

Teachers have said they would like to be able to...

• Create a "Word" (or PowerPt or Excel) doc that has a link, just like a Google Doc does;
• Get a link to that Word document that is both shareable and embeddable in a website;
• Allow students to be able to type on and make changes in that Word document, even if they no longer have access to the MS. Suite;
• Upload and get a link for an already-created Word doc with images/graphs so it doesn't have to be redone (because Google docs often loses image/chart integrity in the upload process);
• Be able to work with that document across other devices (like an ipad) and sync it.

Here is a possible solution --from Microsoft itself -- that's been out there but, in my opinion, has not been publicized nearly enough:

SkyDrive is Microsoft's answer to Google docs.  It works through Microsoft Live and does all the things I just listed... for free, in the cloud, with a simple registration process.  

The SkyDrive version of Word does not have all the bells and whistles of full Word software, but it has the most important functions.  Also, teachers, whenever you create a SkyDrive document, you have the option of creating it using full Word or the online version (as long as your computer already has the full version, of course).

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Signing up is easy (and if you already have a hotmail account, you're already there):   SIGN UP

Learn more about Office Web Apps

Download the app for your device

Very good tutorial with some time-saving hints

Notice that once I have Skydrive, it automatically lists on my drive:

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I've been playing with SkyDrive a bit and find it pretty easy to use -- please let me know what you think/ come see me with questions.

2.  Smart Notebook Online

Both of these Smart Notebook Web options are relatively new and still in development, but according to the website, you can now "View, save, and interact with Smart Notebook Files" online.

The "express" version HERE allows you to save.  Lessons are also easily shareable online and across devices.  Here's a nice little overview video. 

There's a beta version HERE (they're still testing it);does not allow saving for now.

(source: http://www.simmonsinclass.com/2011/06/08/smart-notebook-in-the-clouds/)

Experiment ... and let me or your Tech Team Leader (Adam Britton, Justin Fickes, Ara Fee) know what you think.

  

Some Words of Introduction to Adam's Guest Blog and Video

Before you watch the video about Adam...

Whenever I work on a project that I know will take a lot of time to complete anyway, I always make sure I learn something new in the process -- I love a good challenge.  Well, in creating the video to accompany Adam's blog, I wanted to try to do something with video editing I'd not done before, namely, layer in some video of him in the classroom to complement his preference for talking tech via a Google Hangout (which, as he says in the video, he did because he also wanted to learn something new).  I also needed to edit down our original Hangout to about half its length and hoped to create at least a somewhat cohesive final product.

The software I decided to use, Camtasia Studio, I had on a 30 day trial; somehow the nice Tech Smith people forgot to remove my ability to use it after my 30 days were up, so I thought I was lucky.  As it turned out, eh... not so much: I believe the software slowly self-destructs after the trial period, because whole slices of video were playing back empty or black, the software froze up after about fifteen minutes each time I used it, and it didn't like the format of the video I was using, even though it was the required type. 

So this little video project, which I originally thought might take me a few evening or weekend hours here or there, has ended up taking almost a month. It's also very imperfect, but I'm ok with that because I'm learning something new.  I also ascribe to the notion, whether it's about integrating technology or about life in general, that it's not about the destination, it's about the journey.

All the little bits and pieces across the bottom (eventually) became the final video.

Although that "free" software ended up costing me a lot of time, I still leave the experience feeling satisfied about two things:  I did learn how to do some simple layering of video, and -- most importantly -- I can now share my results, imperfect as they are, with others who I know will learn a lot from watching and listening to Adam's realistic take on becoming a "tech genius" and his plans for next year.

Believe me when I say that not all video editing software is as aggravating as what I chose to use; in fact, the title slides and music I added using MovieMaker, which is pretty user-friendly -- happily, Adam's blog also includes his document listing user-friendly screen cast tools.

As Adam says and writes below, using technology requires being ok when efforts are imperfect -- just be proud of the challenge you took on and CLICK SOME BUTTONS! With those words, I'll send you to Adam's guest blog and video.  I know you'll be inspired!

Random Thoughts On 1:1 - Clicking Buttons

by Adam Britton

In thinking about 1:1, I just wanted to talk about a couple of things that will be important in our transition. First off, get to know Google! Secondly, don’t be afraid to click buttons!

Apparently, this Google thing is a pretty big deal. We will be using their services and they offer a wide variety of useful apps. We are only scratching the surface right now. Google has a lot of help menus, but these apps don’t really come with an instruction manual. My advice then is to sign into Google and click something that looks interesting. Take some time to explore. There is no doubt that it will take some time. But there are lots of apps that can do so many things that can enhance what you want to do in the classroom. I think you are going to feel left behind if you are waiting for training for Google features. There are basics that will be addressed and some folks are masters of other Google apps, but you have got to explore for yourself to see what will fit your classroom!

This segues into my next point...don’t be afraid to click buttons. Sometimes I feel like people are afraid that they are going to collapse the Google infrastructure with the single click of a button! Google isn’t stupid enough to give us that kind of power! It is also important to note that the Google products change as they are continually improving and adding new features to what they offer. Be flexible and adaptable!

I think one of the things that separates the “tech experts” in the building is that willingness to try out some new piece of software and click buttons. I don’t think of myself as a “tech expert.” If a student went back in the room in the library and changed on of the network cables and caused us to lose Internet access...I’d be clueless. However, I am definitely not afraid to click buttons. I think that comes from a lack of patience in dealing with my Father. My Father was not afraid to bring in new technology and try new devices or software in our home. However, his approach was to always consult an instruction manual. This was always too slow for me. I’d just think about what the device/software could do and then click on the button that made the most sense. That usually works about 75% of the time.

But please understand, clicking buttons is a frustrating process. It leads to a lot of dead ends and frustration. But eventually you work through the obstacles. All of a sudden, you have become a “tech expert”! This is how I’ve learned to use student response systems, screencasting, and now Google products.

In my latest venture, I am looking to create an app. I was inspired by the potential grant money in the “Straight A” fund that Mr. Hile has referenced in our numerous e-mails. Although I won’t bore you with the details, the short story is that I need to create an app. I’ve never done this before. I don’t have a degree in computer science or programming. Right now, ... it looks like a foreign language to me. But I’m going to be patient, I’m going to explore, I’m going to go click some buttons...

Take a peek inside Adam's classroom and hear how he has really become a "tech genius" ... also, discover what he really thinks of Debbie Fehrman, find out about the "Scott Beery" app and hear why Justin's the guy to go to (at least sometimes)!  ****************************************

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http:

//www.niu.edu/taconnections/images/articles/screencasting.jpg

Some screencasting resources from Adam:

Here's Adam's document with some screencasting tools ... give them a try!

Below is one of Adam's "Math Casts" he's working on for a potential "flipped classroom"environment next year:

After-School Session, a Superstar & a Couple of Quick How-to's

Google Docs

...so we started making some inroads into Google Drive and Google Docs Monday after school. I think everyone was able to at least log in, find Drive, create a folder and document, and understand the importance of careful sharing.

Some shared documents with each other and some stayed after the others had left for a little small group encouragement. It was great to see how much the teachers at LVMS support each other as learners and colleagues. Such stellar determination! 

I let them know -- and will repeat it again -- I'm more than happy to spend a little or a lot of time with small groups or individuals. If you get stuck and can't find your way out, I'm right down the hallway.  

And if you’re new to Google docs, just remember that if you can create a document and share it -- you’re well on your way.  Practice those things until you’re relatively comfortable -- and then one day you’ll find yourself feeling ready to click somewhere else on Drive. And from there you’ll click somewhere else. And somewhere else.  And that, anyone who already uses a lot of tech will tell you,  is how you learn to use tech.  There’s no magic involved, just some brave clicking.

We’ll do it all over again Monday, October 21st 28th at 2:30 in room 146 for anyone who missed it or just wants to come back to practice some more.

Next Blog = Teacher Focus

Speaking of people who use a lot of tech, the next blog will focus on one of our real tech “superstars”.  Our colleague, Adam Britton, has written our first guest blog, and I'll be posting it as soon as I can edit together some footage of him in the classroom and a video interview he and I did together last week.  I can’t wait for you all to read and hear what he has to say about the real way teachers become tech integrators and to see him in action in his classroom.

Until then, 

A couple of practical things:

Some teachers have asked me …

a. How to change passwords for their district Google email/ Drive accounts. I'll show you how in just 20 seconds HERE.  

b. How to make the Book Mark bar visible.  Before I talked about Google in our session, I did a shout-out for some of Google Chrome browser’s unique capabilities, including being able to easily organize most-visited/ most needed sites and the ability to pin tabs so they’ll open automatically every time you open Chrome. 

I’ll mention that again at the repeat session on the 21st, but for those who said they didn't seem to have a Bookmarks Bar, click here to see how to make it visible.


Finally, everyone, please do let me know what you're up to, ed tech-wise, so I can show you off -- we learn best from each other, as you know, so don't be shy! Also, please let me know if you want to have a Google play session. Keep at it!

1:1 Preparation: No Time Like the Present

What was Carol Sgambellone feeling so triumphant about last week?   







And Jake Hendershot and Parker Koch -- you two were looking very confident!







No doubt it was because they had just succeeded in getting their first Google Sites up and running. Why now? Well, the school year has truly gotten itself into gear, so it's time to start preparing for next year's 1:1 push out. What better way to start than by creating an online space for materials that students can access 24/7?

The three amigos above, and many other teachers including the entire 7th grade team -- who have collaborated on a fabulous team website --, are getting an early start on creating a great 1:1 environment -- and it's only September! (watch for a guest blog by this fun team in November!).

Back row: Ara Fee, Nikki Thompson, Ryan Fitz; Front row: Connie Mick, Traci Lausberg, Mary Stafford, Debbie Fehrman.

Now, since the school year is well under way,
it's time for some organized, school-wide 1:1 prep...

Based on Waiver Day department comments and ongoing conversations with teachers, here are your requests (mostly in your own words) for 1:1 training/development... and a plan for solutions to start us off:

The goal is to provide everyone with a variety of ways to learn and practice: just as our students need differentiation, so do we:

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Your request:  Training in small sessions on Google docs, sites & forms; access to help according to our needs and with designated topics.

Solution: Monday Google Sessions

To help accommodate busy schedules, Google training sessions will be held twice a month with the same info repeated the second session. This starts on October 7.  See a tentative list of dates and topics here. The idea with these is to make them as self-paced as possible so no one feels their time is wasted and so learners can return to the training at their convenience. 

Google training sessions will start at 2:30: The "presenting" part won't be designed to take more than a few minutes, and then teachers will have sandbox time for independent or small group practice.  You can be in and out in half an hour or so OR stay later to practice or get more help. If you are already experienced in the topic for that month, I hope you'll come anyway to be an extra set of helping hands and to give a rah-rah!  to anyone who needs it. 

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Your request:  Regularly planned connections to technology (after school); a time and place to share our expertise with each other.
Solution 1:  Open Doors

I have heard from a lot of you that you would find benefit in knowing what other teachers are doing and would like to share with them in return. 

One example:  Jeff Wills approached Scott and me about opening his doors to anyone who wants to observe him in his 1:1 environment.  You can see how he manages students and find out how he organizes himself and deals with "bad technology" days.  Just see him for a time/day. 

(Who else wants to put yourself on the list of open doors?  let me know)


Solution 2:  Professional Idea Exchanges (P.I.E.)

P.I.E. is an informal, teacher- driven share session.  Know of a good online quizzing system?  Have ideas for managing a class in a 1:1 setting?  have you found online source for digital projects?  Are you using Edmodo or another information platform you love?  Do you use Twitter? Want to talk about screencasting?

Simply demonstrate/ show examples/ enthuse for a bit about something we can all use this year or next. The Idea Exchanges can also be used to check out what we've just heard about, talk tech, share other resources, ask questions, solve problems, etc.

Since P.I.E. is teacher driven, teachers will need to volunteer themselves to take turns/"sign up" to take a session; however, because P.I.E. is an informal gathering, there is no need for a lot of preparation.  It's meant to be a no-stresser. 

  P.I.E. = colleagiality and informality.

These gatherings can be held bi-weekly or monthly after school for half an hour or so.  (I'll organize the sign up for this -- I'd love some suggestions as to frequency and days)

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Your request:  Time during the day to practice (not after school)

One Solution:  Department & Team Meetings

Although completing other curricular work is a primary use of Department Meetings, some of the assigned time can also be set aside for creating 1:1 materials and planning, as well as for observing at the high school. See Scott to request/plan this. 

I would also love to work with a department tech leader (see below) to find resources and ideas that can be shared with the department and practiced during department meeting days. 

Weekly team meetings, of course, are another place to practice, share, and get assistance.  Please let me know how I can help.

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Your request:  Create "team tech leaders" for help during team meetings.

Solution:  Who are the people in your team/ department who have a bit of a handle on the tech thing?  Please talk it out and choose someone at the team and department levels to be part of a LVMS Tech Leader Team.  I'd ask that person to please stop by and let me know it's you or to email me before Friday, October 4. 

This person can serve as a conduit for information as the 1:1 gets closer, help out during training sessions, and inspire. I will also work with this leader to brainstorm some tools/ sites, etc. specific to your grade or subject area.  

Teams can work on 1:1 tasks/ tools during team meeting and department meeting times with a focus provided by the Tech Leader. 

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Your request:  Individual help for those new to using technology

Solution:   I want everyone to know my "red" door is always open and my walking boots are close by. I am eager to work one-to-one and in small groups with teachers. Please feel free to set up a time to meet with me -- once in a while or regularly -- to work on Google apps or other technology applications. Maybe you just want someone close by as you build a website in case you get stuck.  Perhaps you're looking to solve a particular classroom problem and wondering if a tech tool could provide the answer. Let's talk!

I'd also enjoy working with your classes. Have a project in mind that incorporates technology for learning? Maybe you can bring your class into the computer lab and I can co-teach with you or be a presence/ question answerer/ helper. We all know scheduling computer lab time can be hit or miss this year, but keep looking forward to next year -- you may not be able to take the learning goal all the way this year, but it's still a great time to experiment or do mini-versions of longer projects you'd like to teach next year.

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Hopefully these solutions will get us all started in the right direction in preparing for the 1:1.  As we get closer to 1:1 lift off, some more elements will be added.  What else can we do? Please stop by or email me and pass along your ideas & thoughts to flesh out our 1:1 planning.

Here were our website builders during the process: 

 

Carol, Parker, and Jake didn't have their websites built in the first ten minutes they sat down.  But they did have a vision and a purpose. And when any of their first steps got them in a ditch, they just helped each other out of that ditch... and kept moving forward, together.

While no one will force you to come to training sessions or P.I.E. gatherings, it's still crucial that we all take individual responsibility for developing skills that will help make the 1:1 initiative a success. From what I've witnessed so far, the LVMS staff support each other and are impressive collaborators. I know we are READY to make this happen... and there's no time like the present.