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Google forms

4/15/2016

0 Comments

 
Google Doc uh... Drive is such an eye opening idea it has made purchasing software seem silly.  Many or our teachers are already using G-Docs and having students use it too.  But what about Google Forms?
First of all What the Heck is Google Drive? It used to be called Google Docs.  Create an account at Google and you can also create Docs (Documents) which are similar in all look and feel and can even be downloaded as Microsoft Word. PowerPoint and Excel files.  The two BIGGEST reason to use this tool...
  1. It is stored in the cloud.  No saving to jump/thumb drives.  No e-mailing it home... Etc.  Just log on to your Google from any device and edit your document!  Yes, even a smart phone.
  2. Share it and have others work on your paper.  It is called collaboration.  Share the link with the teacher when you are finished to to turn it it.  No printing and wasting paper and ink...
  3. Oh, and It's free
Docs is pretty simple and I'd be happy to teach you and your students the details.  What are the details?  The "fun" part of my job is that so many of these sites change where there links are and what you can do that by the time I type up instructions it may have changed!  It is much easier to show you and have you play than to type it out.

So what about forms?

Forms is a "doc" on Google Drive.  I am sure you have filled a form out before - now it is your chance to create   one.  Start by Clicking on "Create" and chose "Form".  You will get some options and it is pretty straight forward.  But I would keep it simple.  The best thing about this form is that the supplied answers will fill in a spread sheet for you.  So keep that in mind - Each Question you ask becomes a column across the top and each response is a row.

The hard part is deciding what to use it for.  So on the right are some ideas.  Please add your own in the comments.
There is no need to ask for time or date as that will automatically be recorded.  You can also stop collecting data at any time. And you can have your patrons see the results.. or not.

Suggestions

Be sure to always as for the period, Last name AND first name in separate questions so that you can sort your spreadsheet that way.
Do not ask long questions.  You question will fill in your top row.  Use the help box for details.  It is ignored in the spreadsheet.

Ideas for forms.

  • Disclosure Statements - Have kids ..er Parents fill out the form saying they read your disclosure. Add name and contact info too.  (I have detailed instructions on this)
  • Field trip chaperons. 
  • Inventory of who has something.
  • Book requests
  • Mileage form
  • Collect student created websites or on-line documents (links) that they created.
  • Lock Down survey.
  • Lab data collection.  Students have their own data but add to the groups bigger data collection.
    Book numbers.
    Locker numbers
    ANY data you want in a spreadsheet

Other links/ideas

0 Comments

LanSchool

4/15/2016

0 Comments

 
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LanSchool on a Chrome book does work.

You know and love LanSchool, LanSchool lets you monitor/observe and remote control student computers and see what they are doing.  As well as many other features including a web history...

To install it, it must be requested and then the;
LanSchool app gets pushed from the district to student Chromebooks
LanSchool teacher gets installed by STS on teacher PC.

There are some caveats.
  • ​It is USER based, not device based.  Which means each user has to install or accept the LanSchool app. for each class.  If a student in first period who has used LanSchool on a Chromebook. When they log into a Chrome book 2nd period they will STILL show up on the first
  • Teacher must hit F5 (refresh) screen to NOT see past students.
  • Students must accept the Share Screen option and
  • Input their teachers LanSchool channel in EACH classroom
  • If a wrong channel is entered students must restart computer.

My Thoughts

I say "No". we are not going to use it here.  
Why?  
  1. Because, EVERY teacher (with Chromebooks) has to buy into it.  Since it is user specific. If student A logs in to a Chromebook in Teacher A's class and uses LanSchool... When in Student A logs in to Teacher B's class 2nd period (math?)  Student A will still be seen by Teacher A. Unless or until the student changes their own channel. 
  2. I am not sure ALL Teachers here will even use LanSchool teacher.  Many do not even use it while in the current computer labs.

I may be wrong and I would be happy to have it pushed out if Chromebook teachers will use it.  
0 Comments

Civics Test Results

2/24/2016

3 Comments

 
To get your scores
  1. Go to your Canvas Gradebook and click on Export and choose "Current"
  2. It will export ALL your Canvas grades to a .csv file.
  3. Excel will open that file.
  4. Right-click in the column called “SSID” and delete it.
  5. Ditto for “ID” Column (Keep one that has the Student ID!)
  6. Click on the Column at the top Column E(?) and move the mouse to the right to select many columns.  Right click Delete all the data you do not need.  My understanding is you only need module 5.  Students need a score of 35/50 or 75% to pass.
 
Dr. Averett does not want a score he just wants a P or F.  So change what you need to in the one column.  The example I am looking at are all scores of 10 with 2 empty cells. The two empty cells were student student's who did not test.  Leave them blank.  I would chose (highlight) the whole column then use "Find" and "Replace" the 10 with a P.  Or type a P in the top box and then drag it down.   I can show you how if you come on down. 
 
Columns for last name and one for first name are requested but Canvas does not export that way. Your list is sorted by Last, first names in one column.
 
So…
  1. Right-click on "Row 2" (points possible) and delete the row.  You should now have 3 columns and a bunch of rows of students.  We need to split the first column of last, first into 2 columns.  Here we go…
  2. Right-click on "Column B" and click on “Insert”
  3. Do it again so there are two new empty columns, B and C.
  4. Click on "Column A" so it is highlighted.
  5. Then click the "Data" tab at the top.
  6. Chose "Text to Columns" (be sure Deliminated is chosen with the circle) click "Next"
  7. Uncheck the "Tab" box, check the "Comma" box.  Click "Next"
  8. Select the destination by clicking the very small “Red Arrow” selector tool on the right of the "Destination" box. The box may shrink but is still open.
  9. Select where you want this soon to be separated text to go.  Click "Column B", push and hold the Shift button and click "Column C."  (The two columns you made earlier should now be selected!)
  10. Click the tiny "Red Arrow" again and there should be a “$B:$C” in the Destination box.
  11. Click "Finish."
  12. Select "Column A" and deleted it.
  13. Rename the columns as requested. Last Name, First Name, Student #, Civics test P/F
  14. Click File "Save As". (Not Save)
  15. Navigate to the S:\Olympus_Sr\Staff\CivicsTest and save it with the correct name 634 is your school code.
  16. “(school number)_(teacher last name)_(course name)_(semester)_(class period).” (Example - 634_whitehead_usgov_1_A1)
  17. In the box that says “Save As type:” chose "Excel Workbook" instead of CSV (Comma deliminated)
  18. Do that for each class. 
It is not really as hard as it seems – just takes a little time.  You will not be able to see other teachers files so do not base anything on what is in this folder.  

Sorry there are no pictures to help you out.

Please comment and make suggestions to help everyone out.
3 Comments

Novelist

2/3/2016

0 Comments

 
Go to…
http://pioneer.uen.org/k12/
Click on
  • Ebsco
  • NoveList Plus (or k-8) They are both very similar.
    • ​Have at it! I know you will start the surfing now  But be sure to check out these features.

On the LEFT (Recommended Reads Lists) Click on
  • Teen
  • ​For Fans of… One Direction (or any other Category for that matter)
    • To pull up booklists compiled by people.  Not sure who - but they have names so I think they are legit persons!

On the Orange Bar Click on
  • Browse By -
    Genre (pick an age….)
    Appeal (Make your mix!)
    Award Winners.  Pick an award!
  • Quick Links -
    Books to Movies 2016 should be popular.
    Book Discussion Guides Add some filters on the left so you don’t have to scroll through all 887+!

You can create an account to build your own folders and lists
You can also subscribe to for new content and monthly updates.  You do NOT need an account for this.
You can get links to the lists as well.  Such as this one http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=neh&tg=UI&an=438198&site=novp-live
But I am sure you need to log in to pioneer if you're at home.
0 Comments

Padlet

2/1/2016

0 Comments

 
Padlet is... just cool
What is it?  Social post it notes on steroids.  A teacher can pose a question.  Students answer by using the provided link and notes appear on the page.  Everyone can see all notes.  Pictures and text can be added.  

How it works. 
Teacher makes "a board" or wall with instructions or a question and gives students the link or a QR code.  Students then go to link and click and type. Easy.  Boards (or walls) can be copied or duplicated for use with a different periods - without prior content.

Ideas.  
  • Introductions of students.  Add a picture and a few things about yourself.
  • What do you think about the main Character.
  • Who will win the next...
Bottom line is that it is a discussion board so be creative and enjoy.

Website - https://padlet.com/
Yes there is an app but the webpage works just fine.
Apple
Chrome App

0 Comments

Echoes and Reflection

2/1/2016

0 Comments

 
Leaders in Holocaust Education
What a resource for such a horrible human event... This is a resources for everyone to use.  There are 10 units and each unit has Common Core Objectives for both English and History/Social Studies.

Ten Lessons include:
  • The Holocaust
  • Antisemitism
  • Nazi Germany
  • The Ghettos
  • The "Final Solution
  • Jewish Resistance
  • Rescuers and Non-Jewish Resistance
  • Survivors and Liberators
  • Perpetrators, Collaborators, and Bystanders
  • The Children

Each lesson as Primary Sources, videos, iWitness links.  You might not use each of the ten lessons but certainly something will catch your interest in a topic of which you teach.
 
These resources are free and a training (by them) is available if we get 25 people to be there.


0 Comments

Gradebook Semester updates

1/21/2016

1 Comment

 
For those of you not needing ALL the cuteness or personal attention to update your Grade Book page for the new semester here are the down and dirty basics...

Some things to know/remember

Picture
Are you seeing the wrong term?
  • At the top right click on the Tools icon and select Options 
  • Under the Display Options be sure to select "Current Grading Period"
  • Under Login Default Parameters "Leave Blank"  Click the options and chose the blank one at the top.
  • Be sure to click SAVE at the bottom.

If you do not see your classes.
  • Go to Tools again and chose Gradebook set up.
  • Find the course code and click the link.
  • Be sure the "Show Course in Gradebook" box is checked.
  • Be sure your Categories and Grading Scales are selected here too.

If none of this helps... let me know and I will track down the problem for you.

​​Please remember that your Gradebook Categories and Canvas Groups must match.
​Canvas is for Course Content.  Gradebook is for number crunching and Grades.
1 Comment

Quizizz

11/24/2015

1 Comment

 
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Yeah.  That's spelled correctly!
If you like Kahoots then you'll love this one too.  It is pretty much the same type of quiz website but the major difference is the lack of Game Show agenda.  With this one students can "play" or answer questions at their own pace and without pressure.  Students can also do "assigned" quizzes, (oh sorry - "quizizz") as homework.

Teachers still get scores and itemized reports of student answers.  Give it a try.  After saying all this and seeing Quizizz in action... I like kahoot it better as it is more fun (er I mean "engaging") in the classroom.  If it truly is a graded quiz you wish to give to your students... Put it in Canvas and be done with it! :)

But... it would be fun to use ​http://quizizz.com/ 
Let me know if need help or would like to use this website.

1 Comment

Pioneer Library

11/24/2015

0 Comments

 
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Whats the best way to get to Pioneer Library.  Type in UEN.org scroll down to bottom page and click on the Pioneer Star.  I would normally say go to theolycenter.org and find the research page... But UEN is just too easy to spell and type don't even search for it.  Seven characters to type.  You can do it UEN.ORG!  If you're at home you will have to log in - you or your teacher should have have gotten this information while at school.

Noodle Tools

Noodle Tools was awesome.  I wish I could learn more about it to show students.  Students have free account providing they go through the UEN Pioneer Page link.
  • Create cards with copy and paste on one side and your re-wording on the other side.  But see both at the same time until the cards are re-stacked.  
  • Citations are automatic
  • Share Projects
  • Re-arrange cards easliy
  • Teachers can see on one screen at a glance how many sources and cards students have and how they are progressing on their research.
  • Google Doc integration

GALE Reference

No more or SIRS. GALE is cleaner and more friendly 

  • Do a Search or Pick a category.
  • Results are categorized by type 
  • Click a document highlight and add notes.
  • Log in to and save the highlighted/notated document to your Google Drive.
  • Completed with MLA or ALA bibliography or send it to EasyBib.
  • Opposing Viewpoints.  No more PRO CON.  Just viewpoints.  YOU decide if it is pro or con!  
  • Then save the document to your Google Drive with Highlights, notes, and bibliography
0 Comments

Gradebook Vs. Canvas (Grades)

1/23/2015

4 Comments

 
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Data travels from Canvas To Gradebook
During the Spring of 2015 teachers have a choice to use either the Grades function in CANVAS or The Granite Gradebook itself, but not both. Canvas Grade items will be pushed into the Granite Gradebook.  Granite Gradebook data will NOT be pushed into the Canvas Grades application. 

Grade Data in Canvas is "pushed" to The Granite Gradebook" continuously but may take up to 24-36 hours to appear. Remember there are a lot of schools - not just ours. If there are points in the Canvas Grades app it will eventually make it to the Granite Gradebook for calculation. Patience is key.  But if does not show up talk to your teacher who can talk to me...

Students and Parents should use Canvas and its tools for CONTENT ONLY. Grades are calculated in the Granite Gradebook.

Canvas also has no Grade scale function - which means there are no letter grades only percentages or scores.  Letter Grades are calculated in Granite Gradebook.

What is the difference? (In an over-simplified answer)

  • Canvas is an interactive Learning Management Tool where teachers can create webpages, assignments, (discussion, self graded quizzes...), groups, peer reviews, add links or other resources, store files, communicate. Anything with a date is added to the students' calendar.  Parents who have signed up can observe all this too.
  • Gradebook - Stores and calculates numbers to display a letter grades. It HAS to be used to take attendance, and post Mid-Terms and end of quarter grades.  Assignment scores can be posted in Gradebook or in Canvas

What do you think?    Please comment.

4 Comments
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