Monday, February 28, 2022

Time Management Tools for Students in Google Workspace: Google Tasks (Share with your students)

 

In 17 years as an educator, one of the biggest pain points I have seen teachers deal with is frustration with students not keeping track of assignments, due dates and time management. These are essential skills that successful adults possess. Please share these tips with your students to help them better manage their time

Schools often provide students with a paper planner. We all know kids don't use this as much as we would like. A habit I try to instill in students is to write due dates and reminders in the planner, and then add them to Google Tasks. The repetition helps them better remember and it shows them the value of paper and digital time management tools.

Hidden in plain sight is one of Google Workspace's most useful tools, Google Tasks. On the right sidebar of Gmail, Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc. you will see the Google Tasks icon. This simple tool allows students to set reminders for one-off assignments and repeating assignments. It provides a great complement to paper planners.


With Tasks open, have students click Add a task.


Below is an example of a task they can put in their paper planner and here in Google Tasks. Be sure to have them set a time for which they would like to be reminded to accomplish this task.


Below is what it looks like when setting the date and time for a reminder.


Once set, below is what it will look like on their right sidebar in Google Workspace. If students download the free Google Tasks app on their mobile devices, the reminders and tasks will sync.


Students often have assignments such as binder or notebook checks that repeat weekly. When setting the date and time, they can set it to repeat.




Below is an example of what a repeating task looks like. Next to the time and date, you'll see two opposite pointing arrows. This means this task will repeat. When the student clicks the circle to cross it off, there is no need to put the task in again. A week later, it will reappear automatically with the new date.


If you are reading this blog, you are probably using Google Classroom. When you post in Classroom, students receive an email notification. These email can be useful for students to manage their time. When they open an email notification from Classroom, have students click the Add to Tasks button at the top. This will add the subject of the email as a task and it can be edited if they want. Students should make it a habit of adding assignments to Tasks and setting reminders before the due dates.


Below is an example of a Google Classroom notification added to Tasks with a reminder. Notice the mail icon at the bottom. This serves as a link directly back to the email message. This is useful because between the time the student sets the reminder and the time you actually go back to the email to access the assignment, students will receive many more emails. This icon in Tasks allows the student to not have to go fishing through their inbox to find the message.


Google Tasks complements paper planners very well and it is a great tool to show students that technology is a powerful tool, not just a toy. How will you use Google Tasks to help students better manage their time?

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com.

My book, The Complete EdTech Coach: An Organic Approach to Digital Learning, co-authored with my wife Katherine Goyette is now available on Amazon. Click here to purchase. It is published by Dave Burgess Publishing. Be sure to follow the hashtag #OrganicEdTech and #CVTechTalk for updates.






Thursday, February 24, 2022

The Power of the Stop Sign

 

According to the IBM Training and Skills Blog, "Learning is a lifelong process, it is a self-directed and self-paced journey of discovery…not a forced march and 'race' to a learning standard or data point. The purpose of learning is not to 'arrive' at a particular level of proficiency “on time”. As long as we are alive, most people are continually learning, and the 'journey' never ends. " I really love this quote. I believe this sentiment should guide our work as educators.

I am not quoting this to knock on standards or data. That's a whole other blog post. I am quoting this because I aim to teach students and train teachers with the idea that learning is a process, a process that never ends. As educators, we want to model for students how to be lifelong learners. 

Too often in my career, I have encountered students who will submit work for the sake of submitting work. They are playing the game of school. They say, "Here mister, I turned it in. I should have an A". After evaluating their work and providing comments and feedback for which they can use to improve, I often get refusal to resubmit work, because in their minds, they were finished. The learning was over. The learning was a destination, not a journey or process. 

One way I have been trying to change this mindset with my students is by focusing on providing targeted feedback while the kids are working. I provide feedback on their note taking and while they producing a learning artifact. If I wait until they've turned something in to provide feedback, it becomes an autopsy. Very few will want to go back and fix something "dripping with red ink".

This is easier said than done, but once you develop this culture, you will begin to see students start to elicit feedback from you and not just the other way around. When this happens, you are "grading" them as they work and when you see the final product, the quality is much higher. It's much easier to grade because you've been part of their learning journey. 

Ok, I will get off of my soapbox now. Let's take a look at a simple way to build a feedback loop and help build a culture of learning being a journey and not a destination. One way I try to do this is by awarding participation points for students who ask for feedback during class. Click here to access a spreadsheet I use to keep track of weekly participation points. 

A simple, yet powerful way build a culture of feedback is to use a "stop sign" slide at strategic points in a lesson. When I teach a lesson, I like to pre-record my lessons. Each lesson is chunked into 2-3 minute videos. In between each chunk, I insert my stop sign slide. I like to use Quizizz Lessons for this, but it also works with systems such as Pear Deck, Nearpod, Google Slides and more. This slide asks students to stop, reflect on their notes and ask the teacher for feedback. They raise their hand and I come take a look at their notes and see if they missed any important information. 

In these one on one encounters, organic conversations arise and individualized teaching moments take place. Feedback becomes personalized to the needs and questions of that student. If they act on the feedback, I add participation points and they continue with the lesson at their own pace. This style of teaching means you will not be tethered to your computer or desk. The step counter on your smartwatch will be working overtime so wear comfortable shoes. 

This can be done when delivering live, whole class instruction too. Insert some stop signs where kids can reflect, write summaries, pair-share, revise notes, receive feedback, etc. before moving on. It provides a nice little brain break.

If you've read this far, you may be thinking, what about student talk and the 4 C's? The examples discussed above are just ideas on way you could deliver instruction. That instruction forms the foundation for activities that will require students to use the learning to engage in the 4 C's and interact with their peers.

Stop signs are great ways to break up a lesson. If you are doing a Hyperdoc, insert some stop signs to remind students to reflect and ask for feedback. Using tools like Kami, you can insert stop signs in articles when students are marking the text. The possibilities are endless.

How might you use stop signs to build a culture of feedback, reflection and learning as a process? If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com. My book, The Complete EdTech Coach: An Organic Approach to Digital Learning, co-authored with my wife Katherine Goyette is now available on Amazon. Click here to purchase. It is published by Dave Burgess Publishing. Be sure to follow the hashtag #OrganicEdTech and #CVTechTalk for updates.



 




Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Pageless Google Docs Now Available

 

Recently, Google Docs received an update that allows you to make your documents pageless and add a summary to the sidebar. Making your document pageless removes page breaks and makes the document feel like one giant scrolling page. 

Get started enabling the pageless option by clicking the File tab. At the bottom of the menu that appears, click Page setup.


After clicking Page setup, you'll see a new option for Pageless. If you don't see it yet, this update is rolling out to accounts as we speak. It should arrive soon. If available, click Pageless.


When you select Pageless, you'll see a short description of what this will do to your document. Click here to read more about it. You will also see an option to change the background color in addition to setting Pageless as a default.


After clicking OK, your document will lose the page breaks and be shown over a wider portion of the viewable screen. On the left side, you'll see an outline automatically if you have already typed out the document.


Pageless documents add a different feel to your Google Docs. It gives it more of a vertical scrolling website feel. This could be great for newsletter and Hyperdocs. How might you use the Pageless option in Google Docs? If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com.

My book, The Complete EdTech Coach: An Organic Approach to Digital Learning, co-authored with my wife Katherine Goyette is now available on Amazon. Click here to purchase. It is published by Dave Burgess Publishing. Be sure to follow the hashtag #OrganicEdTech and #CVTechTalk for updates.


Thursday, February 17, 2022

Fullscreen Interactive Google Slides: The Chrome Extension You've Been Waiting For!

 

Google Slides is such a versatile tool. The possibilities are virtually endless. One thing I know I've wanted to be able to do with Slides is to quickly and easily annotate over my slides fullscreen. In the past, we had to be in edit mode which makes the slides smaller. If you're trying to do a demonstration or guided practice with students, this can be difficult for them to see. 

But what if you could annotate fullscreen? If you've been wondering the same thing, the answer is here in the form of the Fullscreen Interactive Google Slides Chrome extension. Click here to add to your Chrome browser. 


This extension, once installed, allows you to, with the click of a button, make the edit mode of your slide to go full screen. This will enlarge the viewable area all the while continuing to give you access to the toolbar to annotate and manipulate the slide. No need to click Slideshow or Present.


Below is what it looks like when using the extension. You can see the slide in a much larger, fullscreen area. All tools are at your disposal. This can be great for guided practice and helping students see the lesson better.


The GIF below shows the extension in action.


How might you use the Fullscreen Interactive Slides extension? If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com. 

My book, The Complete EdTech Coach: An Organic Approach to Digital Learning, co-authored with my wife Katherine Goyette is now available on Amazon. Click here to purchase. It is published by Dave Burgess Publishing. Be sure to follow the hashtag #OrganicEdTech and #CVTechTalk for updates.

Monday, February 14, 2022

Bring Your Word Wall to Life with Mote

 

Mote is a very simple, yet powerful tool that gives feedback a personal touch. Beyond feedback, Mote can be used to provide scaffolds for English learners and struggling readers. Over the years, using a word wall has been a popular strategy used in classrooms across the world. It's an easy way to display vocabulary for students to reference. It helps build an atmosphere and culture of learning in a classroom. 

A problem with word walls is in how they can be just ornamental. It takes a "commitment" to get students to actively use it as a resource. If you struggle to get kids to interact dynamically with the word wall, Mote is very useful. Mote allows you to record voice notes, all of which can be accessed via a QR code. When printing out your words for the word wall, add the QR code to each word. This allows students to use their devices to scan the QR code and have the word pronounced and read to them, in addition to providing additional verbal information or context.

Start by clicking the Mote extension, and in the dropdown menu, click Record a mote voice note button. Record yourself pronouncing the word, reading the definition and or providing additional information and context.



When you finish recording, it will appear under My recent motes, with the most recent being at the top. Next to each mote, you will see a share button. 


When you click the share button, you'll see three options pop up. One is to copy the link to the mote, another to embed the HTML code and the third will generate a QR code you can download.


Click Save to download the QR code.


After saving and downloading the QR code, use your favorite tool (Google Slides, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Google Drawings, Canva, etc.) to create a place card with the word for the word wall. After typing the word, leave space to upload the QR code.


With the word typed and QR code added, print out your place cards. For me, I would use Google Slides or PowerPoint to create a slide for each word. From there, you can print all the words at once on one file.


With your "Mote-ified" word wall set up, as part of your lesson plan, students can use their devices to scan the QR code to interact. This helps kids get out of their seats and possibly jump start some academic conversations while engaging with the vocabulary like never before. Combine this with Quizlet Live or Quizizz to add a level of gamification.

When it comes to Mote, word walls are just part of the tip of the iceberg. The possibilities are virtually endless with the ways you can use Mote to personalize learning and engage students. How have you used Mote beyond merely providing verbal feedback?

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com. 

My book, The Complete EdTech Coach: An Organic Approach to Digital Learning, co-authored with my wife Katherine Goyette is now available on Amazon. Click here to purchase. It is published by Dave Burgess Publishing. Be sure to follow the hashtag #OrganicEdTech and #CVTechTalk for updates.



Prep for Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam: Gmail

 


The Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam has gone through some changes recently. In the past, it was 20 questions multiple choice and 11 performance tasks. The current iteration is 35 multiple choice questions based off of scenarios. Questions will ask you to choose between 1-5 correct answers. These questions require you to be familiar with the features and functionality of each Google Workspace for Education App. 

For Gmail, you need to be familiar with the following features and functionality.
- Know how to create a Gmail template
- Know how to enable the unread message icon in settings
- Know how to enable auto-advance in settings
- Know how to customize keyboard shortcuts


Click here to go through some Gmail Practice Scenarios on Quizizz Lessons. These scenarios are NOT the same as the test, but similar. If you understand the skills demonstrated in the videos and can answer my checking for understanding questions, you will be prepared for the Gmail portions of the Level 2 Exam.

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com.  

Friday, February 11, 2022

Prep for Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam: Google MyMaps

 

The Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam has gone through some changes recently. In the past, it was 20 questions multiple choice and 11 performance tasks. The current iteration is 35 multiple choice questions based off of scenarios. Questions will ask you to choose between 1-5 correct answers. These questions require you to be familiar with the features and functionality of each Google Workspace for Education App. 

For MyMaps, you need to be familiar with the following features and functionality.
- Know how to plot points
- Know how to draw shapes
- Know how to calculate distance
- Know how to create layers
- Know how to add information to a point you add to a map

Click here to go through some MyMaps Practice Scenarios on Quizizz Lessons. These scenarios are NOT the same as the test, but similar. If you understand the skills demonstrated in the videos and can answer my checking for understanding questions, you will be prepared for the MyMaps portions of the Level 2 Exam.

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com.  

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Prep for Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam: Google Sites

The Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam has gone through some changes recently. In the past, it was 20 questions multiple choice and 11 performance tasks. The current iteration is 35 multiple choice questions based off of scenarios. Questions will ask you to choose between 1-5 correct answers. These questions require you to be familiar with the features and functionality of each Google Workspace for Education App. 

For Sites, you need to be familiar with the following features and functionality.
- Know which file types can and can't be displayed or embedded on your Site
- Know a Site can be used to facilitate collaboration in a department or PLC to reduce paper usage
- Know how Sites can be used to publish student work and projects
- Be familiar with accessibility features for images posted on your Site
- Know how to use Sites to curate resources for student projects  


Click here to go through some Sites Practice Scenarios on Quizizz Lessons. These scenarios are NOT the same as the test, but similar. If you understand the skills demonstrated in the videos and can answer my checking for understanding questions, you will be prepared for the Sites portions of the Level 2 Exam.

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com.  

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Prep for Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam: YouTube

 

The Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam has gone through some changes recently. In the past, it was 20 questions multiple choice and 11 performance tasks. The current iteration is 35 multiple choice questions based off of scenarios. Questions will ask you to choose between 1-5 correct answers. These questions require you to be familiar with the features and functionality of each Google Workspace for Education App. 

For YouTube, you need to be familiar with the following features and functionality.
- Know how to share and curate videos with co-workers via playlists, etc. 
- Know how to share videos via links for email or social media
- Know how to access embed code of a video for embedding on a Site
- Know how to add Cards and the purpose of Cards
- Know how to create and record videos for effective lessons

Click here to go through some YouTube Practice Scenarios on Quizizz Lessons. These scenarios are NOT the same as the test, but similar. If you understand the skills demonstrated in the videos and can answer my checking for understanding questions, you will be prepared for the YouTube portions of the Level 2 Exam.

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com.  

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Prep for Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam: Google Trends

 

The Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam has gone through some changes recently. In the past, it was 20 questions multiple choice and 11 performance tasks. The current iteration is 35 multiple choice questions based off of scenarios. Questions will ask you to choose between 1-5 correct answers. These questions require you to be familiar with the features and functionality of each Google Workspace for Education App. 

For Trends, you need to be familiar with the following features and functionality.
- Know how to filter your search by categories, regions and more 

Click here to go through some Trends Practice Scenarios on Quizizz Lessons. These scenarios are NOT the same as the test, but similar. If you understand the skills demonstrated in the videos and can answer my checking for understanding questions, you will be prepared for the Trends portions of the Level 2 Exam.

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com.  

Friday, February 4, 2022

Prep for Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam: Google Forms

 

The Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam has gone through some changes recently. In the past, it was 20 questions multiple choice and 11 performance tasks. The current iteration is 35 multiple choice questions based off of scenarios. Questions will ask you to choose between 1-5 correct answers. These questions require you to be familiar with the features and functionality of each Google Workspace for Education App. 

For Forms, you need to be familiar with the following features and functionality.
- How to use Forms to gather various forms of feedback and data
- How to use Forms to build a Create Your Own Adventure Story
- How to use Forms to build surveys
- How to use Forms to create self-paced lessons with videos and questions for differentiated instruction

Click here to go through some Forms Practice Scenarios on Quizizz Lessons. These scenarios are NOT the same as the test, but similar. If you understand the skills demonstrated in the videos and can answer my checking for understanding questions, you will be prepared for the Forms portions of the Level 2 Exam.

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com.  

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Prep for Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam: Google Drive

The Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam has gone through some changes recently. In the past, it was 20 questions multiple choice and 11 performance tasks. The current iteration is 35 multiple choice questions based off of scenarios. Questions will ask you to choose between 1-5 correct answers. These questions require you to be familiar with the features and functionality of each Google Workspace for Education App. 

For Drive, you need to be familiar with the following features and functionality.
- How to use Drive to better facilitate collaboration with co-workers

Click here to go through some Drive Practice Scenarios on Quizizz Lessons. These scenarios are NOT the same as the test, but similar. If you understand the skills demonstrated in the videos and can answer my checking for understanding questions, you will be prepared for the Drive portions of the Level 2 Exam.

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com.  

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Prep for Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam: Google Classroom

 

The Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam has gone through some changes recently. In the past, it was 20 questions multiple choice and 11 performance tasks. The current iteration is 35 multiple choice questions based off of scenarios. Questions will ask you to choose between 1-5 correct answers. These questions require you to be familiar with the features and functionality of each Google Workspace for Education App. 

For Classroom, you need to be familiar with the following features and functionality.
- Know how to archive a Classroom
- Know the purpose of archiving a Classroom
- Know how to restore a Classroom

Click here to go through some Classroom Practice Scenarios on Quizizz Lessons. These scenarios are NOT the same as the test, but similar. If you understand the skills demonstrated in the videos and can answer my checking for understanding questions, you will be prepared for the Classroom portions of the Level 2 Exam.

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com.  

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Prep for Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam: Google Calendar

 

The Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam has gone through some changes recently. In the past, it was 20 questions multiple choice and 11 performance tasks. The current iteration is 35 multiple choice questions based off of scenarios. Questions will ask you to choose between 1-5 correct answers. These questions require you to be familiar with the features and functionality of each Google Workspace for Education App. 

For Calendar, you need to be familiar with the following features and functionality.
-  Know how to set up office hours

- Know how to add people to calendar events

- Know how to set different notifications for event attendees


Click here to go through some Calendar Practice Scenarios on Quizizz Lessons. These scenarios are NOT the same as the test, but similar. If you understand the skills demonstrated in the videos and can answer my checking for understanding questions, you will be prepared for the Calendar portions of the Level 2 Exam.

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com.