Weekly Tech Tip - August 28, 2013

For this week, I thought I would share a couple of new web sites I found over the summer. There are tons of new websites created everyday, so these are just a couple that I thought could help teachers and staff.

One of the apps reviewed on the graphite website!

1) Graphite.org - Graphite is a free service by Common Sense Media. It allows teachers to find apps, games, websites, and digital curriculum related to student learning. Check it out.

2) free.ed.gov - While this site is in beta mode, it too offers teachers the ability to search learning resources related to specific curricular areas.

That's it for this week. If you have a tech tip that you would like for me to share, please let me know and I will be happy to share.

 Until next week,
Gregg

Weekly Tech Tip - August 20, 2013

For this week - A Google Chrome Tip. Google Chrome is a browser that can be installed on any computer.

With it, comes a bunch of options. So, the question - What happens when I have a personal google account and school account with a google domain? Can you manage both?

The answer is, yes, you can. There is a multiple user option in Google Chrome. Here is a help screen that will allow you to set that up. With this option enabled, I can quickly switch between my personal google account and my school's google account. I have attached a screen shot of what that looks like when logged in. This only works for google chrome.

Here is the page to get you started:

https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2364824?hl=en

Here is what my screen looks like when using this feature:

Weekly Tech Tip - April 22, 2013

This week, April 26, is Arbor Day! In preparation of this day, here are some resources you might find useful. These come from Cybraryman.com (Jerry Blumengarten). He has a ton of resources and the link below will take you to his page on Plants. If you scroll down, you will see Arbor Day resources listed on the right hand side.

http://www.cybraryman.com/plants.html

Enjoy,
Happy Arbor Day!
Gregg

Weekly Tech Tip - April 17, 2013

This weekly tech tip involves earth day resources. PBS (NET virtual library) sent some really neat resources to my email. I wanted to share these with you.

So, here they are...I hope they are helpful! Earth day is +Monday, April 22, 2013.

Taking Root - Grades 9-12 - Environmentalism in Africa

http://net.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/266bf6c6-f637-403c-b4c1-39c5ab487ae6/taking-root-classroom-module/

Waste Deep - Grades 7-12 - Human Impact on Environment

http://net.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/930d15c4-5137-46f3-a9d8-39b8cd8d27f9/930d15c4-5137-46f3-a9d8-39b8cd8d27f9/

Where We've Been, Where We're Headed - Grades 6-12 - Environmental Stewardship

http://net.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/kqedq11.sci.earthdayspecial/earth-day-tv-special-where-weve-been-where-were-headed/

Water Conservation and Unit Conversion - Grades 5-8 - Math and Environment

http://net.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/midlit11.math.splestim/unit-conversion-water-use/

Scientist Profile - Grades 4-6 - Renewable Energy Scientist

http://net.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/b682894d-7c73-4339-b2ce-3a8c4ebcab94/b682894d-7c73-4339-b2ce-3a8c4ebcab94/

NoWhere to Hide - Grades K-8 - Effects on Pollution

http://net.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/lsps07.sci.life.oate.nowherehide/nowhere-to-hide/

Similarly, if you log into Learn360, you will get 200 hits on Earth Day resources. If you use the calendar, once you login, you can click it and find earth day resources that way as well.

Enjoy,

Gregg

Weekly Tech Tip - April 11, 2013

I was reading through some previous emails and came across this gem today. 10 of the best virtual field trips from eschool news. Check out the "Artic Adventure" or walk through the "Museum of Natural History." If you are in the mood for chocolate, click on the "Hershey Factory" link to see how chocolate is made.

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2013/04/07/ten-of-the-best-virtual-field-trips/

Enjoy,
Gregg

Weekly Tech Tip - April 2, 2013

One of the things I try to do each day is follow some technology news. I try to read about new things, not only involving educational technology, but technology as a whole.

So, as I was reading yesterday, I came across some interesting articles - Google's Beta called "Google Nose", YouTube was shutting down it's servers, Twttr was only going to let you use consonants, and Nokia came out with a new microwave. As I started reading these stories, it dawned on me that these were simply April Fool's jokes. I mean, how could google create an engine that let's you smell through your device? And, how could twitter stop you from using only consonants?

As I read these, it reminds me that not all the information you receive is correct and accurate. We have to use reasoning skills as well as research skills to either agree or disagree with what we may find. And, we have to teach our children the same. So, the next time you hear you can smell something through your device, you might want to think twice.

Google Nose
Twitter Joke
Nokia Microwave
YouTube shutting down

Until next time,
Gregg

Weekly Tech Tip - March 21, 2013

I started using Boomerang Calendar the other day. This has really saved me a lot of time when it comes to google mail and calendar dates. I created a quick screen recording for you to follow. Check it out - it is less than 5 minutes long. Enjoy....Gregg