More than just a search engine...GOOGLE!

Did you know you can use the Google search box as a calculator?  Did you know you can find restaurants near you using the Google search box?  Did you know you can narrow a Google search down to a specific reading level?  If you answered "no" to any of those questions, then today's post will be a jackpot of knowledge for you.

For my Connected Educator class, we looked at many different ways to use the Google search box.  I must admit, I usually have pretty good luck finding what I want on Google, but now I will be able to maximize my searching capabilities!  For example, let's say you are doing a online research activity with your class.  As you are previewing the sites which you want your students to use (which I KNOW all of my teacher friends do this) follow the easy tips in this video to find sites at a Basic reading level:

Now that you know how to look for sites on a specific reading level, you can also look for sites that have a specific file type.  Let's say you are getting ready to introduce a unit on tornadoes, but you don't have the time to create a PowerPoint.  Watch this video to see how easy it is to find a PowerPoint presentation already made:

   

There are endless possibilities on how to more effectively use the Google search box.  The following are just a few links to more great resources:

Ways to filter your search

Using search operators

Finding content for reuse

We also looked at 2 other tools this week.  1 of them is called Wolfram/Alpha.  It can calculate almost anything, as well as find most any type of numerical data you are looking for along with find interesting facts about everything from how many calories are in my meal to why the sky is blue. 

Another tool we looked at is called Creative Commons. Using Creative Commons allows you to search for images, music, and other materials that are copyright safe and free to use in your classroom.  

Take a peek to learn more about Wolfram/Alpha and Creative Commons!

Wolfram/Alpha in a Nutshell

Basics of Creative Commons

Happy Searching!

Tauer

Pinterest and Facebook

This week during our Connected Educator class, we looked at Pinterest and Facebook and how they can be used in education.  I must say, I have some strong feelings about using Facebook in the classroom.  Although Facebook can be a great way to communicate with people, I do not feel it is the appropriate place for students and teachers to communicate.  There are plenty of other tools, such as Edmodo and Google Drive.

Now, Pinterest on the other hand...what a fabulous resource to find ideas for your classroom.  Math, reading, writing, science, social studies, classroom management, technology ideas, etc., you can find some kind of idea on Pinterest.  I must admit, I have only dabbled in the world of Pinterest, because I have heard how addicting it can be; however, during this past week I have spent quite a bit of time on Pinterest, and I must say...I don't know why I have been resisting.  I have started a number of boards and I have been harvesting ideas from of my Pinterest friends.  I can see that I will be partaking in many more hours of Pinteresting.

Happy Pinning!

Tauer

Google Drive Drives me WILD!

When I first started my administration degree back in January, my instructor introduced the class to Gmail and Google Docs.  He told us how the tool had revolutionized the way he communicated and worked with his friends, family, and colleagues.  Well, on a group project, we tried it, and I thought it was...ok.  I mean, it was neat that all of us could work on our presentation together, but I was not amazed.

Fast forward six months...

Now that I have been introduced to more of the amazing features Google Drive has to offer, I may have to agree with my first instructor.  The possibilities are endless with Google Drive.  

The instructor for my Connected Educator class has given us links to a number of tutorials that are out on YouTube that I am going to pass along to the rest of you.  Trust me, if you have not used Google Drive, just watch a couple of the videos and see the possibilities.  Tutorials for Google Drive  

Happy Driving!
Tauer

Go Diigo, Go!

Diigo, pronounced dee-go, is a fantastic tool that was introduced to me in my Connected Educator class.  It is a tool that can help organize your computer's bookmarks.  It allows you to write "post-it" notes and stick them to the website, highlight key parts of the text on websites, and then share your notes and highlights with friends and colleagues.

The instructor from the Connected Educator class I am taking shared the following video with us which gives a brief overview of what Diigo can do for you.

In the short time I have used Diigo, I have found it to be very user friendly.  I have used the highlighting and sticky-note tools while doing research for another class which I am currently enrolled.  The nice thing about Diigo, is that once you have highlighted text and placed sticky-notes on it, they are there the next time you go to that site.  You don't even have to log-in to Diigo to see them.  It is automatic!  Another great thing about Diigo is that, drum roll....IT IS FREE!  In fact, teachers can upgrade for free!

I can see myself using Diigo in the classroom as we go group research lessons.  Diigo would also be a great tool for teachers who do WebQuests.  We all have students who struggle with finding information on the Internet.  Diigo gives teachers the capability to guide students in the correct direction by highlighting text features and keywords.  In fact, the teacher could even put the question directly onto the website using the sticky-notes. 

Happy Organizing!

Tauer

All Hail the Google Calendar!

Oh my golly, gosh, oh gee!  The Google Calendar is the tool for me!

WOW!  I must say, I was slower to enter the land of the digital calendar.  I was hesitant to relinquish my handy-dandy planner.  It made me feel so safe and secure.  In fact, I even had a name for my planner...It was "My Brain".  I lived and breathed by that calendar, but times have changed.  Now that I have a phone that can connect to my calendar, my world has been made so much easier.  

Google Calendar has the capability to connect directly with your smartphone.  That means, as soon as you add an event to your Google Calendar, it syncs it to your phone.  Not only that, but you can also share your calendar with your colleagues at school.  This allows them to see when you are available for an IEP, a CST meeting, or a TGIF!  J 

Along with being able to “share” your calendar with your colleagues, you can also have event reminders sent to your phone, make and maintain to-do lists, and much, much more.

Go to Google Tools for Schools to learn more about the features and capabilities Google Calendar has.  I truly feel it could make your school year run more efficiently if you use it.

Happy Scheduling!

Tauer

Edmodo!

What's Edmodo all about?  Edmodo is yet another tool to help build your Professional Learning Network (PLN); however, you can also involve your students.  And once again, this amazing resource is completely FREE!

Here is a quick video to explain a bit more about what you can do with Edmodo in your classroom:

If you decide to join, there are many, many "communities"  ranging from Math, Language Arts, Special Education, etc. which you as a teacher may join in order to get new ideas.  Not only can you use Edmodo as a tool to connect with other educators from around the world, but you can also use it in your classroom with your students.  You can upload assignments, quizzes, activities and much more onto Edmodo.   PLUS, the parents of my students can interact with us using Edmodo.

This is a tutorial I found out on You Tube that does a nice job of explaining the basics of how to use Edmodo.

This is one tool I need to spend a bit more time with in order to get more comfortable with it, but I can see how it will be able to make connecting with my students easier!  So many possibilities, so little time...

Happy Networking!

Tauer

What is a PLN?

During my Connected Educator class, we have been learning about a number of wonderful tools we as teachers can use everyday.  One of those tools is a Professional Learning Network (PLN).  A PLN is your own network of friends, colleagues, and complete strangers from who you can get information.

The following is a brief video explaining what PLNs are and how they work:

All of us are a member of some sort of PLN, whether it be Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pintrest...The list is endless.  One of the better PLNs I was introduced to in my Connected Educator class was edWeb.net.  It has "communities" for all areas ranging from Administration and Leadership to World Languages.  Not only has edWeb.net been a wonderful resource to explore, but it is FREE.  How great is that?

One of the things I am dipping my toe into in the huge ocean of technology is Twitter.  You can follow @TauersTidbits to see what I am doing in my little piece of the world.  I have started to follow @SmartClassrooms to get ideas for the SMART Board that was installed in my classroom right before summer started.  I have also started to follow @ASCD in order to help me stay up on some of the latest trends in education.  As I get more brave, I will continue to add to my list of people/groups I follow on Twitter, because I know it is a quick way to gather a multitude of information.

Best of luck in your networking!

Tauer