PDFlix: Providing ‘On Your Time’ PD Opportunities

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Screen Shot 2020-01-21 at 6.42.02 AMOk, yes…the sound of Netflix went through my mind as I started typing. Each year, Jess Gilcreast (High School librarian), and I think of creative and different ways to provide professional development for the staff that we work with. We have tried it all, or at least seems that way. Whether it is providing ‘learning at your own time’ opportunities through Google Classroom, in person trainings, or online book chats through Twitter. We strive to keep things ‘fresh’ and continuously push the limits.

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Using Jamboard for Timeline Activities

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For the past year, we have been exploring different ways that we can thoughtfully implement Jamboard into lessons. To learn more about previous activities, click HERE and HERE. Our next thoughtful implementation you ask? How about creating a collaborative timeline?

Timeline Past History

Mrs. Devito and Mr. Woodhead teach a Freshmen Humanities course. During the Scientific Revolution unit, the teachers ask students to do some research on a scientist in pairs. Their goal is for students to visually see how one scientist has impacted another throughout the time period.

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Day 10 of Google 2019 – Accessibility

Screen Shot 2019-12-01 at 6.54.48 AM.pngOn the tenth day of Google, we will focus on accessibility. Google has been focusing a lot on accessibility and making sure that all students are able to learn and grow with the support of a Chromebook. Google has devoted a page on their website where they address accessibility.

On this page, I found a PDF file – Accessibility Flashcards. On each slide, google addresses an accessibility and the shortcut or step to initiate said accessibility feature. While you yourself might not need an accessibility feature, it is still good to know that they exist for the learners that are in your space on a daily basis.

If you have any questions, you know where to find me. HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone! And that is my Spiel…

 

Day 9 of Google 2019 – Formatting Tips

Screen Shot 2019-12-01 at 6.53.39 AM.pngFor the ninth day of Google, we will focus on formatting tips and tricks. Have to admit, I did not know about any of these until most recently. It is all about unlearning what you have always done to learn something new. These tips will most certainly save you some time in the future.

Working with Text

Ever find yourself in a situation where you were typing and didn’t realize that you had the caps locks on and had to retype everything? Well, you no longer need to do such a thing. In fact, with text that has already been typed, you can change it to any of the following by highlighting the text:

  • lowercase
  • UPPERCASE
  • Title Case

To make this happen, highlight text, select format menu, followed by text and capitalization menus. Very simple, yet extremely helpful.

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Day 8 of Google 2019 – Locked Mode w/ Chromebook

Screen Shot 2019-12-01 at 6.54.38 AMOn this eighth day of Google, we will focus on how students can participate in activities on their Chromebook while in ‘locked mode’. In particular, I want to focus on two different features: Locked mode with Google Forms and Desmos Calculator.

Locked Mode with Google Forms

Google has recognized that teachers would like students to be able to complete assessments online without access to searching the web. This can pertain to a formative activity, summative activity or timed writings. In order to use this feature, students must have a Chromebook that is managed by the school district.

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