Flipgrid is Flippin Great!

I think you may flip over flipgrid.   I have seen a lot of technology tools throughout my time as an educator and I really think this flipgrid thing is the real deal.  Rarely can you just pitch an idea or activity to a teacher and they "actually" like it right away.  Flipgrid is the one!  You know how kids like videos?  You know how they like themselves?  You know how they like to film themselves doing this or that?  You know how they like to share stuff with friends virtually?  You know how they like to have originality?  You know how they like to You know how they like to make new friends?  Well they can do that and more in flipgrid.  I also love how flipgrid shares great ideas with everyone.  Here is a great link to ways to use flipgrid.

In a nut shell, a teacher makes a post and then students make a video reply using their:  chromebook, smart phone, laptop, computer, etc.  Virtually any device.  The teacher can moderate it and monitor for appropriateness.  You can really have a lot of fun with this and if you are open and creative you can do some pretty amazing things.... like doing a flipgrid with a class across town or across THE WORLD.  It is limitless.

Now if you are a BGISD teacher, and you are the first to hit me up on twitter:  @allenraymartin and say I want the free flipgrid account for a year.... I will hook you up.  

Google Cast For Education

As we purchase more and more chromebooks, it only opens up more and more great opportunities to do amazing things in our classrooms.  It seems like everyday I learn new ideas from teachers and colleagues.  One tool I have really been excited about is Google Cast for Education.  Many of you have personal Chromecast devices which you use in your homes.  In the past, due to network security issues we have not been able to make that technology work in our classrooms.  However, the Google Cast for Education app can now make it possible for a student using a chromebook to share their work onto the large projector or digital panel so all can see.  I have been using it a little for a year now and I believe most of the "kinks" have been fixed.  In a nutshell, here is how it works:
1.  Install Google Cast For Education using this link onto the device you want to "host" For Example:  Mr. Martin Teacher Computer  (the device you want the student to share TO)
2.  Go to the share settings and add those people you want to share TO you.  (Note:  you can add an entire Google Classroom class in one click if you are using Google Classroom)
3.  Go to the settings of the device that will share and click cast:  The Host computer should show up.  For Example:  Mr. Martin Teacher Computer.
4.  You have two choices:  1.  Cast your tab only (Only the information in that tab will be shared)  2.  Cast your desktop (Everything on the device will be displayed)
Here is a short video explaining it as well.  Give it a try and let me know what you think...

Working Smarter Not Harder - BG What?

For years I have been training the district on using the Google Tools and sharing how we can all work with more transparency and collaboration to make us all stronger.  Just like Huey Lewis... "I had some rocky roads, I had some ups and downs".   BUT NOW... you guys are really rockin it and realizing that we as a group can truly work Smarter Not Harder.  I just spent the morning with Mr. Wix at Dishman McGinnis.  He is using an add - on called AutoCrat.  He can now get a discipline referral submitted via Google Form and he can have an automatic notice to parent sent to his google drive in order to be mailed to the parent.  He had to think outside of the box.  He saved the district three pieces of paper on each transaction and he was able to streamline the process and eliminate the cost of a third party.

The truly wonderful thing is I am seeing all of you talking to each other thinking and working on how to solve problems together.  This is how the "real world" business people are doing things.  Keep it up and let me know if there are ways I can assist.