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.

Summertime Access using Google Drive and VMWare View - Get to your files from home!

Google Drive:  Access Everywhere and Anytime!

Every BGISD teacher and administrator has a BGISD Google Account!  AND  Students Grades 3-12 have BGISD Google Accounts!!!  #GameChanger

AND

VMWare View - Allows access to your Windows 7 Desktop so you always have your files available at home!  Click the image below for access to your BGISD Windows 7 desktop.



                                              

Click here for more information on how to install VM Ware View iPad app, Windows Program or Macintosh Program

Two Quick Non Painful "Things"

Check out this Kid Safe Search Engine that a BGISD 3rd Grade teacher has been using called:

  
KIDREX

AND...

Great Article on how to flip classrooms using video that you may have not considered.

Tools I Recommend That Help You Work Smarter Not Harder

Learning is such a wonderful part of our lives.  Even though I am nearing the half of a century mark, I love to be a learner more each day.  One of the best parts of being an educator is that we are surrounded by learning, whether we facilitate the learning, or we are the learners.  Unfortunately, times have been very difficult for many of you and I sense much frustration.  As new standards and new initiatives weigh heavily on teachers, it saddens me to see less opportunities for new and innovative strategies to be implemented.  Part of my job is to research new strategies as it relates to technology and I am trying diligently not to "bombard" teachers with... "try this and try that" mentality.  I will continue to look at new engaging tools for you, but for now I am focusing on tools that help you "Work Smarter - Not Harder".  Below are a few examples:

1. Google Apps For Education - All of the tools below are Collaborative, Easy and available to students grade 3-12.  This is a no-brainer!  If you have not embraced these Google tools, you will quickly find yourself behind.  If you know how to use Microsoft Office tools, then this has a minuscule learning curve.  Don't delay on this one.  It makes student work and your work, much simpler.  Trust Me!
1. Google Docs
2. Google Sheets
3. Google Slides
4. Google Forms
5. Google Drive
2. AirPlay/Air Server - this tool allows a district owned ipad to send it's display to another computer connected to the projector so all students can see what is on the ipad.  Great success.  Requires a program downloaded on a host computer for a cost of less than $10.
3. Doceri - This tool has multiple benefits.  1. It allows a teacher to use a district owned or personally owned ipad or ipad mini to connect to their teacher workstation and control that computer.  It allows for teacher and student mobility.  Several teachers are using this to record lessons they teach on the interactive board and once completed simply stop recording and then send the video to youtube (which we all have a youtube account with our school Google Account).  Teachers can share the videos with students, parents other collaborative teachers to modify and/or reinforce student work.  

Summer Time Technology Access - Access your files and Windows 7 Desktop from Home

Google Drive:  Access Everywhere and Anytime!

Every BGISD teacher and administrator has a BGISD Google Account!  AND  Students Grades 3-12 have BGISD Google Accounts!!!  #GameChanger

AND

VMWare View - Allows access to your Windows 7 Desktop so you always have your files available at home!  Click the image below for access to your BGISD Windows 7 desktop.



                                              

Click here for more information on how to install VM Ware View iPad app, Windows Program or Macintosh Program