Google Classroom for Differentiation, the SAMR model, Random Emoji Generator

Use Google Classroom for Differentiation

Check out this 90 second video to see how easy it is for teachers to differentiate assignments in Google Classroom. Assign different assignments to different students with the click of a button, and students only see the work assigned to them.

Transform Learning: the SAMR model

Sometimes when we talk about technology integration, we focus on the equipment, apps, and software rather than on  learning. The SAMR model offers vocabulary for shifting the conversation from digital learning tools to learning outcomes. By designing learning experiences that allow our students to choose the right tool for the right task at the right time--be it crayon or book or app--we can transform learning. 

Storytelling Emoji-Style

Here's a fun little site that I learned about while trolling Twitter for #TCEA. Whether you're teaching storytelling in Kinder or asking secondary students to select tone words, this random emoji generator offers a quick, fun entry into a lesson. Start with a single emoji, press "and then" to add another, and the story takes off.

http://byrdseed.com/emoji/

 Video Spotlight: Math Antics

Whether you are introducing a concept or reteaching a concept, the Math Antics channel on YouTube can be a good go-to resource for elementary math concepts: fractions, percents, geometry, mixed numbers, and arithmetic.

 

Science in Context, Scratch and Elementary Math, Quizizz updates

Science in Context

Science in Context is one of our Texquest databases. It features newspaper, magazine, and journal articles, videos, images, and more. The database can be searched by topic or by curriculum standard. The landing page features current events and videos. As with all the Texquest databases, Science in Context integrates with Google Drive and Google Classroom, so teachers can share articles directly to Google Classroom, and students can save notes, highlights, and citations directly to Google Drive.  To access Science in Context, go to your library's website, click on the link to the Texquest databases, and select Science in Context. Acquire login credentials from your campus librarian. Learn more in this webinar or view the Texquest and Science presentation. Science in context is a great resource for upper elementary, middle school, and high school.

Scratch and Elementary Math 

Last month BISD celebrated an Hour of Code. Thanks to Richard Byrne at Free Technology for Teachers, I learned about a great resource for extending our Hour of Code celebration by using Jeffrey Gordon's collection of math models using Scratch. Models include place value, changing money, multiplication, and more. Gordon has assembled some great activities to combine the fun of coding with math!

Quizizz Updates

The December 13 Tuesday Tech Tips featured Quizizz, an online review tool.  Quizizz  recently announced that it has updated some of its features including removing a player from a game, changing the name of reports, eliminating a player from a report, etc. The reports feature on Quizizz was already amazing, and the updates enhance the features that teachers need when they collect student data. Quizizz also has Chrome Apps for teachers and for students. Click HERE for more info.