Activity Boards + Google Drawings = Student Choice

I recently created an activity board for my STEM class for my Microbit lessons.  This board is posted in an assignment in Google Classroom, (as students can view), and it contains links to hyperslides. Each activity link opens a separate Google Slides file, (hyperslides), and each file contains directions on how to complete the activity.  For example, it contains screen shots, step by step directions, and a screen cast on how to upload their final project file into Google Classroom.

In this episode of The Suite Talk, I go over how to create the activity board template using Google Drawings and posting it into an assignment in Google Classroom.  Click here to view the episode.

I am also including the FREE template of the Activity Board for you to use with your students.  Just click on the link to make a copy of it.  Click here if you want to preview it.    I just ask that you give me credit for creating it. 

I hope you find this episode and information helpful.  Enjoy!




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Quick Guide of Google Expeditions for Teachers

Google Expeditions is a free app that will allow you and your students to experience virtual reality and augmented reality technology. There are many expeditions to choose from and I would highly recommend that you look at the list, download one, and implement it with your students.  

Here is the list of available AR/VR expeditions.  

A VR, virtual reality, experience is taking your students on a virtual field trip, for example, to The Great Wall of China. 

An AR, augmented reality, experience is bringing an object into your environment, or setting as shown below.  Notice, the dinosaur and background is my classroom.

Additionally, I created this quick guide presentation for teachers on getting started at my school and I hope you find it helpful too.

A Few More Features to Google Classroom

Google Classroom has released many new features recently.  First, the Google for Education team listened to your feedback and they brought back the TO DO list.  It can be accessed from the main menu by clicking on the 3 lines at the top left side. Choose the ‘To Do’ option to see how many students turned in an assignment.  You can also filter out the list by selecting a class by clicking on the tiny triangle.

Another new feature is having the student selector available in the Google Classroom app.  At this time, it is only available for Android only. This feature will allow you to select random students right from your phone or tablet.  Simply, go into the Classroom app, select your class, then select the ‘People’ page, then choose the student selector icon at the top right corner.  This icon is the one with the squares and diamond and shown in the image.

On the next screen, you will see a count of students ‘Not Picked’, ‘Picked’, ‘Absent’, and a random student’s profile.  Next, you can either call on this student, or select ‘Call Later’ or ‘Absent’. Note, if you select ‘Call Later’ the numbers do not change. However, if you select ‘Absent’ or ‘Next’, then the student is removed from the ‘Not Picked’ category, and added to the ‘Absent’ or ‘Picked’ category.  Additionally, the ‘Reset’ option will reset the count of the ‘Picked’ and ‘Absent’ to zero.

There is no need to label popsicle sticks with student names or numbers and placing them in cup. And, there's no need to keep track of who was called upon. Google classroom will keep track of that information for you.

If you want to read more about these updates, you can visit Google’s blog.  

Ready, Set, Go...The New Google Classroom - Part 3

This week, the Google Classroom team released a new update to Google Classroom.  The latest and greatest features are as follows:

• In the create button, a Materials Post is available to allow class materials to be added to the Classwork Page.  This feature will allow you to add your course syllabus, classroom website, calendar, online textbooks, and any other digital content that pertains to your class.  This feature replaces the About tab on the previous version.  Below is a short screen cast I created that go over this new feature.

           

• The Classwork page is now available for older classes.  Simply click on the ? at the bottom of the screen and select 'Add Classwork Page' from the drop down list.  By selecting this option, your older classroom will have the new Classwork Page tab at the top.  Here is a short screen cast I created to go over this feature. 

           

• On the Stream Page, the + sign button is gone.  Now, if you want to post to the Stream Page, simply go to the top of the page, and start typing in the blank text box.  You can also reuse a post too.
• When you create a new class, now have the option to edit the room, subject, and section.
• When you edit a course, you have the option to edit the room and subject.

Click here to read more about these updates.  

Also, if you don't see a feature in Google Classroom, or an existing feature needs improvement, please leave the team feedback by clicking on the ? at the bottom of the screen.

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay up to date on screen casts and other videos.

Also, subscribe to The Suite Talk YouTube Channel to stay up to date on Google apps, tips, tricks and technology integration workflows that can help in the classroom. 

The New 2018 Google Classroom Updates

I updated my Google Classroom YouTube playlist with screen casts that demonstrates the new features of Google Classroom.  It also includes existing features that did not change.   The video below goes over the many new features of Google Classroom to get  you ready for back to school.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay up to date on new screen casts.

Enjoy!

Ready, Set, Go The New 2018 Google Classroom - Part 2

The New 2018 Google Classroom is in BETA and has released a few more features to the interface. Here are a few new features that came out recently.

• The Create button is available on the Classwork page.
• A Comment Bank is available to provide more efficient feedback.
• Add, edit, delete, and copy to the clipboard for the comments in the comment bank area.
• When adding a comment to a document, type ‘#’ to open up your comment bank list.
• You can use this in the comment tool in the Google Doc too.
• A new interface on the assignment that will allow you to return, grade, provide feedback, go to the next or previous student, open the student document in a new tab.  This interface is new and will allow the teacher to be more efficient when accessing the student’s work.  

Request BETA Access for Google Classroom

bit.ly/RequestBETAGC

Watch the Ready, Set, Go! The New 2018 Google Classroom - Part 2 episode on The Suite Talk.

Watch the Ready, Set, Go! The New 2018 Google Classroom - Part 1 episode on The Suite Talk.

The Suite Talk Podcast is Available!

I started The Suite Talk show in January 2018 simply because I felt stagnant at my job and I felt like I needed something more.   Since then, I found a new job, which I am extremely excited about and The Suite Talk has allowed me to expand my PLN, meet, learn and share from other people from the US and around the world.  I am truly thankful for all of my guests, viewers and subscribers.  This experience has been amazing and a lot of fun! :)

To add to this journey of learning, I started a podcast for The Suite Talk.  Now, you can watch my show on The Suite Talk YouTube channel or simply subscribe to my podcast, The Suite Talk.  This is truly a learning curve for me and so far, I am learning a lot about podcasting.   My motto is, "the no stress show", and I want to keep it that way.  I am human and I make mistakes, but I am not ashamed of them because that is how I learn and improve.  

Right now, my podcast is available on the PodBean hosting service.  You can download the Podbean app at the Apple Store or Google Play store and search for The Suite Talk and follow me.  

As I become familiar with podcasting, I will make my podcast available on iTunes and Google Play, but for now, I am taking it one step at a time.  

I am getting many suggestions from my audience and supporters, so please keep it coming.  I will do my best to accommodate your requests and suggestions.   This experience is truly amazing and I am grateful. 

If you are interested in being on my show, please visit the website and click on the Guest page.  Fill out the form and I will contact you as soon as I can.

If you want to watch older episodes of The Suite Talk, please visit the website and click on the Episodes page.

New Formatting Features of Google Forms

The Google Forms team recently released a few new updates that will enhance the look and feel of your Google Forms. It will allow you to customize the theme and background color, font style, and header image.  Have fun customizing your Forms and enjoy!  I hope you find this information helpful.

Here is a brief overview of the features:

1.  Pick a theme and background color

This option will allow you to pick a theme and select the theme color including the background color of the form.  If you do not see the theme color in the selection, you can simply add a new color by selecting it from the color wheel or by entering the hex number of the color.  If you are looking for a specific color from a website, a great Chrome extension to install is ColorZilla

2.  Upload an image for the header area

This option will allow you to upload an image to the header area.  As in the past, you can select a pre-existing header from the library or you can upload your own image. Once you upload or select an image for the header area, Google will display default background and theme colors to coordinate with the image.

3.  Customize the font style

This new feature will give you options to display different fonts for your Form title, and form questions.  Currently, there are four fonts to choose from, the Basic, Decorative, Formal, and Playful.  A sample of these fonts can be seen below.

If the screen cast below does not automatically play, click here to start it. 

Ignite Computer Science Education

Over the weekend, I attended Tomorrow's Classrooms Today conference organized by Evolving Educators at Rider University in Lawrence Township, New Jersey.   Every year, I attend this conference, but this year was special because I was asked to provide an ignite speech.  Without hesitation, I accepted.  I took this challenge to get out of my comfort zone, and to take a risk.  Did I mention, this was my first speech in this type of setting?

If you are not familiar with an ignite speech it is different because it only gives the presenter 5 minutes to make their point about a passionate topic.  Plus, there is a presentation which contains 20 slides and advances automatically every 15 seconds.

I was so nervous and excited at the same time because I spoke about the importance of Computer Science education. I have to admit, it was a great feeling when it was over. A sense of conquering my fear!  Sure, my timing was off, but my message was strong and for me that was the most important part.

Ignite Speech - main points:

Why is it important to teach?

• It is all around us
• We are great users of technology, but can you really define computer science?

What is Computer Science?

• Study of algorithms
• Art of creating and reinventing
• Teaches you how to think and solve problems

Why learn it?

• Allows students to be innovative, have leadership, confidence, empowerment, realize that failure is a learning process
• 4C’s - communication, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity
• 4P’s - problem solving, problem probing, persistence, perseverance
• Students think differently about their world when they have an impact on society
• Computing skills will help them be successful in life and in their careers

State Law

• New Jersey just passed a law stating that all high schools must offer computer science classes starting in the 2018-2019 school year.

Code.org

• Widely used resource K-12
• Students enrolled in the AP CS Principles course said in a poll they enjoyed their cs classes more than other school work.
• It showed a huge growth rate in minorities and females too

Economy

• Students exposed will most likely apply for higher paying jobs
• More diversity to fulfill the jobs
• Computing skills are necessary for all jobs
• Experts are predicting that by 2024, 1.1 computing jobs will be available, and only 42% of people will be able to fill it.
• We need to bridge the gap so that students are exposed to computer science and acquire these skills
• It will prepare them for a digital economy and jobs that don’t even exist yet

Get Involved

My presentation reflection teaching Computer Science,Overcome the Fear and Embrace the Algorithm - A Computer Science Reflection

You can watch and listen to me speak about the importance of Computer Science Education on The Suite Talk.  

Coding, Robots, and Mother's Day, Oh My!

Last week I was invited to visit Mrs. Burnetta's kindergarten class to teach her students about computer science.  I was super excited about it.  Since I am teaching 6th grade computer science, I had many manipulatives and ideas, but I decided to bring the Ozobots and markers to her class.

First, I introduced computer science to the students by telling them that computer science is used to teach you how to think and how to solve problems.  I also explained to them that, computer scientists look for the problems, fixes them, and tests their programs again to see if it works correctly.  I explained that sometimes things don't work on the first try and that it is okay.  That is called learning!  

In order for the students to understand problem solving, I had the students verbally command Mrs. Burnetta to walk to the door in her classroom. Students had to use logical thinking to command their teacher to correctly walk to the door without missing any details.  This included commands such as, move forward 5 steps, and turn left or turn right.  Once they successfully completed that program, I gave them another task to have Mrs. Burnetta walk to the white board and draw a square.  Students quickly realized that every detail was important and that if something did not work correctly, they had to reset and start again.   I told them they were writing a computer program which gave instructions to tell the computer, (in this case Mrs. Burnetta), to do something.  I compared it to a cooking recipe.

During this exercise, students repeated certain vocabulary words such as, program, commands, reset, logical thinking, and problem solving.

After introducing basic computer science concepts to the students, I decided to teach them about Ozobot.  They used the Mother's Day board and the static codes to command Ozobot to make a u-turn, spin, move slow or move fast.  The students did an excellent job coloring by number and staying in the lines.

Once they were done coloring their boards, it was time to test Ozobot.  They knew if they didn't color neatly, that there was a chance Ozobot would not read the static code.  A few things the students noticed was that Ozobot flashed it's lights when it read a static code, it turned around, moved slow, went off the board, and didn't read the static code.  The students had to fix their boards accordingly and test the bot again.  

After they completed the Mother's Day board, I allowed them to create their own board.  Students were paired up and created their own boards using all of the colors, (blue, red, green, and black), to command their bot.  Students noticed that Ozobot had different color lights on when it went over different color lines.  If Ozobot did not work, they had to adjust the lines and start over again.  They were truly engaged and never gave up!

In conclusion, I am extremely proud of all Mrs. Burnetta's students.  Never underestimate your students.  They can truly learn a difficult concept if presented to them in a way they can understand it.  When I asked the students what they learned, one student replied, 'I learned how to solve problems and how to think', and another replied, 'I learned about computer programming.'

Thank you for having me in your class Mrs. Burnetta! I hope we can continue to collaborate on educating our students in computer science and bridge the gap for them too.  

All About Google Classroom - EOY Tips and Jamboard Integration

In my recent episode of The Suite Talk, I wanted to focus on Google Classroom and provide you with some tips, and other information about it. 

You can watch me on The Suite Talk, episode #26, All About Google Classroom EOY Tips and Jamboard Integration.  If you don't want to watch it, my agenda and show notes are listed below.  

Here is what I mentioned in my episode:  

Google Classroom - End of the Year Tips:

• Return and grade all work to the students
• Export grades if necessary
• Hide the classroom calendar in Google Calendar
• Archive your classes
• Create an ‘Archive’ folder in Drive and move the class folder in there

Printing Student's Assignments:

• Download the PDF Mergy app from the Chrome webstore
• This app will allow you to select and add multiple files to merge into one PDF file.  
• At this point, the PDF file can be printed out

Setting Notifications:

• Customize your email notifications from the main menu
• This will affect all of your classes

Jamboard Integration:

• It is an android app, and works best from a device that supports the Google Play store.  I am using a Pixelbook Chromebook which supports the android store.
• You can still upload Jams for students to view via the web.  The web version is very limited and will allow students to just view the Jam.
• Jams are stored in Drive and can be uploaded as assignments in Google Classroom
• Create jams and make a copy for students, or have students edit, and view them.
• Download the Jamboard app from the Google Play store

Google Classroom Feedback

• Click on the question mark at the bottom of the screen and leave the team your feedback or suggestion. You can even include a screenshot!

You can subscribe to my channel, The Suite Talk YouTube Channel, to stay up to date on my episodes.

A Few Good Tricks using Google Sheets

I am hosting a new talk show called, The Suite Talk, which focuses on Google for Education and technology integration for the classroom.  Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel to stay up to date on episodes, and check out the website, The Suite Talk, for a schedule, guest inquiries, and much more! 

In this episode of The Suite Talk, A Few Good Tricks using Google Sheets, I go over my workflow using a Google Form and Google Sheets to track, and record data for my Student Growth Objective.

Here is a list of features that I use in Google Sheets that you may find helpful.


Paint Format Tool
Hide Columns
Formulas

• Always start with an = sign
• You can reference the formulas in the help menu
• Sum()
• Countif()

Data Validation

• Restricts users to enter specific values into the cells
• Can provide the values in a drop down list or not
• Can provide the users with error messages
• Found in the Data menu

Conditional Formatting

• Allows cells to be formatted specifically depending upon a condition

Sheet Tabs at the bottom

• Delete
• Duplicate
• Copy to
• Rename
• Color code
• Protect
• Hide 

Here is the episode of The Suite Talk.



In addition, I created short screencasts that will demonstrate how to apply data validation and conditional formatting in Google Sheets.







Finally, Google just released a new feature to record actions in Google Sheets.  Read more about it on their blog.  

What's the Buzz about Merge Cube?

I recently bought a classroom set of Merge Cubes because I heard Walmart had them on clearance for $1.00.  I noticed many people in my PLN were grabbing them, so I wanted to see what the buzz was about this object.

What is Merge Cube?  

Merge Cube is a holographic object that you can hold in your hand which allows users to have a Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality experience.  

Requirements:  

• a mobile device
• download the Merge Cube apps to the device
• The apps are available at the Play Store for Android devices and the App Store for Apple devices.  Most of the apps are free, but others are not.   
• Goggles are optional.  If you use the apps in VR mode, you will need a set of goggles.  However, if you use the app in AR mode, then you do not need the goggles.

Apps:  You can search the Google Play Store, or the App Store for apps on this product.   Note, many apps are free and some charge a fee that range from $.99 - $8.99.

My Experience:  I downloaded three free educational apps the Galactic Explorer, the Merge My Aquarium , and the Mr. Body for Merge Cube.  All of the apps were interactive, engaging, fun and easy to use.  

Note, you may need to create an account to use an activation code that came with the Merge Cube. This may  unlock features of the app.  However, I found this to be inconsistent and unnecessary with other apps, but you can certainly try it anyway.   

Classroom Integration:

The Merge My Aquarium app can be used to create ecosystems in science class.  This would allow students to choose different fish and floors to use in their aquarium.  The app has a list of fish in alphabetically order and the student can add as many fish to their aquarium as needed. However, there are no fast facts about this fish.  It is just to build an ecosystem or to build an ecosystem with predators and/or friendly fish.  You can even create a food web chain.

This app offered a quick tutorial at the beginning to help you get started.   It also had a small dot which was the aiming point to select an object.  The small dot is called 'the eye'.  I found this tutorial to be very helpful.

The Galactic Explorer app allows students to hold the Milky Way galaxy in their hands.  It allows students to explore the planets while providing fast facts about them.  It gives them a close up view of the planets, moons, asteroid belt and much more.

I found this app to be valuable and informative. It offered a 30 second record option which will allow students to record their screens while they where exploring.  The video can be uploading to Google Drive and shared as a link in Google Classroom.  A short video is shown. 

The Mr. Body for Merge Cube app allows students to explore the human body in their hands.   It allows students to explore the organs in the body while providing fast facts.  It gives them a close up view of each organ and much more.  This app can be used in Science or Health class to explore the anatomy of the human body.  

I found this app to be valuable and informative. It offered a 30 second record option which will allow students to record their screens while they where exploring.  The video can be uploading to Google Drive and shared as a link in Google Classroom.  A short video is shown. 

This app offered a quick tutorial at the beginning to help you get started.   It also had a small dot which was the aiming point to select an object.  The small dot is called 'the eye'.  I found this tutorial to be very helpful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would highly recommend trying Merge Cube for your class.  It is a great way to introduce or reinforce topics in your lessons.  I found the three apps that I reviewed to be geared more for education.  In order to have student be accountable, I would recommend creating a worksheet or having them record their exploration and sharing it with the teacher.  

Keep in mind there are many other free apps that can be used to help students with fine motor skills,  celebrating student success, or show casing leadership and confidence with their peers in the classroom.  The Merge Cube can be used as a center in your classroom.  

Another reference is from my friend, Michael Fricano II.  He also wrote a review about this product.  To read his blog post, click here. 

A Few Good Google Docs Tips

In my latest episode of The Suite Talk, I go over a few good Google Docs tips that are helpful in providing feedback to students and also a few Chrome extensions that will help provide accommodations for special education students.

First, the feedback tips.  In a Google document, you can format specific words in your comments while using the commenting tool.  Simply open the comment tool and type your comment.

1. Insert an * (asterisk) before and after the word to bold the text.
2. Insert a - (dash) before and after the word to strike through the text
3. Insert an _ (underscore) before and after the word to italic the text   

Another tip to provide feedback is to install the CheckMark Chrome extension by EdTechTeam.  This can be downloaded from the Chrome web store.  This extension is a time saver! 

After you install the extension, be sure that it is enabled.  It will display as a green check mark at the top right side of the screen.  Once this is done, then you can open a Google document, highlight the text, click on the comment tool, and a floating keyboard will appear.  

On the floating keyboard there are codes that reference a specific skill or feedback comment.  Simply click on the button and the feedback will be inserted as a comment in the document.  

The next tip to help with students who have learning disabilities is to download the BeeLine Reader Chrome extension and the Select and Speak Chrome extension. 

The BeeLine Reader extension will help make reading faster and easier because it uses color gradient to guide your eyes from the end of one line to the beginning of the next.

The Select and Speak Chrome extension is a text to speech extension that will read any webpage to the user.  If you are planning to use this extension, I would highly recommend headphone or earbuds for your students.  This will help the students be less distracted and more focused on reading.

You can view the full episode of The Suite Talk - A Few Good Google Docs tips about this information.

If you enjoyed this episode, please check out and subscribe to The Suite Talk YouTube Channel.  Thanks!

Google Jamboard, Google Keep, Oh My!!

Another episode of The Suite Talk is completed.  On January 28, 2018, I had the pleasure of having my good friend +Tom Mullaney on my talk show, The Suite Talk, to speak about his expertise on using Google Jamboard and Google Keep in the GSFE classroom as a feedback tool for teachers.  We also discussed how it can be used for students to brainstorm concepts, and share and collaborate with their peers and teachers. 

I hope you enjoy the show!  The episode is embedded below or you can click here to watch it.  







Get to know Tom!  Tom is a Google Certified Innovator, and a Digital Learning Integration Designer in San Francisco.  He loves educational technology and he loves history.

If you would like to learn more from Tom, you can subscribe to his YouTube Channel, follow him on Twitter @TomEMullaney and check out his Sustainable Teaching website.   

Click here if you would like to access the show notes for this episode.  You can also visit The Suite Talk website and find the notes under the episode tab.  

Subscribe to The Suite Talk YouTube Channel 

How to use the Google Assistant in the Classroom

Did you receive a Google Assistant for a holiday gift?  Are you a classroom teacher and would like to use this device in your classroom? 

As a Computer Science education teacher, I want to bring this device into my classroom and demonstrate how it is used. Plus, I want to brag about it's functionality and how it relates to computer science.  Being part of the G Suite Expert Team, my colleagues from Google informed me that the Google Assistant will not work with a G Suite for Education account.  There are privacy issues concerning student's information and activity being recorded and associated with a GSFE account. If you try to associate a GSFE account with this device,  it will immediately prompt you with an error.  So, for now, Google is aware that teachers want to use this device in the classroom, and the engineers are working on resolving this issue.   There is no timeline on when it will be available for edu purposes.

As I was disappointed about this device not working with a GSFE account, I am still determined to test it and try to use it as a resource in my classroom.  If you want  to use the Google Assistant in your classroom, I would highly recommend the following:

• create a new personal Google account, just for your classroom and for this purpose. 
• be sure you download the Google Home app to your mobile device.  
• It is available at the Google Play store and iTunes.  
• The app is free on both platforms.  
• prior to using the device with your students, practice asking it content related questions to make sure the responses it provides are appropriate and correct.
• prior to using the device with your students, be sure the device works properly in your classroom.  
• The device needs to be accessible to the wifi and Internet in order to respond to your queries.  You may have issues regarding your school's network and/or firewall.
• Voice Match - will allow you to train the device to recognize your voice only. This can be done in the Google Home app.  
• This will prevent students from using the device inappropriately. 

Besides using it to play music, teachers can use it for a timer or alarm, play trivia games, model best practices on asking questions, and much more.  Here is a reference from the online help forum and here is a blog post from Google using this device.  

In addition, students can create interactive stories using a Google Doc add-on called Story Speaker.  This add-on will allow students to create interactive stories without coding.   The user will need to do the following:

1. Open up a Google document and install the Story Speaker add-on. 
2. Write the story using one of the templates. (At first, I recommend using the Basic template.)
3. Play the story.  The story will be read aloud on the Google Assistant. 

Providing this technology to students will allow them to hear what their story sounds like.  This can be extremely helpful for special education students especially students with a learning disability.  It will give students an opportunity to revise their stories, provide additional scenarios or story plots, and once they are happy with it, they can share the Google document with their teacher.  At that point, the teacher or the student can play the story out loud to the rest of the class. 

A few things to consider:

• There is a slight learning curve using the templates in the Story Speaker add-on.  However, with any new technology, that is typical.
• The syntax used in the template must be precise.  Be sure you follow the directions that is given in the help panel of the add-on.
• I had a hard time turning Story Speaker off.  This is demonstrated in my video.  When I didn't respond to it, it continued to play the story three times, then it disabled the Story Speaker connection and turned off the device.  
• Remember, once you tell the device, 'Ok Google, ask Story Speaker to play...' the device goes into the Story Speaker mode.  On my Google Assistant, it was a different voice from the original voice of the Google Assistant.   This is seen in my video.
• Be sure you fill in the required text in the story.  This is noted in the template of the add-on.

Here is the link to my video from The Suite Talk and the video is shown below.

In conclusion, I hope the engineers at Google continue to work on making this device educational-friendly/compatible  for teachers in the classroom.  Until then, I am going to test it and use it in my classroom as a resource, and of course follow my own recommendations, but still remain conscious of my activity.