Join Me This Summer for Shake Up Learning’s Summer Learning Series!

This summer, Shake Up Learning is proud to present our Summer Learning Series with a total of 15 empowering sessions designed to elevate your teaching and integrate the latest educational technologies into your classroom.

This is going to be so fun, and so easy breezy! Instead of spending hours on end sitting in an all-day workshop, why not join us during a time that is convenient for you? Access our sessions from YouTube (with ads) or from the Shake Up Learning ALL ACCESS PD Pass (ad-free) and pick up your professional learning credit certificates!

We’ve gathered some of the most innovative and inspiring educators to guide you through a variety of topics that promise to invigorate your teaching methods and enhance your pedagogical practices.

Summer Learning Series Featured Sessions and Expert Insights

Jon Corippo will help you revolutionize your teaching approach with “Teach Better and Work Less for FREE with EduProtocols,” showing you how to maximize student engagement with minimal effort.

Tom Mullaney demystifies the often overwhelming world of AI in “AI Vocabulary For Teachers,” giving you the tools to understand and effectively implement AI technologies in your teaching.

In my own session, I (Kasey Bell) will take you through “My Cautious Approach to AI.” I’ll share my personal insights on the complex landscape of artificial intelligence in education, discussing the ethical, pedagogical, and developmental considerations that come with integrating AI into K-12 classrooms. Join me as we explore a balanced framework for responsibly harnessing AI’s potential, ensuring that it enriches learning experiences without compromising the integrity and well-being of students.

Kim Voge will simplify your teaching strategies in “Teaching: Simplified with Routines and the 4 C’s,” where she promotes a student-centered, efficient classroom environment.

Pam Hubler provides a creative toolkit in “Canva Creations: Elevating Education with Visual Magic,” offering innovative ways to engage students with visually compelling educational materials.

Susan Vincentz offers essential “Google Time Saving Tips for Efficiency,” perfect for educators looking to streamline their use of Google Tools.

Stephanie Howell energizes your classroom with “Amp Up Your Teaching,” introducing over 20 strategies to enhance student engagement and curiosity.

Full Schedule and Registration

We have a robust lineup that covers a broad spectrum of educational topics. Below is the full schedule of the 15 sessions, ensuring you can find topics that resonate with your educational needs and interests.

CLICK HERE to open the schedule in a new window.

How to Register

Are you ready to enjoy summer PD from the comfort of your home, your patio, or anywhere you want? Spots are filling up quickly, so be sure to secure your place today!

Registration is FREE! Just fill out the form below.

Join us at Shake Up Learning this summer to not just learn, but transform and invigorate your teaching. I look forward to exploring these exciting educational frontiers together!

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

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Get ready for some fantastic news from Texthelp—your go-to for making learning accessible and joyful for every student.

Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Texthelp on numerous occasions.

Time and again, they’ve proven themselves as a steadfast ally in our shared mission to make education accessible for all students. I deeply respect their dedication to developing practical, free resources for educators.

They’ve whipped up three incredible guides packed with expert tips to spice up your teaching.

From easy-peasy captioning tricks to making lessons visually vibrant and beyond, these resources are game-changers.

Whether you’re looking to enhance reading skills or make content more engaging for every learner, these guides have got you covered.

Dive in and watch your classroom transform into a place where learning knows no bounds.

This blog post is sponsored by Texthelp.

3 Essential Guides for Teachers: Adapting Instruction to Every Student Ability

by Mary Pembleton from Texthelp

As an accessible technology company, Texthelp is always looking for ways to support educators with the diverse learning needs in their classrooms.

To help, our content team recently asked five experts to share their best tips: a researcher, two teachers turned education journalists, an accessibility consultant, and one AT specialist.

Get the Guides!

They gave us excellent advice, and from it, we created three downloadable guides:

• A guide about inclusive reading instruction
• A guide to supporting English Language learners in general education classrooms
• A guide to essential accessibility practices in schools and classrooms.

…with more on the way.

These guides include advice for administrators and MTSS teams, loads of research studies, and lots of quick tips for educators who need simple ways to adapt grade-level instruction to the different levels of abilities, backgrounds, and needs in their classrooms.

Below are six of their best tips. To gain more, head over to the Texthelp website to get the complete guides delivered to your inbox.

1. Turn on captions when teaching as another way for students to take in information.

It’s easy, free, and super-supported by research. 

Turn on live captioning in Google Slides as a visual aid in the classroom, even if you aren’t using a slide deck to teach.

Who it benefits, and how:

• Learners who are deaf/hard of hearing by allowing them access to the content in an alternative way
• English Language Learners by helping with pronunciation, language acquisition, and comprehension
• Learners who are learning to read by increasing exposure to print and building literacy skills
• All learners by improving comprehension, attention, and memory of the video content

How to do it:

• To display the captions in a captioned video, simply click the “CC” button.
• To add live captions to any lesson you teach verbally, you can enable live captions with one quick adjustment in Google Slides.

Here’s how to set up live captions in a Google slide presentation: 

1. Ensure your computer’s microphone is on
2. Click or enable “Present” in Google Slides
3. At the bottom left of your screen, select “More options.”
4. Click “Captions Preferences”
5. Toggle captions on.

Now, when you speak, live captions will appear on your screen or smartboard.

For more information about live captioning options in Google Slides, visit the “Present slides with captions” section of the Google Help Center here.

2. Teach with a microphone. 

Remote Microphone Systems were created for people who have difficulties hearing, and are often used as an assistive technology in the classroom.

Casual microphone use by a classroom educator should never replace necessary assistive technology support. However, the voice amplification offered by any microphone could be a helpful tool for engaging students who have trouble with listening, students with autism, and lend a hand with classroom management.

Pair sound amplification with free live captioning in Google Slides, listed above, for added benefit. 

3. Have students record themselves reading, and listen back to it.

To help learners of all abilities with their reading skills, ask them to record themselves reading a text out loud and then listen back to it. This helps struggling readers, beginning readers, and ELLs improve their reading fluency. 

4. Use visuals to supplement instruction automatically. 

Including visuals in your instruction is a great way to build understanding in all learners, particularly EL Learners and learners with autism, who benefit from the easily understandable additional context of visuals.

To empower learners with one-click visuals while reading, try Read&Write’s visual dictionary tool. Learners can click on an unfamiliar word in a text, and the visual dictionary feature will give them a picture to help them understand it.

Related: How to Create a Dynamic Reading Experience

5. Give everyone the same required readings, and show students how to adjust the reading level.

Rewordify is a free tool that allows learners to automatically adjust the reading level in any text to adapt any digital content to their ability.

Read&Write also offers a Rewordify feature, which allows students to adjust their reading levels wherever they are reading. 

6. Play an audiobook while having students read along from a physical text.

Complex texts and grade-level content benefit all learners, but are also not accessible to everyone. One way to normalize accommodations and make content accessible to everyone in class is to play an audiobook while students read along with a physical text.

Another benefit is that bimodal presentation, or providing both audio and written forms simultaneously boosts processing speed and information recall.

For additional ways to make learning more accessible to everyone in class, visit the Texthelp website’s Tier 1 is for Everyone page.

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

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Excited for fresh, cost-free professional development opportunities? Look no further! Introducing Volume 4 of the Podcast PD Choice Board for Teachers!

Building on the success and feedback from previous volumes, we’re thrilled to offer this new edition as a tool to inspire and facilitate your journey through the world of podcasts for professional learning.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding, explore new strategies, or just find some inspiration, this choice board has something for every educator.

With the Shake Up Learning Show Podcast now boasting over two hundred episodes covering a wide array of educational topics, it’s the perfect time to launch Volume 4 of the Podcast PD Choice Board.

This latest choice board is designed to cater to a variety of interests and professional development needs, featuring an even broader selection of topics, including the latest in ai in education, google tools, and much more.

Whether you’re exploring these resources on your own, or you’re involved in providing professional development for others, this choice board is versatile enough to be adapted and utilized in many different contexts.

And for those who love customizing their PD tools, we’ve included a blank template, allowing you to tailor the choice board to fit your specific needs or those of your organization.

Explore, learn, and transform your professional practice with the Podcast PD Choice Board (Vol. 4)!

Did you miss our previous Podcast PD Choice Board releases?

• Volume 1
• Volume 2
• Volume 3

Podcast PD Choice Board Vol. 4 (FREE Template)

If you are new to choice boards (aka learning menus), be sure you get your FREE Guide to Digital Choice Boards and learn all about these wonderful tools for student choice and differentiation.

I love using choice boards in the classroom AND in professional learning experiences.

Below is the Podcast PD Choice Board Vol. 4 (made with Google Drawings) with many episodes from which to choose!

Click Here to Make a Copy | Use the Template

Don’t have Google? Download the PDF: Podcast PD Choice Board for Teachers (Vol. 4)

Podcast PD Choice Board Blank Template

If you’d like to create your own from scratch, I’ve created a blank template that you can use below.

Click Here to Make a Copy | Use the Template (best for mobile)

Want Credit for Listening to Podcasts?

We’ve got an exciting option for educators interested in receiving credit for their professional development hours through podcast listening! Join the ALL ACCESS PD Pass at Shake Up Learning. This exclusive pass offers a structured way to earn credit while you learn, making it perfect for teachers who want to document their PD efforts and apply them toward their professional growth.

The ALL ACCESS PD Pass provides a comprehensive and flexible learning experience, allowing you to choose from a wide range of topics and episodes that fit your interests and needs. By joining, you not only gain access to a wealth of knowledge but also the opportunity to earn recognition for your commitment to ongoing professional development.

Take your PD to the next level and ensure your learning is recognized. Join now and start earning credit for your podcast PD today!

With the ALL-ACCESS PD Pass, participants can access all of the Master Classes, Online Workshops, Podcast PD, and the Members-Only Library! (*excludes Google Certification Academies).

Includes:

• The AI-Powered Choice Boards Mini-Workshop
• The Google Classroom Master Class
• The Google Slides Master Class
• The Google Meet Master Class
• The Zoom Master Class
• The Dynamic Learning Workshop
• The Blended Learning with Google Workshop
• Includes access to ALL future master classes and workshops!
• Members-Only Library of ebooks and cheat sheets!
• Podcast PD (with credit certificates and new content each week!)
• More than 100 hours of PD credit (with more added soon)!
• More content added every year!
• LEARN MORE AND ENROLL!

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post Podcast PD Choice Board for Teachers Vol. 4 (FREE Download!) appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

In the fast-paced world of education, teachers are often caught in a balancing act between imparting knowledge and updating their own skills.

With Shake Up Learning’s All Access PD Pass, this balancing act becomes a harmonious blend of teaching and continuous learning, all within your busy schedule.

How Busy Teachers Can Find Time for Meaningful Professional Development

Embrace Asynchronous Learning

One of the most significant advantages of the All Access PD Pass is its asynchronous nature. Courses like the Google Classroom Master Class or the Blended Learning with Google Workshop can be accessed anytime, anywhere. This flexibility means you can learn at your own pace, fitting professional development into small windows of availability, be it during a lunch break, after school hours, or over the weekend.

Related: Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Online Learning

Podcast PD = Learning on the Go

The Shake Up Learning Show podcast transforms your commute or workout time into an opportunity for professional development. Each episode, ranging from 35 to 60 minutes, is packed with innovative ideas and practical tips, making it easy to stay informed and inspired even when you’re on the move. Plus, you can get a credit certificate for listening! How awesome is that?

Related: Podcast PD Choice Board for Teachers Vol. 3 (FREE Download!)

Integrating PD into Your Teaching

The All Access PD Pass resources can directly inform and enhance your teaching. Implementing a new tool or strategy in your classroom straight from a master class not only benefits your students but also gives you real-time feedback on your learning. This practical application solidifies your understanding and showcases the immediate impact of your professional growth.

Staying Current with Ease

The ever-evolving content in the All Access PD Pass ensures that you’re always at the forefront of educational innovation. With new courses and workshops continually added, the latest educational trends and technologies are just a click away. This ongoing access means you’re not just keeping up with professional development; you’re staying ahead.

Members-Only Library: A Treasure Trove of Resources

The Members-Only Library, a key feature of Shake Up Learning’s All Access PD Pass, is a haven for time-strapped educators. It offers a curated collection of ebooks and cheat sheets, each designed for quick and effective learning. This library is perfect for busy teachers seeking instant access to a range of educational resources. Whether you need a new teaching strategy, a tech tip, or a classroom management idea, you’ll find it here, packaged in an easy-to-use format. This accessible library ensures that even the busiest educators can enhance their skills and enrich their classrooms without sacrificing valuable time.

Your Path to Balanced Professional Growth

The Shake Up Learning All Access PD Pass is more than just a collection of resources; it’s a pathway to balanced, continuous professional development. With the flexibility to learn at your pace and the convenience of integrating new skills directly into your teaching, the All Access PD Pass is the ideal solution for busy educators seeking growth.

100+ Hours of Credit

An added advantage of Shake Up Learning’s All Access PD Pass is the valuable recognition you receive upon completing each course. Every module you finish is not just a step forward in your professional development, but also earns you a certificate for credit hours. This tangible acknowledgment of your efforts and learning can be a significant addition to your professional portfolio, showcasing your commitment to continuous growth and mastery of educational technology and innovative teaching strategies. Whether you’re enhancing your resume or meeting professional development requirements, these credit hour certificates serve as a testament to your dedication and hard work.

Get Your Whole Team, Campus, or District On Board!

We offer group discounts for 10 or more, and special pricing for campus and district licensing.

Many schools have become REPEAT customers because their teachers love the flexibility of the ALL ACCESS PD Pass!

Get a quote and start the PO process here.

Join the Learning Revolution

Ready to take control of your professional development without overwhelming your schedule?

Join Shake Up Learning’s All Access PD Pass today.

What’s Included?

• The Google Classroom Master Class
• The Google Slides Master Class
• The Google Meet Master Class
• The Zoom Master Class
• The Dynamic Learning Workshop
• The Blended Learning with Google Workshop
• Includes access to ALL future master classes and workshops!
• Members-Only Library of ebooks and cheat sheets!
• Podcast PD (with credit certificates and new content each week!)
• ALL courses are asynchronous – move at your own pace!
• Get credit for every course! (unlimited professional learning credit)
• More than 100 hours of PD credit (with more added all the time)!

For just $57 every three months, embark on a journey of continuous learning, tailored to fit your busy life.

Say goodbye to the struggle of balancing teaching and learning.

Say hello to a world of flexible, impactful, and continuous professional growth.

Enroll Now and Transform Your Teaching Journey with Shake Up Learning

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

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Over the last few years, teachers have come to LOVE Google Jamboard!

But just when we settled into using it regularly, Google decided to take it away! BOO!

Have no fear! My friend, Tom Mullaney, is an expert on FigJam–your Jamboard alternative with endless possibilities!

Tom has been kind enough to share ideas from his TCEA conference presentation with us.

No TCEA FOMO for Shake Up Learning readers!

by guest author, Tom Mullaney

App Smashing with FigJam is going down RIGHT NOW at booth #2339 with @TomEMullaney He’s a Fig deal!! #FigmaEdu #FigJamFunhouse #FigJam #TCEA #TCEA24 pic.twitter.com/ws1EScGiRx

— Alex @ Figma Edu (@Alex_FigmaEdu) February 5, 2024

Google’s announcement that Jamboard is going away can cause teachers concern. All that work is gone, right? The good news is that one replacement option, FigJam, has an import from Jamboard feature. It also has App Smashing that solves a persistent problem: Students have too many tabs open on 11-inch Chromebooks.

App-Smashing with FigJam (YouTube Presentation by Tom Mullaney)

Say Hello to FigJam

FigJam is Figma’s collaborative whiteboard. Unlike Jamboard, it pairs with apps and websites teachers use. Students can use these apps directly in a FigJam, enabling one-tab learning instead of multiple-tab confusion.

Here are educational apps and websites students can use directly in FigJams.

Google Docs

Copy a Google Doc’s sharing URL and paste it into FigJam. Students can see the Doc in the FigJam and even edit it. Teachers can use this to have students enter responses to items in the FigJam.

Google Doc in a FigJam.

Google Slides

Teachers can add their Google Slides to a FigJam, allowing students to use sticky notes to answer a prompt related to the slides. Students can also edit a collaborative Slide presentation in a FigJam. 

A Google Slides presentation opened in FigJam.

YouTube

Copy a YouTube link and paste it into a FigJam. Students can watch it directly in the FigJam. Students can watch at their own pace and respond to a related prompt in sticky notes.

Two YouTube videos, a prompt, and blank sticky notes in a FigJam.

Google Books Ngram Viewer

Google Books Ngram Viewer compares the usage of terms in printed materials from 1500 to the present. It is a good resource for spurring student inquiry and questions about data and vocabulary terms. Copy an Ngram chart’s embed link and paste it into a FigJam. Students can interact with the chart directly in the FigJam. 

A Google Books Ngram viewer chart showing the use of “suffrage,” “nationalism,” “militarism,” “trench warfare,” and “shell shock” in books written from 1900 through 1930 is displayed in a FigJam.

NPR Audio

NPR audio segments cover a wide range of content teachers teach students. Copy any NPR audio file’s embed link and paste it into a FigJam. Students can play and replay audio and respond to prompts with sticky notes.

An NPR audio track, a prompt, and blank sticky notes in a FigJam.

ThingLink

ThingLink is a web-based app that allows students and teachers to add interactive “hotspots” to images. Copy a ThingLink’s sharing link and paste it into a FigJam. Students can click on hotspots in the ThingLink to see the link content, such as images, videos, and text.

A ThingLink displayed in a FigJam.

Felt Maps

Felt is a collaborative web-based mapping app similar to Google My Maps but with more features such as drawing, comments, text, YouTube videos, and hyperlinks. Copy a Felt map’s sharing link and paste it into a FigJam. Students can navigate the map and adjust the zoom right in the FigJam. Any maps students and teachers create can prompt collaborative activities in FigJam.

A Felt map displayed in a FigJam.

Other FigJams

One final edtech app smashes with FigJam: FigJam itself! Copy a FigJam’s sharing link and paste it into another FigJam. Collaborators can navigate the embedded FigJam and adjust the zoom. Students and teachers can embed FigJams to refer to prior learning and activities.

A FigJam embedded in a FigJam.

Conclusion

Students and teachers regularly use apps and websites for student creation and consumption. Accessing these in a collaborative file allows clarity instead of confusion. FigJam empowers collaboration and interaction with multiple files in one place. 

How will you App Smash with FigJam?

About Tom Mullaney

Tom Mullaney (he/him) is a former teacher who uses his Special Education and Instructional Design background to help teachers design inclusive lessons with creativity, collaboration, and fun. Tom’s education experience includes Special Education, Social Studies, educational technology coaching, and digital design. Contact him on Twitter, @TomEMullaney, or via e-mail, mistermullaney@gmail.com.

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post Say Hello to FigJam: Your Jamboard Alternative with Endless Possibilities appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

Sequoia Con 2024: Navigating the AI Frontier in Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept confined to sci-fi movies; it’s revolutionizing education, especially in K-12 settings. Sequoia Con 2024 is not just another conference—it’s a groundbreaking two-day virtual event exclusively dedicated to AI in education. Set to take place from February 29 to March 1, 2024, this conference is a must-attend for educators eager to explore the endless possibilities AI offers in transforming the learning experience.

Why Sequoia Con?

Sequoia Con is not your average gathering. It’s an immersive experience where educators, administrators, and technology experts converge to share insights, strategies, and success stories about integrating AI into the K-12 curriculum. Unlike scattered breakout sessions, this conference provides a comprehensive exploration of AI’s impact, featuring presentations from some of North America’s most influential voices in education and technology.

Whether you’re a seasoned AI enthusiast or just starting to dip your toes into the waters of AI and LLM, Sequoia Con has something for everyone. The conference promises a deep dive into the practical applications of AI, making it the perfect opportunity for growth and professional development.

Who Should Attend?

Sequoia Con is designed for educators across the spectrum—teachers, principals, classified staff, and district administrators. For teachers, it’s a chance to hear directly from peer experts who are successfully integrating AI into their subjects, at their grade levels, and aligned with educational standards. Principals can glean insights from leaders navigating the chaos and staying ahead of the curve. Even classified staff will discover how AI can be a powerful tool to streamline tasks and reduce workload.

The conference is structured to address the unique challenges each role faces concerning AI adoption. With dedicated tracks for different educational stakeholders, Sequoia Con ensures that every attendee gets relevant and actionable takeaways.

Notable Speakers

The lineup of speakers at Sequoia Con is nothing short of stellar. Dr. Pooja K. Agarwal, a cognitive scientist and author of “Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning,” will share her extensive research on how students learn. Eric Curts, a Technology Integration Specialist with 32 years of experience, will provide insights into Google for Education implementation. Dr. Julia Nyberg, a Professor at Purdue University Global, will focus on curriculum and instructional design.

Other featured speakers include Laurel Aguilar-Kirchhoff, Joe Marquez, Sophie Theodotou, Diane Lauer, Jake Carr, Derek Rouch, and Fonz Mendoza, each bringing a unique perspective on AI in education.

Special Offer: Use Code SHAKEUP for $50 Off!

To sweeten the deal, Sequoia Con is offering a special discount for Shake Up Learning readers. Use the code SHAKEUP during registration to enjoy a $50 discount off the regular price. Early Bird registration is available until February 1, 2024, at $379/person, with regular pricing at $429/person. And as an added bonus, all attendees will receive a free copy of Dr. Agarwal’s book, “Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning.”

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be at the forefront of the AI revolution in education. Register for Sequoia Con 2024, where innovation meets education for a brighter future.

Register Here and use code SHAKEUP to save $50!

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post The AI Conference You MUST Attend in 2024 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

In part two of this enlightening episode, Sarah Kiefer continues to share her invaluable insights on maximizing the potential of Google Sheets in the K12 classroom.

I often refer to Google Slides as the Swiss Army Knife of the Google suite of tools.
But an often overlooked tool that can really super-power your classroom and your lesson plans is Google Sheets.

This is the secret sauce, y’all!

In the second part of this series, our very own Shake Up Learning team member, Sarah Kiefer, spills the beans on her top Google Sheets templates, nifty lesson ideas, and some seriously cool ways to team it up with Google Forms.
You don’t want to miss this gem!

And don’t forget to check out Sarah’s awesome Google Sheets presentation that she created WITH Google Sheets!

Did you miss Part 1 of this amazing series? CLICK HERE

Listen to this episode:

Google Sheets in the Classroom (Part 2)

Google Sheets has evolved far beyond being just a spreadsheet tool; it’s a dynamic platform packed with potential for educators. In part two of Sarah Kiefer’s insightful podcast interview, we explore some of the ways Google Sheets can revolutionize the classroom, empower students, and enhance learning experiences.

Throughout this podcast series, we are exploring Sarah’s Google Sheets presentation that she recently shared with CyFair ISD.

Below is Sarah’s presentation.

Use the template link below to make a copy and save it to your Google Drive. (You can thank us later!)

Get a copy of Sarah’s Google Sheet! Template Link

Making Data Less Daunting

While Google Sheets might appear overwhelming, especially for students, Sarah emphasizes the importance of understanding the basics before diving into complex tasks. When students can grasp the essentials like creating a pie graph to show how many classmates prefer the color blue, the true potential of Google Sheets becomes more apparent.

*Related: New Smart Canvas Features in Google Docs and Sheets

Versatility of Google Forms

Google Forms are a versatile tool for education. They aren’t just for data collection; they can facilitate a wide range of tasks. From collecting basic student information to enabling surveys and applications, Google Forms can be a teacher’s Swiss Army knife. We can use Google forms for a myriad of purposes, from gathering parent information to tracking behavioral incidents.

Collaborative Data Collection and Sharing

Sarah also delves into how Google Sheets can aid in collaborative data collection. By creating a log of parent-student interactions, teachers can record and share important information with colleagues, counselors, and other relevant parties. This collective approach eliminates the need for hallway or lunchroom conversations, ensuring that vital information is shared effectively and efficiently.

*Related: Get Started with Conditional Formatting in Google Sheets

Digital Checkbooks and Financial Literacy

One practical example shared is the use of Google Sheets to teach financial literacy. A fourth-grade teacher came up with a brilliant idea to replace the traditional paper checkbooks used in a city simulation activity with a digital version. The experiment involved students learning to record transactions, calculate balances, and understand the basics of personal finance. Sarah shows us how Google Sheets can make learning practical life skills more engaging.

Encouraging Research and Source Evaluation

An important aspect Sarah highlights is the need to teach students how to conduct proper research and evaluate online sources critically. While technology advances rapidly, the importance of source vetting remains unchanged. A collaborative Google Sheet activity is introduced, where students contribute links to credible sources and provide justifications for their choices (Curation with Google Sheets). This activity is a great way to foster critical thinking, as it encourages students to explain why they believe a source is reliable.

Versatility and Depth of Google Sheets

Sarah acknowledges that the capabilities of Google Sheets extend far beyond what can be covered in a single podcast (or even two!). Its depth and versatility make it a tool that can grow with educators and students as they become more comfortable and proficient. Users are encouraged to explore the full potential of Google Sheets, recognizing that it offers so much more than what initially meets the eye.

Resources and Further Exploration

Don’t forget to explore the wonderful resources, templates, and examples available on Sarah’s websites, techyoucando.com, and templatesforteachers.com.

Whether it’s using Google Sheets with little learners or collaborating on projects with colleagues, there’s something for everyone. It’s all about gradually integrating these tools into your teaching repertoire as you become more familiar and comfortable with them.

Google Sheets has the potential to be an indispensable educational tool. By mastering the basics, teachers can gradually explore more advanced features and open up endless possibilities for creative and effective teaching methods. Sarah shows us how Google Sheets can transform the learning experience, making it more engaging and efficient while preparing students for a tech-driven world.

About Sarah Kiefer

Sarah Kiefer is a classroom technology teacher in a new district. She has spent the last 7 years supporting students and teachers use technology in meaningful ways and 14 years in the classroom before that. Sarah is a wife and mom to three daughters and blogs at www.TechYouCanDo.com.

Current Certifications: Google Certified Educator Level 1, Google Certified Educator Level 2, Google Certified Coach, Google Certified Trainer, Google Certified Innovator, Wakelet & WeVideo Ambassador; Mote Certified Educator; Master Screencaster.

Sarah’s most popular presentation topics: Google tools, Schoology, WeVideo, Wakelet

Work with us!– Bring Sarah or one of the Shake Up Learning Trainers to your school or event.

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post Empowering K12 Classrooms with Google Sheets (Part 2) – SULS0207 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

In this episode, join Shake Up Learning team member Sarah Kiefer and me for Part 1 of an in-depth discussion on Google Sheets.

We dive into innovative approaches to harnessing the power of Google Sheets in K12 education.

We explore Sarah’s outstanding Google Sheets presentation, a tool crafted to enrich educators and students by strengthening their foundational grasp of Sheets and elevating their classroom learning experiences.

And stay tuned for Part 2 of this jam-packed series!

Listen to the full podcast episode:

This episode is sponsored by Kognity.

I’m so excited to take part in Engage by Kognity happening on November 9th! This full-day online event is packed with inspirational speakers and great sessions. Engage is created for anyone and everyone involved in High School Science Education and offers three different session tracks. The Science Pedagogy track, the Elevate Teaching track as well as a Leadership track. Make sure to catch my session: The Teacher’s Guide to Choice Boards: Empower & Engage Students! Also, don’t worry if you can’t attend live, you’ll get access to the recordings as well. If you sign up at kognity.com/engage using my code SHAKEUPLEARNING you can attend completely for free!

Empowering K12 Classrooms with Google Sheets (Part 1)

Google Sheets is often overlooked by educators and students, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach teaching and learning. In this episode, Sarah Kiefer shares her passion for using Google Sheets in the classroom and how it can be a game-changer. This blog post will take you through some key insights from the podcast and show you how to harness the full potential of Google Sheets in your teaching.

*Related: FREE Templates for Teachers: Where to Find Them and How to Create Them

Redefining Google Sheets

Google Sheets often conjures images of data collection and number crunching, which may not seem very exciting to most educators and students. However, Sarah Kiefer believes that Google Sheets can be a versatile and engaging tool for all ages. It’s not just about data; it’s about how you use it.

Sarah Kiefer had the opportunity to present on Google Sheets at a recent conference. Instead of creating a traditional slide deck, she decided to build her presentation entirely within a Google Sheet. This choice allowed her to showcase the versatility of Google Sheets beyond data collection. With this unique approach, she demonstrated that Google Sheets can be a dynamic tool for creating engaging classroom activities.

Get a copy of Sarah’s Google Sheet! Template Link

Creating a Google Sheets Presentation

The presentation Sarah created within Google Sheets is a testament to the application’s capabilities. She started with a cover sheet that resembled a typical presentation slide. She merged cells, inserted images, and added links, showcasing that Google Sheets can be as visually appealing and functional as other Google applications.

Mastering the Basics

Sarah understands that not everyone is familiar with the terminology and features in Google Sheets. That’s why she dedicated a tab to the basics, offering a comprehensive glossary of essential terms, toolbars, and tabs. This resource can serve as a cheat sheet for those new to Google Sheets or as a reference point for students.

*Related: 15+ Ways for Teachers to Use Google Sheets in the Classroom

Data Capture with Google Sheets

One common use of Google Sheets is data capture. Sarah shared a template used in her previous school district to collect and analyze data for incoming kindergarteners. The data capture sheet made it easy for teachers to input student information, and it could be accessed by grade-level teams and administrators. Google Sheets simplifies data management and provides a centralized location for collaborative efforts.

Google Forms Integration

Google Forms are often underutilized in conjunction with Google Sheets. Sarah highlighted the power of Google Forms for collecting data from students or team members. She emphasized the importance of planning your form to get the data you want and highlighted how Google Forms’ recent improvements make data visualization even more accessible.

Expanding the Possibilities

While Google Sheets excels at managing data, it offers much more. The presentation explores advanced functions like personalized email, Flippity activities, and creating to-do lists within Google Sheets. These features demonstrate the endless possibilities of Google Sheets for classroom activities.

More Coming in Part 2!

We couldn’t fit it all into ONE episode and blog post, so don’t miss the second half of Sarah’s ideas and resources!

Unleash the power of Google Sheets in your classroom and see the positive impact it can have on teaching and learning.

About Sarah Kiefer

Sarah Kiefer is a classroom technology teacher in a new district. She has spent the last 7 years supporting students and teachers use technology in meaningful ways and 14 years in the classroom before that. Sarah is a wife and mom to three daughters and blogs at www.TechYouCanDo.com.

Current Certifications: Google Certified Educator Level 1, Google Certified Educator Level 2, Google Certified Coach, Google Certified Trainer, Google Certified Innovator, Wakelet & WeVideo Ambassador; Mote Certified Educator; Master Screencaster.

Sarah’s most popular presentation topics: Google tools, Schoology, WeVideo, Wakelet

Work with us!– Bring Sarah or one of the Shake Up Learning Trainers to your school or event.

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post Empowering K12 Classrooms with Google Sheets (Part 1) – SULS0206 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Pam Hubler, a valued Shake Up Learning team member, about Chromebook accessibility tools for all learners.

Together, we dive into the remarkable accessibility features of Chromebooks that you absolutely must explore.

Discover the art of tailoring Chromebook accessibility tools to your needs, harness the power of text-to-speech functionality, master display settings, make the most of keyboard shortcuts, fine-tune cursor settings, explore the world of captions, dictation, and so much more!

Pam also shares her Chromebook Accessibility presentation (embedded below).

Listen to this podcast episode below.

Chromebook Accessibility Tools for ALL Learners

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, Chromebooks have become a popular choice for both students and educators.

Their affordability, ease of use, and portability make them a versatile tool for learning.

What’s more, Chromebooks offer a wide array of accessibility tools that cater to the diverse needs of students, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to excel in the digital age.


In this podcast episode and blog post, Pam Hubler will guide us through the Chromebook accessibility tools that can benefit all learners, regardless of their abilities or challenges.

Pam recently delivered a presentation on this topic! Her slides are available here (and embedded below).

Turn on Accessibility Features on Chromebooks

Step 1: Find accessibility features

1. At the bottom right, select the time. Or press Alt + Shift + s.
2. Select Settings    Accessibility.
   • Optional: To have quick access to accessibility features, turn on Always show accessibility options in the system menu.

Step 2: Turn on a feature

ChromeVox Screen Reader

ChromeVox is a built-in screen reader that transforms text into speech, allowing visually impaired students to navigate the web and access digital content. This tool is fully integrated into the Chrome operating system, providing text-to-speech capabilities that can be customized to suit individual preferences. By using ChromeVox, visually impaired learners can engage with online resources, read articles, and access textbooks with ease.

Press Ctrl+Alt+Z to toggle ChromeVox on or off.

Select-to-Speak

Select-to-Speak is an extension available for Chrome that can read selected text aloud. This feature is beneficial for learners who need assistance in comprehending written content. By highlighting the text they want to hear, students can improve their reading comprehension and auditory learning skills.

Magnification and Zoom

Chromebooks offer a built-in magnification tool that allows users to zoom in on the screen, making text and graphics more accessible for those with visual impairments. This feature helps students with low vision read content, view images, and interact with web applications comfortably.

Press Ctrl+ to zoom in and Ctrl- to zoom out.

High-Contrast Mode

A high-contrast mode is a valuable tool for students with visual impairments or color blindness. By adjusting the display to increase contrast, this feature enhances readability and helps users distinguish between text and background colors more effectively.

Chromebook Keyboard Shortcuts

Chromebooks come with a range of keyboard shortcuts that make navigating the interface easier for students with physical disabilities. These shortcuts can replace complex mouse operations and help learners with mobility challenges efficiently control their devices.

To find keyboard shortcuts in your Chromebook:

1. At the bottom right, select the time.
2. Select Settings .
3. Scroll, then select Keyboard.
4. Select View keyboard shortcuts.

Popular shortcuts

Dictate

Anywhere you can type on screen you can now press the search key + d and the option to voice type will appear!

Voice Typing

Voice Typing is an integrated tool in the Google Docs application that allows students to dictate text instead of typing it manually. This feature benefits individuals with motor impairments or learning disabilities like dyslexia. Voice Typing can significantly reduce the barriers students face when trying to express their thoughts in writing.

Go to  Tools>Voice Typing to enable in your Docs and Slides.

*Related: How to Voice Type in Google Docs (Speech-to-Text Dictation)

*Related: 7 Reasons You Need to Try Voice Typing in Google Docs

Read&Write for Google Chrome

Read&Write is an extension available in the Chrome Web Store that provides comprehensive support for learners with diverse needs. It offers features like text-to-speech, word prediction, and language translation, which are helpful for students with reading difficulties, language barriers, or learning disabilities.

*Related: How to Create a Dynamic Reading Experience

Chrome Accessibility Tutorial Videos

Below is a YouTube playlist of 20 videos. (Most of these are old, but the features remain the same–only better.)

Chromebooks are not just a cost-effective option for educational institutions but also a powerful platform for accommodating the needs of all learners.

The accessibility tools built into the Chrome web browser and operating system, as well as extensions and applications available in the Chrome Web Store, empower students with various abilities and challenges to succeed in their educational journeys.

By leveraging these tools, educators can create inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive, regardless of their unique requirements.

The future of education is digital, and Chromebook accessibility tools are helping ensure that this future is inclusive and accessible to all.

About Pam Hubler

Pam is an Innovative Learning Coordinator in Charleston, South Carolina, with 26 years in education.  She is passionate about professional development, technology integration, and building a strong culture in schools.

Follow Pam on Twitter: @specialtechie

Work with Pam or other Shake Up Learning team members: Work with Us

See Pam’s other guest blog posts and appearances on Shake Up Learning

• 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Google Meet
• Google Challenges for Teachers! (FREE Template by Pam Hubler)
• #PottyPD: How to Make the Most of a Captive Audience
• Student “Play of the Week” with Google Slides (FREE Template)
• Google Tips for Instructional Coaches and Tech Coaches
• Google Success Story: Pam Hubler, Google Certified Trainer

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post Chromebook Accessibility Tools for ALL Learners – SULS0204 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

In this blog post and podcast episode, I’m sharing 15 Plug-and-Play Lesson Plans from Google’s Applied Digital Skills program.

These are perfect for Back-to-School or ANY TIME of year!

And Google has improved the integration of these lessons with Google Classroom, so it’s even EASIER now to assign these to students.

Kick off the school year with lessons that help students express themselves, build relationships, and stay organized while learning new technology skills.

Listen to this article.

This episode is sponsored by Everfi.

Want to prepare your students for career and life success, but short on time? Busy teachers use EVERFI’s standards-aligned, research-based digital lessons, recently awarded with the ISTE Seal for high quality curriculum, to teach students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Interactive, game-based lessons designed by experienced educators help you engage students at all grade levels and bring critical real-world skills like financial education, early literacy, character education, health & wellness, and more to your classroom. Thanks to partners, these lessons are FREE for all K-12 schools and students. With back-to-school season gearing up, now is an exciting time to give your students a jumpstart on their future.  Go to everfi.com/shake to learn more, and sign up to get a virtual swag bag full of free goodies to get the school year off to a great start. 

15 Plug-and-Play Lesson Plans from Google

Did you know that Google’s Applied Digital Skills program has readymade, plug-and-play lessons for your classroom?

Today, we are exploring a special collection of lesson plans for the back-to-school season, but this collection has ideas that will inspire you all year long. There are actually 21 lessons in this extensive collection, 15 of which are listed below.

Oh, and did I mention they have improved how these lessons integrate with Google Classroom? Easy peasy, lemon squeezy, y’all!

What is Applied Digital Skills?

Google’s Applied Digital Skills program is a flexible video-based curriculum that prepares students of all ages for the growing number of jobs that require basic digital skills.

This is a growing resource of lessons that walk students through each step of the creation process. You get the entire lesson, AND the step-by-step tech how-to.

And since this is video-based, students can pause the videos and rewatch them as needed.

But the best part is that these lessons are free and ready to use!

As you are getting kids back in the swing of things this school year, you can rely on these lessons to help your students learn how to complete basic technology tasks like using Google Classroom and help them learn how to use Google tools to create!

Learn more about using the Applied Digital Skills program and set up your teacher profile here.

Related: Back to School Lesson Planning Tips

1. Introduce Yourself in Google Slides

STUDENT DESCRIPTION: Create a slide that represents what makes you special or unique using Google Slides.

TIME TO COMPLETE: 45—90 minutes

DIGITAL TOOLS: Google Slides

SKILLS

• Communication
• Digital collaboration
• File sharing
• Internet search
• Presentation formatting
• Slide design

2. Respond to a Question in Google Classroom

STUDENT DESCRIPTION: Students will log into Google Classroom, join a class, and respond to a question from their teacher.

TIME TO COMPLETE: 45—90 minutes

DIGITAL TOOLS: Google Classroom, Gmail

SKILLS

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Digital collaboration
• Effective communication

Related: Google Classroom Advanced Tips (Part 1)

3. Present Your Ideas for Classroom Expectations

STUDENT DESCRIPTION: Create a group presentation to show your ideas for classroom expectations using Google Slides.

5. Design and Share a Digital Badge

STUDENT DESCRIPTION: Recognize a classmate’s words and actions by creating a digital badge in Google Drawings for a scrapbook in Google Slides.

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post 15 Plug-and-Play Lesson Plans from Google – SULS0198 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.