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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In a world where education is constantly evolving, the need for innovative tools that ignite students’ creativity and passion for learning is more important than ever.

Night Zookeeper, an interactive online platform, is revolutionizing the way teachers inspire imagination in their classrooms.

In this post, we will explore how Night Zookeeper can foster creativity in the classroom.

Unleashing Creativity in the Classroom: How Night Zookeeper Sparks Students’ Imagination

What is Night Zookeeper?

Night Zookeeper is an educational online program for children aged 6 to 12+ (Grades 1 to 6) that uses gamified learning to help them develop reading and writing skills.

It offers a full language arts curriculum while transforming “boring school work” into fun and engaging games, challenges, interactive lessons, and collaborative projects – children often don’t even realize they’re working!

Night Zookeeper also provides a safe space for all children, including awesome community and blog pages which they’re free to explore and use to further improve their reading and writing skills.

A team of highly qualified tutors reviews all content shared within the program.

Are you ready to make reading and writing fantastically fun for your students?

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

At its core, Night Zookeeper is designed to make learning fun and engaging. The platform revolves around a captivating world where students create and interact with magical animals, embark on quests, and engage in creative writing challenges. It’s this blend of storytelling and interactive gameplay that captures the imagination of young minds, making them excited about learning.

One of the most significant ways Night Zookeeper sparks creativity is through its focus on creative writing. Students are encouraged to write stories, poems, and reports about their unique magical animals. This not only helps improve their writing skills but also allows them to express themselves in a safe, imaginative environment. As they create their narratives, they learn the power of language and storytelling, skills vital in all areas of education and life.

Another aspect where Night Zookeeper shines is in its ability to personalize learning. Every student’s journey is unique, with the platform adapting to their specific learning pace and style. This personalized approach ensures that students remain engaged and motivated, as tasks are neither too easy nor too challenging. It’s in this tailored learning environment that creativity flourishes – students feel confident to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them, which is essential for creative growth.

*Related: Say Hello to FigJam: Your Jamboard Alternative with Endless Possibilities

Check out Night Zookeeper’s downloadable learning resources, great for getting your child excited about reading & writing.

Night Zookeeper for Schools and Teachers

Teachers are not left behind in this creative journey. Night Zookeeper offers a suite of tools for educators to track student progress, provide personalized feedback, and integrate the platform’s resources into their lesson plans. This ease of integration means that teachers can effectively use Night Zookeeper to complement their teaching methods, making lessons more dynamic and impactful.

Night Zookeeper is more than just an educational platform; it’s a catalyst for creativity in the classroom. By blending the art of storytelling with interactive and gamified learning, it provides a unique space for students to explore, imagine, and create. For teachers looking to spark imagination and foster a love for learning in their students, Night Zookeeper is a valuable resource worth exploring.

Get the FREE Trial!

Classroom Reading & Writing Program

• Make reading & writing fun for your students!
• Boost their vocabulary, spelling, and grammar!
• Save yourself hours of grading time!

*Please note that this post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. This helps support the maintenance of this blog and allows me to continue sharing valuable content.

© 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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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.

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Get this awesome (and FREE) bundle of Choice Board goodies! Includes Kasey’s eBook, two video presentations, best practices checklist, Canva and Google templates, and tons of tips and resources!

© 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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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 episode, Kasey chats with Immersive Content Director Phil Birchinall from Discovery Education.

Phil shares the TimePod Adventures AR app, where students can virtually journey through time and space to Mars while solving challenges ranging from “fixing” their TimePod to discovering water on the planet.

This is a super cool app that encourages problem-based learning and STEM skills for students.

I wish this app had been around when I was a kid!

Listen to this article.

This episode is sponsored by Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

To inspire tomorrow’s brightest minds, educators need today’s best tools. Introducing Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, an easy-to-use, free online portal that empowers K-12 educators to bring new ways of learning into the classroom. The site offers tools for all educators regardless of the technology available to them, including hundreds of free standards-based ready-to-teach lesson plans, immersive educational experiences, and professional development courses to help educators learn new skills, feel more confident with technology integration, and have the opportunity to earn research-backed micro-credentials. FREE. This back-to-school season, new curricula are available from partners including Discovery Education, McGraw Hill, and NYU. Also, new professional development courses and lesson plans focused on esports and game design. It’s all part of Verizon’s commitment to help close the digital divide. Start your journey at verizon.com/shakeup.

Solving Mysteries on Mars: TimePod AR

Welcome to Mars, y’all!

During my chat about TimePod with Phil, I felt like I was back in fourth grade–geeking out over Space Camp and everything space-related.

This is some seriously cool stuff!

It’s World Space Week!

Did you know? The United Nations General Assembly declared October 4th-10th World Space Week, an international celebration of science and technology.

Every year, space agencies, companies, museums, schools, and more hold space education and outreach events to commemorate World Space Week.

Using the power of AR/VR and immersive technology, teachers have the ability to bring space to life for their students.

What is TimePod Adventures?

TimePod Adventures is an augmented reality mobile app available on iOS and Android devices.

“Take the TimePod on a journey across time and space to Mars in 2024 to help solve a series of crises as Earth begins its full colonization of the red planet. You will be helped along by ADA (Autonomous Digital Assistant), who has traveled with the TimePod across millennia. As you encounter challenges, invite your friends to help you and even remotely control the TimePod wherever they are. Episode 1-Intro Sequence will get you familiarized with the TimePod, TimeFrames and ADA, as you fix the TimePod and arrive on Mars! In Episode 2-Water students will work to discover water on the planet. Students will work through questions to help them think through how to best utilize and secure water on Mars.

TimePod Adventures is an Augmented Reality app with multiplayer elements allowing multiple users to take part wherever they are through a browser.”

But wait, there’s more!

TimePod is part of Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, and you can access free lesson ideas and much more through their free, online portal.

*Related: Inspiring Students with AR All Year Long 

Through TimePod app created in partnership with Discovery Education and Verizon, students are able to virtually journey through time and space to Mars while solving challenges ranging from “fixing” their TimePod to discovering water on the planet.

• Subjects: math, science, engineering
• Age group: K-12
• Technology needed: iPhone or iPad

The app leverages augmented reality and encourages design thinking and STEM learning to engage students in both space and future STEM careers.

Lessons for the app are accessible for free via Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.


Here are 5 TimePod Lessons to try (elementary, middle, and high school).

• Lesson: Junior Explorers (lower elementary) – In this activity, students will investigate the concept of exploration. They begin by sorting images related to exploration and discovery, which will lead to a discussion about where exploration can take place—on Earth and beyond
• Lesson: Explorer Responsibilities (upper elementary) – In this activity, students will explore Mars and reflect on the questions evoked by their discoveries. In preparation for their journey, students will share the ideas they associate with exploration and brainstorm some of the places left for humans to explore. After investigating Mars during their virtual experience, students will discuss guided questions that dig into the significance of the discovery.
• Lesson: Spotlight on Tourism (middle school) – This activity will lead students to reflect on the possibility of ecotourism on Mars. Students will begin by exploring the concept of everyday tourism as they collaborate to brainstorm the potential costs and benefits of tourism related to a place’s economy, culture, and environment. After exploring Mars during the virtual exploration, students will shift their focus to tourism on Mars. They will read an article to learn more about ecotourism and will ultimately be challenged to develop a sustainable plan for ecotourism on Mars.
• Lesson: Martian Ecotourism (high school) – In this activity, students will investigate ecotourism on Earth and then apply it to tourism on Mars. After learning about the concept of ecotourism, students will perform a jigsaw reading about real-life examples of ecotourism in communities around the world. As students read, they will look for costs and benefits related to the economy, social/cultural factors, and the environment. They will apply what they’ve learned to discuss whether they believe ecotourism has the potential to be predominantly positive or negative. After exploring Mars during the virtual exploration, students will imagine they are summoned by a special meeting of the governments who signed the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which governs peaceful space exploration.
• Lesson: Life on Mars (middle school) – In this activity, students will explore the diverse signs of life that can be hidden in water. After reading articles and creating a news report to help them understand the significance of water on Mars, they will observe pond water under a microscope as they search for single-celled and multi-celled organisms. They will then select an organism to research more in-depth as they further consider the role that each organism plays in its ecosystem. The session will wrap up with a class discussion around whether scientists should further study the water on Mars for signs of life.

What do you think? Are you excited to take your students to Mars?

*Related: 10 AR Math Lessons You Need to See

About Phil Birchinall

Twitter: @philbirchinall

Location: East Cheshire, United Kingdom 

Title: Senior Director, Immersive Content @ Discovery Education

Phil has been an educator and award-winning EdTech innovation leader for over 30 years, creating and delivering high-impact content into the classroom. In 2022, he was named one of the pioneers of immersive learning and has led regional and national education and innovation initiatives in the UK and globally. Phil was a co-founder of the award-winning immersive company Inspyro, which was acquired by Discovery Education in 2019.

© 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 Solving Mysteries on Mars: TimePod AR – SULS0202 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

In this week’s episode, I’m chatting with my friend and augmented reality expert Jaime Donally.

Jaime shares some incredible insights and ideas for using AR in the classroom, including unique apps and resources from Verizon Innovative Learning HQ (a free online education portal).

She also shares the “Career Day” AR app that can help inspire your students all year long.

Jaime always shares great ideas and tips, so you don’t want to miss this episode!

Listen to this article.

This episode is sponsored by Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

To inspire tomorrow’s brightest minds, educators need today’s best tools. Introducing Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, an easy-to-use, free online portal that empowers K-12 educators to bring new ways of learning into the classroom. The site offers tools for all educators regardless of the technology available to them, including hundreds of free standards-based ready-to-teach lesson plans, immersive educational experiences, and professional development courses to help educators learn new skills, feel more confident with technology integration, and have the opportunity to earn research-backed micro-credentials. FREE. This back-to-school season, new curricula are available from partners including Discovery Education, McGraw Hill, and NYU. Also, new professional development courses and lesson plans focused on esports and game design. It’s all part of Verizon’s commitment to help close the digital divide. Start your journey at verizon.com/shakeup.

Inspiring Students with AR All Year Long

What if you could help inspire your students to discover exciting careers they never thought possible?

And what if students could interview leaders in the field?

Oh, and you DO NOT have to recruit parents or members of the community to do it!

That’s precisely what they can do with the Career Day AR app!

“Unlock new potential paths to the future with Career Day, an Augmented Reality app that invites accomplished professionals into the classroom. Students use their voice to navigate the experience and converse with interactive, digital holograms from a variety of fields. This unique interview experience will open your students’ minds to what’s possible, and potentially inspire them to pursue a career they once thought out of reach!”

This app will spark inspiration in your students about what jobs are possible–where they can go, what they can do, and hear about newer career possibilities.

The experience is student-centered and students can lead the interview with their own questions.

There are four different individuals with unique STEAM careers to bring into your classroom through augmented reality:

• Frank, an animator at Pixar
• Saba, an interactive designer at Google
• Aaron, footwear designer at Nike
• Arleny, mechanical engineer at Verizon

You only need a tablet or a smartphone and install the Career Day app to start.

Remember that you do not need this to be a whole group activity with 1-to-1 devices. This would make a fabulous group activity, rotation, or even enrichment.

Be sure to sign up for your Verizon Innovative Learning account here to get the access codes to launch the app in teacher or student mode.

Related: Engaging Students with Immersive Learning Experiences 

Students can explore the app and see the holograms in their classroom!

When students see the person in their space, in the augmented reality of their classroom, it makes it real, authentic, and accessible.

(credit: We Are Teachers)

Teacher Resources

You will find related teacher resources for the Career Day AR app, including lesson plans, app setup, FAQ, and more in the Verizon Innovative Learning HQ portal!

This is all completely FREE!

Spend a few minutes explaining the portal and all of the free lessons, apps, and even free professional development for educators.

Related: 10 AR Math Lessons You Need to See 

Will you try Career Day?

About Jaime Donally

Twitter: @jaimedonally + @GlobalMaker

Websites: ARVRinEDU.com + GlobalMakerDay.com

Bio: Jaime Donally is a passionate technology enthusiast. She began her career as a math teacher and later moved into Instructional Technology. Her desire to build relationships has brought about opportunities to collaborate with students and educators around the world. She provides staff development and training on immersive technology as an edtech consultant.

​Her latest adventures include the launch of Global Maker Day and the #ARVRinEDU community, events, and presentations. She works as an author and speaker to provide the practical use of augmented and virtual reality in the classroom.

© 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 Inspiring Students with AR All Year Long – SULS0201 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.