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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Join us at Shake Up Learning for an unprecedented online professional development event this summer. Our Summer Learning Series is a unique, free online learning experience designed specifically for K-12 teachers, coaches, and leaders.

Think of this as a slow-burn mini-conference with new presentations dropped every week all summer long! This series consists of 15 expert-led presentations designed to equip K-12 teachers with a treasure trove of practical ideas, innovative teaching tools, and actionable lesson plans.

© 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.

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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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It’s January, and I typically like to reflect and plan for the upcoming year.

2023 was a HARD year for me personally, probably the most challenging yet.

To say I didn’t accomplish my goals in 2023 would be an understatement.

2024 will be a fresh start- new ideas and projects filled with personal and professional development.

I love planning for a new year, setting goals, and getting a new planner. (Here are some of my productivity tips.)

I love to read and have so many books to catch up on in 2024.

I’m sharing my 2024 reading wish list with you!

(I call it a wish list because I know that life sometimes has other plans for me.)

This list contains both personal and professional books. I’m a teacher and a mama, always eager to learn and improve!

I already own some of these books, and some are on my Amazon list to purchase later.

© 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 What I’m Reading in 2024 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

In this episode, join Kasey in a captivating conversation with David L. Jackson, a seasoned education professional with a rich and diverse background spanning from classroom teaching to curriculum design and professional development leadership.

Discover the wealth of free online learning courses for educators offered through Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

Also, gain insights into the upcoming Elevating Innovation Virtual Conference taking place next month, promising exciting opportunities for professional development.

Don’t let these outstanding PD prospects pass you by!

This episode is sponsored by Verizon.

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 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. New curricula is available from partners including Discovery Education, McGraw Hill, and NYU Also, don’t miss their professional development virtual conference with Digital Promise, Elevating Innovation, on November 7th, helping educators explore ways to integrate tech in the classroom. It’s all part of Verizon’s commitment to help close the digital divide. Start your journey at Verizon.com/shakeup. Visit the webinar page for more info and to register for Elevating Innovation.

Elevating Innovation in Education

In a world where education is constantly evolving, it’s crucial for educators to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations. One way to do this is by attending conferences and professional development opportunities, and one such event that’s making waves in the education community is the “Elevating Innovation Virtual Conference.” I had the privilege of speaking with David L. Jackson, the Associate Director of Learning Delivery at Digital Promise, about this exciting event and his unique journey in education.

*Related: Solving Mysteries on Mars: TimePod AR

David’s Journey

David’s journey in education is nothing short of remarkable. Raised by Jamaican immigrant parents, he was instilled with a deep appreciation for the value of education from a young age. His parents believed that education was the key to a better future, and they ensured that David prioritized reading, writing, and math. However, as he grew older, he began to question his place in the education system.

His perspective changed when he received a scholarship to attend Syracuse University, a transformative experience that broadened his horizons and ignited his passion for education. During his time studying abroad in Paris, he delved into the study of African-American literature and observed the differences in the education system between Paris and his hometown Miami, Florida. This experience reinforced his desire to make a difference in the lives of students who shared his background.

David eventually returned to his alma mater to teach, offering students a positive role model deeply committed to their education. Over the years, he taught various grade levels, including time in alternative education. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled him to reflect on his impact on education. He sought to merge his passions and make a meaningful change in the ever-evolving digital education landscape.

Through a serendipitous discovery, he came across Digital Promise and felt an immediate connection. The organization’s mission resonated with him, prompting him to transition from the classroom to a role where he could be an agent of change in education.

Verizon Innovative Learning HQ: Micro-Credentials for Educators

David’s current role at Digital Promise involves managing the delivery of products at the Verizon Innovative Learning HQ. This platform offers educators a unique opportunity to earn micro-credentials and enhance their teaching and learning skills. Micro-credentials are a means to demonstrate competency in a specific skill or skill set. They are a testament to an educator’s expertise and dedication to professional development.

The Verizon Innovative Learning HQ provides a wide range of professional development opportunities that focus on leveraging technology while ensuring equitable and engaging learning experiences for students. Educators can select micro-credentials that align with their interests, needs, and career goals, allowing them to further their professional development at their own pace.

One of the most significant benefits of these micro-credentials is that they often qualify for continuing education units (CEUs) in various school districts. They provide an avenue for educators to enhance their teaching skills, improve student outcomes, and explore new teaching methodologies—all for free.

Get your FREE Verizon Innovative Learning HQ Account here.

Elevating Innovation Virtual Conference

The Elevating Innovation Virtual Conference is a unique event that brings together educators, school leaders, district officials, and experts in the field to explore the latest educational trends, share best practices, and connect with peers. The event serves as a collaborative space for individuals committed to enhancing the educational experience for students.

The conference aims to inspire and invigorate educators by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to innovate in their classrooms. The free virtual conference takes place on November 7th, 2023, from 11 AM to 4 PM. However, if you’re unable to attend the live event, don’t worry! All sessions will be recorded and made available on the Verizon Innovative Learning HQ for free.

Register for the Elevating Innovation Conference here.

Conference Highlights

The Elevating Innovation Virtual Conference features a diverse lineup of speakers and partners, offering a wide array of topics and insights. Attendees can expect to gain fresh perspectives on a variety of educational areas, from AI in education to leadership and coaching. Here are some highlights:

1. AI in Education: Dive into the world of artificial intelligence and its role in enhancing education. Monica Burns, an expert in the field, will shed light on how AI can transform learning.
2. Leadership and Coaching: Explore the principles of effective leadership and coaching in education. Learn from experienced educators and leaders about strategies to foster growth and success.
3. Student Engagement: Discover innovative methods to engage and motivate students. Discover how technology can be leveraged to create dynamic and interactive learning experiences.
4. Collaborative Learning: Connect with fellow educators and professionals to share ideas, resources, and best practices. Collaborative learning is a key focus of the conference, and attendees will have the opportunity to interact with their peers.
5. Transformation and Innovation: Embrace innovation and learn about the latest trends and tools that can transform your teaching and impact students positively.

If you’re passionate about education and eager to take your teaching to the next level, these resources are a great place to start. Don’t miss the chance to join the Elevating Innovation Virtual Conference and explore the ever-evolving world of education.

*Related: The Teacher’s Guide to Professional Book Studies

About David L. Jackson

“When faced with learning something new, I approach with a ‘can’t lose’ mentality. Learning new things can be very rewarding yet stressful in the same breath. It’s essential that before tackling a new endeavor, you prepare as best you can. Prepare for the journey and get ready to embrace the outcome.”

David L. Jackson exists in the margin, intending to make education a more equitable space for students and teachers who will shape the future. David comes to Digital Promise with a plethora of diverse experience in the education sector, both conventional and non-conventional (juvenile services). He started his journey in the classroom teaching reading, world history, and speech and debate, and later moved into redesigning and writing curriculum for several secondary school programs, including law and African-American literature. In the classroom, David has worked with every grade on the secondary spectrum from grades 6-12. Outside of school, he specializes in leadership, emotional, and professional development, working with students across the United States in hands-on workshops and seminars. Jackson has an interminable passion for knowledge and ensuring everyone has an opportunity to learn and better their community.

© 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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Shake Up Learning ALL-ACCESS PASS

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

Includes:

• The Google Classroom Master Class (valued at $99/year)
• The Google Slides Master Class (valued at $99/year)
• The Google Meet Master Class (valued at $79/year)
• The Zoom Master Class (valued at $79/year)
• The Dynamic Learning Workshop (valued at $99/year)
• The Blended Learning with Google Workshop (valued at $99/year)
• 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 50 hours of PD credit (with more added soon)!
• Even more exclusive content coming in the 2021-2022 school year!

Total Value is more than $600 per year!

© 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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It’s that time of year again! As many teachers begin to wrap up the end of the school year and prepare for summer, let’s make sure everything is clean and organized!

I’ve put together some Google Classroom cleanup tips for the end of the year!

Google Classroom and Google Drive can get quite messy throughout the school year, and you want to get everything cleaned up and set up for success in the next school year.

Now that even more teachers are using Google Classroom and planning for whatever the new normal is in the fall, it’s even more important to take the time to reflect, cleanup, and plan!

Let’s go all Marie Kondo and tidy up this mess!

Listen to the article:

This episode is sponsored by Fluency Tutor.

Introducing Fluency Tutor; an App for Google Chrome that helps students improve reading fluency while saving busy teachers valuable time. Fluency Tutor fosters independent reading practice, while helping educators provide personalized instruction and tracking of student progress throughout the school year. And because it’s web-based, it’s great for remote learning!

Texthelp, the makers of Fluency Tutor, are offering it for free through the end of the school year.

Visit: text.help/shakeupreading

Shoutout

I’d like to give a shoutout to all of the participants in the Shake Up Learning book study for leaders! Y’all rock!

If you’d like to participate in our next FREE book study, sign up here. (Starts June 18th)

Quick Tip of the Week

From Google Drive on the desktop, you can preview files without having to open them in a new tab by selecting the file and hitting “P” on the keyboard. This is great for checking information in a document without having to open and close new tabs.

Watch this 2-minute video to learn how!

Google Classroom Cleanup Tips for the End of the Year

Below are six tips to help you clean up Google Classroom and prepare for the next school year.

Tip #1: Reflect on the Year

First things first, before you get all happy with the delete and archive buttons, I suggest you take the time to reflect so that you have a good idea of the files you want to keep, the lessons you want to improve and repeat, and those lessons and activities that totally bombed!

Reflection is a critical part of the lesson plan cycle.

Ideally, you want to reflect immediately following the lesson or activity.

However, teaching all day, lunch duty, bus duty, parent meetings, and staff development (among a million other things) doesn’t always give you the time you need for reflection. And given the fact that so many teachers just learned how to teach from home, there’s even more reason to reflect on the experience.

So take a breath, take some time to look through your Google Classroom assignments, their coordinating folders in Google Drive, and that pesky calendar.

What went well? What do you want to do differently next year?

Think about what went well PRE-COVID, and what went well during COVID-19 school closures. We need to be prepared for all possibilities.

Did you give too much or too little time for projects? How engaged were students at home?

Make some notes, digital or paper, before you get into cleaning mode!

Something else I want to encourage you to think about during this reflection time is how you used Google Classroom and G Suite tools in your classroom.

Did you use digital tools to substitute for what you did on paper? Or did you go further?

Did you take advantage of the collaborative features of G Suite? If so, how, and how can you improve? If not, why not?

If you have been uploading your PDF worksheets and Microsoft Office files into Google Classroom, did it transform the learning in any way? How might you move forward next year and take advantage of all Google has to offer?

If you want to learn more about using G Suite in your classroom, consider taking an online course, or even getting Google Certified!

Tips #2: Check Your “To Do” List in Google Classroom

Open up your “To Do” list in Google Classroom to see what work you need to review, grade, or return.

You can view all your classes at once, or use the drop down at the top to filter this list by class.

Depending on how much clean up you have to do, you can approach this in a few different ways.

You can open up each assignment individually if you have several assignments left to grade and return. (Remember, the using the Control key on your keyboard when you click will open the page in a new window.)

You can also click on the three dots to “mark as reviewed.” Marking as reviewed is just a way of moving assignments to the “reviewed” tab so you can clearly see what is left to do. Students will not be affected.

Tip #3: Clean Up Folders

One of the beautiful things about using Google Classroom is how it automagically connects to Google Drive and creates folders for each of your assignments.

Well, not that class has ended, you need to decide what to do with all of those folders and files.

Your earlier reflection should help you decide how to handle these files.

FIRST – DO NOT DELETE THE CLASSROOM FOLDER!

I repeat, DO NOT delete the Classroom folder from your Drive!

This folder is automatically created when you create your first class in Classroom and can be difficult to get back so leave it alone.

What you can do is move or delete the sub-folders and files that are contained in that Classroom folder.

This will be a personal preference kind of thing.

You can delete if you REALLY want to, but keep in mind that you have UNLIMITED storage in your Drive so you can be a pack rat if you want.

Personally, I like to curate exemplary work into a new folder to reference or share later.

I also like to create master folders for each school year, like “2018-2019 Classes.” You can create a folder like this in your Drive, or even as a sub-folder within the Classroom folder. Then just click and drag to move things around.

Tip #4: What to Do with All Those Calendars!

Another fantastic feature of Google Classroom is the way it creates a Google Calendar for each of your classes and adds due dates!

But when you go to Google Calendar, your list of calendars is cluttered with classes that you don’t teach anymore.

If this drives you crazy, you can delete those calendars from your list.

However, consider printing your class calendar to a PDF, or take a screenshot so you can reference your due dates when planning next year. (Tip: choose the schedule view so you can see the dates in a list.)

1. Open your Google Calendar and go to the setting icon near the top-right and click “Settings.”
2. Scroll down until you see your list of calendars on the left and click on the calendar you wish to delete.
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click “Delete,” and then confirm you want to permanently delete.

Tip #5: Set Up a Class Template for Next Year

Did you know you can copy an entire class in Google Classroom?

When you do so, it will copy almost everything and save your assignments as drafts so you can easily reschedule.

This is a huge time-saver for the beginning of school, so why not create your ideal class template while everything is still fresh on the brain?

My advice is to make a copy of your class and edit it to be your “template,” that you can reuse year after year.

I have step-by-step directions for setting up your own class template in this post.

See also: How to Create a Reusable Class Template in Google Classroom

Tip #6: Archive Classes

Last, but certainly not least, you can archive your classes in Google Classroom.

This tip is last in the list because you want to make sure you have taken care of all of the things mentioned above before you are ready to archive.

To archive a class, go to your Google Classroom homepage and click on the three dots on the class card, then choose “Archive.”

You will receive a quick warning about what this means.

Click “Archive” to confirm.

Archival is great because it moves the class out of your list, but it can always be accessed or restored if you need it.

Go to your main menu (three lines) and scroll down to the bottom and select “Archive” to see your archived classes. You can also copy, restore, or delete them from here.

What would you add to this list?

Ready to Learn More About Google Classroom?

Learn all about the new updates to Google Classroom and take your skills to the next level. This course will give you everything you need to get started using Google Classroom and best practices to help you make the most of this tool.

Perfect for the beginner to intermediate skill levels! Consider this your video guide to Google Classroom!

Click here to learn more and to ENROLL TODAY!

The Google Classroom Master Class

Who Should Join the Google Classroom Master Class?

Beginners can learn everything they need to get started.

Intermediate level users can focus on learning more advanced features, tips and tricks, and best practices.

Go at your own pace.

Let’s dig in! This class is for all skill levels!

What’s Included in the Google Classroom Master Class?

• Self-paced
• Video-based lessons
• 5 BONUS Lessons
• PDF Downloads
• Supporting Resources
• Best Practices and Tips
• 6 hours of professional learning credit
• Purchase orders are accepted
• Bulk license discounts – visit GoogleTrainingforSchools.com
• Get your whole team, campus, or district on board

Click here to learn more and to ENROLL TODAY!

Google Training for Schools

We also offer group, campus, and district licenses to help get all your teachers on board!

Learn more: GoogleTrainingforSchools.com

Check out all of my Google Classroom Resources here!

© 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 Google Classroom Cleanup Tips for the End of the Year appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

In this blog post and podcast episode, I’m sharing 10 Things for Teachers to Try in 2023.

We will explore strategies, digital tools, professional learning, and much more!

Are you ready to start fresh, declutter, and make room for new ideas in your classroom this year?

What will you try in 2023?

No matter the subject or grade level, you’re bound to find a great idea just for you. 

Listen to this episode.

10 Things for Teachers to Try in 2023

1. Declutter Your Mind

If you are planning for a positive and productive 2023, you must first start with your mind. If you are like me, you may have lots of tasks, ideas, and clutter distracting you. Clearing my mind and getting all my ideas, thoughts, and worries out on paper (or a Google Doc) helps me get organized on focus on the year ahead.

Try a brain dump. Start by writing or typing down everything that’s cluttering your mind. Don’t worry about organizing it yet (you can do that later.) The point is to get it all out. Then use this to help you plan and organize your day or year. Here are some free brain dump templates from Canva.

How’s your mindset in 2023? Many of you may still feel burnt out. (I do!) A focus on the positive can help shift your mindset. I like to start the day with a devotional. Or look for other daily inspiration, stories, quotes, or try a gratitude journal.

2. Declutter Your Classroom/Workspace

Sometimes the last thing you feel like doing before or after the holiday break is cleaning, but this can reduce your stress level and give you a fresh start to the year.

Here are four easy steps to declutter and organize any space:

1. Clear out and make space to work. This can be loading everything into bins or boxes, or even just moving everything to one side of your classroom.
2. Categorize your items. Group like items together so you can clearly see everything you have.
3. Purge each category. Get rid of stuff you no longer need or use. In my classroom, I often had things like posters and teaching supplies that I would give to new teachers who were building their classrooms.
4. Contain and store your items. Now, let’s get this stuff stored and make your space more functional.

A good declutter clean-up can refresh your space, your mind, and your classroom! 

3. Try Custom Choice Boards 

I’ve been talking about choice boards for years. They truly changed my classroom, and I believe they can help any teacher empower students and differentiate.

In episode 176, I shared my framework for creating custom choice boards (with an infographic). While I love templates and share them frequently, the next step is to create a choice board that is designed to fit the needs of your students.

Templates are quick and easy, but if you rely on ready-made lessons too much, you may realize that are not always aligned with your learning goals.

I use Google Docs and Slides to create many choice boards, but I am currently exploring some new tools for choice board creation. (Look for some Book Creator resources coming soon!)

4. Chat GPT

Unless you have been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard the buzz around something called Chat GPT.

What is Chat GPT?

The beginning…that’s what it is. It will probably blow your mind, and then when you realize this technology is in its infancy, it might scare you.

Chat GPT is a free, online chatbot using artificial intelligence that can fully interact in human-like language. It can answer questions, write essays, generate all kinds of content, write lesson plans, the list goes on and on.

This tool is currently free to use while it is still in development.

Why do you need to know about Chat GPT?

Your students know about it and will use it. This technology will make plagiarism even more difficult to detect, and it means that we must rethink assignments.

For years, I have offered ideas to help teachers create assignments that are not at the top of a Google Search, but this blows Google out of the water. I don’t have all the answers. I wish I did, but I know that this is not going away and that we must work together to figure out how to create assignments for our students.

We cannot pretend that the Internet doesn’t exist when we are in school. Locking down tabs, and blocking websites isn’t the answer. Don’t misunderstand me. Yes, we need to block inappropriate content and protect our students, but we can’t prepare them for a technology-driven world and pretend that these technologies don’t exist.

We can definitely find ways to use things like Chat GPT and other similar AI tools in our learning and assessments. I will be sharing more on this in 2023. For instance, can we have students work together to use Chat GPT to answer questions, then break it apart and rewrite it or categorize it in a different way? This means that we as teachers have to have an awareness of how these tools work.

Spend some time very soon getting familiar with Chat GPT, or check the Beta version of Magic Write in Canva Docs, which uses the same AI language. (More on Canva Docs coming in next week’s episode.)

Related articles and resources:

• What Will ChatGPT Mean for Teaching?
• The College Essay Is Dead
• What is ChatGPT and why are schools blocking it?

5. Adobe Express Challenges

Did you know Adobe has free, ready-made lessons and templates for teachers and students? Each month Adobe offers a new challenge for teachers.

Think of these as ready-made activities for your students, complete with free templates, instructions, and great ideas to help teachers deliver powerful learning moments.

In December, Adobe (in partnership with Khan Academy) released a great mid-year reflection activity for students with free Adobe Express templates. January is the perfect time to use this challenge!

6th-12th Adobe Express Template

Activate student voices this January with fun and easily adaptable prompts from Adobe Express and Animate from Audio!

• Adobe Express – Use Adobe Express templates to create fun backgrounds for your characters. It could be a geography game, a famous person quiz, or a get-to-know-you intro video.
• Animate with Audio – Import your background from Adobe Express into Animate with Audio, pick your character, and record your video to make your project come alive. Animate with Audio is our latest feature and it allows students to bring their voice into a project to make it fun, educational, and informative.

To get started, click here.  Educators who share their student’s work on social media using the hashtag #AdobeEduCreative will be entered to win one of ten classroom sets of Adobe swag.  

6. Use Canva with Students

Canva has been one of my favorite image-creation tools for many years. Most of the graphics you see on this blog and website were created with Canva. But did you know Canva has entered the education space?

Canva for Education is free for teachers and students and is quickly becoming a powerhouse of interactive tools! In episode 169, I shared a treasure trove of back-to-school resources from Canva. Their templates can be huge time-savers. But what I am most excited about is how you can keep your activities inside Canva and interact with students.

Ready to learn more about Canva for Education?

• Tune in to episode 183: 4+ Things You Didn’t Know Canva Could Do. (Will be released on January 17, 2023).
• Get FREE Training on YouTube from teacher and Canva District Engagement Advocate, Scott Nunes.

7. Fight Exclusion in 2023

Every teacher should fight exclusion! In episode 164, I chatted with Mike Marotta, co-author of Inclusive Learning 365. Mike has many practical tips to help teachers reach all students and fight exclusion.

What is Inclusion?

Inclusion is fighting against exclusion. This idea, brought to the table by Chris Bugaj, struck the group as being the best picture of what inclusion means. Mike, and his co-authors, offer a website of resources. One of those resources is a self-assessment tool to examine how well a teacher is providing inclusive strategies. The self-assessment can also be useful in providing new mindsets or shifts for how to provide more inclusive strategies.

Try a new strategy in 2023!

8. Learn on the Shake Up Learning YouTube Channel

The Shake Up Learning YouTube channel is growing every week! We share free training and tips for teachers.

Each week, I share a Google Quick Tip of the Week. These are short videos (usually around 2-4 minutes) sharing a new feature of time-saving tips.

Here’s a list of the Top 10 Quick Tips of 2022.

This year, we are sharing more free training on YouTube. Check out the free training presentations from our team here. You can even catch my The Teachers Guide to Digital Choice Boards presentation here.

More training and tips are coming this year! Be sure you are subscribed to the channel, so you get notified when new videos are posted.

9. Take an Online Course from Shake Up Learning

Did you know that Shake Up Learning offers several online courses and workshops?

All of our courses are self-paced, meaning you learn at a time that is convenient for you. It is all asynchronous, so you can watch lesson videos, pause, stop, rewind and rewatch as much as you need.

ALL Courses offer credit hour certificates (ranging from 3-6 hours).

Online Workshops:

• The Blended Learning with Google Workshop
• The Dynamic Learning Workshop

Online Master Classes:

• The Google Classroom Master Class
• The Google Slides Master Class
• The Google Meet Master Class
• The Zoom Master Class

The ALL-ACCESS PD PASS

Get all the workshops, master classes, and much more with the ALL-ACCESS PASS!

(7-Day FREE Trial)

With the ALL-ACCESS Pass, participants can access all of the Master Classes, Online Workshops, Podcast PD, and the Members-Only Library!

100+ Hours of Professional Learning (with Credit)!!!

Includes:

• The Google Classroom Master Class (valued at $99/year)
• The Google Slides Master Class (valued at $99/year)
• The Google Meet Master Class (valued at $79/year)
• The Zoom Master Class (valued at $79/year)
• The Dynamic Learning Workshop (valued at $99/year)
• The Blended Learning with Google Workshop (valued at $99/year)
• 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)!
• Even more exclusive content coming!

Total Value is more than $1000 per year!

Try the ALL-ACCESS Pass FREE for 7 Days!

10. Plan for a Productive 2023

I geek out over productivity strategies, planners, and books about planning and productivity–all the things! And I have shared many planning and productivity tips on the podcast and blog.

Check out these resources to help you plan for a productive year!

• Google Keep Tips for a Productive School Year
• Google Productivity Tips to Rock the School Year
• How to Work from Home and Get Things Done
• Productivity Tips and Tools for Teachers and Students

What new tips, tools, and strategies will you try this year? Leave us a comment!

© 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 10 Things for Teachers to Try in 2023 – SULS0182 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

Expand Your Use of Google Classroom

Google Classroom can be used for so much more than just your traditional classroom LMS. This powerful tool can provide a space for teacher-to-teacher collaboration, professional learning and support, parent communication, and even special projects and enrichment classes for students. Consider these 20 New Ways to Use Google Classroom.

I have created this handy infographic with 20 New Ways to Use Google Classroom that goes beyond just the idea of using it for our everyday classrooms. I have also included details for each of the twenty ways in this blog post. Keep reading! I hope this will inspire you to think of other new ways to use Google Classroom.

I want you to understand how using Google Classroom outside of your Google Workspace domain works. It’s not a perfect system, but keep in mind that it was designed to protect students and your Google accounts.

I try not to get too technical on this blog, but it’s important to know there are certain domain settings that you will need to make some of the ideas in this post a reality. Discuss with the decision-makers at your school and/or your Google for Education administrator. If that happens to be you, here’s a support page to explain the new controls and settings in your admin console.

Listen to this article.

20 NEW Ways to Use Google Classroom

1. After School Programs

Students and teachers are involved in many after school programs that could utilize Google Classroom to share resources and improve communication and collaboration. Think of ways this could be used in programs both in and outside of your own schools like the YMCA, tutoring programs, community sports, and libraries.

2. SAT/ACT Study Groups

When it comes time to prepare for the SAT and ACT, often times students will form study groups across the area or region. Think of how awesome it would be to use Google Classroom to share resources, flashcards, tips, practice tests, and feedback through the Google Classroom platform.

Related: Google Classroom Cheat Sheets for Teachers & Students

3. Clubs and Organizations

We can also use Google Classroom to help connect and share resources within our school clubs and organizations. What about a Student Council Class within Google Classroom? Or one for the Robotics Club, National Honor Society, Made with Code, Girls/Boys Scouts, etc. And think about using it for your adult organizations as well like church groups, alumni associations, intramural teams, and philanthropic organizations.

4. Invite Outside Experts into Your Class

Wouldn’t it be great to give students an authentic audience? What if you invited an outside expert into your special class project in Google Classroom? They could give meaningful feedback and connect and share with your students.

5. Co-Teach and Collaborate Across the Globe

Google Classroom allows you to add up to 20 teachers to one class. This means we can add co-teachers from across the hall OR across the globe. How fun would it be to teach and collaborate with another teacher on another continent?!!! Consider ways you can bring the world to your students by co-teaching with a teacher and group of students in another country.

6. Create a Class for Learning Challenges

As challenge-based learning grows in popularity, let’s think of ways that we can use Google Classroom to allow students and teachers to, “sign-up,” for optional challenges by joining a Google Classroom Class designed to detail the challenge, provide resources, and allow the user to submit their evidence for meeting the challenge.

Related: Google Classroom Student Selector (Digital Popsicle Sticks!)

7. Badging Systems

Digital Badging as become a fun way for teachers and students to show off their accomplishments. Organizing and tracking badges could easily be managed through Google Classroom. The details of the assignment could be shared through Classroom as well as offer a way for users to submit their evidence. Badging has become particularly popular for encouraging teachers to learn new tech skills. Be sure you check out these blog posts to learn more about how some districts are using badges for professional learning.

8. Enrichment/Early Finisher (Choice)

Need a plan for your early finishers? Try creating a class with enrichment assignments to support those students. Incorporating choice and choice boards is a great way to give students ownership and empower your learners.

9. Book Study/Lit Circles

It seems like educators are always doing book studies, whether that is a study within our own district or cross-collaborating with educators in other areas. Google Classroom would be a great way to communication, collaborate, share reflections and resources, and stay on top of reading deadlines. Of course, Google Classroom would also make a great tool for the lit circles within our classes and on our campus. Librarians and Media Specialists could also facilitate these on a campus level for outside reading.

*Related: Google Classroom Advanced Tips (Part 1)

10. Parent Information Classes

Streamlining the communication between the school and the parents can be a challenge, to say the least. We hold informational parent meetings about all kinds of initiatives like the rollout of a 1:1 program, opening a new school, bonds, transition to middle or high school, AP courses, etc. This list could go on and on. What if we supplemented these types of meetings with online classes for parents through Google Classroom? We can add videos, information, permission slips, resources, etc. inside the Google Classroom Class.

11. Online Professional Learning

One of the most exciting ways that we can use Google Classroom, especially outside consultants and coaches like myself, is to offer online professional learning courses. I am #superexcited to start working on this idea! Now that I can invite teachers to join my Google Classroom Classes, I’m looking forward to offering new ways to connect and learn together!

12. Collaborate with Outside Consultants and Coaches

Many schools and districts will contract with outside consultants and instructional coaches to offer support and training for their teachers. Using Google Classroom should be a no-brainer for collaboration and learning between teachers and outside consultants. This way consultants can answer questions, share new and updated resources, and continue to collaborate with schools beyond a one-and-done workshop.

*Related: 5 Chrome Extensions that Make Google Classroom Even More Awesome!

13. Replace or Supplement Meetings

Whether it’s a faculty meeting, department meeting, team meeting, or committee meetings, Google Classroom can offer a way to sometimes replace meetings or allow you to flip informational meetings. By recording informational videos and posting to Google Classroom, some meetings can be replaced altogether. Other types of groups that meet regularly can use Google Classroom to continue the conversation asynchronously, share important resources, docs, links, etc. Consider ways that you can use Google Classroom to streamline your meetings, become more efficient, and improve communication.

14. Outside Conferences and Workshops

Each Google Classroom Class allows for up to 1000 students. These means that Google Classroom could be used to provide supplemental information, resources, and follow-up for outside conference and workshops. Educators could share notes, links to presentations, and continue to collaborate beyond the conference or workshop.

15. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

Many schools have adopted Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) as a way of fostering collaborative learning among groups of educators. Each community could easily create their own Google Classroom Class to share ideas, reflections, resources and connect in new ways.

Related: 15 Google Classroom Tips for Teachers

16. Google Educator Groups (GEGs)

Are you a member of a Google Educator Group (Google+ Communities)? You should be! GEGs are Google+ communities that connect you with other Google using educators in your area. I am co-leader of the GEG for North Texas (GEG-NORTX). We have face-to-face events, meet-ups, and even offer some learning opportunities via Google Hangouts. Using Google Classroom we could extend that connect and learning and offer a one-stop-shop for resources and collaboration.

17. Certification Study Groups

Whether you are studying for the Google Certified Educator exams or preparing for other teaching certification exams, Google Classroom offers a great way to support your studies. Inside Google Classroom, you can share study materials, ask questions, and support each other as you prepare to master your certification exams.

18. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC)

As mentioned above, you can have as many 1000 students enrolled in one class in Google Classroom. MOOC’s are usually free online courses offered by universities with no limit on enrollment. With Google Classroom, free, open online courses can be created and shared. I haven’t seen this done yet, but I believe it is a possibility with the new open features of Google Classroom.

19. Face-to-Face PD Follow Up

One of the biggest complaints about professional development is the lack of follow-up. Google Classroom would be a great way to follow-up on professional learning and workshops. This is an excellent way to talk about classroom implementation and share examples, reflections on what worked and what didn’t, and continue the learning beyond the workshop.

20. New Teacher Training

My first year of teaching was the hardest–by far! Most schools offer new teacher training and orientation for teachers that are new to the profession or new to the district to learn the ins and outs of procedures, tools available, and school initiatives. Let’s leverage Google Classroom to deliver some of the new teacher training, offer support and guidance, and a way for new teachers to connect with each other.

What do you think? What would like to try or add to this list? Please leave a comment below.

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Perfect for beginner to intermediate skill levels! Consider this your video guide to Google Classroom!

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Check out all of my Google Classroom Resources here!

© 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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