Tech Bytes

 Google Classroom's Mobile App now allows a random student picker in the "People" section.  Here's how to use it:

If you missed the "Tech Tuesday" training on Accessibility on Chromebooks...here is a quick recap of the highlights We walked through the accessibility menu of the Chromebook, accessed via the clock/battery menu on the lower right of the screen. The main features addressed were text-to-speech contrast and zoom speech-to-text  cursor size Assistive technologies with Google Workspace Chrome extensions You can check out the recording from the session on our YouTube Channel here . The presentation slide deck has hyperlinks to a couple of recommended Chrome extensions that support students with visual challenges or dyslexia.   Presentation Link As always, you can contact your ed tech coach for further support and training using the assistive tools. Or you can "Google" it! ~Melissa

Why study Native American culture?      As we continue to live in and move toward a more diverse society, common misconceptions and myths can color the way we interact with and treat others. Although there are months that celebrate diversity, such as November - Native American Heritage month - do we really honor different cultures in our lessons and work to vanquish stereotypes and misunderstandings?      Here are reasons why including Native American studies is important for all different grade levels: Pow Wows.com . Besides these many reasons, students who learn other perspectives become more empathetic and can think more critically. After all, isn't that what we ultimately want for our students?      Some great resources and lesson plans:       Scholastic.com - free lessons and activities for TK and up!       NEA   (National Education Association) - Games, lessons and activities Jeri Sloane

Special guest Ronald Smothers, school psychologist for the Palmdale School District, shares a little about what a school psychologist does and how they are supporting students and staff during the 2020 pandemic. During the week of November 9–13, 2020 schools throughout the country will celebrate National School Psychology Week to highlight the important work school psychologists and other educators do to help all students thrive.

Tardiness to virtual meetings an issue?  We need to grab the attention of our students in that first few precious minutes of our time together. Try a short critical thinking activity that has no age limit and no inhibitors. Students will be motivated to be on time when they know you will be starting EXACTLY on time (do NOT wait a few more minutes for latecomers) and sharing for only a couple of minutes.  ☝Visit  http://wodb.ca/  for math puzzles that do not have only one correct answer. Share the image and allow students to share their reasoning in the chat with a chat waterfall . Working with the littles? Have them unmute and share out their ideas. Here are two examples of WODB puzzles. Which one doesn't belong? Why? How about this one? Why? ✌Critical thinking activities are definitely attention grabbers. Even sharing a piece of art or an enchanting image can get their minds turning. Try a See, Think, Wonder activity. Turn it into a creative writing or group storytelling exercise

 Applied Digital Skills - Google for Students! Don't you think your students could use more digital skills? Skills like creating more effective Google Slides presentations? Better Googling? Or how to use Google Forms or Google Sheets? Wouldn't you like an assistant to do that for you? Never fear! Applied Digital Skills is here!      Lessons teach digital skills using Google Apps, but with a purpose. There are step by step videos, projects to do along the way and a finished product to share with teachers and classmates. Google has set up these lessons that range from 3rd grade to middle school and beyond.     You yourself might like to take some of the adult lessons to learn more about the Google apps and products you use, or even to get Google Certified! Click here to find some of the most popular lessons! Or contact your friendly, neighborhood Ed Tech Coach! Click the image to find out more.