Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Apps

Whether or not you are googly-eyed over Google or bewildered by it, it is important to know the difference between Google's Drive, Docs and Apps

 - Storage in the cloud!  Upload, save and share files, pictures or video and access them from any device that connects to the internet.  This home/storage for Google Apps, is free with your Google Account.  Access through any web browser or through a smartphone or tablet App. (It's like your own personal X Drive, accessible anywhere, sponsored by Google.)

Create and share documents, presentations, spreadsheets, drawings and forms.  Access your Docs from any device with an internet connection.  Docs are automatically saved to your Google Drive. 

 Applications to make your life more enjoyable.  Apps include, Gmail, Picassa (picture editing), Google Maps, Google Earth, Chrome.  Google Apps are browser based, but some can be downloaded directly to your computer, tablet of smartphone.

Educreations

Educreations is an easy to use, free app that records your voice and the iPad screen while you are explaining a concept.  Teachers can use it to teach concepts to children who need repeated instruction or leave lesson instructions for substitutes.  Students can use the app to demonstrate understanding of a math concept, vocabulary word or science experiment.

Find My iPhone/iPad

Worried about losing your iPad, iPhone or iPod? Apple has a free app that can locate your missing device. The app locates your device and provides you a street address! (It will not tell you which classroom you left it in. However, you can have piece of mind knowing it is somewhere in the school!)

If you device has been misplaced, and you have the app activated, you can log in from any computer  at https://www.icloud.com  

For help setting up Find My iPhone please visit http://www.apple.com/support/icloud/find-my-device/

Tech Tip #2 - Make the Info Pop Out

Have you ever been searching a website for information and can't find what you are looking for quick enough?

Some websites contain too much text or information you may not need. And if you are in a hurry, wouldn't it be nice for the information you're looking for to pop right out!  Well, there is a way to FIND  a particular word and quickly!

Depending on the browser you use, the find feature is a little different... but whichever one you use you'll save time!

Internet Explorer

Mozilla Firefox

Google Chrome

Safari

Tech Tip #1 - Microphones and Speakers

Now that we are using more interactive websites and multimedia software, it is important to know how to check to make sure your speakers and microphones are working correctly.   Sometimes children have a hard time speaking loud enough for microphones to pick up their voices nicely.  Adjusting sound settings can help even the quietest child be heard loud and clear.

In Windows 7, the taskbar on the bottom of your screen has a little speaker icon.  

Left clicking the icon, allows you to adjust the volume of the speakers.

Right clicking the icon, allows you to test, set the default and adjust the levels on  speakers (playback) or microphones (recordings). Just choose the device you would like to adjust, click properties and set the levels to the appropriate volume.

World Wild Web!

http://www.itvwild.com/ 

itvWild contains thousands of videoclips and information about wildlife facing challenges around the world.  The site, designed for elementary school students, is a great way to quickly explain or elaborate on classroom topics  in a visual way. Try searching for a particular animal, a habitat, a geographical location, characteristic or animal behavior!  

...it's Relevant

Looking for kid friendly current events?  Check out DOGO News.  

http://www.dogonews.com/

The articles are timely, interesting and written for children.   Each article has pictures/videos and an integrated dictionary for quick definitions of difficult vocabulary.  There are special student/teacher features available if you sign-up, but no registration is required to read the articles and explore the variety of resources available.

Whether you need to fill 5 minutes with an interesting class discussion or you need a daily writing topic, DOGO News is a great site for teachers and students.