Twelve Tools of December: Desmos

During the weekdays of December, we're sharing one tool per day as part of our Twelve Tools of December series.  Some of these tools are designed to be used instructionally, some can help you be more productive, and some are just fun.

Today, we're sharing about Desmos. 




What is it?

Desmos a fabulous FREE graphing calculator that can instantly plot any equation entered. It's considered the next generation graphing calculator. You can find it in the Chrome App Store and in the iTunes store for use on iPhones and iPads.  Once you get there, you can explore and then create an account or link it to your google account.  

Why would I use it?  What does it do?
Do you or your students graph functions, plot tables of data, evaluate equations, or explore transformations?  If you answered yes, then this is the tool to use.  The website has a wealth of math examples as well as creative arts applications.  Need some inspiration and lesson ideas?  Click here for an entire site dedicated to hand crafted classroom activities made by teachers.  

Here are some sweet examples from the site.  Click on the name of the graph to see Desmos in action.  

Sun to Moon

Normal Sine Integration

Snowman

And if this was not enough, this tool has been reviewed on Graphite too.  

Where can I learn more?
Desmos has YouTube channel where you can learn from their experts and view how-to videos. Additionally, there is a handy blog where you can keep up on the latest.  Do you tweet?  Consider following them @Desmos

Whether you consider yourself a math wiz or a novice you likely will be enthralled with what Desmos can do!  

Twelve Tools of December: Bridges Math Tools from Math Learning Center

During the weekdays of December, we're sharing one tool per day as part of our Twelve Tools of December series.  Some of these tools are designed to be used instructionally, some can help you be more productive, and some are just fun.

Today, we're sharing about Bridges Math Apps from the Math Learning Center. 



What is it? 
These are actually 8 different apps which are available for IOS devices and web apps for use in a browser such as Chrome. 
These apps are connected to Bridges in Mathematics K-5 and are based on the visual models used to support student learning.  
The 8 apps are:  Pattern Shapes, Number Frames, Math Vocabulary Cards, Geoboard, Number Line, Number Pieces, Number Pieces Basic, and Number Rack.

Why would I use it?  
They are FREE--yep, no money needed!  With the adoption of Bridges Math coming to elementary schools soon, we thought that you would like to explore these tools now.  They are available through this link.  Additionally, students can find the apps when they click on the app launcher in the Chrome browser.  Why not get out some Chromebooks and have students explore?  Ask them their opinion about the tool(s)?  After students have the opportunity to out the apps, consider creating an assignment in Schoology where they need to use a specific tool to to represent their learning.  Teach students how to take a screen shot of their work and send it to you.  

You might also consider going to the Illustrative Mathematics site to find a task for your students to complete using the Bridges Math Apps!  




Are there similar tools?
Another site to find online math tools is the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives.  While more extensive than the Bridges Apps, they are a little dated and now have a free as well as a paid version.  

Where can I learn more?
Check out this YouTube video to see how to integrate these apps into Google Classroom!  


Go ahead….check them out…you will be glad that you did!  

Number Rack	Number Pieces Basic	Number Pieces	Number Line
Geoboard	Math Vocabulary Cards	Number Frames	Pattern Shapes

Twelve Tech Tools of December: Google Keep

During the weekdays of December, we're sharing one tool per day as part of our Twelve Tools of December series.  Some of these tools are designed to be used instructionally, some can help you be more productive, and some are just fun.

Today, we're sharing about Google Keep.


What is it?

Google Keep is a website (https://keep.google.com/) that helps you quickly capture notes, lists, and voice memos (with speech-to-text capabilities) to help you organize your thoughts. You can add photos to your notes as well. These notes can then be color-coded and shared with others. A new feature allows users to add color-coded categories. Notes and lists can then be filtered by those categories, like research, to-do lists, blog post ideas, etc. Android users can also download the Google Keep app in the Google Play Store. There is not an iOS app for Google Keep at this time. 

Why would I use it?  What does it do?

This tool is great for teachers and students. Teachers can keep to-do lists and share them with teammates. Students can use them for note taking for research projects, keeping track of homework, and to organize collaborative projects with other students. The ideas are endless! 

Are there similar tools? 
There are other note taking apps/websites out there, like Evernote and OneNote, but Google Keep is completely free, faster for taking notes, and the voice memos are better than those in Evernote and OneNote. In addition, Google Keep will save your notes into Google Drive, and you can log into Keep with your active directory username and password, making it seamless with other tools we use in Cherry Creek. 

Where can I learn more?

Here's is Google's promotional video for Keep: 

Here's a blog post about Google Keep: http://lifehacker.com/not-just-another-notes-app-why-you-should-use-google-k-509256637

Twelve Tools of December: Auto Text Expander

During the weekdays of December, we're sharing one tool per day as part of our Twelve Tools of December series.  Some of these tools are designed to be used instructionally, some can help you be more productive, and some are just fun.

Today, we're sharing about Auto Text Expander.. 

What is it?

Auto Text Expander is a free Chrome extension that allows the user to create text shortcuts that the extension will finish for you. 

Why would I use it?  What does it do?
This extension can be used with younger students who have a hard time typing @cherrycreekschools.org over and over. It can be pushed out in the Google admin panel, and then with very minor set up it is ready to go. Also, it is a great tool for teachers if you find yourself typing the same thing over and over again in emails or on papers. When the (txt) icon is in your browser bar, that means the extension can be used on the website that is open. 

Are there similar tools? (optional)
Other extensions in the Chrome store are Popchrom and ProKeys. While they have similar functions, Auto Text Expander seems to work better with most shortcuts. Another set of alternative tools for all platforms can be found here. 

Where can I learn more?
Check out Auto Text Expander in the Chrome Web Store and start saving time!

sample list of shortcuts

The Twelve Tools of December: Chrome Remote Desktop

During the weekdays of December, we're sharing one tool per day as part of our Twelve Tools of December series.  Some of these tools are designed to be used instructionally, some can help you be more productive, and some are just fun.

Today, we're sharing about Chrome Remote Desktop.

What is it?

"Chrome Remote Desktop allows users to remotely access another computer through Chrome browser or a Chromebook. Computers can be made available on an short-term basis for scenarios such as ad hoc remote support, or on a more long-term basis for remote access to your applications and files" (taken from the app description on the Chrome Web Store).  This is  a free app and can be installed on Android devices as well.  The best thing is that the computer being controlled just needs to be powered on.  Chrome does not need to be running to use the app on the host computer.

Why would I use it?  What does it do?

After installing the communication access piece on your laptop(s) and/or desktop(s) and setting your own private code, you can enable that computer to be accessed remotely.  So, if you have a computer at home that you need to access and control from work (or vice versa), you can launch the Chrome Remote Desktop app and connect to it.  (Personally, I have used this when my kids are at home and need to me enter the computer password for them to play a game.)  This is also helpful if you're on a Chromebook or mobile device and need to access a software program that's installed on a PC or Mac in another location; you can use Chrome Remote Desktop to work on that other machine and access what you need.

Or, if you are doing a presentation and would like to be mobile and walk around the room, you can leave your computer hooked up to the projector and simply use another device to control it remotely.  (While you can use a Chromebook to control other computers, you can't yet control a Chromebook from another device.)  I often use a Chromebook to control my laptop when presenting so that I'm not stuck in front of my laptop during a workshop.

Another way to use Chrome Remote Desktop is for technology support ("Remote Assistance").  This can be very helpful when you're either trying to help someone solve a problem over the phone (or trying to have someone help you remotely).  Screen sharing is started within the app, and it generates a code that is used by the person needing to screen share.  Once the session ends, that "helper" no longer has access to the machine (unless another sharing code is created in a new session).  

Are there similar tools? 

There are software programs available that let you do something similar, like VNC, but they require installation (so they won't work from a Chromebook) can be a bit cumbersome to use.  Other services like LogMeIn.com and GoToMyPC.com have free trials but require a paid account.

Where can I learn more?

Google has a Chrome Remote Desktop help site with set-up information and basic steps for use.  In addition, there is a Google user group where you can post questions and get responses from other smart folks who use Chrome Remote Desktop.

The Twelve Tools of December: Screencastify

During the weekdays of December, we're sharing one tool per day as part of our Twelve Tools of December series.  Some of these tools are designed to be used instructionally, some can help you be more productive, and some are just fun.

Today, we're sharing about Screencastify.  


What is it?

Screencastify is an extension in Chrome that allows you to create screen video recordings. With Screencastify, you can create and share video tutorials of your screen or create presentations. As long as you have the Chrome browser, you have the ability to create screencasts using Screencastify. There is no cost to use Screencastify Lite, and you are able to record up to 10 minutes of video.

Why would I use it?  What does it do?
Screencasts are video recordings of your computer screen that have an audio recording in them. They can be very useful for showing someone how to do something on the computer, as in a tutorial or presentation. The viewer can see what to do and where to click on the screen, and hear audio of what’s being said while you click around. It’s a great way for teachers to show parents, students or colleagues how to do something online. It can also be a great way for students to describe and share their thinking while they’re working online. You even have the option to embed a video of yourself in the bottom of the video that you record. 

Screencastify doesn’t collect personal information, and at this time doesn’t have anything specific in their Privacy Policy that addresses under 13.

Are there similar tools?

Snagit is another tool that you can use for screencasting. It is a Chrome web app and an extension in Chrome. It allows you to take screenshots (images) of your screen, or screencasts (video). If you purchase the paid version of Snagit, you can use it on Mac and PC platforms in addition to the Chrome browser. Check out tutorials for Snagit and their privacy policies for students under 13. 

Kathy Schrock also has a great site dedicated to Screencasting in the Classroom. You can check out screencasting tools for different devices, as well as classroom samples.

Where can I learn more?
Here's one screencast tutorial found from a site that compares Screencastify and Snagit.

The Twelve Tech Tools of December: ThingLink

During the weekdays of December, we're sharing one tool per day as part of our Twelve Tools of December series.  Some of these tools are designed to be used instructionally, some can help you be more productive, and some are just fun.

Today, we're sharing ThingLink!

What is it?

ThingLink is a fantastic website that allows you to make images interactive.  Teachers and students can creatively share content or stories by making images come alive.  You can add links, videos, images, captions, music and more to a single image. Teachers across all content areas and grade levels could benefit from this flexible tool for teaching and learning. 

ThingLink is free.  You can sign up as a teacher and create classes.  There is a premium educator account as well that might be worth checking out for $35 a year. Thinglink integrates with Google Drive, works on iPhones, iPads and Android.



Why would I use it?  What does it do?
One of the best features within ThingLink is that is can be shared and embedded.  You can create a phenomenal ThingLink image and embed it into Schoology to facilitate an online discussion or you can even use it to make interactive assessments. 

ThingLink images can help students develop critical thinking skills and provide opportunities for students to explore as part of the learning process.  This creates enthusiasm for learning.  Below are two examples of how ThingLink has been used in the classroom by Adrian Neibauer, 5th grade teacher in CCSD.

Hover over the targeted areas above and read the information.  Identify the region and infer how the region adapts to the environment.

Please study the above image.  Be sure to click on each HOT SPOT. Based on the information provided, how accurate is this picture of the Boston Tea Party?

Where can I learn more?
You can Check out ThingLink's Help Center.

There is also a great YouTube video from TechGeeks83 on how ThingLink can be used in the classroom: