tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26606004395561333422024-03-17T23:02:31.367-04:00Tech You Can DoDoing my part to help inspire and positively impact education.Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-60415420865438033362024-03-14T19:42:00.002-04:002024-03-14T19:42:13.038-04:00Self-guided Student Projects You Can Do<p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">I recently wrapped up a grading period with my students and I wanted to do something "different". They were all fairly proficient with technology and they had a wide variety of interests. I decided I couldn't find or create anything that would satisfy and challenge them all, so I went in the opposite direction. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLw5ealodsegvwaBZ93J3KjC0Bmu2wGISNmPqEX_-m1FHnZwuwXkt2r2hw39F1iUKm3poh_PQFrKRoiV6hT-_o77dhQkkmLDO4C0p3gQxhqWZoNRf8139cuu1sYsVeW9-XsovGA6fF1c6Q7nErkeKuHbYo4Yy4Xns1Srqn0ZMcmmxBOhh1ZKbFOeKVWvA/w200-h200/Self%20guided%20projects%203152024.png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">I didn't design a project. I gave them ALL of the power.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">If your students are anything like mine, they BEG for control and choice. But, I've noticed they often don't know what to do with it when they have choice. So I decided to provide a framework for the project, but allow the students to fill in all of it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">You should have seen their faces. We had 5 days left in the quarter and I wanted them to spend time brainstorming and "researching" and asking questions, which would really leave about 4 days to actually DO their project.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">I shared the "Self-guided Project" template with them in our LMS. We walked through it together. I asked them to list 3-5 topics they are interested in - whether because they already know a lot or because they WANT to learn. Then to think about the tools we've used in class, as well as ones they are already comfortable with (I suggested this might not be the project to "learn" a new tool). Then we talked about the audience. This one was tougher for them. I agreed teachers quite often are their audience, but that wasn't my goal with this project. We talked through why a project made for a kindergartener would probably look different than one done for an adult, a parent perhaps. And then we brainstormed together who some different audiences might be.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">Finally, we talked about putting it all together. Since this was their first time with a project as open as this, I provided a list of potential projects they might want to consider, but strongly recommended they think creatively and that they could come up with something of their own design. Ultimately, their projects could be summed up in a sentence using this structure:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">"I want to create a ___(fill in project) ___ about ___ (fill in topic) ___ for ___ (fill in audience) ___ using ___ (fill in tool)___."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">They were off! It was awesome to see them design their project and move forward with them. Questions came up - help was needed - some projects finished quickly & new projects were designed with the same framework - some projects didn't get finished - but they all enjoyed it. Including me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">The best part about this framework, it's not grade specific. It's not dependent on certain tools. If your students cannot handle ALL of the choices, you can fill in one or more of the components to guide them and as they gain confidence, you can reuse this with them and they will create something completely different.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">I will definitely be using this again!</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">NOTE - as with most everything I do/create, the 1st rendition is rarely "amazing", so the version I'm sharing with you is somewhat different from what I used with my students. When I do it again, I wanted to be sure I was explicit with the four aspects - topic, tool, project, & audience - and I wanted to also have students create a Doc they could use more than once and not have to start over. </span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">If you'd like to make your own copy, please check out the "<a href="https://www.templatesforteachers.com/2024/03/selfguidedproject.html" target="_blank">Self-guided Project Template</a>" housed on my companion blog, Templates for Teachers. Feel free to look around at the other templates shared. You can make copies of any/all of them and then modify to best suit you.</span></span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">If you use this with your students, will you let me know how it goes? I'd love to know.</span></span></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Enjoy!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></p>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-19498742685959385372024-02-03T20:43:00.002-05:002024-02-03T20:43:54.690-05:00Docs Scavenger Hunt Middle School Students Can Do<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aozQKoj7159_devvEHJbx9qiBqnRwWfgZS9rwGPaa1WkJmqOGxXdQ_xJj_VLEX0ridpbJMZz60FDS2Dz0nrA-4bYm4I1UzX7fCJdOzpjf96DdYlNgPQ-QoXsIXO2cq94mVKWyiSo_yw9ayVnyS0IPLU48d9vJmD_QF-uazPcb9dMlKANiYkyRhSfC3c/w200-h200/Docs%20Scavenger%20Hunt%20Middle%20Schl%20CD.png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">My adventures are picking up and I'm ready to share one of my recent ones. My 6th graders have quite a bit of knowledge - I'm quite impressed! As they get older, I know they will depend more and more on Google Docs, so I wanted to be sure they build a solid foundation. I did as I have preached so often ... take what it's already there and modify it! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">Just about a year ago, I published "<a href="https://www.techyoucando.com/2023/02/docsscavenger.html" target="_blank">Docs Scavenger Hunt You Can Do</a>" sharing how I modified from Catlin Tucker. Today I'm sharing how I modified this - again - for my current 6th graders. We moved well beyond basic formatting into some pretty awesome tools and capabilities. Depending on how much background your students have had with Google Docs, you may need to modify this or take portions out. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">You can get your own copy of the scavenger hunt for middle schoolers on my partner blog, <a href="https://www.templatesforteachers.com/2024/02/docsformiddle.html" target="_blank">Templates for Teachers</a>. (Feel free to look around at the other templates housed there, too!)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></p>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-72694141841784515922024-01-21T19:42:00.007-05:002024-01-21T20:42:24.861-05:00Digital Citizenship We ALL Need To Do<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Long before I stepped back into the classroom, I recognized a need for digital citizenship lessons in ALL classrooms. As a coach, I could recommend, support, and encourage. Now that I am back in the classroom, I have made it a very specific part of my lessons to incorporate digital citizenship. I encourage you to do the same.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAOSG9M5teza-BUAjBaDBUrTtKgsgwlsRupk5wom0NpHXxB7ZoAubW82Ouq8dMjxFxeGyjbMMqYBCYv5Z7DYbLtu0V5VKR0P-0EwxkonCNDgI1aB1qTFSBEpP77g8VkxBNDPsCZbqsLl09THiyccpKgdXuDNSZybpU37HYbtdSiXPf7lWts3OdFtB2MI/w200-h200/DigCit%20We%20ALL%20Need%20To%20Do%20(01212024).png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">I've always been a big fan of <a href="https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship/curriculum" target="_blank">Common Sense Media</a> and I decided to their curriculum for my students. Their curriculum is well laid out with full lesson plans, worksheets, and parent resources. Each lesson at the middle school level is planned for roughly 1 class period, so it's perfect to sprinkle throughout my courses. In my grade levels, there are 6 total lessons. It is a well thought out curriculum. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">... and it's all FREE. Yep. Free.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">But I didn't stop there - I was granted permission to contact our local police department to see if they'd be willing to come in and speak to my students in addition to the lessons I cover. The police in the district I teach in are amazing! They not only agreed to come in, they worked with me to create their presentation tailored to our kiddos. During our planing meeting, I was also humored when their final request was to create a "pledge" they could send home with my students as a way to tie their visit to home. The humor came from one of the worksheets they gave me had McGruff the Crime Dog on it. I went to that safety camp as a kid! Wow! Talk about a throw back 😁 </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">We created a pledge and they chose some dates to come in and talk to my classes. When they showed up, THREE uniformed police walked in! The chief and two lieutenants. The three of them did a wonderful job with their presentation. The next day we reviewed the main points from the police and used Canva to create thank you's.</span><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"> Next up, I'm working to line them up to return for my round of students in 4th quarter. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">What we all agreed about is our kids can't hear enough about digital citizenship and online safety. Parents need to talk to their kids, teachers need to talk to their students, and if you can get other members of the community to talk to them too, by all means. The police department thanked ME for setting this up. I am beyond grateful they were willing to come in and talk to my students.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">You can do this, too! If your school has a resource officer, it might be easiest to work with them. If you don't have one - like me - give your local police department a call. I'd be shocked if they refused. And it can't hurt to ask. Our kids need us. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">There are so many other resources out there ... check out these Wakelet collections if you are looking for more:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><a href="https://wakelet.com/wake/b1973899-d87d-467f-b3db-a9c90246d910" target="_blank">Digital Citizenship Activities & Resources to BE a Good Digital Citizen</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><a href="https://wakelet.com/wake/qmLFixMImX0tryfa1ajl-" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Parent Resources for the Digital Age</span></a><br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://wakelet.com/wake/3e07e934-f1e0-4f6f-95c1-04cd3fba72bb" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Parent & Educator Resources for Digital Health</span></a></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">If you need or want help/ideas, please reach out!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">! ***</span>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-83109151919395206492023-12-16T14:18:00.003-05:002023-12-16T14:18:32.156-05:00Goals Your students Can Do<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RUAjwLBK4VJDEPGLhbGYhBCZ8cBSJzoMe7V9nfqWCsZH1qZ-fHHUEoTPUMQoyW6ZPgPSKM2Mad_fSC0YRy9KNYTSRAXx2tcrLeY0h06LMnlEk5GjoxIaUH81IZGxJACbqrJxgH-bEQJwqQI2_Sld_IhPflosPlCjnLfbdomya2B5jR-m5q9HPu511z8/w200-h200/Goals%20Your%20Students%20Can%20Do%2012172023.png" width="200" /></div></div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I am writing this as I finish up my first semester back in the classroom after 7 years as a tech coach. Whew! It has been an adjustment! First, it was in a new district. Second, it was an unconventional semester due to a pending change in the master schedule. And third, only recently have I felt myself getting into the groove and settling in (is that a sign of age???). </span><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Let me be clear - the staff have been great and the kids are great. But it has been change - and a big one for me. Reflecting on this time, I really do appreciate the way this transition worked out.</span><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I spent this semester teaching coding classes. Some of the students were really into coding and some not so much. Some were confident with coding and a few could already run circles around me, but some were relatively new to coding. I saw very quickly this was not going to be a "one size fits all" class.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">We started out with an inventory regarding their skill, interest, and what they wanted to do/learn about coding. Then we covered some "must have's" and "cannot's" in a program. From here, they evaluated Common Sense Media's list of "<a href="https://www.commonsense.org/education/lists/best-coding-tools-for-middle-school" target="_blank">Best Coding Programs for Middle School</a>' based on our requirements. We ended up with a handful of resources.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Enter</span><span style="font-family: Roboto;"> </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1tT5xZ70RwsEe0ODhwp6nyv1HEWGjZgGQ-xQbFKRB084/view" style="font-family: Roboto;" target="_blank">Catlin Tuckers Goal sheet</a><span style="font-family: Roboto;">. I came across this right about the same time as we finished up our evaluations and I had a lightbulb moment. What if each student decided what THEY wanted to accomplish in coding, and from there, selected the resource that would best support them? Bingo!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">To better facilitate this for them, I created a modified version of Catlin's goal sheet as well as a guide for the students. I called it "<a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1C5kPxJNyUbof11YnWefNZj3GzkQnRLNiLEal4G8ULhM/edit#slide=id.p" target="_blank">Coding Goal & Pathway</a>". I broke the middle column down. The "How will I get there?" included a spot for an academic path, an application path, and a career path. Each student received the goal sheet on paper. They referred to the rest on their computer.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">The "academic path" was to ensure a resource for them to do specific learning about coding.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">The "application path" was the program they were choosing to create their project in/on.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">And the "career path" was meant to expose them to future potential paths. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Students were given the paper part and time to work through the goal setting process. Quite a few had great ideas for what they wanted to create or work on. And after having worked through the evaluation of the potential programs, most easily settled on the academic path that worked for them. </span><span style="font-family: Roboto;">We ended up having several "career exploration days" where we did this portion of their goals. As class progressed, I did check ins and provided support and feedback. They also took turns sharing their projects.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I believe it went well! I had several students complete their goal and move on to a second one. I also have a few that are continuing to work on their projects. I'm excited to see they want to continue to build and improve what they started.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Next semester I'm excited to have 6th graders. The focus of this class will be technology skills. I've got lots of goodies planned for them!</span></div><div><div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-45964928146582072142023-11-11T20:17:00.001-05:002023-11-11T20:17:12.052-05:00Planners Your Students Can Do<div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCeYK6hIiNEZoaXNHZ0Gm-mNZYpHSvu_0jbS_Diugyg-8bzJ1iOKgJkxNs8PQzCy7BNqvhEvPvizqa7xLlyPV40fLSfI5Ev6IEVhfJSVS1ilwKKpwiUjybkw8UhhJf4vziQWT-BOwuQodBg01LBDnt9_UtXl74XVZEPbWz7ZPJkm1-Ack1OjcFI2MkJM/w200-h200/Planners%20Your%20Students%20Can%20Do%2011122023.png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">In late September, I shared how I have helped students with organization - they need a lot of help! - and I promised I'd be back with my thoughts on planners. It's 2023 - most schools are in 1-to-1 situations, so I'm sure the assumption is planners should also be digital, right? I disagree!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">As with most of my advice, there is NO clear answer. There is NO "one-size-fits-all" answer either. There ARE a lot of factors to consider and there are a lot of options. That's part of the problem. Let's break it down ...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Factors to consider:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;">AGE</span> - the younger the student, the more direct support needed - whether it's on paper or it's digital. This isn't news to you; this is true of everything! Younger students probably should have a paper option, especially if they are not 1:1 with a device they bring home from school.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;">TEAM/DISTRICT</span> guidelines - ideally, you are working with a larger group to scaffold the supports and bigger picture of what using a planner looks like. What does the grade younger than you do ... what about the grade above you?<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;">OPTIONS</span> - ... do you have an LMS? ... can you provide paper planners? ... what does the parent side look like?<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;">DEVICE SET-UP</span> - if your students are 1:1, do they take them home? If a school device goes home, a digital planner might be a great option. If a school device doesn't go home, a paper planner might be a better option.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">When my previous district went 1:1 with chromebooks, it was decided to NOT provide paper planners to our students. I was in a middle school - grades 5-8, I was teaching 7th & 8th - and it might seem like that is the logical step. I took a different approach. I created the following presentation to go over options with my students. Please keep in mind this was roughly 10 years ago ... I've not updated it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">But it did help ... it showed my students there typically isn't just one way. They don't have to be locked into one path. It showed them they can make decisions. And ultimately, it allowed me to support my students in a manner that helps them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="450" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vSEzfGqSIJ4TDDWEQhB0MypmM4o5z7fozvX2n4C_vljqedT_0U-GoZq9poP3JyQ8_BL4wL7Ao5qecI1/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><span style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;">If your district mandates one method over another, do yourself and your students a favor:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;">Follow it. Follow it with a passion. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;">Don't complain about it to your students. We don't always get to choose our path. Be a good example of what to do when this happens.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Don't make keeping track of work a more difficult path than it needs to be. </span>We are cramming so much content into our students on a regular basis, keep this as easy as possible.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Some kind of planner method is necessary in today's classroom. Picking the one that works best for your students is important, and hopefully can be a building or district wide one to make it something that truly works for ALL of the students, teachers, and parents.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><b style="background-color: #ffd966;"><i>How about you teachers???</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Do you have a favorite planner? I am constantly on the look out for that "perfect" planner ... this school year I've got one that is a weekly lay out with a month overview. I'm finding the weekly lay out is my go to. If you've got a favorite, drop it in the comments ... I'd love to check it out! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;">*** BONUS if it's a bullet journal!!! I'm fascinated by these, but super intimidated! ***</span></div><div style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span></span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-88109825748922931122023-10-21T13:11:00.005-04:002023-10-21T13:11:35.471-04:00Quick Tip: "Tab-aholics" You Can Do this!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvLAtBMWRf_upMGOdbmlBqWO9yKY-X8E237wMIrD3RWOsm54_AYxc5raVC8Lx0JcCDiv6-OiOINHoLnYis_0T6tdL6FsZGLho0HOFOGD3VwlsiYgUX3wWa0fgIlOwuEpgGDzTRaX_K8SOE2dVXn5WqAN_dYJZcz34JMQK1MzDXPmCYLppZ3MMJsnIBwk/w200-h200/Tab-aholics%20Tip%20YCD%20-%2010212023.png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I've recently encountered a few fellow "tab-aholics" who apologized for the number of tabs they had open. I always smile and laugh when I find another member of the the club I fondly refer to as "tab-aholics" ... aka, the people who have what seems to be a ridiculous amount of tabs open. I assure them they aren't alone and that I, too, am part of this club. I take it one step further and usually have several windows open with multiple tabs. And then, even one more step, I have all of my Google accounts set to "Continue where I left off" so when an update needs to push through, or I close Chrome, or my computer restarts unexpectedly, all of my much loved tabs pop right back open for me.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">These new tab-aholic club members apologized because they were struggling to find the right tab and I showed them this quick tip. They found it super helpful, I wanted to be sure to put it out there for you, too.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Did you know you have the quick ability to search and locate a desired tab with 2 simple and easy methods?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Roboto;"><b>Method #1: Hover</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">You can just hover over any tab with your cursor and it will tell you the name of what is open on that tab. It's as simple as that. Just move down the line - or hover of the icon you recognize for the application. Voilà! This is my top choice for finding the tab.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuyU4YDa43N243GjNsikrLzQrDQyMFxxfg-YFEacm-doLVJltC54pvObNNH8qnNcXAFoCWWZjK3PSgHi4PugUCafEubm29QUzxp0pA3UVUD660xQQoqb1steZkFDU7zwsifcypnXzhssttalDeyVoo_kNVhzpQPk5gSnZV9ohEhDTMguxNL1pbt2mhyphenhyphenc/s928/Hover%20cursor%20to%20see%20tab%20name.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="928" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuyU4YDa43N243GjNsikrLzQrDQyMFxxfg-YFEacm-doLVJltC54pvObNNH8qnNcXAFoCWWZjK3PSgHi4PugUCafEubm29QUzxp0pA3UVUD660xQQoqb1steZkFDU7zwsifcypnXzhssttalDeyVoo_kNVhzpQPk5gSnZV9ohEhDTMguxNL1pbt2mhyphenhyphenc/w640-h368/Hover%20cursor%20to%20see%20tab%20name.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Roboto;"><b>Method #2: Use the "Search tabs" tool</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;">In the upper right corner, you'll find a down facing carrot. Click on it and you'll see a vertical list of your tabs open in this window. Super convenient! Even better, if you're list is longer than the screen, you can start typing next to the magnifying glass and type in a word or so. Boom! </span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I use both methods frequently. I know quite a few people who like the ability to group tabs, but I am not one of them ... yet. I might check into that, but if you are interested, here is a great shared write up from Sethi de Clercq, <a href="https://sethideclercq.com/2023/10/save-tab-group-feature/" target="_blank">Boosting Productivity with Chrome’s Save Tab Group Feature</a>.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Enjoy a more efficient way to find your tabs!</span></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></span></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-54073931947947160542023-09-24T20:12:00.004-04:002023-09-24T20:12:38.382-04:00Student Organization You Can Do<span style="font-family: Roboto;">Recently, I had a conversation about a topic I love. </span><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Organization - specifically, organization for students.</span><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDO0pFIKabev72o91jaMIw21FYTj8wehhbT___PRPEQmc2RVYbc7tVXqvLy7Gpvx_UpH5tT4dz5WvcLjdc0RJz4F3lWWFcJCzhTXzijV0eW3t8Qk4aMuwJTQOehk4VCMcVbRn8ioCohK5-95PjxAY9Z8Yk9ce2NawvRnTZMFRPYAVgGC5FAnvqp_kqr4/w200-h200/Student%20Org%20YCD%20-%2009242023.png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Some students naturally know how to be organized, others can and will learn it, and others will struggle. So what are we to do? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Often, it feels like a losing battle. But remember, as with most everything, organization <b><i>IS</i></b> an important skill that needs to be taught, reinforced, and at times, adjusted. AND, as with most everything, there is NOT a single "right" way. Which is why organization is such a struggle.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Honestly, I loved working with my students on their organization. Together, we'd empty their locker, backpack, and folders. We'd pitch what wasn't needed, make a pile to ask about, and put the things in the place where it made sense. But it had to make sense to the student. Then I'd send them with their pile and ask the other teachers what, if anything, needed to be kept. They'd return with a smaller pile and we'd find a home for it. I am no organization wizard, but I had a heart for those students who'd walk around with papers shoved into folders and lockers that were bursting at the seams. And I'd make the time to help them organize. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*full disclosure ... we had a study hall like period I'd utilize for this task*</i></span> I'd do this several times during the year, as needed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I taught social studies - a subject that had less pressure on it - so I coordinated with my team when we'd do a locker clean out. Typically, it was at the end of a grading period. It's wild what you find in lockers ... forgotten clothing, school supplies that had never made it to their "requester", even packed lunches the student had chosen to not eat! All amongst the typical random papers and pencils. When you do a locker & backpack clean out, you'll see a different side of your students. And you will find school supplies that need a home.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">After a year or so, I got smart. The 1st day of school, I had a box to collect supplies for my team. Sharpies for art class that you won't have until 3rd quarter? No problem! I'll get them to the art teacher. Index cards for science - got you covered! They can all go in this box and live there until needed in science. Post-it notes for ELA - yep, drop them in and they will get moved over to the room. And so on.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Finally, one of my favorite parts ... end of the year. Have you ever looked at the supplies that are going to be thrown away? How about a 1/2 used notebook? Go ahead and rip out the used pages, put them in the recycling bin and I'll put the notebook in a cabinet for a student who really needs it. What will you do with that binder? Toss it? Nope, I'll put that in the cabinet and when someone needs it, it'll be there. When i switched positions, I had filled an entire cabinet with partially used notebooks, another cabinet with folders that had a little love to them, notebook paper, binders, index cards, and pencils. All of these supplies would have been throw away. I never asked questions when a student - even students who didn't come to me for class - needed a supply. Help yourself. [P.s. I never required students to leave supplies ... it was completely voluntary.]</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Why do I share this today? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I'm back teaching in the classroom and I'm part of these kinds of conversations again. I'm back at the middle school level where it is assumed these kids "know" how to organize. Most of them don't, or better put, they don't know <b><u>how</u></b> to organize.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">The things I shared above are easy things we can do to help our students - ALL of them - get and stay organized. Small, easy tasks ... but ones students don't - no, WON'T - make time for. WE teachers need to make time for them. We need to show them it's important and that it takes a little bit of time and energy. And when we do that, ALL of our students will benefit. I promise.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Soon, I'll share about planners ... do you go digital? Or do you stick with paper? Which is better? </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-26207288809896724912023-08-12T22:43:00.001-04:002023-09-24T20:11:12.574-04:00Reflecting on 21 years ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1F13ywONiU_TRYrsZJg2pU9MEZp4t4jYEgDN8n0n2J3isft4XRZpxOAGdBT_wAimouSda8p0AUG5ZHy5HPXLNOhM8qYfisSA73zVtrmSLmWjFocs389_3LqnViL-zVC_VsdZ5MueQ6VOeZmeotqldzs3DeDKIth0dYf1i6CvfArukUo8LossgelQuKc/w200-h200/Reflecting%20on%2021%20yrs.png" width="200" /></div><span style="color: black; font-family: Libre Franklin;">I have started a new chapter in my professional life. </span><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";">I have changed districts and positions. I know I don't share specifically about my employment or personal life often, but this is a BIG change for me. I've backed off of social media, presenting, and creating because this has consumed my heart. <br /></span><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br />It wasn't an easy decision - just ask my husband - but it </span><b style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><i>IS</i></b><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"> the right decision for me. July and August have been packed with tears flowing freely; getting together with colleagues; phone calls with friends; and wrapping up the final chapter of my career in Ross. After all, Ross has made me into who I am professionally.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";">I am excited to take the next steps as the technology teacher for another district's middle school. I will work with 6th, 7th, & 8th grades. I already feel welcomed as a new staff member. And as I am getting to know my new professional home, I am finding quite a few similarities, while at the same time - big differences. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";">Change isn't a bad thing (as I'm reminded quite often). Change allows for growth. Change allows for new challenges. Change provides new opportunities.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";">The infographic below is a quick overview of the last 21 years. Position changes, major life events, even the number of shirts I've collected! (And I was excited to use Canva again to create an infographic!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="100%" height="1927" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylu-yam-PsaNiav8pJ2eWpCafRUR7u90g4DVxKxP5NLjgawugNj0dLwMOUXP845TFK3fQaBTbQATG8Og9PFSyv6_D-df8hnCmKFv3zDjhKI9ldnqMnLcsqKng1Rtnp_XekH2RCUY09SUfStGr7BahLBZrio7HENozbQGqYCnhoU_ga36Q_yXdo3sCZe8/w771-h1927/21%20years.png" width="771" /></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></p>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-44721964820260262252023-07-16T20:45:00.005-04:002023-07-16T20:45:48.817-04:00New Adventures + old email You Can Do<div style="text-align: justify;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkS7Vke4onM6n4UiA0FAh73KcPpNf8zS1u9VRrL5dtZVnN7dC15p1reXy7Ck7jf1NCygSIHBBsrOpExczQrXZOUjBQbffiFjgwIBVz6kiFKwkyqONI6ck38tPXeLdBWh4uv_CC_K2GL4r98xZVIryUxBOdY6wZ0U9-z8YUiTWcKbVU_6Yl0YkuXqP8OI/w200-h200/New%20Adventures%20+%20Old%20email%20YCD%20(07162023).png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";">Last week I shared my plan for what to do with your Google Drive if you are moving from one district to another in <a href="https://www.techyoucando.com/2023/07/newadventuresYCD.html" target="_blank">New Adventures + old files You Can Do</a> . I do NOT recommend using Takeout or Transfer as I firmly believe we are all digital hoarders. If you are making a move, use this as an opportunity to go through your Drive and take what will benefit you, not what will weigh you down - and if your Drive was a mess then, it's not like it's going to clean itself up by moving to a new account!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";">Something else that you might need or want to look at as you move from one district to another is your Gmail. This one is a bit trickier. You can't really "export" emails. You can export your contacts. But honestly ... stop and ask yourself ... which ones do you really need? And if you are brutally honest with yourself, I don't think you find there are all that many.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";">I'm going to share my thoughts - but this is all based on the idea that you have NOT tangled your personal emails with your school emails - meaning you don't handle bills or personal accounts through your school email address. If you DO, PLEASE STOP. I think of it as "multiple identities". Anything to do with home gets done with my personal Gmail. Anything related to my job, through school email. I don't cross these lines. Period.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Just with my Drive, I'm a big user of labels in my Gmail. Here's also where knowing some searching tips comes in really handy. When you find the ones you want to preserve, forward them to the newly created - or personal account - you are using to house the files you are taking with you.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Here are some things to think about:</span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Looking for an email(s) from a specific person? Search their name at the top ... and comb through the ones that appear.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Looking for an email(s) about a specific topic? Search the topic at the top ... and go through those.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">If you use labels, think about which labels are worth even looking at - and go through JUST those.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Want to have email addresses for certain people? Search for one of their emails and forward that. Their email will show up for you.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">You might just find there aren't a whole lot of emails you really need to keep. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Good luck! Making changes is always hard - even when it's a really good change. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Also, do NOT wait! Some districts are very strict about shutting off accounts. And once you are locked out, you could be locked out forever. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">FINAL tip: in the future, create in your personal account and share it to your school account. Then make a copy to use at school. Making it in your personal account will prevent the above 'song and dance' in the future.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-65714125127544032572023-07-09T14:45:00.001-04:002024-02-01T20:11:45.999-05:00New Adventures + old files You Can Do<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUaZ0ORUovVsHfyUDrt0ky5XIB8sNFo_Up0DbK9xrvYW09G7c8neZDEuPjs8ykNPz9axh3zKZnDWC1O0ZCs_3iICAu37LDUSPrIrK2lk7ljrigMJUHKQlMfkxRATCg0KsnabsVAbWf3nJPyEUg8jFO1oERABpnNZTvgKswSp-kBKG9pj6RgCQA7f5v60/w200-h200/New%20Adventures%20+%20Old%20Files%20YCD%20(07092023).png" width="200" /></div></div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">How's your summer going? It's still the early part of July, and I am fully enjoying the slower pace, the sunshine, and the over all relaxed atmosphere in my house. I'm writing this in one of my most favorite spots at my house ... the front porch.</span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">One of the pieces of my job at the end of the year is to help those who are retiring or leaving our district decide what to do with items in their Google Drive. I know, based on the conversations in the Google Trainer group, many districts struggle with this. There really isn't any one perfect method. I'm not the biggest fan of Takeout or Transfer - too often you are taking a bunch of "crap" that you will never look at or use again.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Instead, I always recommend making 2 folders - "Keepers" and "I don't need". (Some of you may need a 3rd folder "Transfer ownership".) Create these, then go through your Drive and make FAST decisions. Don't open everything, don't stress about it, just decide. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Here are some questions to ask yourself as you go through your Drive:</span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">did I use this file/folder THIS school year?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">will it help me in my future position?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">should I digitally "give" this to someone who is staying here?</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">You could also use the "Last modified" date to help you decide if you are unsure. If it wasn't modified in the pas 2 years or so, I'd say you most likely won't miss it. You might be surprised at what you REALLY end up taking with you.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Once you've done this clean up, don't worry about the "I don't need" folder. Just leave it alone. For the "Keepers", it gets a little tricky. You CAN share it with a personal or other school domain account, but that doesn't transfer ownership. You CAN make copies in your personal account ... but this takes a TON of time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">INSTEAD:</span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">right click on your "Keepers" folder & select download</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">note where it downloads - it'll become a "zip" file</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">click ONCE on the zip file - THIS IS SUPER IMPORTANT ... ONCE. ONLY ONCE.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">you should now see a file folder named "Keepers". DO NOT OPEN IT.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Open the Google account you want to move it to</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">MAKE sure you have the setting turned on to "Convert uploads to Google Docs editor format" </span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">drag & drop the "Keepers" folder in</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">VOILÁ!!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">You have just saved what YOU choose to take with you to your new adventure! It </span><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";">might even be smart to create a brand new Google account to keep your brain straight, or depending on how much you decide to keep, you might need it for storage purposes. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";">Transferring ownership is a wonderful ability within Google Drive. If you are good with it and you don't have 1,000 files, rather than sharing or making others to make copies of files you own, you can transfer ownership. Yes, it must be done to each individual file - ugh - but it IS easy. OR ... share the folder with those who need/want these files and they can make their copies for themselves. One final option - if you have the ability, you could create a shared drive and drop files in there, adding on those who need/want them, and they can pull the files out and become the owners. This all depends on the sheer number and the comfort level of you and those you are sharing with.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";">ONE MORE THOUGHT ... have you thought about your email??? Let's tackle that next week!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";">Here's the link: <a href="https://www.techyoucando.com/2023/07/oldemailYCD.html" target="_blank">New Adventures + old email You Can Do</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></div></div></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-77844975518759720032023-06-11T20:51:00.003-04:002023-06-11T20:53:11.156-04:00A Scheduled Email You Can Do<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZnP9-fxVpsASEPNgbODI624pj2KlbkX8sD9etBl67jtjhOkYhxsvvpWzSfI3uDMNmDlLMvJBwkcWKhYJiBMJDXRlcdcqRHC6EduiZI-kz6aG0mpsknVhbINZzJRtdj1wr230igSTVxkSZPScM3PblluhIG6CyD6cd7YBiw43dk3zUvF1z0h6TjpL/w200-h200/A%20Scheduled%20email%20YCD%20(06112023).png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">I was surprised by an email last week. It was an email I'd scheduled to myself and I'd forgotten about it. It was a happy surprise - so I thought I'd put the thought out there for you. I was inspired last year by James Clear to do this and it's super simple. He suggested composing an email to yourself and schedule it for one year out answering this question:</span><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><b><i>"How, specifically, do you want your life to be better at this time next year?"</i></b></span></p></blockquote><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><span style="text-align: justify;">I challenge you to do this. I have already done this and scheduled it to arrive June 1, 2024. Don't limit yourself to improvements at school. I included things for my family, my health, and professionally. It doesn't have to be lengthy - include what makes sense to you.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Do you know how to schedule an email? It's really easy and there are many uses for it. I do it all the time to ensure information gets to people when it needs to be there. It's a huge help when I'm working on a project and I schedule email reminders (even to myself at times) because I know how crazy inboxes can be and I want to be respectful of that.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div><div>If you want to learn how, check out my blog "<a href="https://www.techyoucando.com/2020/01/intermediategmailtips.html" target="_blank">5 Intermediate Gmail Tips You Can Do</a>". The "how to" is on Slide 4. </div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Do you have another use for scheduling an email? I'd love to know! Reach out on any of the social medias or send me an email. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="text-align: justify;">! ***</span></span>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-55734902969528831972023-05-21T20:09:00.000-04:002023-05-21T20:09:10.737-04:00End of Year Tech You Can Do: Tip #1 Reflect<div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdjgaZPVuhcI_NffKIaNkuG-UJQgdCf_q_6iJVinO-Xuq36vqdzHRIRj95i0GWUmq243YyO9VV3pQSdDR8dBSuUfDdh5ZhTFDTKwugsF2DRz0JqPG5_4V_ENm4UXHl3IVQYeiE9nLVo1Vsd2iaARFljYJw6a36EzqG-TZYY-7Z3pUYsx5w2Kv7Ogo/w200-h200/EOY%20Tip%20%231%20-%20reflect%20(05222023).png" width="200" /></div>My final end of year tip could possibly be THE most important. It's one I take very seriously, but I didn't always. I'm tired. You're tired. We are all tired. BUT ... take time to reflect before you go full on summer mode. </div><div><br /></div><div>Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>This year is freshest in your mind right now. All the ups and downs, the back and forth, the good and the bad. You'll never have a better view of this school year than now. It's also a great way to wrap up and end the school year. (And over your years in education, what a nice collection of reflections you'll have.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some of my guiding questions:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What were the 3 "best" things this year? </li><li>What were the 3 hardest things this year?</li><li>What are 2 things that you do NOT want to change next year?<br /></li><li>What are 2 things you feel you MUST change or do differently next year?</li><li>What was your happiest moment/activity/event?</li><li>What was your saddest moment/activity/event?</li><li>Who helped you make it through this year? Reach out to them and thank them.</li></ul><div>The numbers on the above questions aren't magical. You can change them to best suit you. If you want to simply narrate your year, that's a great idea, too! </div><div><br /></div><div>When I was young teacher, I didn't take time to reflect. I really wish I had. Can you imagine the collection of year end reflections I'd have right now as I am wrapping up my 22nd year in education? I also reflect on my "to do lists", routines I did or want to change, and how I keep track of what needs to be done.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The best part about reflecting is that it can't be done wrong. But it IS an important part of wrapping up a school year, so please take the time to do your own reflecting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now ... on to enjoy summer!</div><div><br /></div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></span></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-1043686090124721162023-05-14T22:10:00.006-04:002023-05-20T13:01:17.367-04:00End of Year Tech You Can Do: Tip #2 Clean up your LMS/Google Drive<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnvef8GUinHcRSGMrMyPktbLSBp7oY-4LGadkX4YrFmFPn7iwU4Aqg13ue_BZFKekhDvagR8eqnewUoQIy1e8NOtGAVZYwQNAkViWR3yMG33BxCLSKnSB8PUHZc0Dtej8AtGJX46GFTICcCbKxnsxJtoA-IJSpbgbnSvJdGp1IgJk6ibCXyKYkoUw/w200-h200/EOY%20Tip%20%232%20-%20clean%20up%20LMS%20&%20Drive%20(05142023).png" width="200" /></div></div><p></p><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">This week’s tip is very important. I know we are all exhausted - you might you are too exhausted to tackle this. But I promise you won’t regret it. Depending on your LMS and how your district is set up, you might think you are in good shape, but there are a few key steps you really need to make sure happen.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Step 1:</span></b> Return ALL ungraded work. Most LMS’ have a handy spot to see what work this applies to. In Google Classroom, go to your “To Review” list. In Schoology, on your main page, there is an area in the upper right corner that shows you what work needs action. Ideally this is a step you do on a regular basis throughout the year, so it shouldn’t be a lengthy task.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Step 2:</span></b> Archive/preserve your current content. This depends on your LMS. </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">With Schoology, your district might have it set to archive your courses automatically when the grading period is over. They might not. If they don’t, make sure you know how to - the last thing you want is to see all of this year’s courses when you start off next year. You might also want/need to do this with any course or group that you have custom created during the year. While you can access your archived courses fairly easily, we still recommend out teachers save their courses - if they want to - to their resources.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">With Google Classroom, you will need to archive your current courses to clean up your Classroom homepage. Your district might be syncing your courses for you, which will take care of this step - minus any manually created classes you created. Teachers might overlook this step, but this one is SUPER important for your students, too! Any class their teacher has not archived will still be there for them next year … and that makes it tougher for them as they are still mastering the use of digital classrooms. You can re-use content from these classes even when they are archived. It will also keep YOUR homepage clear of clutter. If you are looking for a more detailed explanation, please check out my <a href="https://www.techyoucando.com/2021/05/EOYclassroom.html" target="_blank">End of Year Google Classroom You Can Do</a>.</span></p></blockquote><p><b style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Step 3:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"> Clean up Google Drive. Using an LMS like Schoology or Google Classroom is beneficial when it comes to your Google Drive. Both of these systems take care of the organization with work and assignments. This will leave you time to focus on cleaning up/organizing the random non-LMS related files we all accumulate over the course of a school year. I highly recommend setting a timer for this step.</span></p><p><b style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Steps to take if you are leaving your current district:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Now, if you are NOT returning to your current district, please still complete the above steps AND keep the following in mind:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Decide what you want to and are allowed to take with you. This is not as clean as you might think. Check with your Tech Director or IT person to find out the steps to take if you want to take files with you. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">I recommend to our teachers to make a folder in their Google Drive and move any/all files in there they want. Then download THAT folder. It will create a zip file. Click the file ONCE and then move the blue folder onto a flash drive (or if you are able to, upload it right into your personal Google Drive). This will preserve the files as Google files. Don’t open the blue folder! Also, do yourself a favor ... don’t take everything! You don’t need it. It might feel better to take everything, but really, you are just taking a lot of unnecessary items that you aren’t using now and won’t use in the future. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";">In Classroom, all work basically funnels through Drive, so as long as you take the files you want, you should be good.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">In Schoology, there are a few different thoughts:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">if you are moving TO another Schoology school, this video by JillR "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UhjMU8ismg" target="_blank">Schoology - Export Course Content/Importing into LMS (Schoology)</a>" might be helpful<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">if you are moving to another school that does NOT use Schoology, I did find a page <a href="https://fgsd.jitbit.com/helpdesk/KB/View/29980856-export-and-download-your-courses-from-schoology#:~:text=Click%20on%20the%20Resources%20tab,Home%20collection%20with%20no%20subfolder." target="_blank">Export AND Download your courses from Schoology</a> from the Forest Grove School. It provides specific steps as well as what can and cannot be downloaded.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">I've never had much confidence in exporting for future use with Schoology - but that doesn't mean it isn't possible! If you create most of your items in your Drive and then use the Google Drive assignments, you should be good to go!</span></li></ul><p></p><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="text-align: justify;">! ***</span></span></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-58544337514561452132023-05-07T20:06:00.003-04:002023-05-07T20:15:48.719-04:00End of Year Tech You Can Do: Tip #3 Clean up your email<div><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGj2zS-ItAOnOrLTq3Sja04xS-DgCRkEYoALdhPDUB6nwfwJroUkXJqptcf3X-DVqu_c_U3Mim6qj6T-9x9PQP_f6uwft6dPSD7Bhengv0lvMHQ8wv9Yx4vkXKhblnoPNltTj7xI8IRH_X9cGf9_QxYOTRhaCGSitB_VtU5SY_xmzOe3kgtBke14U/w200-h200/EOY%20Tip%20%233%20-%20clean%20up%20your%20email%20(05072023).png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Email can quickly get out of control. I try to "tame" it on a regular basis, but I take special steps at the end of a school year. Today, I'm sharing them with you. You can use these at any time of the year and the more you keep your email in check, the less you feel like it's a battle. Let's jump in!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Roboto;"><b><u>Make next year's folder:</u></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I do this for NEXT school year at the end of the year. For example, I've already created a 2023-2024 folder. That way, when items start coming my way, I can go ahead and tuck them away.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Roboto;"><b><u>Unsubscribe to unwanted/unread listservs:</u></b></span></div><div>Do people call them "listservs" anymore? I get a TON of these kinds of emails - thank you conferences - and it really helps me keep my inbox clean when I click the unsubscribe buttons. It takes about 6 seconds ... which I remind myself, that would be what it would take for me to delete that company's email for 2 months. So really, I'm saving myself time in the long run.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Roboto;"><b><u>Create a "summer vacation" autoreply:</u></b></span></div><div>This might something worthwhile, but not necessary ... depending on your personal feelings. Crafting a "I'm on summer vacation until XXX. I'm resting, re-energizing, and recalibrating so I can start off next year strong." ... then possibly add a message about the frequency with which you check your email over the summer. It could be that you won't be checking regularly or however you are comfortable sharing. This is TRULY OPTIONAL!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Roboto;"><b><u>Adjust your email:</u></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I find teachers sometimes use their school account for personal email items. I do NOT recommend this. I strongly encourage teachers to switch these to their personal accounts. This might only cause issues down the road. And if you don't have a personal email, make one and then make the switch. Gmail is a completely free option and there are plenty of other ones out there.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Roboto;"><b><u>Go through your spam/junk folder:</u></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I know this might seem backwards - why would you go through this folder? I've found that there are emails that I've missed because they've been tagged junk. The longer they sit there, the more I will miss them and some emails I've found in there are ones I need to respond to. (This is probably good practice every month or so.)</span></div></span></div></div></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Roboto;"><b><u>DELETE. DELETE. DELETE:</u></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I don't do this often enough. I hold onto emails thinking I'll get back to them. And I don't. I go ahead and delete them at the end of the year. Seriously .... the delete button is sometimes your best friend!</span></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div>P.S. I do not subscribe to the "zero inbox" rule and I DO use my inbox as a "to do" list. While these aren't bad ideas, zero inbox stresses me out beyond belief and I'll keep emails until I tackle that project/need/request and then I take care of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bottom line - how you do email is a very personal thing. I hope my suggestions above help you feel more confident in control over your email.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are a Gmail user, I have written several blogs focusing on tips & tricks and helping you clean up your email. You find them under my <a href="https://www.techyoucando.com/search/label/Gmail" target="_blank">Gmail label</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>What is your top tip when dealing with email? I'd love to know! You can post it in the comments or email it directly to me - <a href="mailto:sarah@techyoucando.com">sarah@techyoucando.com</a> .</div><div><br /></div></span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></span></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-27593817031801031662023-04-30T20:17:00.002-04:002023-04-30T20:17:17.617-04:00End of Year Tech You Can Do: Tip #4 Plan Your Summer Activities<div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JNhKDXv7dUXruiP9646KYTaZs3rwdVBS7xJwF6hboq659fXF6eixMj7B30SvvTKnHF7JewqdplpKpFR6Znr2f3WN3JS2dNgf7MNriCK3VXxXqZWOW1_A-7eibUo-dfW1Uo3eD33KnVFImUfU7KvruF4sTDibOm-Czeg_xfXPoks_H6xxNc3VEpVr/w200-h200/EOY%20Tip%20%234%20-%20summer%20activities%20(04302023).png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I love lists.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I love being able to check things off said lists.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I love how organized I feel.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I love seeing what I've accomplished.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I love having a plan in place.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">This week, I suggest you carve out a little time and create yourself a summer to do list. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">It doesn't need to be fancy ... but you can make it fancy. </span><span style="font-family: Roboto;">It doesn't need to any length ... you can always add to it or subtract from it. </span><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><b><i><u>There is NO requirement.</u></i></b> It's summer. I like to get a lot of home projects done during the summer. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I started to create mine this weekend. I used the page in my notebook where I am planning each month's big picture to do's. It's the page right between June & July. So far, I've only added a few things - family pictures, family vacation, my oldest daughters - gasp! - senior pictures, and a couple of professional activities that are already scheduled. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">This week, I am going to add three categories that I know will have things I want to complete: home DIY projects, professional learning, and items to get done for school. My list will not be complete until summer is over; I'll add and subtract from it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">My goal is to check everything off, but plans change and somethings things aren't meant to get done. Ultimately, I do the things I CHOOSE to do - summer is my time. I WANT to do the things I put on my list. And believe me ... I get in plenty of rest and relaxation and sunshine, too!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">For my summer professional learning, I'm planning to do a variety of activities: </span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">A couple of books I want to read</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">A certification or two I want to work towards</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Podcasts to catch up on</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Templates and activities to create and share on my blogs</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">If you are interested in starting to plan your list, be sure to check out the <a href="https://www.techyoucando.com/p/professional-learning.html" target="_blank">Professional Learning</a> page here on my blog. I have been collecting free & low-cost ways for teachers to continue learning for quite some time. Many are in the "on-demand" style so you pick and choose and do them in your own time. I've begun adding some books that I have found valuable as an educator - these can be found by choosing "Book" in the secondary focus filter on the table. I plan to add podcasts, too.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">What's on your agenda? Have you started thinking about it? I'd love to know what you are planning - whether it's school related or not.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></span></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-61003330254329520622023-04-23T21:32:00.004-04:002023-04-23T21:33:19.324-04:00End of Year Tech You Can Do: Tip #5 Clean Up Your Bookmarks<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-H24DeQsd0oaK-dgM2ABxWHuZiIX8V14Bo-KJw9kBt0gnTlgLRJUB_bQwnovvTlQ0P4EuGzQpU2w5WK4ZUdajP8AQPk70HOUeMbDsjfMZKFJfubC1GjNAiIPhicxRD7eQ-SxRpv-mOxuV4wEZze1MIG3JNM2eabfxJCbH7WUhtCXWYVO73EWJKyW/w200-h200/EOY%20Tip%20%235%20-%20bookmarks%20(04242023).png" width="200" /></div></div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Over the next 5 weeks, I'm going to share a suggestion for you to wrap up the school year up. Each week one tip will ask you to focus on one major aspect of your "life" as far as teaching goes. Breaking it down like this will allow you to move into summer with a cleaned up digital life and be ready to start next year on better footing. (I also hope it will help you develop good habits moving forward so the clean up at the end of each year gets easier!)</span><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Tip #5 is to go through your digital bookmarks. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Let's do one of 3 things:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">delete ➔ </span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">these are ones you don't even know why you have them OR</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">they were a one-time bookmark & no longer need them<br /><br /></span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">organize </span>➔</li><ul><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">put in an order for easy location OR</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">create/add to bookmark folders for groups of bookmarks<br /><br /></span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">leave alone </span>➔</li><ul><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">these bookmarks are perfect right where they are</span></li></ul></ul><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">You might be wondering why I suggest cleaning up your bookmarks ... I frequently see teachers struggling to find the sites they have bookmarked. We don't have a lot of "time", so bookmarks can be deceiving if you don't have them organized. They can easily become like your junk drawer. Lots of things go in there - good things, important things - but you can never find anything. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">If you want a more detailed explanation of how to make folders and other bookmark tips, check out this blog, <a href="https://www.techyoucando.com/2021/06/SummerTip2.html" target="_blank">Organize Chrome (in 5 Steps) You Can Do</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Take the time once a year to clean them up and you'll start next year off a little more organized ... and maybe even with the plan to keep it that way. My ultimate goal is that I don't have any bookmarks trailing off my bookmarks bar. (I DO have some folders, but they are necessary to keep groups of bookmarks together.)</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Don't spend a ton of time on this. Set a timer for 15 minutes. If you are still working through your bookmarks, take a break and come back. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></span></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-12556223643452452572023-02-25T19:01:00.003-05:002023-02-25T19:02:28.208-05:00Docs Scavenger Hunt You Can Do<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiM9lYDRe_q5n3JinKnlfuyd4YJ7eqaqCrrweMEgZY_L6RDFSqKZOb65BRqZ3PtjFRJ_yLHJxUVuhnL7XGcKvkiCkk5Bo49O0yJhMBSXn0bYq0-WpAd6lXLE2bct7_CCvdtdyYOOf2p6ldocOJ1CZdGUOWpBu0lnG54VL4sr3hZWBxCh7HT_aIPtJ9/w200-h200/Google%20Docs%20Scavenger%20hunt%20YCD%20(02262023).png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";">I have been spending some time in 3rd grade classes lately and recently, I had the pleasure of showing them a little more about Google Docs. Docs is where most </span><b style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"><i>adults</i></b><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin";"> start when using Google tools, but it's the 2nd tool that students use (behind Google Slides). And at 3rd grade, our students already have a bit of background, so I used a "scavenger hunt" rather than a blank Google Doc.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">The couple of weeks leading up to this tech lesson, we had dug into Google Slides, so I started this lesson off with "hands off" and just looking at your screen, compare Slides to Docs. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">[I HIGHLY recommend doing a visual comparison before jumping in ... you can quickly gauge how much each group knows/doesn't know so you can more easily pace your activities.]</span></i> It's always amazing to me what stands out and what doesn't stand out. Some students notice very small things (one commented on not having the paint bucket in Docs) and others find much bigger things (the color of the "Share" button).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">Moving into the actual scavenger hunt, I let the students know that I did not originally create it, but I DID modify it to better fit them. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Thank you, Catlin Tucker!]</span></i> I've used this before with students and it works really well! This year, I broke up the questions a bit more to fit the amount of time I get to spend with them - my goal is one page per visit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;">I'm going to share the link to "<a href="https://www.templatesforteachers.com/2023/02/docsscavengerhunt.html" target="_blank">Google Docs Scavenger Hunt for 3rd grade</a>" here, but the link is going to take you to my co-written blog, <a href="https://www.templatesforteachers.com/" target="_blank">Templates for Teachers</a>. Keeping all of the student activities together makes a lot of sense. Now, I call it "for 3rd grade" because that is the group of students I use it with, but you are more than welcome to change it or take it off completely. Please also feel free to modify to add/subtract the "hunt". </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;">*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></span></p>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-56588906706158701502023-01-15T19:15:00.001-05:002023-01-15T19:15:19.609-05:00Google icon names You Can Do<p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">How many times have you heard someone stress the importance of your words? I think about this often whether I am working with a group of students, teachers, or with individuals. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlcEcDZFv5II4JucsyB8LpK4uyVbFcjQudG-zxFLM1LIBWSw3fH-Nqq3jmd9z1dDuVVIfOu_7X9WdBH1YKiTXMmpRri7wJUoCxaI6S96e6Txfd_N0hK6BvbLVkMlEMsQlKZAAVuZ_0gKZ8sgvZiHhDAeZbk81HH0O6jx-Lp-_KSNWd9flADADgkYp/w200-h200/Google%20icon%20names%20YCD.png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I think about this when I refer to tools or files or actions and most definitely icons. Working with our youngest learners often forces me to describe icons or logos or "things" in order to get students to the correct spot. (And teachers find such humor in the names!) If you spend any time in a classroom - of any age - you quickly find you simply HAVE to be able to direct students to where you want them with your words.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">After one of my recent classroom visits, I really thought about how I use words to describe. Probably the best way I can share this is with a video. I use these references with adults and kindergarteners ... and I honestly couldn't tell you who I get more giggles from, the adults or the students!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zNXjbEG4HpE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto; text-align: justify;">Additionally, I do my best to NOT be the "driver" in the lesson. For example, if a teacher asks for help cleaning up their drive, or how to clear their cache & cookies, I will walk them through it - but I do NOT touch their device. When I'm in classrooms working with students, I do my absolute BEST to NOT touch any of their devices ... I want THEM to do the clicking and moving. I often catch students (& teachers!) "helping" others by doing it FOR them. When that happens, I remind them to "Cheer them on! Point to the screen ... use your words."</span></p><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><div><br /></div><div>After all, the person/people doing the "driving" is the person doing the learning. </div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Now, go find those shark tooth's and pancakes and snowmen ... and listen for the giggles!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="text-align: justify;">! ***</span></span><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-91651925221395779262022-12-18T17:47:00.001-05:002022-12-19T07:20:28.697-05:00Google Groups You Can Do<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The end of November/beginning of December was rough for me. I thought I had a migraine I couldn't get rid of and ended up spending 3 days in the hospital, undergoing a bunch of tests <span style="font-size: x-small;">(all came back normal)</span>, ultimately to be diagnosed with shingles. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was stopped in my tracks. It was beyond awful. The pain was horrendous & nothing helped. It appeared </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">on my face. And in my right eye.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">With shingles, I had reduced vision for a week or so, so my inboxes were a giant mess when I was able to finally take a look. Ugh. I was also under strict orders to TAKE IT EASY. REST. DO NOT WORK. [</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>I have never been a believer in "zero inbox". Mostly because I just didn't think I could achieve it. So I honestly didn't try hard.</i>]</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz5djlABtHW-4G9EwT_8PgLYObQtjQlEZxcAEFwylDa5EeckbAIyQMzjU1shOrqNb_BX4RshMAWSwGt8GCFgOLO6bOfNWT9tFyql29b67jGgtx6oS2kSEs7Ooq76l_F6UppWCXDHw2fF-B24TXSPCoGCJl4OyMlfega8Cti7N1BsY27ucvXJ17LS4/w200-h200/Google%20Groups%20YCD%20(Dec%2019,%202022).png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">BUT ... I used this time as an opportunity to take the time and DO something about it. All it took was adjusting the settings in the several Google Groups I belong to. I love the learning and sharing that happens in these groups and I don't want to "miss out" ... but I also can't read/respond to everything. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I did a little reading on what the settings actually meant and voilá! I am a changed person! (<span style="font-size: x-small;">well ... when it comes to email, anyway</span>)</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I put together a quick overview of what it looks like - and below, I will link to some Google Groups resources, if you want to dive in a little deeper like I did.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="450" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQn0UkUghMj731ULKJ-viZCpkb78uuFjXpWKJIICZb5DfxVjhs6tH1K1iVOcU14vxAYH98YXtRo_Xs0/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Google Groups Help page "<a href="https://support.google.com/groups/answer/2464926?hl=en" target="_blank">Create a group & choose group settings</a>".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">P.S. I'm not missing out! If anything, I am smarter about the ones I actually read, and feel good about the learning I do. And I know I managing my time better. Rather than 20 or so emails, I get a max of ONE per group. WOW!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">P.P.S. I also decided to turn off the text message notifications on my watch. That has also made a difference! It's little things like this that are going to help me move into 2023 with a better balance and helping me focus on the "now". </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My challenge to you ... what is one little change can you make? Here are a few I'm contemplating trying next ... thoughts?</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Turn off notifications for social media? </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Turn off the little red circle badge letting you know the number of notifications?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Only checking emails at designated times of the day?</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope 2022 ends on a positive and healthy note for you and 2023 starts out the same.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><p></p></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-64932872262757336112022-10-17T05:08:00.000-04:002022-10-17T05:08:35.360-04:00Communication You Can Do<p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I started this post awhile back and I'll admit ... I feel like a post about communication should be an example of the focus - good communication. I hesitate to hold myself up as an example of "good communication" since I don't know that I do it well. I try, but always feel like I fall short. The following quote is a guiding force for me. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="1008" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMs99Q24i9jzFTY3woFSO4DO0w_GUKMMi56IHLLrcYNOPL48EdLB7e8qyChAGZr1smjqPMK7f8s9Lx_c4ytdoXj5Le8XhRb_sMUO6dVNhllXMNuqHhiJqJceAlQ_C8hoIoA1DJbw-10CKUOnNn6mGbaqhAwWnJjk-p0lN5uaSITueNANBEgnDnjBK/w400-h122/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-16%20at%204.09.37%20PM.png" width="400" /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">In my PLN recently, newsletters and forms of communication have been talked about and ideas shared and questioned. The "who" - "why" -"how" - "how often" - "what tool" are big questions. I don't think there is one correct answer - rather, if you are the one creating the communication, you need to account for your audience and their preferences. Another key to good communication is the relationship you have with those you are communicating with. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1XAndHKeeFxVyZSpRqkzWifVJERzUa-NPKy6BwbOSbqbjiW3Fdf1gzEJ8lBZIYZ0p8LfgVCGJgiAQxe25FBGU-uhDksLLWsdMZ2YHk1sd23sL2E7_3bucmWs3EBgClBQgqKusNG-o1NzWqXYOOSx61gRO0h9o2YzOBgO3qWQ14baUjH0QePzrD-G/w200-h200/TYCD%20images.png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: Roboto; font-size: medium;"><i><u>Let's break it down:</u></i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>WHO ➙</i></span></b> are you communicating with? Staff? Students? Admin? Parents? Community?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">WHY ➙</span></i></b> are you doing this? Is it to train/teach? Share info? Remind? Update? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">HOW ➙</span></i></b> are you sending out communication? Is it on social media? Is it via email? A newsletter? A piece of paper, possibly hung up in the teacher area? Or a combo of two or more of these?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">HOW OFTEN ➙</span></i></b> is this on a regular basis? What is the regularity - daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">WHAT TOOL ➙</span></i></b> this goes right along with "How" ... are you able to leverage to paid tool or do you need to stick to free tools? Do you need a tool that provides data/analytics? Do you know how the tool works?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">If you can identify answers to all of these above, I think you are in good shape. If you can't answer them all, I suggest taking some time to think through them and maybe even have a conversation with others about them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Here's how it helped me this year. I added the middle school & high school to the buildings I am supporting this year, so now I'm supporting all of our buildings preK-12. I've been in the elementary buildings for about 5 years, and I added the new intermediate school last year. I used to teach at the middle school, but I've done very little interacting with teachers at the high school. I felt it was important to communicate with the teachers ... all of them ... so they knew I was someone who was happy to help. I had a relationship with most of the teachers in our district, but some I didn't. I wanted to build their ability to trouble-shoot and identify resources that could help them, since our tech team was smaller and I didn't want to increase their "downtime" when an issue arose. We have limited funds, if any, for this. I had to do it regular enough they would remember me & come to expect it, yet not so often they'd overlook it and I couldn't sustain it. I needed a super easy way to reach ALL of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I weighed my options of a newsletter, blog, website, doc, or email and I realized I was over complicating matters. We have a staff group email already set up and email was going to be the way ANYthing "got" to them whether it was a newsletter or Doc, etc, so I went with a newsletter as an email. I pushed myself to come up with a creative title and landed on "🗣 Hey, RLSD - Did you know ...". Being mindful of my time - and my teachers - I decided every other week and I picked Tuesdays to send it out. (And yes, I put serious thought into which day of the week to send it.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Now here's the fun part - Google Docs has added the building block called "Email draft". 🧡 it! I can draft the email in a Google Doc, giving me the ability to work on it over time ... and several ahead if I'd like ... and not worry about the "accidental" sending. I keep the info short and sweet. I link to more detailed info, so it's not packed with text. And of course, I sprinkle in emoji's to appeal to the visual interest. At the bottom, I inserted hyperlinks to important resources for continual reminders of their existence. When I'm ready to start the next one, I just make a copy and replace the info. Voilá!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">In time, I plan to include a link to the folder where I have these drafts housed so staff can look back. I have gotten positive feedback from the first few I've shared out. I am trying to include timely info about our programming or updates along with keyboard shortcuts or other quick tips.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Question for you ➙ do you send out regular communication? What works for you? Have you found what doesn't? Want to toss some ideas around? I'd be happy to ... just connect - all my socials are found in the top right of my blog. </span></p>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-80592828736867025752022-10-04T05:21:00.003-04:002022-10-04T05:21:54.157-04:00Getting Help You Can Do ... I did!<div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Recently, I reached out to fellow Google Innovator - Chris Smith - for help with Data Studio. I had a project I honestly didn't think was possible. Chris showed me it absolutely was possible! He made it happen and recently shared our story on his blog - Smith Visualizations. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">He has graciously allowed me to share it here as well. I know I </span><span style="font-family: Roboto;">have a lot of learning to do with Data Studio, but I have friends who are also patient teachers, so I know I'll continue learning.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4Ml4vG-2BxCAkEJ6A5V2umX8fY5d_Q-hD5OJw2cbCscv5yBtzeMCzmMaJM_MRGEwJatdUIbFYvJSsVPwCiGuuAdBIJuToVbD0Z9ACZMIQPl2Gi4UHl7lE4qMDGtLRt30oRnl6rXHfYyzQwHowINL-H-rqw8nap16dFA6isHZ1Qwbm65io350_H-h/w200-h200/TYCD%20images.png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Read about it here:</span><br /><a href="https://smithvisualizations.com/plan-your-school-trip-with-google-data-studio/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Roboto; font-size: medium;">PLAN YOUR SCHOOL TRIP WITH GOOGLE DATA STUDIO</span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Chris Smith - <a href="https://smithvisualizations.com/" target="_blank">Smith Visualizations</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><a href="https://twitter.com/smithrchris" target="_blank">@smithrchris</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">If you have an idea or project in mind - especially one that you aren't sure if it's possible - reach out ... to me, to a colleague, to a virtual friend, to someone ... and allow them to help.</span></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-57881609599681833842022-08-21T15:23:00.005-04:002022-08-21T15:23:50.775-04:00Start Your LMS You Can Do<p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">School is back in session! We just completed our first week of school and I feel the rhythm of school settling in. It's going to be a roller coaster - for sure - but I do love routine and seeing students and colleagues on a regular basis.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv7JYhgml0a1wphOWEovE_W4upgKNELCDDsrT2NowfOLnMYlwhXctUHVWofGo_pDjq1Sdf52E6K0h_Y46iJ2jqsN7eUiE1kfpueI0-jKufV7w2AEG7yeWBNuXcSskh1ZRznN8XavY6n4gF1yRTU630myuW7VUMHLMNR--QyRXIPuzn4e6Ir5uLhat/w200-h200/Start%20Your%20LMS%20YCD.png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">Since we are starting a new year, I'm excited to share a file I created for the teachers in my district. We are continuing with the same LMS' we've used for numerous years - Schoology for our upper grades and Google Classroom for our younger grades. And this year, we are starting without the heavy threat of closure, so I feel like we can all take another step forward in our use of both platforms. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">But I also know we are not all at the same spot. We have brand new to teaching staff, we have brand new to our district staff, and we have a large group of returning staff, so I'm trying to be mindful of everyone's background. I've created a "one-pager" for each that will help you get started, take a step forward, and then to challenge you to add something new to your experience. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">I created them in Google Slides, so I will share the file, but I do want to note, I am working off experience in my district. If you are a teacher somewhere else, I truly hope this helps. If you are a coach and supporting other teachers, you may want to make a copy of the Slides and adjust it to best suit you and your teachers. I've also included a "template" if you wanted to duplicate them for other programs ... I think I might do this for additional programs we use.</span></p><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="500" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vRhjX0oxrHyeLOo-K8NqAxx0-QdGD5BI3sh9DoTRTfAA5TR_dEV4IacSHDKdb8IKnhcI951ASzjFImC/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">Looking to make a copy? Here is "<a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1moyJPV3piviru368gdRO_pCwzNml5CulpvVo0FYtX8A/template/preview" target="_blank">Start Your LMS You Can Do</a>". </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">As always, reach out if you have questions. Both Schoology and Google Classroom offer so many features and possibilities in our digital classrooms.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="font-family: "Libre Franklin"; text-align: justify;">! ***</span></p>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-80150593730448605272022-08-08T06:04:00.000-04:002022-08-08T06:04:04.321-04:00Less IS More You Can Do<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMaJsCoxqQQT2RgLMt4sABUVcjFGqMrxd1872KvRKgH4JwLUI7gN_JcnLEI6H61NUBFCDCjv3qDHc0_tg90UGOpZ-WJJcjCMMC50fIjy41heWGjOtieJftod5AcsnI6W1i9hyAA0qHueg_aoPWvyCnfCfKlpp-TmftRQrgUdF8k7n8y46U-S7MXxe/w200-h200/TYCD%20images.png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Truth #1 - I've not published a blog in quite some time.<br />Truth #2 - I've not spent as much time on social media this summer.<br />Truth #3 - I've not missed it.<br />Truth #4 - These past 2 years have been more than tiring ... and this coming year is also going to be tough, too.<br />Truth #5 - I'm ready to get back into it. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I feel like I barely crept over the finish line in June of this year. I ended the year tired.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">But now the new school year is here, I am ready. I've done a lot of thinking this summer and I've come to realize something. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Less IS more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I am one person and I cannot do everything. And I'm ok with this idea. I've not always been ... and I know I won't be perfect, but this is my focus for the year. I DID do professional learning this summer, but I didn't spend time learning new tools or applications - I spent time learning more about the ones I already use and I found some pretty cool things. I feel more confident with them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">And I'm going to set goals that are more realistic. New blog twice a month ... new resources on TYCD: Resources twice a month ... new Templates for Teachers and Tech with Littles at least once a month. I'm also going to look around for some places to present.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I am also going to keep myself surrounded by good people. As a friend recently said in a text, "my coworkers are ridiculously amazing" ... I'm lucky to work with these people.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I hope as the new school year starts for you, you too, take a little time and really think about where you are spending your time and energy. Put it into the things that matter - the people who matter - and don't get caught up by "shiny" or "pinterest-y" things. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Roboto;">You know what makes education REALLY work? The people who care. Not the programs, not the tools, not the politics. The people. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: Libre Franklin;"><span style="text-align: justify;">*** Every Monday, I share a newsletter with a collection of Tech You Can Do resources. It is delivered right to your inbox. Interested? </span><a href="https://mybraincantholditall.blogspot.com/2022/02/subscribelink.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Sign up here</a><span style="text-align: justify;">! ***</span></span></p><p><br /></p>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-19233736306229959402022-06-14T21:09:00.002-04:002022-06-14T21:09:55.086-04:00High AIMS presentations (June 15, 2022)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7I3EEaWyV_OtODxQS2RTo_iQNpqu56CDxYR8RE7qlKIIIVP28b6U-4Ol0TW5ou0vwc3OAjfBjdIEONShvJWDPfnl08ZcksahlmntPQShACl5TfaQMMbj6EB1OdGGi5Q72DSIF-4xvfVVbGZriJTxrusDzCDMalJYBC41c0fBmoQQbPaD4s6YaITC/w200-h200/TYCD%20images.png" width="200" /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I WAS excited to jump back into presenting this week at one of the first conferences I presented at solo - High AIMS in Cincinnati, Ohio. I've not been to many face-to-face conferences yet and I was excited to be back in person and connect with people again.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This year, I had 2 solo presentations and 2 joint presentations planned. Since we experienced a wild storm, High AIMS has been cancelled - boo! - so I'm sharing out on behalf of Beth, Brittney, & myself. Please feel free to share widely and if you have questions, just let me know!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTF_C5kRAeP-ESbuT_3yWckDl8AnMCvGFIUT_gFIrNDWrp8i_WWntBQUSkmFMdu6rNfpEzBc4zh4V7I/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhps1Sh2sllCByOcBUp_WJvHrqx01Kul2xS5IhV_CPtcNET2U281wHMDMChAhnJWfBiDDp31m7kDqqOOkf3QbFAiz2HZo-9_6zlq3r93KXWEpd5LOpHPjnL6DCKqu7VaTymg5YS2g2gHP2AkOv43KOf-j8VI-vKrriT9qjaHP2sRSwKwdlQ3KUQRNmB/w200-h113/Google%20Classroom_%20Start%20to%20Finish.png" width="200" /></a></div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Google Classroom: Start to Finish</span></b><div><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTF_C5kRAeP-ESbuT_3yWckDl8AnMCvGFIUT_gFIrNDWrp8i_WWntBQUSkmFMdu6rNfpEzBc4zh4V7I/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Presentation link</span></a><br /><p></p><p><span data-sheets-textstyleruns="{"1":0,"2":{"5":1}}{"1":33}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":11263,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":11847399},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"9":1,"10":1,"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":3,"3":1},"16":11}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Google Classroom: Start to Finish\nSarah Kiefer\nRoss Local School District\n\nGoogle Classroom is an easy to use management system for the digital classroom. In this session, I will share 8 \"Big Ideas\" to help you set your Google Classroom up - in a way that is right for you - from the beginning.\n\nThen, when the year (or grading period) is wrapping up, let's focus on 4 areas of importance to end the year on a good foot. I believe spending a little bit of time closing out the year (or grading period) is the key to ending in a productive manner so you can start next year (or grading period) off well.\n\nLet's do it together!"}" style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Google Classroom is an easy to use management system for the digital classroom. In this session, I will share 8 "Big Ideas" to help you set your Google Classroom up - in a way that is right for you - from the beginning.<br /><br />Then, when the year (or grading period) is wrapping up, let's focus on 4 areas of importance to end the year on a good foot. I believe spending a little bit of time closing out the year (or grading period) is the key to ending in a productive manner so you can start next year (or grading period) off well.<br /><br />Let's do it together!</span></span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span data-sheets-textstyleruns="{"1":0,"2":{"5":1}}{"1":17}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":15359,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":11847399},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"9":1,"10":0,"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":3,"3":1},"15":"Calibri","16":11}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Tech with Littles\nSarah Kiefer, Brittney Priore\nRoss Local School and Three Rivers Local Schools\n\nUsing technology in the classroom with our youngest students can be challenging ... but it CAN be done! It can also be fun and educational. It's all about the HOW. Join us, a 1st grade teacher and technology integration specialist as we share how you can use technology in your classroom with your students. ol District"}" style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTgDey2r0HTpkFxgxiuDQNpmiJSlkWZ0_gRoIgFvROfucm5eYJfsVSY4kM8StIo6eDPov221prX7RIU/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtH90Bh7RLHAfN_XBwtYdi7X6D8KUi0yHuveA4bwT7lWdj0ClTMpHpXCKzbgWtmB2wQ8TShXgSXI03dZXwjKXJlQGfn_TFi558rWInDHNmxe5foqw7VN2tBTxAUBNaa7rqqhu-byzks3pztXs-XlE2VAQYk0ktdTGQIkEHARAvGCW_rWA9KHs0n9W/w200-h113/Tech%20with%20Littles%20-%20High%20AIMs%20(June%2015,%202022).png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Tech with Littles (with </b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/Britpriore" target="_blank">Brittney Priore</a>)</b><br /><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTgDey2r0HTpkFxgxiuDQNpmiJSlkWZ0_gRoIgFvROfucm5eYJfsVSY4kM8StIo6eDPov221prX7RIU/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" target="_blank">Presentation link</a></span></span><p><span data-sheets-textstyleruns="{"1":0,"2":{"5":1}}{"1":17}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":15359,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":11847399},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"9":1,"10":0,"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":3,"3":1},"15":"Calibri","16":11}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Tech with Littles\nSarah Kiefer, Brittney Priore\nRoss Local School and Three Rivers Local Schools\n\nUsing technology in the classroom with our youngest students can be challenging ... but it CAN be done! It can also be fun and educational. It's all about the HOW. Join us, a 1st grade teacher and technology integration specialist as we share how you can use technology in your classroom with your students. ol District"}" style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Using technology in the classroom with our youngest students can be challenging ... but it CAN be done! It can also be fun and educational. It's all about the HOW. Join us, a 1st grade teacher and technology integration specialist as we share how you can use technology in your classroom with your students.</span></span></span></p><p><span data-sheets-textstyleruns="{"1":0,"2":{"5":1}}{"1":17}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":15359,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":11847399},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"9":1,"10":0,"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":3,"3":1},"15":"Calibri","16":11}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Tech with Littles\nSarah Kiefer, Brittney Priore\nRoss Local School and Three Rivers Local Schools\n\nUsing technology in the classroom with our youngest students can be challenging ... but it CAN be done! It can also be fun and educational. It's all about the HOW. Join us, a 1st grade teacher and technology integration specialist as we share how you can use technology in your classroom with your students. ol District"}" style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span data-sheets-textstyleruns="{"1":0,"2":{"5":1}}{"1":17}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":15359,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":11847399},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"9":1,"10":0,"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":3,"3":1},"15":"Calibri","16":11}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Tech with Littles\nSarah Kiefer, Brittney Priore\nRoss Local School and Three Rivers Local Schools\n\nUsing technology in the classroom with our youngest students can be challenging ... but it CAN be done! It can also be fun and educational. It's all about the HOW. Join us, a 1st grade teacher and technology integration specialist as we share how you can use technology in your classroom with your students. ol District"}" style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><span data-sheets-textstyleruns="{"1":0,"2":{"5":1}}{"1":37}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":11263,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":11847399},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"9":1,"10":1,"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":3,"3":1},"16":11}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Creating Templates Using Google Tools\nSarah Kiefer, Beth Kingsley\nRoss Local School District\n\nParticipants will be challenged to think differently about projects and assignments no matter the age and ability level of the student. This session will inspire teachers to go beyond worksheets while meeting the standards. Participants will learn how to challenge their students in a collaborative setting to do more than they may have ever thought possible, all while using technology.\n\nIn this session, participants will learn how to utilize Google tools to create interactive and engaging templates in their classrooms. Templates will provide students a starting point for creativity and creation. Participants that bring lessons will walk away with templates that can be immediately used in their classrooms."}" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQRoQM_IvpSTA1AOvopoVG5VBXNiKt-H6guDHcIMAdjEdohodY70dIUV0-gjSJlPAwNaTVAa8istVdD/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNqyTx9654FEETbs4KyL-ELBgKWd4nrr_wnhOss6B93oVFKwib-GmujFq0rMS_kXrYCFvephddLS9dHCwrnWAR0V7EOyWtw2KIhDwBeYBlE077bIrGcId2LfXFTBjYvv6H6fFP6iQDrNhhA74WgHKaqi_S0ouibIjwI8lzjarrQnzwIiRcU-ayO3A/w200-h113/Creating%20Templates%20with%20Google%20Tools.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Creating Templates Using Google Tools (with <a href="https://twitter.com/bethkingsley13" target="_blank">Beth Kingsley</a>)</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQRoQM_IvpSTA1AOvopoVG5VBXNiKt-H6guDHcIMAdjEdohodY70dIUV0-gjSJlPAwNaTVAa8istVdD/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" target="_blank">Presentation link</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Participants will be challenged to think differently about projects and assignments no matter the age and ability level of the student. This session will inspire teachers to go beyond worksheets while meeting the standards. Participants will learn how to challenge their students in a collaborative setting to do more than they may have ever thought possible, all while using technology.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In this session, participants will learn how to utilize Google tools to create interactive and engaging templates in their classrooms. Templates will provide students a starting point for creativity and creation. Participants that bring lessons will walk away with templates that can be immediately used in their classrooms.</span></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span data-sheets-textstyleruns="{"1":0,"2":{"5":1}}{"1":17}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":15359,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":11847399},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"9":1,"10":0,"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":3,"3":1},"15":"Calibri","16":11}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Tech with Littles\nSarah Kiefer, Brittney Priore\nRoss Local School and Three Rivers Local Schools\n\nUsing technology in the classroom with our youngest students can be challenging ... but it CAN be done! It can also be fun and educational. It's all about the HOW. Join us, a 1st grade teacher and technology integration specialist as we share how you can use technology in your classroom with your students. ol District"}" style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><span data-sheets-textstyleruns="{"1":0,"2":{"5":1}}{"1":37}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":11263,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":11847399},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"9":1,"10":1,"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":3,"3":1},"16":11}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Creating Templates Using Google Tools\nSarah Kiefer, Beth Kingsley\nRoss Local School District\n\nParticipants will be challenged to think differently about projects and assignments no matter the age and ability level of the student. This session will inspire teachers to go beyond worksheets while meeting the standards. Participants will learn how to challenge their students in a collaborative setting to do more than they may have ever thought possible, all while using technology.\n\nIn this session, participants will learn how to utilize Google tools to create interactive and engaging templates in their classrooms. Templates will provide students a starting point for creativity and creation. Participants that bring lessons will walk away with templates that can be immediately used in their classrooms."}" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span data-sheets-textstyleruns="{"1":0,"2":{"5":1}}{"1":32}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":1023,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":11847399},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"9":1,"10":1,"11":4,"12":0}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Organize Google Drive in 6 Steps\nSarah Kiefer\nRoss Local School District\n\nIs your Google Drive a mess? Do you struggle to find files or folders? I can help! I’ve helped numerous teachers (& students) organize their Drive. No tricks involved … but it will be fun! I promise. Give me 60 minutes, max, and we will get you started on the path to long-term organization that you will WANT to stay on top of."}" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vSOQKEHFrvAAmUOyMMEPbyi9jrohp05VpULYXXWM3c-acWAsPKShn_Cr6OHItNdG3XKoJI-ei3HCmVS/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Wrz8RWDY33THgbBz3tWDoC9cEP7pvPRL40Fg3wWnbCHf6GqEwAqAljF8sHBjZ5z-MTWc_D518014qFCn5k-tcxCRhqO2hjIhVIAxhL2wAb99XV6XsvEPKTDLtAOkBqZcD89NYAOKqt551zIowXHVFcGqVt2zzSgUlJZDDaA2j9mh0D50uX7qJVgC/w200-h113/Organize%20Drive%20in%206%20Steps.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Organize Google Drive in 6 Steps</b></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vSOQKEHFrvAAmUOyMMEPbyi9jrohp05VpULYXXWM3c-acWAsPKShn_Cr6OHItNdG3XKoJI-ei3HCmVS/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" target="_blank">Presentation link</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Is your Google Drive a mess? Do you struggle to find files or folders? I can help! I’ve helped numerous teachers (& students) organize their Drive. No tricks involved … but it will be fun! I promise. Give me 60 minutes, max, and we will get you started on the path to long-term organization that you will WANT to stay on top of.</span></span><p></p></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>We want to say thank you to Jennie Thompson for all the work she did to plan and organize High AIMS. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Please reach out below or on the socials if you have questions or want to learn more.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660600439556133342.post-18655850143884143492022-04-10T08:26:00.008-04:002022-04-10T08:30:22.516-04:00Certificates You Can Do ... EASY!<div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">I'm excited to have something I TRULY believe will help YOUR teaching life become so much easier! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Canva.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh290mp4r4nIyHLkQ-UiFE2iF8C1Wu-6XK-hWZQS520jdS2Ov5m6yXcyZA02HmFTBp9ARJjpY2MKt7fCsyQSkJPMwNsReym0G_2rVrGpNuB3ixrmFLdE_GcUP2ShiICru2AmatejaECucmIYNUFSBPQQ3N001L4w5Q4OUdqare3DIS9E21VzrrXgzBT/w200-h200/Certificates%20YCD.png" width="200" /></span></div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">As crazy as it might be, I have some teachers thinking forward to wrapping up the year (wow!) and the topic of certificates has come up. For today's teachers, there are unlimited possibilities for certificates. And I'm going to add to your tool belt today. In fact, this might replace everything you are doing because of its simplicity, its ease of use, and its possibilities.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Canva is "a graphic design platform, used to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, documents and other visual content." I've recently jumped in and have been using to to create the images that go along with my blogs. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">And then I noticed the "Templates" tab. </span><span style="font-family: Roboto;">That leads me to today. Their Templates tab is organized into 6 categories, one being education. CERTIFICATES. Sure, I expected to some good ones. But I was blown away!!!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">As a teacher, you can even get Canva Pro FREE! Yep! You and your students. It's simple - go to <a href="http://canva.com/education">canva.com/education</a> and sign up.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Now, for the templates, I could just point you to their website and where to find the link, but I'm going to give you an overview of just how EASY Canva is to use for your certificates and how you can create just one OR create a TON! Just click play!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fz7qAWrtIHk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Did I hook you in? Ready to start your own account? Are you interested in learning more? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Check out the resources I've got ready for you:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Create your own account - <a href="http://canva.com/education">canva.com/education</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Check out my Canva Wakelet - it's growing! So come back often - <a href="https://wke.lt/w/s/-hLI_M">https://wke.lt/w/s/-hLI_M</a></span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Roboto;">And if this has been helpful, sign up for my Monday morning "Tech You Can Do" newsletter. Delivered directly to your inbox each week, I share tech tips, activities, resources, & more!</span></div><!--[if !IE]>-->
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</div>Sarah Kieferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131982473606348950noreply@blogger.com0