Happy Saint Patrick's Day -- Lucky Tips

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!!

I am sticking with my Holiday themes this year as it reminds me to create and post to the tech blog.  My goal is to post once a month in the hopes all of you read it :)  So, here it is....

The following two websites demonstrate progress.  I received an email from an administrator and a teacher to make sure I tell teachers about them.  I think that is just AWESOME.  It goes back to one of my favorite sayings... “The best resource is each other” so THANK YOU to the people who brought these sites to my attention.

GetKahoot

A great website to create a quiz, survey, and discussion. A game-based classroom response system.

Teacher Side: https://getkahoot.com/

Student Side: https://kahoot.it/

Step 1 Create a Quiz Video

Step 2 (Optional) Create a Quiz Video for a Class

Khan, Khan, Khan

Do  I  really need to to say more... Khan is endless.

https://www.khanacademy.org/

I  also had the privilege to witness 6 sections of math this month set up with Khan Academy.  Thank you Mr. Baier.  

Resources:

Khan Academy Knowledge Base Presentation

Khan Academy Math Badge Program Presentation

Also, do you know Khan and Bank of America are trying to help students and adults be better with their money? This is a great tool to understanding Financial Literacy. It is free curriculum at your finger tips.

https://www.bettermoneyhabits.com/index.html

The next website should not be a new one to you, but we have a unique and great opportunity until March 31st.  SUMDOG is temporarily open for both Reading and Writing and advanced Reporting for all subjects until March 31st. Check it out.

SUMDOG

Math (K)-8, Reading (Gr 1-5), and Writing (3-8)

Washington Sumdog Info

Schuler Sumdog Info

AMS Sumdog Info

Reminder:  All the students are set up and ready to go.

Friendly Apple Tip....

Having troubles with scrolling!!  

Tip 1: Two Finger Scrolling (Up and Down)

Tip 2: Change and Play with Track Pad Settings

Instructions: Go to Apple, System Preferences, and Trackpad

Tip 3: Turn your Scrolling on all the time

Instructions: Go to Apple, System Preferences, General and in the Show Scroll bars, Select--Always

By: Jessica Fincel

@jfincel32

Bag of Tricks.....

Recently, I have had the opportunity to learn many NEW things.  I have been challenged by many of you.  In doing so, I have come across many things that I have not played with for a while like “Google Templates” or new tools like “Youtube for Kids”.  So, now I want to share my “Bag of Tricks” with you.

Google Templates

You can use Google’s template gallery to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or forms. You can use it for just about anything so there is no need to reinvent the wheel.  

YouTube App for Kids

Google has released a new YouTube app.  It is kid friendly and safe for young and creative minds.

Google Play -- YouTube for Kids

App Store -- YouTube for Kids

Set up your Default Email Client in Chrome and Firefox

Question/Comment to the Tech Dept:  I wish when I clicked on an email on a webpage it WOULDN’T open my Entourage or Mail applications. Why won’t it open my gmail in my DEFAULT browser?  

Tech Dept Answer:  Follow the instructions below for both Chrome and Firefox!

How to set Gmail as your default client in Google Chrome OR Firefox

Google Science Fair

From now through May 18, students around the world ages 13-18 can have their chance to change the world.
Google Science Fair

Google for Education

Want to know more about Google App Products and more Google Educational Resources?  

Get Trained for Free from Google... step by step instructions!!

Google for Education Training

What more free resources by Google?  Click below to find resources such as Google Search Education, Google Cultural Institution, CS and Stem, Google Maps and much more.

Google for Education Resources

Last but not least or maybe it’s my favorite...

Don’t forget the updated 

#ACSDTECH WEBSITE

CHECK IT OUT... Google Classroom, Math, Science/Stem, History, Blogging, Literacy, Writing, and Much Much More  

By: Jessica Fincel

@jfincel32

Sumdog Challenge -- Wash, Schuler & AMS

SUMDOG CHALLENGE!!

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ACSD Tech Team is piggybacking the idea from Green Hills Sumdog Challenge that begins January 23rd.  ACSD Sumdog Challenge starts tomorrow, January 13th.  

Need some fun ways to boost your students' math skills?  Check out the Google Doc below (per building)!!  

Are you up for the Sumdog Challenge?

What is Sumdog?

Sumdog is free educational games to motivate your students to practice math!!

Washington Sumdog Document

Schuler Sumdog Document

AMS Sumdog Document

Do you know???

Do you know your fellow co-worker Jessica Larsen uses this website?  

Do you know it is for ages K-8?

Do you know ALL the student accts are ready to go?

Do you know kids don't even realize they are doing math problems? 

Did you know that Tech Dept will be more than happy to help you, meet with you at team meetings or individually?

Do you know all you need to do to sign up for Sumdog is complete this FORM and read the document above?

Symbaloo Pages

ACSD Symbaloo Pages

So.......

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By: Jessica Fincel

@jfincel32

Just needed done...NOW!! -- Updated #ACSDTECH Website

We all have those moments when enough is enough and we have to force ourselves to stop what we are currently doing in order to get something else done that has been driving us crazy!! You know what I am talking about it.  It might be your messy desk or classroom, your kid's closet, or the kitchen utensil drawer.  For me, it was the Technology Resource and Tutorials Website.  It just needed some tender loving care and a slight makeover.  

https://sites.google.com/a/atlanticiaschools.org/acsdtech/

Here are some of the highlights:

New Name --  What used to be the Technology Resource and Tutorials website is now called the #ACSDTECH website.  

Navigation --  Navigation is now on the left sidebar with sub menus.

Updated Links -- Many updated links throughout the website.  

More pictures -- Added more pictures to give it a fresh new paint job!

Are you up for a tour of the updated website?  I have a fun activity for ACSD employees and students!  This activity is in the hopes that you navigate through the updated #ACSDTECH WEBSITE and see what it has to offer.

Activity:

Olaf is hiding 5 times throughout the website.  Can you find him?  Click on the form below to complete the activity.   

Can you find Olaf hiding on the #ACSDTECH Website!!

By: Jessica Fincel

Twitter:jfincel32

Jessica’s Thankful for........ My Tech Gadgets/Widgets

In the spirit of Thanksgiving week, we should stop and reflect on all the important things in our lives.  I am going to take a much lighter note in the Thanksgiving season..... I am thankful for my tech widgets and gadgets.

I am thankful for.......Google Calendar

• I would be completely lost and confused without my Google Calendar.  It is one of the first things I look at every morning.

I am thankful for.......Camera App on my Iphone

• I can't imagine how many pieces of paper would have been lost forever with important information.  Not to mention all the precious memories that can be taken at any time. We all know our smart phone is like our right arm.  It is a must have at all times.

I am thankful for.......Google Drive/Doc

• Really, I shouldn't even have to explain why I am thankful for Google Docs.  This should be on EVERYONE's list that works in education!

I am thankful for.......Mail Merge

• I mess with a lot of data and help others with it as well.  So many many hours have been saved because of mail merge.

I am thankful for.......Youtube

• I am thankful for Youtube because of all the random things I have been able to learn like how to make homemade fondant.  I am also able to answer tech requests (so I look smart), and share my knowledge to the world.

I am thankful for.......Social Networking (Twitter/Pinterest/Facebook)

• Seriously you can ask your question during commercials of sporting events since we all know we couldn't possibly DVR live events!!  I also have to catch up with my personal learning network, family, and friends and of course find the best new recipe to make at Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for.......Chrome

• It lets me get to everything I can possibly need.  Also, it lets me access both my personal and work life with a click of a button.

I am thankful for.......Shutterfly

• This is where I store all my precious photos and create awesome Cyclone iphone covers.  This is where the creative side of me comes out.

I am thankful for.......Roku

• This is where I can stream my favorite shows on my TV.  I love my Amazon Prime account so I can watch all the seasons of Downton Abbey.

What technology gadget and/or widget are you most thankful for? Please complete the form below. I would like to create a wordle with the collected data, and a special gift will arrive in your inbox.

Thankful Form -- "What are you Thankful for?"

PS-Don't forget about Hour of Code Week -- December 8 - 14.  

http://csedweek.org/

By: Jessica Fincel

Twitter:jfincel32

About time..... Hey Guess What? Technology is always changing?

BOO!!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Hey....Guess what?
Technology is constantly changing!!! This is one of the many reasons why I personally love technology.

One of the best new features that has arrived this first quarter is "GOOGLE CLASSROOM". As you all already know, I love Google, but this is definitely one of the best tools for education besides Google Docs that can be utilized easily. Seriously, check it out! It only takes about 10 minutes to set up.

Google Classroom

• Google Classroom - Step by Step Instructions by Aaron Svoboda

Google Classroom Updates - October 2014

• Google Apps Blog -- Update Classroom
• Google Classroom YouTube Video - by Jennifer Scheffer

New Look for Google Drive

• New Google Drive Support

Remember I told you technology is constantly changing....Drive has changed 3 times since I have started this job. Change, Change, Change.... Adapt, Adapt, Adapt.... Learn, Learn, Learn

Reminder to AMS, Schuler and Washington Staff - Great Project Tools

• Glogster (online poster)
• Zooburst (3D Digital Book)
• Brain Pop and Brain Pop Jr (Resource, Game and Quizzes)

If you are interested in using these in your classroom, complete a tech request, and I will make sure accounts are set up for your class.

Symbaloo

Did you know each building has a symbaloo page? Check out www.atlanticiaschools.org, then Student Links and your  building symbaloo page.

• Washington Symbaloo
• Schuler Symbaloo
• AMS Symbaloo
• High School Symbaloo

Attn ACSD Staff -- Answer the the following joke, a treat might arrive in your mailbox next week.  

Joke: What kind of music does a mummy like?

ANSWER HERE

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

By: Jessica FincelTwitter: @jfincel32