Google Docs Challenge

Challenge: Google Docs

By Tiffany Morgenweck 

·         What did you create, and why?

o    I created a Google Doc that can be edited by the students in my class, so that we can share our thinking on a class reading response journal, for our novel study for “Sarah, Plain and Tall”.

·         What went well for you?

o    I had worked with Google Docs before, so creating a new document wasn’t a problem. Thinking about new ways to use Google Docs with my students on Google classroom is exciting and a great way for my students to collaborate and share their learning.

·         What was challenging?

o    The challenging part is teaching 2^nd graders what the purpose of this tool is. They had to learn where they should begin typing, that they couldn’t erase others responses, and they also forget to look at the directions and the prompt and sometimes type random things, (like 2^nd graders do. J )

·         What did you enjoy?

o    I enjoyed using this tool to assess student thinking and skills with Google Docs. It’s fun for students to be able to share information and feel like they’re not cheating, but working on something together AND learning that it’s OK to work together.

·         What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families?

o    I could see having students set goals every month together. They could also create individual goals to share with their parents, and their parents could add comments to the doc as well, to tell me how students are doing on meeting their goal at home.

o    I would also give a parent survey or questionnaire; that all parents can see and work on together so I can get all information in one place.

o    Working with staff, our school already works on SIP documents and other important work together. This has proved to be very beneficial.

Link to Doc: https://docs.google.com/a/edmonds.wednet.edu/document/d/13N7LTTaOlIZRKx-FocG6Nrs7qpMQTfMjXAhW741wn50/edit?usp=sharing

Google Docs Challenge

Challenge: Google Docs

By Tiffany Morgenweck 

·         What did you create, and why?

o    I created a Google Doc that can be edited by the students in my class, so that we can share our thinking on a class reading response journal, for our novel study for “Sarah, Plain and Tall”.

·         What went well for you?

o    I had worked with Google Docs before, so creating a new document wasn’t a problem. Thinking about new ways to use Google Docs with my students on Google classroom is exciting and a great way for my students to collaborate and share their learning.

·         What was challenging?

o    The challenging part is teaching 2^nd graders what the purpose of this tool is. They had to learn where they should begin typing, that they couldn’t erase others responses, and they also forget to look at the directions and the prompt and sometimes type random things, (like 2^nd graders do. J )

·         What did you enjoy?

o    I enjoyed using this tool to assess student thinking and skills with Google Docs. It’s fun for students to be able to share information and feel like they’re not cheating, but working on something together AND learning that it’s OK to work together.

·         What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families?

o    I could see having students set goals every month together. They could also create individual goals to share with their parents, and their parents could add comments to the doc as well, to tell me how students are doing on meeting their goal at home.

o    I would also give a parent survey or questionnaire; that all parents can see and work on together so I can get all information in one place.

o    Working with staff, our school already works on SIP documents and other important work together. This has proved to be very beneficial.

Link to Doc: https://docs.google.com/a/edmonds.wednet.edu/document/d/13N7LTTaOlIZRKx-FocG6Nrs7qpMQTfMjXAhW741wn50/edit?usp=sharing

Chromebook Basics Challenge

Challenge:  Chromebook Basics

By Tiffany Morgenweck

·         What did you create, and why?

o    I created a poster for students with the keyboard commands that I will use as we receive Chromebooks in my classroom. This document will be shared on my classroom website as well.

·         What went well for you?

o    It was very beneficial to be able to learn the keyboard for the Chromebooks and each key command. My classroom only uses older Lenovo laptops, so I’ve only had the chance to use the Chromebooks a few times. It was nice to become acquainted with them for future use.

·         What was challenging?

o    Not having an actual Chromebook to practice on, while I learned this information was a little tricky, but still doable.

·         What did you enjoy?

o    I enjoyed the quick, to the point lessons and short videos provided with these lessons.

·         What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families?

o    I will use this information with my students as we receive Chromebooks. I will also share my new learning with my grade level team, when the need arises. I know many of the upper grades in my building already are using Chromebooks, so if they need more training on the keyboard commands I will direct them to these lessons. The information will be shared with my families when/if Chromebooks start being used in my 2^nd grade classroom.

Chromebook Basics Challenge

Challenge:  Chromebook Basics

By Tiffany Morgenweck

·         What did you create, and why?

o    I created a poster for students with the keyboard commands that I will use as we receive Chromebooks in my classroom. This document will be shared on my classroom website as well.

·         What went well for you?

o    It was very beneficial to be able to learn the keyboard for the Chromebooks and each key command. My classroom only uses older Lenovo laptops, so I’ve only had the chance to use the Chromebooks a few times. It was nice to become acquainted with them for future use.

·         What was challenging?

o    Not having an actual Chromebook to practice on, while I learned this information was a little tricky, but still doable.

·         What did you enjoy?

o    I enjoyed the quick, to the point lessons and short videos provided with these lessons.

·         What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families?

o    I will use this information with my students as we receive Chromebooks. I will also share my new learning with my grade level team, when the need arises. I know many of the upper grades in my building already are using Chromebooks, so if they need more training on the keyboard commands I will direct them to these lessons. The information will be shared with my families when/if Chromebooks start being used in my 2^nd grade classroom.

Challenge: WeVideo

By Marsha Scott

What did you create, and why?

I explored WeVideo by creating a demonstration video for 5th graders. Instead of students sharing their final writing project on PowerPoint, I wanted students to use a different tool to present their writing pieces. Several technology coaches recommended exploring this digital tool for presentations.

What went well for you?

First, creating a simple video for students to demonstrate how to choose a theme and add images. Starting out simple and trying different themes went well for developing my first video.

Secondly, I enjoyed trying the pro version of WeVideo since it has more features for themes.

What was challenging?

One challenge that occurred, students wrote too much text on a slide. Therefore, it was difficult to read the whole text before it faded to the next slide. Reflecting over the project, students realized that less text on a slide is better. Too much text becomes difficult to read on the video.

What did you enjoy?

I enjoyed observing students share their WeVideo with the principal. Exploring another presentation tool was an exciting experience.

What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families?

Other ideas for using WeVideo:Students narrate their research projects instead of using text. Record students reading stories for an end-of-unit celebration.Share students’ work with their families.

Click here to view my first WeVideo.

Challenge: WeVideo

By Marsha Scott

What did you create, and why?

I explored WeVideo by creating a demonstration video for 5th graders. Instead of students sharing their final writing project on PowerPoint, I wanted students to use a different tool to present their writing pieces. Several technology coaches recommended exploring this digital tool for presentations.

What went well for you?

First, creating a simple video for students to demonstrate how to choose a theme and add images. Starting out simple and trying different themes went well for developing my first video.

Secondly, I enjoyed trying the pro version of WeVideo since it has more features for themes.

What was challenging?

One challenge that occurred, students wrote too much text on a slide. Therefore, it was difficult to read the whole text before it faded to the next slide. Reflecting over the project, students realized that less text on a slide is better. Too much text becomes difficult to read on the video.

What did you enjoy?

I enjoyed observing students share their WeVideo with the principal. Exploring another presentation tool was an exciting experience.

What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families?

Other ideas for using WeVideo:Students narrate their research projects instead of using text. Record students reading stories for an end-of-unit celebration.Share students’ work with their families.

Click here to view my first WeVideo.

Google Classroom Challenge

Challenge: Google Classroom

By Tiffany Morgenweck

·                     What did you create, and why? 

• I created a Google Classroom for my second graders to answer questions, publish writing assignments, and view videos that relate to our learning in class.

·                     What went well for you?

• I’ve been working with Google Classroom since last year. I had the basics down of how to create assignments, get students used to logging in, and publishing student work. The tutorials included are very informative and easy to follow. There are also many great YouTube videos to use.

·                     What was challenging?

• I had trouble with the grading portion, and never really understood how to do it. After using the tutorial I can now see how easy it is, and such an effective way to give instant feedback. I’ve tried a couple and look forward to using it more in the future.

·                     What did you enjoy? 

• I enjoy teaching my students how to use Google Docs and Google Slides to post their writing. We’ve created rules together for using the tool bar to research for pictures and include them in our published work. They really like to do this. We’ve decided that they need to do all of their typing first. Then the limit per document is 5 pictures, and 1 picture per slide, using google slides.

·                     What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, and staff or to communicate with families? 

• I taught my grade level how to use it last year, and not it’s become a consistent tool that parents know we use. I’ve created an eVal google classroom and staff meeting google classroom for our staff to use. Families are aware that we use google classroom and can have their students share work with them at home, if they have internet access.

 https://classroom.google.com/c/NzQ4NDk4MjY0

Google Classroom Challenge

Challenge: Google Classroom

By Tiffany Morgenweck

·                     What did you create, and why? 

• I created a Google Classroom for my second graders to answer questions, publish writing assignments, and view videos that relate to our learning in class.

·                     What went well for you?

• I’ve been working with Google Classroom since last year. I had the basics down of how to create assignments, get students used to logging in, and publishing student work. The tutorials included are very informative and easy to follow. There are also many great YouTube videos to use.

·                     What was challenging?

• I had trouble with the grading portion, and never really understood how to do it. After using the tutorial I can now see how easy it is, and such an effective way to give instant feedback. I’ve tried a couple and look forward to using it more in the future.

·                     What did you enjoy? 

• I enjoy teaching my students how to use Google Docs and Google Slides to post their writing. We’ve created rules together for using the tool bar to research for pictures and include them in our published work. They really like to do this. We’ve decided that they need to do all of their typing first. Then the limit per document is 5 pictures, and 1 picture per slide, using google slides.

·                     What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, and staff or to communicate with families? 

• I taught my grade level how to use it last year, and not it’s become a consistent tool that parents know we use. I’ve created an eVal google classroom and staff meeting google classroom for our staff to use. Families are aware that we use google classroom and can have their students share work with them at home, if they have internet access.

 https://classroom.google.com/c/NzQ4NDk4MjY0

PowToon Badge

https://www.powtoon.com/dashboard/#/

Above is my "Intro to the Counselor" project I created using Powtoon.  It is a quick draft that still needs work but PowToon has been a fun program to work with.

What did you create, and why?

I created a PowToon project called "Intro to the Counselor"  It is made for the youngest students so it is very simple.  I am not sure if I would use it but if I took more time and made it better and more interesting, I might find uses for it with the students.  It might be a fun tool to show new counselors who are just learning how to tell kids about what the role of the school counselor is.


What went well for you?

I enjoyed the various graphics and the slides that were already laid out so I could just revise them instead of trying to create the background and characters from scratch.

What did not go well for you?

The tools were hard to figure out and without a coach by my side I would have been stuck many times.

What did you enjoy?

I enjoyed the creative piece to the project.  With more time and effort I can see how fun this would be to use, perhaps for some other topics.  It might be fun to have students create an anti-bullying message to show their classmates or younger students.


What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families?

See above.  I could also potentially have my student council officers make a "welcome to Chase Lake" project to welcome new students to our school.  I

PowToon Badge

https://www.powtoon.com/dashboard/#/

Above is my "Intro to the Counselor" project I created using Powtoon.  It is a quick draft that still needs work but PowToon has been a fun program to work with.

What did you create, and why?

I created a PowToon project called "Intro to the Counselor"  It is made for the youngest students so it is very simple.  I am not sure if I would use it but if I took more time and made it better and more interesting, I might find uses for it with the students.  It might be a fun tool to show new counselors who are just learning how to tell kids about what the role of the school counselor is.


What went well for you?

I enjoyed the various graphics and the slides that were already laid out so I could just revise them instead of trying to create the background and characters from scratch.

What did not go well for you?

The tools were hard to figure out and without a coach by my side I would have been stuck many times.

What did you enjoy?

I enjoyed the creative piece to the project.  With more time and effort I can see how fun this would be to use, perhaps for some other topics.  It might be fun to have students create an anti-bullying message to show their classmates or younger students.


What ideas do you have for using this tool with your students, grade level, staff or to communicate with families?

See above.  I could also potentially have my student council officers make a "welcome to Chase Lake" project to welcome new students to our school.  I

Google Drawing

I created a collage representing the theme of the story we are going to read in Collections. It is the excerpt from Tom Sawyer when he is tricking his friends into painting the fence for him. This is going to be an example for the students who are going to be completing the same assignment about another story, "The Flying Machine". They will be finding the theme of that story, writing the theme on their drawing, and then creating a collage that goes along with it.

After reading through the help menu, it went pretty quickly. It was much easier to use than I thought. I was able to just drag the pictures from a Google search into the drawing and then move some to the front and some to the back. I also moved the text to the front. I also added a shape and figured out how to change the color or the shapes and add background color.

I am going to have the kids copy their drawing to a slide show that the whole class shares. It was a little tricky making sure that worked well.

I enjoyed how easy it was to use. I also enjoyed that it was a Google program so that it would be saved in their Google Drive automatically.

As mentioned before, I am going to use this program to have the kids make a collage representing the theme from one of the stories in the Collections Curriculum. This is a variation of one of the performance tasks that is after the stories. Instead of making a collage on paper, the kids will be doing it online. We will share our creations via Google Slides.

Google Drawing

I created a collage representing the theme of the story we are going to read in Collections. It is the excerpt from Tom Sawyer when he is tricking his friends into painting the fence for him. This is going to be an example for the students who are going to be completing the same assignment about another story, "The Flying Machine". They will be finding the theme of that story, writing the theme on their drawing, and then creating a collage that goes along with it.

After reading through the help menu, it went pretty quickly. It was much easier to use than I thought. I was able to just drag the pictures from a Google search into the drawing and then move some to the front and some to the back. I also moved the text to the front. I also added a shape and figured out how to change the color or the shapes and add background color.

I am going to have the kids copy their drawing to a slide show that the whole class shares. It was a little tricky making sure that worked well.

I enjoyed how easy it was to use. I also enjoyed that it was a Google program so that it would be saved in their Google Drive automatically.

As mentioned before, I am going to use this program to have the kids make a collage representing the theme from one of the stories in the Collections Curriculum. This is a variation of one of the performance tasks that is after the stories. Instead of making a collage on paper, the kids will be doing it online. We will share our creations via Google Slides.