Thing 3 -- Extra! 5 step Process: Add Contacts from G-Spreadsheet

Ok...this is one of the fun wonders of all things Cloud / Internet. Today I wanted to add all my cohort-mates to my gmail contacts via the spreadsheet shared by our facilitators, however, I had no editing rights to the document. So...

My first thought:  

Save a copy of the spreadsheet so I can copy / paste emails. 

But this isn't really what I want to do. I want to upload all the info from the spreadsheet to my gmail contacts (first name, last name & email). I don't want to have to toggle btwn screens laboriously copy / pasting.

My second thought: 

There MUST be a way to auto-upload this. It IS a Google spreadsheet, I AM using Google Drive and I DO want them in my Gmail contacts. Surely the mighty google can connect all those dots for me. 

Third thought: 

Google: 'add contacts to gmail from google docs spreadsheet' :)  

Thought 3.5:  Top return looks good-- click on that...

#4

huh?? That's not English! 

Final Thought: 

Who needs English? This guy made a screencast that I can easily follow regardless of the fact that I do not recognize his spoken language.  And what does that say about communicating with kids? (ELL, or otherwise), and the true power of tech tools?

Voila! :) 

Thing 3 --Google Docs

How Google Docs Increases Productivity

 

The jury is out on this one. My favorite Google doc app is 'forms' or 'spreadsheets'. I use forms to create training surveys and feedback forms. I've also created a tech access survey for use district wide.

I find Google docs difficult to use in general because our district doesn't use google apps for education. As such, not everyone has a gmail account which makes collaboration difficult. It also creates a confusing layer of 'where did I create / store that document?' With the creation of Google Drive that should help. I'm hoping to see some integration with my #1 tool Evernote.

Google docs does help me in collaborating with outside entities. I get agendas and resources from the KISD, professional groups and others that I can take my own real-time notes in. In that way Google cloud offers an invaluable connection for me professionally.  

That's why I chose the agenda template as my test here. I'm going to try to use this with my small team and see how it goes. Perhaps by testing these tools amongst ourselves we can begin to mount a larger campaign, leading to cost-saving and more convenient collaborative tools for the entire district.

Thing 2 -- Face of the Classroom

 westmiedtech.com

This word cloud represents my Website; westmiedtech.com. Visit the site to get the background and how I was inspired by edcampgr to really get it going.

The Web Presence of my Classroom 

 

Because of the nature of my work (district instructional tech specialist) I don't really have a classroom. But I have an extensive network of 'students' and professional connections that I need to teach, learn and share with. I need a place to store my presentations, reflect on conferences, report training summaries and collect useful resources.

My web presence allows me to easily keep things updated. Each time I add information it's automatically filed on my site. 

With my Website, I expand my network outside my district. Each time I post on my Website--which sadly isn't as often as I'd like, I announce it via Twitter to my extended network. I'm always pleasantly surprised, and a little proud when I get retweeted or commented on. Yes, I really do have knowledge and experience to share with others. :) It's a nice affirmation that helps motivate me to connect with others and continue researching and building resources.  


Finally, like any classroom teacher, my students need to be able to access my info any time. I prefer posting on my own site so that I'm not locked into the district. There's no issue of users needing passwords, and I can collaborate with my extended PLN more easily. Also, my intellectual property stays with me.  When I left my traditional classroom, I packed up loads of boxes (that still live in my basement!). My Website is far more mobile and I can add new 'files' simply by adding new tabs or pages. 

It's been a bit slow-going, but through experience I'm learning on my feet how to best organize, design and curate items.

Thing 1 -- Diigo

Add caption

Social bookmarking is like the online file cabinet every teacher needs. I actually started using Diigo a couple of years ago. I originally started using it to catalog Websites and information that I intended to organize into lists and categories to share with staff. I dropped off that when I realized staff needed some training in social bookmarking in order too really take full advantage. 

I then started using symbaloo and it has fast become my preferred bookmarking tool. As a visual learner and being comfortable with the Apple apps format, Symbaloo was super easy to get started with. 

However, the updates to Diigo just in the last year are amazing! I love the educator tools such as setting up class groups. I also like all the new ways to clip, sort and use diigo. It appears to be very similar to Evernote, another of my favorite productivity tools.

So, how does social bookmarking increase productivity? 

 

Social bookmarking goes beyond your typical bookmarking tool. The tagging / sorting features help me organize resources across topics. Many times one article or Website applies to different topics in my work and tagging lets me put one resource in all relevant places.  

The trifecta of accessibility also keeps me going. Web, PC client & app give me ready access no matter which device I'm using and I can share resource with others instantly. 

Finally, the collaborative piece allows me to pull colleagues into my work. I'm currently working on a presentation for the upcoming MITS conference and used Diigo to collect and share resources with my co-presenter. We can both continue working and adding to the library at our convenience -- even over a holiday weekend-- without scheduling a meeting, phone call etc.

Thing 1 - Shortcuts

In this example, I used shortcuts to copy the format from the article heading to the last subheading. I triple-clicked to select the entire first paragraph and ctrl c / ctrl v copied it to the bottom of the page. I triple clicked again to select the entire paragraph and highlight it green. I added a double line under the first subheading by triple typing = / enter. Finally, using ctrl k I added a hyperlink to the photo that goes to a wikipedia article on La Tomatina.

Keyboard shortcuts help me zoom through my work. I learned some new ones today; ctrl k for hyperlink, triple click for paragraph. And I got some extra practice with format painter. That's one of those tools I just don't use often enough to ever remember how it works! 

The really great thing about keyboard shorcuts is they aren't software specific. Ctrl A works to highlight entire URLs (which can be interminable!). Partner that with ctrl k / ctrl c and you get an accurate hyperlink in 10 seconds or less in any document and even our Groupwise client. Ctrl Z is a lifesaver...I can go back as many steps as necessary. Sometimes while typing an email or document I drag my hand across the touchpad without realizing it; scooting my cursor to mysterious places or deleting whole blocks of text without realizing it. Ctrl z helps me quickly recover.

Thing 0 -- Blogs

What makes a good blog? 

 A good blog engages the reader. 

• Start with a hook-- a catchy title, question or list of 5 can pull the reader in. Write in a personable style. 
• By their very nature, blogs are conversational.Chat with your audience to make them feel like a part of your conversation. 
• Don't be afraid to include personal info as it applies, and even little bits about your new puppy when they don't apply (everyone loves puppies!) 
• Format for easy reading. Use bulleted lists, add pictures for visual cues that explain or challenge what might be the expected.Watch out for color contrast, difficult fonts and other bells and whistles that can turn into alarms.

Once you hook a reader, keep them on the line with good content 

• Be succinct-- useful information in short, digestible pieces.
• Link to resources and support materials.

Reel em in! 

• Blog on a regular basis. Readers quickly move on if there's nothing new going on.
• Respond to comments. 
• Tweet you horn! Post on twitter and other social sights to expand your connections and readership. 

 How could a blog enhance your classroom?

 

discussion, creativity, portfolios, journaling, 

reflection, building rapport & making connections

A blog in the classroom gives each student the opportunity to participate. Students who may not raise their hand in class, or who need more time to reflect get that opportunity when they can post their thinking later. Blogs also allow students to drive discussion and participate as intellectual equals, raising the quality of learning. The teacher no longer has all the answers! 

Are blogs an easier way for people to self-publish?

 

Absolutely! And here-in lies the danger. Anyone can post anything they want on a blog. While it may be witty, entertaining, informative etc. ultimately the reader must take responsibility for fact-checking and follow through.

21 Things-- Getting Started

About to embark on the 21 Things journey... I already know quite a bit about the tools, so I set my goal to enhancing my use and discovering new, creative ways to integrate technology in education at all levels. 

With a background in secondary humanities, it's always a challenge for me to imagine uses at the elementary level or outside my content expertise. 

Finally, through careful observation of our  dream team facilitators I plan to improve my own presentation / PD delivery style -- no pressure guys! I hope they keep a blog about their experiences with us. (hint! hint!)