The New Google Drive

Some of you may have noticed a new look with your Google Drive.  This video should help you understand some of its new features.

Accessing Google Drive Files Faster and Easier

Sometime you may find, at least I did, while using Google Drive that it would be so much easier if certain files where located in more that one spot in my file organization on Drive.  Well, you can do that.

If you are familiar with how tagging works when it comes to organizing digital content in information systems (i.e. Evernote, web and social bookmarking, Macbook, etc), then you will understand how handy this features is when trying to find something quickly and efficiently.  Your Google Drive has provided this feature; and, unknown to me, it has had this feature for a while.  Though Google does not call it "tagging", it has roughly the same principle.

This video explains how you can place files in your Drive within multiple folders.  I think it's stupendous.

What Is It That I Actually Do?

This is my fourth year now as a Tech Integrator.  I still find many faculty who may not fully understand what it is that I do or what I am used for, as a Technology Integrator.  I would like to help make clear on how I can be of service to you, your curriculum and your plans.

In years past, staff have come to me for help or special instructions, and on some occasions I have to tell them that unfortunately do not have access to Admin functions, passwords, or staff or student personal information.  I'm sure some may think, "Well, what good are you?"

The basis of what my job is as a Technology Integrator is to help and support your curriculum and classroom experience, and professional career through the use of creative ideas and strategies when using technology devices, software and any tech product we may use on a regular (even irregular) basis.  Although, I am salaried through the Tech Department, I am not a IT specialist (like Daren or Sherry).  I work mainly with planning and developing creative ideas and strategies for your curriculum and classroom experiences through the use of tech.

If you want to learn how to make the most of your SMART Board and/or the SMART Notebook software that goes with it, you can schedule me to meet with you and I will be able to walk you through some best practices and help you get comfortable with using it in your classroom.

It is the same with Google Apps.  Confused on how you can share your documents?  Or are you interested in having your students create portfolios on Google Drive?  Or not sure how to create groups in your Gmail?  I can help you get very comfortable with using these applications flawlessly.

I thrive on helping you be successful and I understand that, even with teachers, there are various learning styles and speeds.  I excel with patience and I want to help you make sense of it all.  There are many IT-related problems and issues that I can assist with and would be happy to.  For anything that I may not have an immediate answer to, I can sure find out for you.

I also can assist with:

• PowerSchool/PowerTeacher
• Flipped Classroom strategies
• Blended Learning strategies
• Gmail
• Google Drive
• Google Docs
• Moodle
• iPad and iPad apps
• SMART Response hand-held devices
• Macbook use, file/folder management; making the most of your laptop
• MLTI apps - OmniGraffle, etc
• Apple Macbook apps - iLife, iWork, etc
• Self Service
• Use of your web browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox), web bookmarking and internet tips
• Digital Citizenship

...just to name a few

I hope this helps explain how I can be more effective for you and your students.

Please contact me any time, and as my slogan says:

Share with me your ideas and I will help you get there

Google Maps in the World Language Classroom

Here I demonstrate how Google Maps is an excellent medium to use in the World Language classroom for contextual value and familiarizing student with famous locations.  Go to locations from around the world without having to tip the cab driver (...and those other expenses of travel).

These two articles below explain the "Padlock Love" phenomenon:

The Padlocks of Paris - David Lebovitz

 Love Padlocked in Paris - Forbes  

Here is a video from Google giving a brief overview use of Google Maps.

More About Blended Learning

Previously, I talked about Blended Learning and how you can utilize Twitter search to find content and ideas for Blended Learning in the classroom.  Blended Learning is not necessarily a new concept, however the practical use of Blended Learning in the classroom (and outside) may be a new idea.  Educators from around the world are coming to the understanding that with the use of technologies administered appropriately, student learning and engagement can grow tremendously.  Understanding what Blended Learning is is the first step to allowing us to utilize this method in our own classroom experiences effectively.

Edutopia has several resources on this topic [Side note: If you have not visited the Edutopia site, you are missing out on a very valuable resource].

Here is a collection of 9 short videos explaining what Blended Learning is and how to use it.  Here is a highlight:

Two more articles from Edutopia:

Blended Learning: Resource Roundup

4 Tips for Getting to Know the Blended Learning Instructional Model

Learning Google Apps?

Here are some of great collections of small, bite-sized video tutorials on making the most of Google Apps - like Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Forms, etc.  These collections of video are set in a YouTube Playlist for easy watching.  These videos should be very helpful for you, especially if you are still learning the basics.

Simply click on the Playlist drop down menu in each Playlist collections below and select videos from the list.

Google Documents Playlist

Google Drive Playlist

Google Calendar Playlist

Gmail Playlist

To see more playlists regarding Google Apps please visit +Sam Rosenfeld YouTube channel.  Thanks to Sam for the work in putting this together.

Google Search Tips Infographic

This infographic, originally posted by HackCollege, is an older creation, however is an amazing visual and tool for learning how to create an effective web search.

Update (5.29.14):  Because of the issues I had with the embedding of the infographic previously posted, I had to post an image of the infographic.

To view the original infographic in full size, please go to HackCollege.com