"Go to" Classroom Apps!

Evolution of thinking...that is what has changed my classroom more than any specific tool or computer program. After 3 years of  teaching a 1:1 Chromebook classroom, my first thought is no longer, "What am I going to grade?" I find myself asking, "What could the students do to show their knowledge?" I'm sorry to say that I spent too many years trying to get the required grades as we trudged through another page in our workbooks!

My favorite tools have also been evolving. Here are my current favorites (the ones that I bookmark and link to Google Classroom before the first day of school.)

1. Bloomz: 

After working with Class Dojo and Remind, I have settled on Bloomz as my favorite classroom communication app. I love being able to post messages, alerts, documents, and photos for my families without worrying about privacy concerns from social media. Best of all, I can connect with parents by email through Bloomz even if they don't set up their Bloomz account. I used the alert feature after our field trip returned early, and only one of my students was left standing around while the other teachers waited for student's rides. Having read receipts and the ability to resend announcements to parents who did not view the announcement are bonuses, and Bloomz has a behavior component that can be turned on or off to meet your needs. This app even lets parents view your classroom/Google calendar, sign up for parent conferences, and like/add photos from one location. This is sharing made easy.

2. EdPuzzle: 

EdPuzzle is the best way to turn any video into an interactive lesson. I like being able to crop, add my own audio narration, and embed free-response questions. I think this improved student proficiency with PARCC tests that require the use of video information and computer writing tools. Grading, leaving comments, and assigning through Google Classroom are also easy to learn with EdPuzzle tutorials. This year, I created a video EdPuzzle assignment for students to create for the first time. My 5th graders were able to choose the best videos and create thought-provoking questions for their classmates. They even reviewed peer responses to their questsions. 

3. Read Theory: 

We begin every day with XtraMath and ReadTheory. The key to success with this independent reading program is teacher-monitoring of progress. My students became adept at setting goals for knowledge points and tracking their reading levels with both grade equivalents and lexiles. During the second semester, I began to use the written response option and required that students write one response in paragraph format per week. This writing component replaced journal writing in my classroom. I do wish that Read Theory had a way to archive graded writing assignments to view growth over time. 

Track Reading Growth with ReadTheory Charts

4. No Red Ink: 

I utilize the free-version of NoRedInk, but I wish that our district had funds for the premium version. With 5th graders, I begin each unit with a Diagnostic Test, use the results to assign practice, give weekly growth quizzes, and differentiate instruction based on this data. This is not at all complicated with NoRedInk. When assigning work, each student has a color-coded dot to show mastery level, and NoRedInk adjusts the practice assignments to address the skill deficiencies shown on the assignments. No student is stuck with repetitive practice of mastered skills, but mastery is expected to progress. The silly sentences based on student interests makes this program a no-brainer for grades 4-12. 

5. Quizlet: 

Quizlet has been a great study tool for memorization of vocabulary, but I like the new Quizlet Live feature! Just go to www.quizlet.com, choose your study set, and open Quizlet Live. Students type in a game code and their first names to be grouped randomly into teams for the game. Everyone in the team sees the same question on-screen simultaneously, but only one team member has the correct answer. This game requires conversation and collaboration which improve comprehension. Expect a few enthusiastic outbursts as the competition can be fierce! 

6. Quizizz: 

Quizizz and Kahoot are game show review possibilities, but the search and assignment features of Quizizz are user-friendly and especially useful. Assign directly to Google Classroom, too. Students can compete with their friends, review errors, and challenge their classmates even if they are not logged in to Quizizz at the same time. My students beg for these review games!

7. Spelling City:

 Premium membership is the only way to go! This year I have 2 different grade levels of spelling words and 3 different list lengths in my classroom. All of this differentiation occurs seamlessly and students don't even realize that the word lists are varied. The newer games for rhyming words and sound counting are perfect for some lists. And Spelling City can generate a multitude of helpful reports. 

8. XtraMath: 

Fact mastery has been proven to improve long-term math achievement, so we practice for a few minutes each day. My students know their math facts because it is a part of our routines. Check out this free program that automates fact acquisition.

9. Planbook: 

Two years ago, when planning for an extended absence, I started using Planbook to help make the transition easier. I liked being able to link and embed all of my visual materials to lessons for the sub. This year, I was able to import many of the plans from last year to provide a sketchy outline of the year before the first day of class. Some plans were kept for this year while others were tweaked for better results. I even have used Planbook to send work home to absent students. Just send the student share link home through Bloomz! I have much more planned for this resource next year.

10. Recap: 

This audio-visual response app creates the cutest highlights reel in seconds. Just type in questions for your class, choose the maximum recording time, and watch the students explain their understanding via Chromebook webcams. Students like listening and commenting to their friends, too. 

If you have other apps to recommend, please leave your ideas in the comments below and follow this blog. Let's explore 1:1 Chromebooks, blended learning, and technology together!

Getting Started with Book Widgets

Book Widgets is my new favorite tool! It has taken me weeks of tutorials, trial and error, and even an early morning video chat with Lucie Reinard from Book Widgets to feel like I am progressing. I suggest choosing one or two widget types, practicing with those until you are comfortable, and then moving on to another. With 40 to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming!

First you need to add the Google Chrome extension to your school account so that it will sync with Google Classroom. Just follow these steps:

Creating Your Account and Adding the Extension

1. Go to Chrome Web Store. Search for "ibook widget" and it should appear. Don't forget to put the letter i in the front! Add to Chrome.

2. This icon should appear in the extension bar of your Chrome browser.

3. Type: bookwidgets.com into the address bar at the top of the page.

Watching a few tutorials is helpful!

4. Click on "Start for Free" and Sign up with Google. Accept all permissions.

Always sign up with your school Google account.

5.  Register the account and sign in. Then choose your grade level and complete the quick tour.

Google Integration

Book Widgets is now an assignment option in Google Classroom.

This is the first extension that I have found that runs right in Google Classroom. Now that this is installed, you will see the Book Widgets choice every time that you make an assignment in Google Classroom. Just click on the Plus icon to add an assignment and you have an choice for assignments. Book Widgets will open directly in Google Classroom allowing you to create or link any of the 40 widgets directly to classroom seamlessly. 

Create and assign from the Book Widget app.

Scoring and Reports

Seamless integration

Grades and work are imported into Classroom, so you don't have to leave Google Classroom to find student scores. Adding comments and hand-scoring are simple, and you can click an arrow to move from one student's work to the next. Easy-peasy!

View, comment, and edit scores easily.

Project Samples

Here are just a few project samples that I have used so far. Be sure to visit the example pages on Book Widgets to get ideas.

Mind map

Interactive, auto-graded crossword

Drag and drop to sort

Matching Pairs

Automated math practice

A completed timeline

Pricing

Lucie was kind enough to offer us a license key for any Tech Tuesday teachers who wanted to try Book Widgets. You get 3 months in your free trial instead of 30 days! Yeah! I do plan to purchase a subscription for next year at the end of my trial, so let me know if you are interested, too. Individually a subscription is $49 a year per teacher, 5-9 teachers get additional perks for the same price, but $35 a year will cover the cost if there are 10 or more teachers in a district.

I have put in a request for clarification, because I understood that the widgets that were created were fully-functional after the trial period expired, but the website says that widgets cannot be shared in a classroom unless you have an active subscription.

CheckMark Extension

Do you prefer grading essays by hand because it takes too long in Google Docs? Feel like you are writing the same comments over and over on student papers? Add the CheckMark extension to streamline this process!

CheckMark provides an editable list of comments for student docs. Just highlight some text and choose the pre-existing comments. A pop-up box will appear to the right in the student's document with the comment tagged to your highlight. Check out this video of CheckMark in action.

To add a Chrome Extension go to: Chrome Web Store: Extensions or follow these steps from your Chrome browser:

You can custom tailor your comments, too. I added plagiarism, title punctuation, figurative language, and, quotation marks to the comment list. The comments can be detailed (I didn't find a character limit) and you can include links to Youtube video tutorials, Google Drive documents, or NoRedInk practice on specific topics. Try it out today!

Curbing Bad Behavior

Our students are tech-savvy so monitoring Chromebooks can feel like chasing your shadow! We know it is important, but it is a challenge. Teachers are responsible for how students are using technology under your watch. The Technology Guidelines even make this statement (emphasis added):

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Mt. Zion CUSD #3 staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer networks and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting children in the 21st Century Act. 

My first 2 years of  1:1 Chromebooks were filled with trial and error. Here are the steps that have worked for me, but you will need to adapt them to your own classrooms.

1. Inspect what you expect!
The greatest deterrent to inappropriate Chromebook behavior is periodic, unpredictable inspections. Have you ever noticed how some classrooms have desks completely cleared at the end of the day and others don't? Some classrooms consistently fill out assignment books and others don't? Teacher expectation and follow-through are crucial. So, if students are continually going to inappropriate sites or mishandling their computer privileges, it is the teacher's fault. Ouch! When you start teaching students what you expect and checking to be sure they are following through, the problems lessen.

Start the year with frequent checks of student history. I call it "History and Hands Off." Whenever I say those words, my students click the 3 dots in the upper right corner of their screen, choose "history," and put their hands on the desk or in their laps. I take a quick trip around the classroom and then students go back to work. After the first week of school, students know that a check could come at any time, and that keeps most of them honest. If I see any site that students were not directed to open, I take the student's Chromebook. After a week of writing down all of the questions, answers, assignments, spelling tests, etc. Students know that I have a zero-tolerance policy. I did have a student who lost privileges the second time this year, but that is rare.

2. Show students what you can access.
Begin the year with an explanation of the Mt. Zion Student Technology Guidelines. Be sure students know that every click that they make on that Chromebook is trackable, permanent, and monitored. I explain to students about my personal and school accounts on Google. I tell them, "Mr. Rockey doesn't need to know when my sons are sick or what I ordered for Christmas on Amazon." Students need to know that their @mtzschools accounts are like their writing journals and textbooks. These accounts belong to the school and everything on them is public whether they share it or not. Here is the exact language from the Student Technology Guidelines. (Emphasis added.):

E. Security of System and Responsibilities of System Users Security in the system must be a high priority for all users. Do not disclose your log in ID or password to anyone, or attempt to log into the system as another person. Passwords should be changed periodically. The user is responsible for anything that occurs under their log in. If you become aware of any improper use of the system, or violation of security rules, you must notify an administrator, teacher, or the computer network system administrator immediately. Users should not expect files stored on school-based computers or on their school-based Google account will be private. Electronic messages and files stored on the school-based computers or on their school-based Google account may be treated like school lockers. Administrators and faculty may review files and messages to maintain the integrity of the system and ensure that users are acting responsibly. Files will be scanned on a regular basis.

To reinforce this, I open Hapara and show the students how I can access my daughter's email, documents, and web history from my teacher account. I open one of her documents from another classroom right on my Smartboard in the classroom. Then I send her an email and let the students see it pop up on the screen. After that, I give them a few minutes to delete anything that they don't think should be on their school account. I remind them that starting the next day, I will be checking to see that they have eliminated all personal information, Minecraft accounts, games, and additional bookmarks. Then I do it!

 3. Teach them Open/Close prompts.
Just as I tell students to get out textbooks, scissors, or markers, I monitor when Chromebooks are opened and closed. Teach your students to close the lid on command. When I say that we are moving on to the next subject, I tell students to file papers and to put away textbooks, so it only makes sense that they should be able to put away a digital project as well. When I say, "Close your Chromebooks" my students have about 5 seconds to do so. We practice this routine until it is second nature. With Google, work is typically saved, so there is no reason to entertain long transition times.

4. Display Hapara Current Screens
I don't have time to sit at my desk and verify that all of my students are following the rules. Students need my interaction and assistance, so I publicly display the Hapara Current Screens desktop on my SmartBoard whenever students are using their Chromebooks independently. Just knowing that their actions will be visible encourages smart choices. This isn't infallible, though. Some of my students figured out that if they split their screens, Hapara only shows the one that is active. When I give a test, I use the lock tab option of Hapara to ensure that students aren't accessing the calculator app or Google search.

Educational Resources

Here is a Youtube video that I show about Chromebook care to start the year:

Book Widgets

Book Widgets

 @https://www.bookwidgets.com

I understand the concept of using technology in new, engaging ways rather than reinventing the worksheet. However, sometimes teachers need to take baby steps in the right direction. Book Widget can be a giant step forward. Is it possible to simply recreate a worksheet to encourage student regurgitation of information? Sure. Are there possibilities beyond "chew and swallow" assignments? Absolutely. Book Widgets is versatile!

In the past 2 weeks of experimenting with my 30 day trial of Book Widgets I have created a crossword puzzle group research activity, played Bingo review for a science test, and created a PARCC test ELA simulation activity so my students could practice with the two column format. I will be purchasing the subscription for next year. Here's why:

1. Google Classroom Integration:

Book Widgets connect seamlessly with Google Classroom. Students can complete widgets, click the envelope icon, and submit completed work easily.

Google Classroom tracks due date, completion, and even student scores. You can assign widgets directly from the creation tool, save assignment drafts, and scroll through the assignments with the forward arrow.

2. Ease of creation:

I found the creation tools to be fairly intuitive. It is important to use the preview option frequently as you are learning each tool, though. Be sure to look at some of the example widgets here first to get an idea of what each tool will do. 

3. Reporting: 

Student results are synced with Classroom. Individual answers can be rescored by the teacher as needed. Students are able to see a cumulative score at the top of their assignment with skipped questions shown in bold print and incorrect answers in red. Individual question comments and assignment feedback areas teacher-friendly. 

4. Variety:

There are 40 different Widgets available to diversify your assignments. Building proficiency with the entire library is part of my summer plans. Some of the widgets will be especially helpful for early elementary teachers who want to use picture matching, jigsaw puzzle, hotspot images, and frame sequencing activities.

My students worked in groups discussing and searching Google for the answers to this Literary Terms Crossword Puzzle that I made to review for PARCC. Here is the teacher link that you can use to copy my puzzle to your Book Widgets account to use with your class. It took my 5th graders two 30-minute class periods in groups of 2 and 3 to finish. I like that once they submitted the first assignment in Book Widgets, the submission process was identical for all of the other widget types.  That consistency is important!

What did I dislike? I accidentally deleted a few completed projects when I was trying to organize the My Widgets page with folders. Creating and naming the folders was confusing to me. You must hit enter after naming the folder. Then you can drag and drop Widgets to the folders. The folders do not "nest" in the way I expected and I deleted what I thought was an empty folder only to find that it was my primary science folder.  The folders really need to have a number next to them showing if they actually contain completed widgets. I keep finding extra folders in my account that were not intentionally created, too. The popup warning before deleting is the same whether the folder is full or empty. This will take a little more practice for me. Once the widgets were deleted, they still functioned in Google Classroom, which was helpful, but I could not retrieve the assignments and add them back into Book Widgets after deleting.