Checkmark can help with student feedback

Giving students timely effective feedback is difficult. Even though Google docs has comments, writing multiple comments takes time. The EdTechTeam just created a chrome extension called CheckMark which makes the process of providing feedback on student writing in Google Docs faster and more efficient. After installing CheckMark, enable the extension and select some text in a Google Doc. You'll see an overlay of frequently-used comments (capitalization, fragments, punctuation, tense...) that you can easily select. Currently, they are working to make the choices customizable.

Google Calendar Update

Google Calendar for the web was just released this October and will be pushing out shortly to the .us and .org domains. 

Check out the new features HERE.

Student Email Etiquette

The beginning of the school year is always a good time to review email etiquette with students. Discussing basic topics like subject lines, proper openings and closing along with using spell check can improve the emails that students send and improve how you feel when you're responding to a students' email. Here are two videos that can be shared with students to help get everyone back on track. 

Captain Communicator features two students showing how to write an email to a teacher. Simple and only 90 seconds.

Email Etiquette for Students is a bit more straightforward with basic tips.

New Google Sites Tips and Resources

Here are some resources and reminders as we move to the New Google Sites

• Classic vs. New Sites
• Getting Started with New Google Sites

Google Tour Builder using Google Maps

"Put your story on the map"

Write about your neighborhood, historical landmarks, your own experiences and more. Include links, images and share your thinking with the world. Appropriate for grades three (3) through high school and beyond. 

Get Started

View Featured Tours 

HELP Guide

Word Clouds

Use WordArt.com to create word clouds into unique shapes. Have students take screenshots of their WordArt and paste into a Google Slide, Doc or email.

Be Internet Awesome

Google's resource for students to encourage digital safety and citizenship. 

Be Internet AwesomeExplore Interland

Outerspace in Google Street View

Started this past July 2017, you can now explore the International Space Station in Street View in Google Maps 

Link

Classroom Bookshelves - Ted Talk

MIRRORS AND WINDOWS 

As the school year starts and you organize your classroom bookshelf, consider watching this TEDTALK by Grace Lin about how books can be Windows and Mirrors. 

What does your bookshelf reflect?