Learn Lead Grow

Have you checked out Google Slides lately? Every time you look around, it keeps getting better and better! I want to share with you five new Google Slides features to make amazing presentations! 1. Add Diagrams You can now add diagrams to Google Slides. Choose from a variety of templates to help you create a timeline, showcase a hierarchy, demonstrate relationships, and illustrate cycles. 2. Add-Ons Now Available in Slides! Add-Ons provide additional features that do not come standard in Apps like Docs, Forms, and Sheets. It is now available in Slides. Simply visit the Add-Ons Menu and choose Get Add-Ons. You can choose from a variety of Add-Ons like Adobe Stock and Unsplash Photos, interactive presentations through PearDeck, and creative graphics through Balsamiq Wireframes. The inventory of Add-Ons will surely grow over the next few months! 3. Google Keep Integration Google Keep is a great tool for keeping yourself organized, building task lists

If you are like me, then you get a lot of PDF files. I just found a great Google App called DocHub to fill in forms, insert text, highlight, edit, draw, sign, stamp, or insert images into a PDF or Word documents.  You can even share and send your PDF's via the App. How does it work?  Visit the Chrome store to install the App . You can access your App by visiting chrome://apps/ or using the Show Apps icon. Next, you open the App and upload a PDF or Word Document from your computer, One Drive, Google Drive, and Dropbox. I like that you have the option to make your document public or private. Then, edit your document by inserting text, drawing, signing, stamping, highlighting, and even inserting a picture. Need to collaborate with someone else? You can share your document and collaborate. Finally, download or send your document via Gmail, Drive, Classroom, One Drive, and Dropbox. What I Like I love the fact that this is a free and easy-to-use tool. Simply

Many of our students struggling with executive functioning skills, such as planning, organizing, emotional control, and task management. There are a variety of techniques and tools to help students with this challenge. I was recently made aware of a free iOS and Android App called Habitica , which takes a gamified approach to task management. Why use Habitica? Habitica takes a gamified approach, where you build the health of an avatar through your performance. There are several different tasks, which can help you form positive habits. Your habits influence your experience points and health of your avatar. The App provides a To-Do section, where you can set tasks and due dates. Every time that you complete a task, you are provide experience points, which impact the health of your avatar. The Dailies section is for time-sensitive tasks, which need to be one on a regular schedule. The Habits section provides you with tools to build positive habits or improve negative habits. Eve

I work with many talented teachers, who use technology in creative and innovative ways. With the increased emphasis on Project-Based Learning (PBL) and standards mastery, it is important to help students find creative ways to showcase what they have learned. A portfolio may be a viable option for students to show progress and growth throughout the year. Many teachers turn to website programs (i.e., Google Sites, Weebly, Wix, etc.), Apps like SeeSaw, and web tools like LiveBinders. Although they are good tools, it can be tricky to navigate privacy agreements and the skillsets of students under the age of 13. One of our teachers has created a portfolio using Google Slides! How might this work in your classroom? Here are some ideas: 1. Create a Google Slide Template for All of Your Students Create a Google Slide Show template for students, including spaces for their name, goals, likes, dislikes, pieces of work, standards they have mastered, etc. Make it colorful and customizable, bu

If you are a Smart Notebook user, then you might have seen the Smart Labs feature. Smart Labs allows teachers to create your own customized interactive games for students to play on their SmartBoard or on a device. How does it work? Check out my video below:

Recap is an excellent tool for pre and post-assessments. If you want more information about Recap, please see my blog post .  The Start with a Journey is another great feature for students to use. What is the Start With a Journey feature?  The Start With a Journey feature is a pre-made storyline built around a topic of your choice. You can create your own journey or browse journeys made by other educators. How Do I Use Start With a Journey? Creating a journey is very easy! First, you will want to login to Recap, create a Queue, and then click on "Start With a Journey."  Next, you will want to choose "Create a Journey" Then, create a guiding question and video introduction for your students. This guiding question can be used to help students understand the purpose for learning the content.  Next, add your step by step instructions. You can add text and links for students to access content. Many teachers use links to share videos, ha