Crowdsourcing Powerful Edu Support

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While preparing a “Google My Maps” presentation is when I discovered the “Power of Crowdsourcing”. Over my cup of morning java I had a revelation and created a map for sharing tips & ideas for using Google for Education Tools. I tweeted the map along with sharing how Laurie Guyon and myself were going to use it as part of our Learning with Innovative Technology Conference Presentation.

Immediately I was amazed by the responses from educators all over the world. This is when I realized what a “Powerful Tool” crowdsourcing could be. Thanks to the teachers who added ideas I  have expanded my knowledge bank with “NEW ideas” for integrating these tools. It opened my eyes to the benefits “Crowdsourcing” may have for supporting education.

How Crowdsourcing Supports Edu

  1. Use to gather information from anywhere in the world
  2. Creates an Authentic Learning experience outside the classroom
  3. Supports Collaboration skills
  4. Creates a new resource for information
    • Students can access info 24/7 from anywhere
    • On a variety of digital devices connected to Internet
  5. Strengthens communication skills
  6. Reinforces using Digital Citizenship Skills
  7. Builds a network of professionals
  8. Provides Authentic Feedback
  9. Supports Critical Thinking

ISTE 2017 Experience: Front Row NY Seat

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NOTATISTE2017.png

It is my dream like all “Ed Tech Geeks” to eventually attend an ISTE Conference in person. The last couple of years thanks to Twitter and my PLN  my professional development experience is enhanced due to all the sharing and caring for colleagues around the world. This year was exceptionally inspirational thanks to the Ed Tech Team and the Live Streams they provided for those NOT at ISTE.

The Ed Tech Team kept the educators viewing engaged in conversation and activities during the Live Streamed ISTE Sessions in a YouTube Chat Session. The Ed Tech Team even included the #NOTATISTE2017 viewers when raffling off swag & prizes. Thanks to the Ed Tech Team and their prizes I have the opportunity to attend an Ed Tech Summit featuring Google Tools in person! I can’t wait for this “face to face” professional development experience! It is amazing to think this all happened due to being “Globally Connected” and from within the comforts of my humble abode. 

Using My Maps for Inquiry Projects

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It seems the most popular programs used for inquiry project presentations are Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint, Prezi, Emaze and etc… Sometimes we overlook tools which may empower students to dive deeper into their research. One such tool is Google My Maps! Google My Maps may provide an arena for students to collaborate together as they create and share inquiry projects.

One of the beauties of using Google My Maps for creating inquiry projects is the sharing of information in one convenient place. This can be used by individual students for further exploration. Another reason why I like My Maps is it provides the student with authentic exploration tools. Thanks to the linking of Google Maps, images and 360 exploration authentic locations may be visited.

This paves a road for further travel and forming a deeper learning experience. What might “tip this lesson over the top” is including Google Expedition while using VR Glasses! Please Note if an Android compatible Chromebook is used the student may reference a Google Expeditions to explore. If the user has a Chromebook or iPad with the  Expedition APP this will let them explore 360 degree 2D experience for further inquiry investigation.

Student Summer Journaling Activity

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Summer has arrived and school has let out. The learning and fun with Ed Tech devices doesn’t have to stop here. Why not keep the brainpower energized with a simple creative writing activity. This doesn’t take much time to do and could be a fun way to share a little part of yourself with the class.  This summer I’m attempting to keep a Google Map Journal for my favorite summer activities.  I can’t wait for September when a student or teacher asks, “So Ms. Drasby what did you do over the summer?”, and in response I’ll open my “My Map Summer Journal”.

I believe an activity such as this could be used as a community ice breaker or a learning experience filled with real facts. You might even want to add a personalized touch by creating custom markers. It is amazing to think a simple map program may present an opportunity to unlock doors for exploring core content areas.

Creating a Google My Map

Did you know Google My Map is located within your Google Drive? Please follow this steps to learn how to get started with Google My Map.

  • Sign into Google Drive
  • Click Blue New Button
  • Scroll Down & Click More
  • Scroll until you find My Maps

New My Maps

Once My Maps is open it is best practice to give it a Title

  • After the My Map has a title
  • Add a layer
  • Title the layer

Now your ready to drop a pin!

Create a Custom Pin

 

Why Use a Custom Pin?

  • It allows the student to personalize their project
  • Pins can easily help identify an activity
  • Enhances the map with a more personalized look
  • Allows the user to add content specific images as the pins

Ooo! Smashing Google Slides w/Poll Everywhere…

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There I was designing a Google workshop about supporting SPED Students. In my workshops I like to include learning activities for both engagement and assessment reason. This was when I discovered the Poll Everywhere Extension for Google Slides. The Poll Everywhere extension transforms a Google Slide into several different group activities. In my workshop I’m going to tryout both the multiple choice polling activity and the cloud generator.

I found Poll Everywhere to be very easy to integrate and use with a Google Slide. One thing to note when installing the you must register for a Poll Everywhere account. As an Educator I chose the “Free” version, and am extremely happy! I like

Using Poll Everywhere w/Google Slides