9 Must Have Chrome Extensions

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Jon

One of the great features of Chrome is the countless extensions that can add extra features. Here are the extensions I couldn’t get by without.

Buffer

Buffer Chrome Extension

I love twitter and use it in primarily two ways: to share resources and have conversations. Often, I’ll find links in bunches and at unusual times. Rather than deluge my followers with 10 link tweets in the middle of the night, I use Buffer to space my tweets out and post at times that the majority of my followers are online. I’m generally very wary of any tools that auto-tweet (spam) on my behalf, but buffer is different in that every tweet is mine — I’m just time shifting the tweet to a better time. I highly suggest you check this one out if you are a heavy social media user.
Buffer

Evernote Web Clipper

Evernote Chrome Extension

Evernote is amazing. It’s become my digital brain, where I store reference materials and notes. The easiest way to get a web page or pdf into Evernote is through this extension.
Evernote Web Clipper

LastPass

LastPass Chrome Extension

Too many passwords? Don’t fall into the trap of reusing the same one everywhere. Use LastPass to remember your passwords. The form fill feature alone is a huge time saver as it’ll fill your saved information (address, email, etc) with one click.
LastPass

My Chrome Theme

My Chrome Theme Chrome Extension

I’m a heavy Chrome users user, and a different theme for each user is the easiest way to tell them apart. Create your own theme with this extension.
My Chrome Theme

Pinboard Tools

Pinboard Tools Chrome Extension

When Delicious went south, I switched to Pinboard as my bookmarking service of choice. This extension is an easy way to add a bookmark quickly.
Pinboard Tools

Pocket

Pocket Chrome Extension

Pocket is a read it later service. I’ll click this extension when I have something I’d like to read but don’t have time to now, and it’ll be added to my Pocket account.Then, when I have time I’ll use the Pocket iOS app and enjoy some longer reads.
Pocket

Read&Write for Google Docs

Read&Write Chrome Extension

This is a fantastic extension that helps in the writing process, particularly by reading back text in a Google Doc. I’ll often catch writing mistakes by listening to Read&Write. Anything that helps improve my writing is a must have for me!
Read&Write for Google Docs

Turn Off the Lights

Turn Off the Lights Chrome Extension

YouTube is full of great videos, but it’s also full of some not-so-great ones that always seem to be recommended on the side of the videos I watch. YouTube comments are notorious as a display of the depravity of the human race. Especially when teaching or presenting, I don’t want those distracting aspects on display, so I’ll use Turn Off the Lights to black out everything but the video itself.
Turn Off the Lights

WAV Player for Gmail

WAV Player Chrome Extension

The voicemail service at my school is able to email messages as a .wav file. Before this extension, I had to download the attachment and use an application or OSX’s quick look to listen. Now this extension adds a player in the email, no download needed.
WAV Player for Gmail

Those are the extensions that work for me. I’d encourage you to try them out, but also to look through the Chrome Web Store and find extensions that work for you.

Did I miss any must have extensions? Please let me know in the comments!

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Creating the Innovative Classroom

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Jon


Presented at MLICIC 2/4/13

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STEM in Action – Functional 3D AppleTV Mount Designed by an 8th Grader

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Jon

This AppleTV Mount was designed by an 8th Grader to solve a real-world problem. AppleTVs are relatively cheap and offer some amazing features, so we wanted to add these quickly and simply to our AV systems in classrooms. We wanted to mount AppleTVs directly to the projector, and neither velcro or double-sided tape could handle the job. Fortunately, we have a MakerBot Replicator 3D printer and a brilliant motivated student to create this:

So now around 25 AppleTVs are mounted throughout campus using this mount and a long zip tie.

If you need a mount, and have a 3D printer, feel free to download and print the design!

AppleTV Mount by Unsolved Cypher or grab the .stl file here.

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AppleTV Update Eliminates The Major Issue with Widespread School AppleTV Deployment

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Jon

 

Apple released an update for the AppleTV this week that resolves the largest issue in using AppleTVs in a school. As covered here before, the AppleTV is a relatively cheap and powerful device that has many Interactive Whiteboard manufacturers scared. Previously, the only way to limit access to wirelessly project using the AirPlay feature was to set a password. Once the password was entered into a device, that device could “hijack” the screen from anywhere, as long as it was connected to the same network.

Now, an update is available which enables a simple fix. When “Onscreen passcode” is turned on, a 4 digit code will appear on the screen when attempting to AirPlay. Upon entering this code, the user will successfully connect. This forces the device to be in the same location as the screen, and eliminates headaches of the possibility of a projector being controlled by someone on the other side of campus.

At only $100, it’s easy to connect one of these to every projector and have simple wireless projecting in place for every teacher.

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4 Reasons Why Every School Needs Google Apps

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Jon

Why Not? day 52/365

Photo: Why Not? By ckschleg

Recently a good friend asked me for some details on why Google Apps is a good fit for K-12 education. As I thought over all the reasons why Google Apps works for education, I actually had hard time picking a place to start. To me, it’s become a platform – a digital foundation – that the communication and creativity of our school is based upon. I seriously couldn’t imagine going back!

So, here’s just a few reasons why I believe that every school should make the switch to Google Apps.

1 – Collaboration.

As one of the “4C”s of 21st Century Skills, it’s essential that collaboration is a friction-free, common, everyday activity for our students and faculty alike. The tools of Google Apps are focused on quick, powerful yet simple collaboration. There’s not a better email system, with a powerful organizational system like labels, built in chat and Google+ style Hangouts, interesting experimental Labs, and countless other details. Google Drive (formerly Google Docs) is a fundamental tool. Watching students work on the same document, at the same time is amazing, and Google Drive quickly becomes a tool students and teachers simply can’t survive without.

2 – Ubiquitous.

These tools are available on any computer or device with an internet connection. The same apps are available at home as used in school. Remember the switch from .doc to .docx files? I sure do! Never again will we have to deal with incompatible versions of documents. USB drives aren’t needed, as files are available anywhere. With more colleges and businesses using Google Apps, as well as being a fantastic tool for personal productivity, it’s likely that our students will use these tools later in life.

3 – Cost Savings.

Google Mail and Drive have rapidly replaced the need for Exchange servers and Microsoft Office. For many schools, Office licensing can be the largest software licensing fee budget item. While it might not have every feature, I’d estimate that 90% Office – the key features – are available. Sometimes, a lack of a feature is a feature in itself. Honestly, the world would be a better place without some powerpoint features like custom animations and transitions!

4 – Security and Up-time.

Moving to the cloud can be a scary process. It’s hard to not feel a loss of control. But compare the numbers. Can your self-hosted or current email system compete with the track record of Google? Honestly, I trust the resources of Google – the same resources used by BBVA, a financial services company of over 110,000 employees  – to be more secure and dependable than anything I can host myself.

These are just a few of the major reasons why I can’t imagine “doing technology” in K-12 education without Google Apps. Take a look at the creative ‘hacks’ at youpd.org  or the massive collaborative projects such as this presentation made by 140+ teachers, and it’s quite clear that this is a tool with far too many benefits to ignore.

When considering Google Apps, a few common mistaken sticking points seem to surface again and again. Dr. Henry Theile has created a superb overview answering the common objections to Google Apps Dealing with the FUD – Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. that anyone considering the switch should investigate.

Google Apps for Education is a easy decision after you consider the facts. Going Google is the way to go.

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Technology & Communication

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Jon

Technology & Communication on Prezi

Presented via Skype for Amarillo ISD on 8/20/2012

Technology Is…

Presentation tools gone bad

Presentation Zen

    1. Slides should reinforce your words, not repeat them.
    2. Don’t use cheesy images.
    3. Transitions – keep it simple
    4. Create a leave behind written document.
    5. Don’t hand out printouts of your slides – they don’t work without you there.

Pecha Kucha

  • Adds limitations on presentations to foster increased clarity and creativity. 20 slides, 20 seconds for each slide. 6 minutes and 40 seconds. (20×20,6:40)
  • Pecha Kucha Training Bite video

Presentation Tech Tools:

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iPads and the Transformation of the Second Grade Classroom

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Jon

Video

Recommended Apps

Comic Life

http://goo.gl/YmYVz
Students created comics as part of a “How To” tutorial building project.
$4.99

 

iMovie

http://goo.gl/F0ilC
Reading came alive when students used the new trailers templates to create book trailers as a book report.
$4.99

 

ScreenChomp

http://goo.gl/mHIwo
By creating videos to explain their understanding on topics, students were able to offer insight into their thinking processes.
Free

MathBoard

http://goo.gl/8bXcY
Students quickly learned to adjust the difficulty settings to meet their individual level.
$4.99

 

Too Noisy

http://goo.gl/FNQ4g
A simple way for students to monitor noise level. Really effective when projected for the class to see.
Free

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A Better Interactive Whiteboard: an iPad and the Apple TV

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Jon

Presented at ISTE 2012

The Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) promised a rich learning experience, but the reality of classroom use has, by in large, not lived up to its billing. An IWB has a natural bent towards “sage on stage” style teaching, and while some teachers do use it constructively, IWB use tends to reinforce a teacher transmitting information to the class. Student use of an IWB is usually very limited, and student use is limited by the logistical need to be at the front of the room.

Technology is disruptive, and the AirPlay feature between an iPad 2 or later and an AppleTV has to have IWB manufacturers concerned. Now with a sub-$200 purchase and 5 minutes of install time, any student can, from their seat, wirelessly project to the class. Collaboration flows much more freely when the presenter can change instantaneously from student to teacher and back.

Not only can the iPad replace all of the functions of an IWB, but it brings so many more options. Need a document camera? Snap a photo and on the screen it goes. Skype or FaceTime has less setup time when there’s no cords to fiddle with. Apps are released constantly, and developers are starting to add specific AirPlay features. Penultimate, for instance, has a distraction free AirPlay display so the focus is on the content, not the delivery.

HDMI to VGA Adapters

The AppleTV is primarily a home-entertainment device, and uses HDMI-out. New projectors may have HDMI inputs, but many older or more inexpensive projectors may only have VGA inputs. Thankfully, a few great adapters are available. The AppleTV is so small that often it can be mounted on the projector itself. Below are 3 recommendations.

Kanex ATV Pro – $59.95

http://goo.gl/Xg1sb

The best option, requires no power and offers the smallest footprint, but also the most expensive.

Monoprice HDMI® to VGA & R/L Stereo Audio Converter $38.25

http://goo.gl/Vsyqx
The cheapest option, but still great quality. Audio output is RCA and it does require power.

WOWParts HDMI to VGA + audio $39.99

http://goo.gl/WfG70
Good quality. Requires power. Audio output is 3.5mm.

3 Taps is all it takes to mirror your iPad

  1. Double-tap the home button (or four finger swipe up if multitouch gestures are on)
  2. Swipe to the right.
  3. Select the AirPlay icon and choose mirroring for the AppleTV you wish to connect

AirPlay menu with Mirroring option ON

IWB vs. AppleTV & iPad

IWB AppleTV+iPad
Primary User Teacher All class members
Location of use Front of classroom Anywhere
Cost $3,000+ (IWB with projector) $960 (projector, AppleTV and iPad)
Upgrades after install Occasional Hundreds of apps released daily
Installation Costly, invasive 10 minutes, small footprint
Function Interactive Whiteboard Interactive Whiteboard, document camera, personal productivity device, eReader, and more.

 Recommended Apps

Penultimate

http://goo.gl/O12iV
Solid handwriting app with a custom clutter-free AppleTV display.

$0.99

AirVideo

http://goo.gl/UPuQj
Wirelessly stream almost any video type from your computer to your appleTV.

$2.99

Explain Everything

http://goo.gl/I1ztR
Easy to use, yet powerful. Offers plenty of options to export your narrated presentations.

$2.99

Paper

http://goo.gl/swXJQ
Drawing app with style, fun to use and focused.

Free, but all options unlock at $6.99

 

Splashtop Whiteboard

http://goo.gl/dxLN1
Turns your iPad and computer into an interactive whiteboard.

$19.99

Tips and Tricks

  • Heavily filtered or restricted networks may cause issues with AirPlay.
  • Both the iPad and the AppleTV must be on the same wireless network.
  • In the AppleTV settings, it’s possible to set a password to connect to AirPlay. Consider using one to limit who can project.
  • Classroom management skills are needed to manage who is connecting to the AppleTV. Students can “bump” each other off the AppleTV if they try to connect when another student is connected.

The AppleTV + iPad combination is an amazing example of technology helping to amplify sound teaching concepts. With the introduction of OSX 10.8 Mountain Lion, AirPlay support will come to MacBooks and Desktops, making its use even more exciting. There are times when technology makes you feel like you’re living in the future. This combo has potential to fundamentally change the way information is exchanged in the classroom for the better. Consider giving it a try before installing or replacing another IWB.

~~~~~~~
6-27-12 – Updated the table to reflect the fact that IWB manufacturers do update software and that hundreds of apps are released daily. Previously the table had stated that no updates are released for IWBs.

 

Posted in classroom issues, Presentations, Resources | 11 Comments

Handout: Technology Bootcamp 2012

Technology: Exciting, Disruptive, but No Longer Overwhelming!

Technology: Exciting, Disruptive but No Longer Overwhelming! on Prezi

Polleverywhere.com

PollEverywhere.com on Prezi

The Technology Toolbox

The Technology Toolbox on Prezi

Google Apps, Teaching and Learning with Google

Google Apps, Teaching and Learning with Google on Prezi

Going from STEM to STEAM

Going from STEM to STEAM on Prezi

iPads and the AppleTV

iOS Apps mentioned:

  1. Instapaper
  2. Editions
  3. Flipboard
  4. Paper
  5. Zite
  6. Evernote
  7. Penultimate
  8. Dropbox
  9. Notability
  10. Skype
  11. Skitch
  12. Snapseed
  13. iMovie
  14. Evernote Peek
  15. AppAdvice
  16. RedLaser
  17. Quotebook
  18. Sketchbook Ink
  19. Scribblenauts
  20. Too Noisy
  21. Art Set
  22. Napkin Sketch
  23. AccuDraw
  24. Isle of Tune
  25. FlipBook Lite
  26. artCircles
  27. Educreations
  28. Reeder
  29. Tripit
  30. Simplenote

 

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Jon | Leave a comment

P.E. with iPads? How to offer detailed physical education instruction with an app

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Jon

PowerChalk 10 Second TelestratorOut of all the subjects, P.E. could be the last you would think of as a great match for an iPad/iPhone app. But the PowerChalk – 10 Second Telestrator app is a perfect match for coaches and teachers looking to break down the technique of students.

The app allows you to record 10 seconds of action, then record over that video, “John Madden-style”, while drawing, measuring angles and speaking over the video. Controls allow you to quickly scrub through the video to find the exact moment you need. Baseball pitching, golf swings, batting, basketball freethrows and other technique dependent actions are all perfect for this app.

After you’ve recorded the telestration, a quick upload and share to the PowerChalk site allows you to get the video to your students, other coaches or parents quickly. The PowerChalk website is full of other features, including side-by-side comparisons so you can show students how they compare to past videos of themselves or even the pros. Some features might require a monthly subscription, but all are worth the cost.

The app could use a little help in the design department, but it’s amazingly functional and a powerful tool that wouldn’t be imaginable without the amazing flexibility of the iPad/iPhone. Haven’t you always wanted to channel your inner sportscaster?

Posted in iOS apps | Tagged , , | 1 Comment