Anita Foster

The Google Classroom

I have been working hard to create The Google Classroom for the Georgia Educators Technology Conference (GaETC) next week and for the Florida Educators Technology Conference (FETC) in January. I have the site "complete" for the presentations. I say complete because if you know me, I will probably continue to tweak and add things from time to time.

I don't want this to just be for the presentations, I would like for other educators to benefit from the information. So, please feel free to visit www.thegoogleclassroom.com and see what Google has to offer for classroom teachers.

Customize Your Search Abilities

Google has a way for you to create your own customized search engine. You can create a search engine that will search only sites you want searched. For example, if you put in "stars" in the normal Google search box you would get tons of websites not related to the stars in the sky. However, you can create a search engine that will only search websites of your choice like NASA and other space websites. Your data will return content that is only related to your needs. This is great when you want to teach your students how to search in Google, but are worried about content that is not educational. Check out Google Custom Search for more information and to create your own customized search engine for your classroom.

Check out the information I have gathered for The Google Classroom presentations for GaETC and FETC.

Converting GroupWise Calendar to Google Calendar

Here is a video to show you how easy it is to convert your GroupWise calendar to Google! Just in a matter of minutes you are done! Click on  Download export_gw_cal_to_google_cal.swf   to watch the video.

The Google Classroom

I have great news! I have been accepted to present at the Florida Educators Technology Conference in January in Orlando. My topic will be the Googled Classroom. I have been working for some time on a Google Site that will host all of my tips, tricks and suggestions. Please feel free to look and use what is on the site, but also...let me know what you think!

The Google Classroom is also linked on the sidebar under my email and website address.

Banners and Text Creator

Wouldn't it be great if there was a way we could make banners in just a couple of clicks on the Internet? Well, there is... www.cooltext.com is a great resource for creating banners to use in presentations, blogs, websites or just about anything else. You can pick your font, color, effect...just about anything and then download your new creation to your computer and use. This site also has tons of free fonts you can download. Have fun!!

 

Multiple Google Calendars

I have multiple Google Calendars that I want to feed to one location. What is a Google Goddess to do?? Well, watch this video to find out. By the way...I am going to be creating a course called the Google Classroom in which I share with teachers the different tools Google has to offer! I also hope to be doing a podcast soon called The Google Classroom so keep listening.

Download multiple_calendar_feeds.swf

SMARTBoard Class Session 4

We will have the next two weeks as our self-study in order to finish the last week in a face to face class (April 2). So, there is a lot of "homework" but it can be completed in two weeks.

Atomic Learning still has a lot of tutorials we have not touched on... http://movies.atomiclearning.com/k12/smartboard95_pc

Under Section D-G watch at least 4 tutorials from each section. On our last time in class I would like to see a notebook that you have created using the various techniques and tips you have learned during this 10 week period.

Post a comment in this blog to discuss any ideas, thoughts or issues you are having with the SmartBoard.

del.icio.us Training

del.icio.us is a great tool that anyone can use. It is absolutely FREE (a teacher's favorite word)!! It allows you to save your bookmarks from any computer on the Internet. Share with your students, colleagues and friends. You can even have people in your "Network" that you can share websites with. Let's say your friend in California also teaches the same grade and subject you teach. You can collaborate on websites and share among several teachers so the work of many can be used instead of the work of one!

Another great reason to use del.icio.us is to save time when you find a great resource while you are instructing. Instead of having the students type in a URL that seems five miles long, you can tag it in del.icio.us and they will then go to your account and click on the link.

I have been training at most of my schools on del.icio.us - Every teacher that has the training has said what a time saver this tool will be for their instruction and planning!! I am thrilled that they have enjoyed the training and can take what they have learned and begin implementing it immediately in their classroom. I have attached the handouts for you to use on your own in case you have missed the training. Lauralyn, another TIS, created these handouts for our use!

Download del.icio.us  for pc.pdf
Download del.icio.us tips for pc.pdf
Download del.icio.us for Mac.pdf
Download del.icio.us Tips for Mac.pdf

And in case you are wondering, my del.icio.us account is del.icio.us/alfoster68 

Ad Free Wiki

WetPaint has now removed all ads from educational wikis. All you need to do is request that they be removed, provide school info and give them 48 hours to review your site. Here is the link with more information... http://www.wetpaint.com/category/Education--Ad-free?mail=1140

WikiSpaces also has ad free wikis for teachers. When you register on their site, just let them know you are a teacher and they will create the wiki ad free.

If you need help getting a wiki started in your class. Please email me, I would be more than happy to assist you!

Wiki for Us to Collaborate

I have just created a wiki for teachers to collaborate and share resources and links. If you are interested in participating, the link is http://teachertechnologytips.wikispaces.com/ . Please feel free to contribute and collaborate. I have just created this wiki, so there is nothing on there yet. I hope that others will contribute as well.