Five Things Friday

At the end of the year last year I read a blog from an educator that shared how he really wanted to write daily but had a hard time doing so.  He loved tools like Twitter or Facebook because no one expects those posts to be long.  Then he decided that his blogs could be just like that.  He could share short little tips and such instead of writing out lengthy blog posts.  And so that it actually looked like he spent time on his posts, he saved them all for Friday.  I loved the idea so much that I am going to be a "copycat."  I am going to start my own Five on Friday posts.

1.  A cool Google Drive app I found is called Copy Folder. You can find this app in the Chrome Web Store.  Previously if you wanted to copy a multitude of files in your google drive you would have to select all the files and then copy but you couldn't copy an entire folder with the files inside.  This app allows you to do so.  I love it!

2.  A book I think is worth sharing is called Parent Chat: The Technology Talk for Every Parent.  Matt McKee is the author of this book that I think is a must read for every parent. This book will help you help parents win the technology wars with their kids no matter their age.

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3.  An awesome Google Tip from my summer certification process that I think you will like too is Canned Responses in Gmail.  Have you ever had to say the same thing over and over again in an email?  Do you hate typing it over and over?  You can create a canned response and then just insert it into your email when needed.  Here are directions for how to do it.  If you have any trouble, please ask me and I will come help.  

4.  A website that is worth checking out is 360 degree Cities. You may have seen me bring in my Google Cardboard or my Google Viewmaster.  I LOVE virtual reality.  This website brings the same experience without the Cardboard or Viewmaster. Below is one that I loved playing with; the first snow on Lake Grimsel Dam. Try it out!!

5.  Last spring the ITRTs attended a Google Summit.  One of the presenters suggested curating YouTube videos that you could use in teaching.  Remember, a video doesn't just have to show the Battle of Gettysburg or the Life Cycle of a Butterfly.  It can be used as a writing prompt, a math lesson or a way to access background knowledge.  Or maybe just for your own fun.  This is one of my favorite videos below.