In this episode, we are diving into Google Read&Write, an amazing Chrome extension that enhances accessible learning for all students. We'll go over the features and share some ideas on how you can use this incredible tool with your students.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

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News and Updates

• Learning with Google Event - Announcements Collection
• Google Meet - Mute All is here!

Featured Content

Detailed show notes are available on our website at edugals.com/39

• Read&Write for Google Chrome Extension by TextHelp
• Register and activate your FREE teacher account at texthelp.com/en-gb/products/read-write/free-for-teachers/ after installing the Read&Write for Google Chrome trial
• Our Top 10 EdTech Certification Recommendations for 2021 - Episode 35
• Read&Write for Google Chrome - Quick Reference Guide - this is a great guide that goes over all of the features that we discuss in this episode
• Discussion about using tools like Read&Write - think about what you are evaluating and what your learning goals are for your students
• Picture Dictionary - consider using the icons across your course materials and evaluations for consistency or just even to grab quick icons
• Create a evaluation tool with words used typically in evaluations with translations
• Screenshot Reader - Standalone Chrome Extension (also built into Read&Write)
• Talk & Type - you can use this tool in multiple languages; great for second language courses and pronunciation practice; it's best to have students go back and put punctuation in later
• Translator - default setting is for Spanish, can be changed in the settings menu
• Highlighters - have a consistent colour scheme based on your course/student needs
• Collect Highlights - create multilingual dictionaries
• Voice Note - super short (1 min); similar to Mote Chrome extension
• Practice Read Aloud - pared down version of Fluency Tutor
• TextHelp Certification Program
• On websi

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In this episode, we are bringing you part 2 of our two-part series all about how to use Google Meet effectively for synchronous learning in your classroom. This week, we'll go over some awesome ideas and strategies for you to really leverage the power of Google Meet to engage all of your learners in synchronous lessons.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

News and Updates

• Learning with Google Event - Feb 17 & 18, 2021
• Tips to Stop Overthinking via @unlearn_com

Featured Content

• Did you miss Part 1? Check out Part 1 - E037 first!
• Building Relationships/Community:
  • Have students change Google profile picture - favourite food, check-in, curricular themes, etc.
  • Change Background - student grouping, storytelling, check-ins
  • Tile View - Guess Who? game (builds vocab too!)
• Google Jamboard:
  • Create templates using Custom Backgrounds (blog post)
  • Try app-smashing with Canva - Online Whiteboard examples
  • Get Jamming with Jamboard - E022
• Try adding audio to your Slides for individual/independent work time - Happy Music YouTube Channel
• Breakout Rooms:
  • Small group activities with Google Jamboard
  • Templates from @MrsParkShine
• Structuring class time:
  • Break up large time blocks with breaks
  • Find a flow between large and small group activities
  • Build in checks via Slides, screenshots, pics, etc
  • Whiteboard.chat
  • 1:1 check-ins via breakout rooms
• Hand Raising:
  • YouTube video is done, attendance, quick check-ins, this or that game
  • Does put it in order in the people tab
  • Use it as a buzzer!
• Backchannels:
  • Google Chat or the chat in Google Meet - this is still participation and engagement!
  • Try a Waterfall chat
• Polls/Q&A:
  • Check-ins (scale of ...) - use

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In this episode, we are diving into Google Meet and how to leverage the power of video conferencing with synchronous learning. In part 1 of this 2-part series, we'll go over the basics of Google Meet as well as share some handy tips and tricks to help make the most of your synchronous learning time.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

News and Updates

• NEW Mote Certified Educator and Ambassador Programs (learn more about Mote in our Chrome Extensions episode)
• Chrome 88 Update - Security and built-in QR code generator

Featured Content

• Google Meet - Help Center and What's New in Google Meet
• Features Table
• Our best advice - set up your Google Meet in Google Calendar
  • Event organizer ALWAYS has host controls even if others enter first
  • Co-teaching? You can transfer your events
  • Linked docs to calendar event will show up in the Meet - need to RSVP YES to view
• Stragglers? Try "add people" under the people tab - it will email them directly!
• Host controls - turn on/off quick access, share screen, and chat messages
• GSEFE (Enterprise) Features - Breakout rooms (doesn't work on mobile), polls, and Q&A
• Example - Scale of Cat Check-in to use with polls
• Useful Keyboard Shortcuts:
  • Ctrl/Cmd + D = Mic on/off 
  • Ctrl/Cmd + E = Video on/off
• Raise Hand - puts your students in order! 
• CC - each person has to enable it on their own device
• Screen sharing - Tab (audio/video), Window, or Full Screen
• Three dot menu:
  • Cast this meeting
  • Whiteboard (i.e. Jamboard - Custom Backgrounds Blog Post and Jamboard Episode)
  • Record meeting
  • Layout

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In this episode, we are bringing you an overview of all the amazing features and uses of Wakelet, a powerful curation tool. We will go over how to get started as well as how to maximize use  of Wakelet in the classroom.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

News and Updates

• EquatIO and Jamboard = AMAZING!

Featured Content

• Website: wakelet.com
• Connect with EduGals on Wakelet
• Wakelet Collection of Resources for this episode
• Consider creating header images using Canva - Image Size Guide
• Adding sections to your profile
• Creating and editing your collections
• App-smashing with Screencastify
  • Guest Post: Casting and Curating | The #1 Screen Recorder for Chrome
  • Using Screencastify with Wakelet
• Inviting collaborators to your collections
• Wakelet Chrome Extension
• Apps (iOS and Android) also available
• Wakelet spaces! Great for course/grade teams
• Wakelet Training Center
• Surf School
• Wakelet Community Programs - Member, Leader, and Ambassador
• Wakelet for Educators Resources
• The Educator's Guide to Wakelet eBook – Wakelet Blog 
• Wakelet Remote Learning Guide and Remote Learning Resources Page
• Ideas for use:
  • Newsletters (try embedding in Google Sites or Brightspace!)
  • Lesson planning
  • Choice boards
  • Hyperdocs
  • Group project resource collections
  • Annotated bibliographies

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In this episode, we are bringing you our top 10 EdTech certification recommendations for the 2021 school year. Certifications are great for you to pursue self-directed professional learning, and it doesn't hurt that you usually get a pretty awesome badge to go along with it!

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

News and Updates

• Create Google Classroom assignments directly in Screencastify Submit
• Jamboard Animated Backgrounds with Canva from Katie Fielding
• Animated Stickers using the Giphy Chrome extension
• Learning With Google Registration - Feb 17 & 18, 2021

Featured Content

• Our Top 10 List
  • #10 - Adobe Creative Educator, Level 1 & 2
  • #9 - Apple Teacher
  • #8 - Kahoot! Certifications
  • #7 - Canva Courses and our Canva Episode
  • #6 - Modern Classrooms Project Distinguished Educator program
  • #5 - TextHelp Certification program
  • #4 - Book Creator Certified Author Level 1 and our Book Creator Episode
  • #3 - EdPuzzle Certifications (esp. level 1, level 2, and coach)
  • #2 - Screencastify Certification Courses and E034 and E002 Screencastify Episodes
  • #1 - Google Certified Educator, Levels 1 and 2 and our related Episode E012
    • Google for Education Teacher Center
• Honourable Mentions
  • BadgEdTech Website by Rachel Coathup
  • Microsoft Certified Educator
  • Wakelet Programs
  • N

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This week, we are bringing you a second episode all about Screencastify. A lot has changed since remote learning first started last spring, so we wanted to revisit this tool, share some updated features, and explore some ways to use this tool with your students.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

News and Updates

• Slowing Down for Ourselves and Our Students blog post

Featured Content

• Remote Learning with Screencastify Episode (E002)
• Website: Screencastify.com to get the Chrome extension
• Three pancakes menu then Options (cog wheel) for lots of setup options; also access your recordings as well as submit and editor apps, configure keyboard shortcuts here too!
• Blog Post - How to Customize Keyboard Shortcuts in Screencastify to Maximize Your Productivity
• Pricing Guidelines: https://www.screencastify.com/buy

Screencastify Recorder

• Browser Tab, Desktop, Webcam Only options
• Drawing Tools keyboard shortcut: PC: Alt + T, Mac: Option + T
• Consider using the webcam only recording option as a document camera

Screencastify Editor

• Access via 3 pancakes menu or via the editor button within a video
• Can edit a screencastify recording OR your own videos - smash video clips together
• Options: cut, crop, and add text (not many font options)
• Text - can choose how long to show up on the screen by dragging in/out the ends
• Overall, a simple editor and very user-friendly esp. for students

Screencastify Submit

• Create assignments and students don't need the extension or an account
• Great for protecting student privacy! And easy to use
• Format Choices: Screen and Webcam, Webcam only, or Screen only
• It creates a link that you can then share with students
• Sharing choices available too
• Email notifications - Check out our Gmail episode to help you set up filters

Teaching Ideas

• Leave comments on videos via Google Drive - feedback
• Caption tracks via Google Drive options
• Screencastify Education Resources
• Create training videos
• Dub over YouTube videos with MuteTab extension
• Single image for language, critical analysis etc.
• Virtual Art Show
• Google Arts & Culture -

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In this episode, we are exploring the integration of Google Assignments into the Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS). Google Assignments helps you to easily distribute and grade student work with the same look and feel of Google Classroom. With Google Assignments, you can distribute templates to your students, integrate rubrics, check plagiarism, and grade all within one easy-to-use platform.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

News and Updates

• Join a meeting with new options on the Google Meet landing page 
• Resources re: US Capitol Event:
  • Pear Deck Resource 1 
  • Pear Deck Resource 2
  • Facing History and Ourselves - Responding to the Insurrection at the US Capitol
  • Newsela Article and Resources 

Featured Content

• Google Assignments website, resources, and info from Google
• LMS supported: Brightspace, Canvas, Schoology, Blackboard, Moodle, Sakai
• Great alternative to the dropbox in Brightspace! And if you are used to using Google Classroom, this has the same look and feel bringing some familiarity into your LMS
• In Brightspace, it's best to create your assignments in the content area NOT the dropbox
• Consider simplifying your navigation to create a "Google Classroom" experience and then link everything in your content area
• YouTube Video Tutorials:
  • Google Assignments Overview in Brightspace
  • Student Overview of Google Assignments in Brightspace
  • Adding Google Assignments to Other Areas Using Quick Links in Brightspace (Advanced Features)
• To create an assignment in content, click on the Add Existing, Go to Third-Party Integrations, then select Google Assignments
• Drive folder is created once linked to your account called Assignments
• Unmarked option not available yet so you do need to include a points value
• Rubrics can be integrated  - reuse, create new, or import from Sheets
• Originality reports available - unlimited for Enterprise users
• Only option right now: each student will get a copy - it would be great if they had all the same options as classroom - give feedback!
• Ideas to use Assignments:
  • Create an assignment
  • Sharing activity templates
  • Guided note templates for watching videos

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In this episode, we are talking all about an amazing, and easy-to-use tool called Canva. We will be diving into the how-tos, ideas for using Canva with your students, features within Canva, and the differences between the types of accounts (free, pro, and education).

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

News and Updates

• Our 10 most popular EduGals podcast episodes of 2020

Featured Content

• Canva is a great and easy-to-use graphic design tool
• Canva website
• Canva for Education account sign up - a bit intense! For K-12 teachers only
• Canva Pricing Chart - gives you some idea about features in each type of account
• Getting Started with Canva Tutorials
• Canva for Education Tutorials - setting up classes and using Canva with students
• Canva Templates
• Font Combinations Tool from Canva
• Canva Colour Palette Generator
• MOOC's (Massive Open Online Courses) - Coursera, edX and many more
• Canva Design Types - so many options available!
• SVG file types + Cricut/Silhouette - for classroom decorations, manipulatives, etc
• Canva Distance Education Resources
• Ways to use it in the classroom:
  • Design lesson plans, worksheets, etc for your classroom
  • App smash with Google Tools like Slides or Jamboard
  • Bitmoji Classroom Templates 
  • Classroom Kits Templates
  • Flashcard Templates
  • Customize your LMS - headers, navigation bar icons
  • Newsletters to communicate with home/parents
  • Resume templates
  • Social Media accounts linked to your school
  • Infographic Templates for Education

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In this episode, we are diving into the idea of building self-paced tech professional development (PD) programs designed for teachers. We are diving into set up options, buy in, and tools to support the development of these professional learning programs.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

News and Updates

• Mixed page orientations in Google docs
• Sticky settings in Google Meet
• Customize text style and appearance in Google sites
• Improvements to PDF imports into Google docs

Featured Content

• Getting Started:
  • Start small! It doesn't need to be perfect and should be focused on staff needs
  • Screencastify is great to create how-to screencasts
  • Focus on the tools educators are using - Google, other tools, LMS
  • Use already created resources - Google certifications, Screencastify, EdPuzzle
• Platform:
  • Google Sites, Google Classroom, LMS such as Brightspace, Wakelet
  • Consider app-smashing to fit your needs
• Content:
  • Screencasts, posters, tip sheets, etc.
  • Modern Classrooms Project - self-paced, mastery based learning model
  • Post screencasts on YouTube to allow choice for pacing
  • Google slides with video embedded along with screenshots
  • Book Creator - see E028
• Mastery Demonstration:
  • Google Classroom assignments to demo learning
  • Check in sessions - virtual or in person
  • Google Forms (embed in Sites)
  • Quizzes tool in LMS
• Staff Motivation:
  • Buy in, swag, admin support, etc
  • Badge system with public tracker - create badges with Canva, Google drawings, Google slides
  • Distribute using Forms, Autocrat, LMS
• Linking Modules:
  • Different levels, honour prior knowledge
  • Learning s

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This week, we are talking all about how to mark and grade in a paperless world. With no-touch and no-share policies this year, we have to get creative about how we do our assessments using digital formats instead of paper. We are going to talk about related hardware, as well as tools such as annotation in Brightspace, Google Classroom, and automation.

If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content!

We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!

News and Updates

• YouT-ube Hack via https://www.yout-ube.com/ 
• Google Jamboard Updates
• Book Creator Updates

Featured Content

• Hardware recommendations: 
  • iPad with apple pencil
  • touchscreen Chromebook (even better with Google Play store access)
  • Wacom tablet
• iPad app recommendations: 
  • Notability or GoodNotes - both sync great with Google Drive! 
  • Great for marking up assignments, including rubrics, and sharing back with students
  • Notability also includes the ability to record an audio note
  • GoodNotes is great for direct instruction
• Brightspace:
  • We are not fans of the annotation tool with the dropbox in Brightspace - don't forget to save the draft if you are using it!
  • Rubrics are clunky and we're not fans of this tool in here either!
  • We do LOVE the quizzes in Brightspace
  • Alternatives/Solutions:
    • Doctopus - Google Sheets Add-on
    • Goobric - Chrome Extension
    • Google Drive folder shared between teacher and student along with URL hacks with Google Docs in Brightspace
    • TemplateTab Template from Alice Keeler
    • Create rubrics as a background image in Google Slides or use the paint roller for quick formatting
    • Use in conjunction with Google Classroom as your dropbox
• Mastery-based approaches can be helpful
• Tip: incorporate reflection via Google Forms BEFORE releasing a grade
• Other useful assessment tools:
  • Google Read and Write Chrome extension
  • Mote - audio feed

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