The EduGals Podcast

The EduGals Podcast

By Rachel Johnson and Katie AttwellEducationHow To
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The EduGals Podcast episodes

  • Marking in a Paperless World - E030

    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

    Support the show

    Connect with EduGals:

    • Twitter @EduGals
    • Rachel @dr_r_johnson
    • Katie @KatieAttwell
    • EduGals Website
    • Support the show
    41 min
  • Creating Engaging Lessons with EdPuzzle - E029

    In this episode, we are talking all about EdPuzzle. We will go over the basics, and then we will share how you can use this tool to create engaging lessons for 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!

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

    News and Updates

    • New URL shortcuts from Google - try either jam.new or meet.new!
    • More great updates for GSEFE users of breakout rooms in Google Meet

    Featured Content

    • EdPuzzle is a super valuable tool for hybrid and distance learning - lots of tracking data and a great way to add interactivity to your videos - questions, notes and audio
    • Access EdPuzzle: https://edpuzzle.com/ and make sure you login or sign up as a teacher - if you use Google Classsroom, consider signing in with your Google account
    • Curriculum area is a great place to get started - lots of ready made videos with questions that are available to copy and assign to your classes
    • When you sign up, make sure you select the correct School so that you can collaborate easily with your colleagues
    • Content area is where you will find your videos - you can organize into folders too
    • EdPuzzle Pricing Plans
    • Rachel's referral code and Katie's referral code (you get 3 extra video storage spaces when you sign up with this link) 
    • Getting Started with EdPuzzle Resource - all kinds of helpful articles here to help you with adding videos, adding questions, notes, audio, voiceovers, etc.
    • EdPuzzle Chrome extension - Adds a save to EdPuzzle button to your YouTube page so it's easy to add!
    • Types of classes - Classic (extra features in the Gradebook & can import from Google Classroom) and Open (no need for students to login - consider assigned nicknames here for easier tracking) OR use public links
    • EdPuzzle videos embed nicely with most LMS like Brightspace, Canvas, Schoology etc.
    • Live Mode in EdPuzzle
    • Grades can be downloaded and imported in Sheets - Global GEG webinar
    • Screencastify now integrates seamlessly with EdPuzzle
    • Student Projects in EdPuzzle

    Support the show

    Connect with EduGals:

    • Twitter @EduGals
    • Rachel @dr_r_johnson
    • Katie @KatieAttwell
    • EduGals Website
    • Support the show
    39 min
  • Getting Creative With Book Creator - E028

    This week we are talking all about a fun, creative and educational tool called Book Creator. We will go over the various features of the tool, as well as some different ways that you can use it 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!

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

    News and Updates

    • Template from Slides Mania and Tweet from Jake Miller
    • Modern Classrooms Project Free Course
    • EdPuzzle Self-Paced Classroom Badge/Course
    • Self-Paced Classrooms article from Jennifer Gonzalez - Cult of Pedagogy

    Featured Content

    • Accessing Book Creator - https://bookcreator.com/
    • Account Subscription Levels *Note that this has been updated since the time of recording*
    • Students can use anonymous accounts - help article
    • Features in Book Creator
    • Two types: regular and comic, each has 3 different layouts (portrait, landscape, square)
    • Comic books have more features including stickers, panels, different text tools
    • Import media: Google image search, maps, files, Google drive, embed code, camera (image OR video), record (audio)
    • The Ultimate Guide to Embedding Content on Book Creator - Book by the Book Creator team
    • Integrates with a variety of LMS
    • Pen tool - check out the autodraw feature! 
    • Accessibility features - Speech to text and text to speech, add transcripts to audio (in i button)
    • Other features: backgrounds, different paper types, borders
    • Publishing options: share a link, download as a pdf, publish as an epub file
    • Ideas for Use:
      • Digital Portfolio
      • Podcasting Project
      • Meet the Teacher/Meet the Student
      • Staff Guides
      • Interactive Maps
      • Lab Reports
    • Resources for Teachers - divided by age level and subject areas
    • Book

    Support the show

    Connect with EduGals:

    • Twitter @EduGals
    • Rachel @dr_r_johnson
    • Katie @KatieAttwell
    • EduGals Website
    • Support the show
    41 min
  • Assessment and Evaluation in Hybrid Learning - E027

    This week, we are talking all about how to approach assessment and evaluation in hybrid learning. There are so many challenges that we face, including how to manage multiple cohorts and ensure academic integrity when students are completing assessments at home.  So we will go over some suggestions for how to get away from the traditional test and design effective and engaging evaluations for your remote learning 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!

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

    News and Updates

    • Google Meet Replace Background - New Feature
    • Flipped Learning with Jon Bergmann (hosted by Global GEG)

    Featured Content

    • Shift the questions we are asking to something not Google-able! Thinking and application are crucial
    • There is a time/place for knowledge and understanding; we need to think outside the box for ways that students can demonstrate their learning
    • Quizzes:
      • Brightspace (or most LMS platforms) is a powerful tool for quizzes
      • Try using question pools, multiple attempts to move towards mastery-based learning and reduces stress, anxiety and pressure on students
      • Other tools you can use: Google forms, Kahoot!, Quizizz, etc.
    • Feedback loops/Revisions:
      • Multiple versions with feedback
      • Great for skills-based courses
      • Feedback via video conferencing, audio and/or video (Mote, Screencastify)
      • What do you do when students don't want to engage this way? Leave us feedback on our FLIPGRID
    • Automating A&E - Tools:
      • Quizzing apps (Kahoot!, Quizizz, etc.), EdPuzzle (integrate with Screencastify), Nearpod and/or Pear Deck, Flipgrid, Screencastify (combine with peer feedback)
    • Alternatives to a traditional test:
      • Interviews - practice with screencasts/peer feedback
      • Portfolios/Blogs - lots of tools to use: Google docs, slides, sites, LMS tools, Wakelet
      • Project - setup/structure is important! Format choice with a common goal or mimic real-world experiences
      • Debate/small group - book/journal clubs, controversial topics
      • Student choice/options - let students have an opportunity to demonstrate their learning in a way tha

    Support the show

    Connect with EduGals:

    • Twitter @EduGals
    • Rachel @dr_r_johnson
    • Katie @KatieAttwell
    • EduGals Website
    • Support the show
    47 min
  • Finding Balance With Hybrid Learning - E026

    This week, we are talking all about how to balance hybrid learning. It's been such a challenging year so far to engage both cohorts of students, both face-to-face and online, at the same time.  So we will go over some suggestions for  how to structure large learning blocks, flipped learning, and differentiation for 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!

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

    **NOTE: We'll be taking a one-week break from our podcast**

    News and Updates

    • Tweet from Matt Miller - 3 Free Halloween Digital Escape Rooms
    • Canadian Legion Poppy Store

    Featured Content

    • Large learning blocks of time (2 - 3 hour learning blocks) - Structure suggestions:
      • Challenges: engaging for the whole time, group work, physical limitations
      • Going back and forth between whole group and small group sessions to break things up
      • Use breakout rooms - tools like Zoom, Adobe Connect, or Google Meet can be used
      • If using Google Meet - hack breakout rooms by having them all open with closed captions on and use the Mute Tab chrome extension (listen to E024 for more info!)
        • If you're lucky enough to have an Enterprise account, check out the new breakout rooms feature in Google Meet!
      • Digital citizenship discussions need to continue ALL year - See E021 for more details
      • Student autonomy requires scaffolding!
      • Continuously work on community building/building peer-to-peer relationships - it will help with conversation in breakout rooms
      • No conversation? Check in with them! Make sure they understand the instructions/task that they are working on
      • Wellness checks are so important! Try a poll!
      • If you're hybrid, try doing grouping with your face-to-face students, and have your online students in breakout rooms
      • Create Google Chat rooms for breakouts instead of using Meet - use it to create community between cohorts
      • Consider having students join the class synchronously for the whole time (include breaks)
    • Flipped Learning
      • Video/Written content for knowledge building and in class time is used for collaborative practice
      • Could be done by engaging all of the class together or stagger content so that those at home would be working asynchronously on flipped content
      • Consider whole class connection at beginning/end of class for wellness check-ins
      • Start small!
    • Tech Tool Tip: Keep it simple. Use the tools you are already familiar with and save learning the other ones for quads where you have th

    Support the show

    Connect with EduGals:

    • Twitter @EduGals
    • Rachel @dr_r_johnson
    • Katie @KatieAttwell
    • EduGals Website
    • Support the show
    45 min
  • You Are Not An Imposter! A Conversation About Imposter Syndrome in Education - E025

    This week we are going to talk about that feeling you get as a teacher sometimes. That feeling that you don’t know enough, or that you just aren’t good enough. This feeling is actually something called “imposter syndrome,” and it is far more common in education than you think!

    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

    • Screencastify Submit - Now includes webcam & screencast together option!
    • Explain Everything & EdPuzzle Integration
    • We hit 25 episodes! Thanks so much for listening!

    Featured Content

    **Detailed Show Notes Available on Our Website:
    https://edugals.com/25**

    Imposter Syndrome Resources

    • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
    • 5 Types of Imposter Syndrome and How to Stop Them
      • Perfectionist
      • Superperson
      • Natural Genius
      • Soloist
      • Expert
    • The Reality of Imposter Syndrome
    • Imposter Syndrome
    • 7 ways teachers can overcome imposter syndrome
    • Five Ways Teachers and Trainers Can Manage Imposter Syndrome
    • Newly Qualified Teachers And Impostor Syndrome
    • How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome in Teaching

    Other Resources 

    • No Wifi, No Problem! 4 tips to help you keep your sanity when the wifi goes down at school

    Support the show

    Connect with EduGals:

    • Twitter @EduGals
    • Rachel @dr_r_johnson
    • Katie @KatieAttwell
    • EduGals Website
    • Support the show
    42 min
  • Amazing Chrome Extensions For Teacher Productivity (and Fun!) - E024

    This week we talk about our top 10 productivity Chrome extensions for educators. We also give some honourable mentions and include our favourite fun extensions as a bonus!

    Please make sure that if you are recommending any extensions to students that you verify the privacy policies and data that these extensions collect. The last thing that we want to do is to give away student information.

    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

    • Google Meet Updates - Attendance reports, polls, Q&A, breakout rooms (note that these updates are for Enterprise accounts only)

    Featured Content
    Our top 10 Chrome extensions for productivity:

    1. Bitly | Powerful Short Links
    2. Extensity
    3. Google Keep Chrome Extension
    4. Google Translate
    5. Mote: Voice Notes & Feedback
    6. Mute Tab
    7. OneTab
    8. Screencastify - Screen Video Recorder
    9. Tab Resize - Split Screen Layouts
    10. Wakelet

    Our honourable mentions:

    1. Read&Write for Google Chrome
    2. EquatIO - Math Made Digital
    3. BeeLine Reader
    4. Other Google Meet Extensions

    And our favourite fun Chrome extensions:

    1. Bitmoji
    2. ColorPick Eyedropper

    Support the show

    Connect with EduGals:

    • Twitter @EduGals
    • Rachel @dr_r_johnson
    • Katie @KatieAttwell
    • EduGals Website
    • Support the show
    40 min
  • Getting Started With Google Sites - E023

    This week, we are talking all about the Google Sites, and how this tool can be used in the classroom, both virtually and in-person. We will go through all of the awesome ways that you can insert content and build pages into your site, as well as some great uses for Google sites with your students 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!

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

    News and Updates

    • Student-selected Breakout Rooms - Tweet and Template
    • Slides Mania - Morning Meeting Template and example YouTube Music video

    Featured Content

    • Accessing Google Sites - sites.google.com OR try sites.new
    • Template Gallery
    • Google Sites Help Centre
    • Settings available for your website:
      • Adding collaborators - access to editing the site itself vs. who can view your site
      • Settings cog wheel - navigation, brand images, viewer tools, analytics, announcement banner
      • Insert - LOTS of options here including layouts, Google tools, and other elements OR try double clicking anywhere on your site to add items fast
        • TIP: You need to change your sharing settings in Google Drive for any docs/slides/etc embedded into your site to "anyone can view"!
      • Pages - add pages or links here and create sub-pages for dropdown menus, drag and drop to change the order
      • Themes - each option includes 3 different font styles, paint can option allows you to choose your own accent colour
      • Preview - you can see what your site will look like for web, tablet, and mobile
      • Publish - create web address here, manage viewing settings, and use the dropdown menu to review and publish changes to your site OR unpublish
    • Ideas for use in the classroom:
      • School, Class, Library website
      • Doesn't need to be teacher-driven! Get students collaborating on the tool - discussion boards, class wiki
      • Blogging for reflection - try the collapsible text feature (you can determine the level of sharing!)
      • Portfolios - track learning, progress, insert media
      • Group work collaborative space
      • Interactive Notebooks
      • Use it in conjunction with Google Classroom to help keep your Classwork tab under control (grab links from each assignment and then try creating a button)
      • Do you have any other ways that you use Google Sites? Let us know on our

    Support the show

    Connect with EduGals:

    • Twitter @EduGals
    • Rachel @dr_r_johnson
    • Katie @KatieAttwell
    • EduGals Website
    • Support the show
    39 min
  • Get Jamming with Google Jamboard - E022

    This week, we are talking all about the Google Jamboard app, and how this tool can be used in the classroom, both virtually and in-person. We will go through the features available on the Jamboard frame, and how it differs based on the device you are using.

    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

    • Citations in Google docs
    • Shared Folders in Shared Drives

    Featured Content

    • Jamboard.google.com to access the Jamboard app
    • Comparison of features in Jamboard on web, iOS, and Android
    • Backgrounds - plain, dots, lines, grids, white, blue and black
    • Frames navigation (max # of frames per Jam = 20)
    • Great for small groups! Max # of people per Jam= 50 (have you experienced less?)
    • Web-based version includes pen tool, eraser, select tool, sticky notes, add images, shapes, text boxes, and laser pointer
    • Mobiles versions (iOS and Android) include assistive drawing tools (under the pen tool), eraser double click to clear the frame, drive content, camera, image library, and STICKERS!

    Uses for Jamboard

    • Characterization in stories or novels - direct vs. indirect
    • General question board - great if you can't use Padlet
    • Tip: create backgrounds/templates in slides, download as image and insert into Jamboard
    • Interactive maps, diagrams, labelling etc.
    • Use it for explaining your thinking. Combine it with Screencastify for a powerful app smash!
    • Four corners, thumbs up/thumbs down and other types of assessment tools
    • Getting to know you activities
    • Sketchnoting
    • Combine it with Equatio for a powerful math tool and interactive math manipulatives
    • Combine it with Screencastify to record your lesson with a touch screen device or a Wacom tablet

    Some Jamboard Resources

    • Jamboard Tools Reference and Glossary
    • Jamboard Help Center and Community
    • Jamboard Templates from Ditch That Textbook
    • Jamboard Example and Resources from Rachel Coathup
    • Jamboard Presentation from LaWanda Ca'stle


    Support the show

    Connect with EduGals:

    • Twitter @EduGals
    • Rachel @dr_r_johnson
    • Katie @KatieAttwell
    • EduGals Website
    • Support the show
    37 min
  • Digital Citizenship Skills to Teach Your Students - E021

    This week we are talking about Digital Citizenship and how we, as educators, can protect our students’ data and privacy as we head into a new school year. We are often so quick to accept permissions on any/all apps that we add to our phones, tablets, etc. It is time that we start to really think about what we are signing up for, how much time we are spending on screens, and how we can better model digital citizenship for our students and children.

    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

    • Google Meet Updates - Host controls, blurred backgrounds, tiled layout
    • Congrats for making it through the first week(s) of school #OntEd and other educators! You did it!

    Featured Content

    • Digital Citizenship - Common Sense Education resource
      • Six main topics:
        • Media balance and wellbeing
          • Balance between online and offline activities
          • Try shutting off all of your notifications on your device! 
        • Privacy and security
          • Chromebook shortcut to logout quickly! Control + Shift + Q + Q
          • Use codenames linked to curriculum!
        • Digital footprint and identity
          • Social media practice - instagram stories and Tik Tok templates
          • Google yourself!
        • Relationships and communication
          • Google tools are great for modelling appropriate behaviour
          • Snooze emails or wait before sending a response
          • Stranger danger!
        • Cyberbullying, digital drama, and hate speech
          • Building relationships is key
          • Modelling appropriate online interactions
          • Screenshots can be helpful for tracking
        • News and media literacy
          • Collaborate with your Teacher Librarian
      • Free lessons divided by grade level: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
      • EdTech Reviews tool from Common Sense Education
      • Other resources here include classroom posters and student games!
    • Other Resources mentioned:
      • EdPuzzle Student Certifications
      • Google's Be Internet Awesome
      • A

    Support the show

    Connect with EduGals:

    • Twitter @EduGals
    • Rachel @dr_r_johnson
    • Katie @KatieAttwell
    • EduGals Website
    • Support the show
    38 min

About The EduGals Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The EduGals podcast is all about current challenges in education, and how teachers in K-12 can leverage educational technology (EdTech) in the classroom. Hosted by Rachel Johnson and Katie Attwell.