Shake Up Learning Show: Recent Episodes
Kasey Bell
Host Kasey Bell, is an edtech leader, international speaker, author, blogger, and digital learning coach for K-12 teachers. Kasey helps teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate technology in the classroom through her expert presentations, on-air coaching calls, and powerful interviews with educational leaders and discussions with student guests. Learn how to integrate technology and digital learning tools, grow as a leader, refine your instructional strategies, and transform your classroom. Kasey is also an expert in Google for Education and G Suite tools, as well as Google Certifications. If you’re looking for PRACTICAL ideas that you can use in class tomorrow, look no further. The Shake Up Learning Show will help you become a more dynamic teacher and Shake Up Learning in your classroom!
230: Say goodbye to boring worksheets and hello to interactive, brain-boosting learning! In this episode of the Shake Up Learning Show, Kimberly Voge shares how to transform traditional fill-in-the-blank activities into dynamic, student-centered experiences using EduProtocols. Whether you're new to EduProtocols or a seasoned user, you’ll discover practical strategies to boost engagement, encourage collaboration, and deepen student thinking—while saving valuable prep time. It’s time for Worksheet Replacement Therapy!
🎧 So grab your earbuds and hit play—your summer learning adventure starts now!
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229: We’re kicking off the FREE Summer Learning Series with a powerhouse session from Ashley Shanley, all about MagicSchool AI! In this special audio version of Ashley’s session, you’ll learn how to move beyond basic task automation and truly unlock the potential of AI in your classroom. 💡 You’ll discover how to: Create differentiated learning experiences with ease Use AI to streamline assessments and data-driven decision-making Enhance collaboration with students and staff Integrate AI seamlessly and ethically into your teaching practice This session is packed with practical strategies and powerful insights to help you save time, boost engagement, and feel confident using AI tools in real-world teaching. 👉 Whether you're walking the dog or lounging on the patio, press play and empower your summer learning! 🌴 Register for the FREE Summer Learning Series 📺 Watch This Episode on YouTube 🎟️ GET CREDIT: Join the ALL ACCESS Membership 🛍️ Shop Our Store 📝 Access the full show notes and blog post here
228: In “10 AI Tools Teachers Should Explore This Summer,” Kasey Bell shares must-try AI tools for K–12 educators, including MagicSchool, Brisk, Diffit, Curipod, ChatGPT, and more. Learn how to use artificial intelligence in education to streamline lesson planning, support student learning, and enhance engagement. This guide is ideal for teachers looking to explore AI in the classroom, experiment with educational technology, and build confidence teaching with AI. 🌴 Register for the FREE Summer Learning Series 🎟️ Join the ALL ACCESS Membership: (use code = TEACHER50 for 50% off during May!) 🛍️ Shop Our Store 📝 Access the full show notes and blog post here 📺 Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube ➡️ Learn more about our sponsor, Solution Tree, and what they can offer your school or district: SolutionTree.com/ShakeUpLearning 🎁 Grab the FREE AI-Powered End-of-Year Checklist for Teachers➡️ Get the NEW AI Prompt Cheat Sheet for the End of the School Year Access the full show notes and blog post here Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
227: Summer break should be for rest AND growth! In this episode, we’ll explore how you can recharge and level up your teaching skills with flexible, "learn-from-anywhere" PD opportunities. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or relaxing at home, you can keep learning at your own pace—and I’ll show you how! Bonus: The Summer Learning Series is back and better than ever! ☀️ 🎯 What You'll Learn in This Episode: * How to rethink summer PD as low-stress, on-your-terms learning
- Tips to blend relaxation and personal growth
- Flexible professional development ideas you can do from anywhere
- How to join the free Summer Learning Series!
🌴 Register for the FREE Summer Learning Series 🎟️ Join the ALL ACCESS Membership: (use code = TEACHER50 for 50% off during May!) 🛍️ Shop Our Store 📝 Access the full show notes and blog post here 📺 Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube ➡️ Learn more about our sponsor, Solution Tree, and what they can offer your school or district: SolutionTree.com/ShakeUpLearning
226: Thinking about leaving the classroom—or just ready for a new challenge? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore career change options for teachers who want something different, from internal roles like instructional coach or tech coach to external paths like educational consulting, instructional design, tutoring, or launching a business. Learn how educators are finding freedom, flexibility, and renewed purpose beyond traditional classroom roles. Plus, discover how the Educator Career Mentorship & Coaching Program can help you take your next step with clarity and confidence. ➡️ LEARN MORE about the Edtech Career Mentorship & Coaching Program 🎟️ Join the ALL ACCESS Membership: https://member.shakeuplearning.com/ 🛍️ Shop Our Store https://member.shakeuplearning.com/store ➡️ Get FREE FinEd Lessons: https:everfi.com/shake Access the full show notes and blog post here Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
225: The final weeks of school can feel overwhelming—but they don’t have to! In this episode of The Shake Up Learning Show, Kasey shares practical, AI-powered strategies to help teachers finish the school year strong. From cleaning your classroom and wrapping up grades to planning summer PD and resetting for next year, discover how AI can help you save time, stay focused, and reduce stress. Plus, get access to two FREE resources: the AI-Powered End-of-Year Checklist for Teachers and the AI Prompt Cheat Sheet. 🎯 Learn how to: * Streamline your end-of-year to-do list with AI tools
- Simplify classroom clean-up, student closure, and parent communication
- Reflect, recharge, and prep for next year—without the burnout
🎁 Grab the FREE AI-Powered End-of-Year Checklist for Teachers➡️ Get the NEW AI Prompt Cheat Sheet for the End of the School Year 🎯 Join the ALL ACCESS Membership for full access to these new resources and SO MUCH MORE! 🛍️ Shop Our Store https://member.shakeuplearning.com/store ➡️ Get FREE FinEd Lessons: https:everfi.com/shake Access the full show notes and blog post here Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
224: The final stretch of the school year can be tough—students are restless, checked out, and counting down to summer. And honestly? Teachers are feeling it, too! But learning doesn’t have to grind to a halt. In this episode, I’m sharing practical, low-lift strategies to keep students engaged without exhausting yourself. Plus, I’ll show you how AI can help refresh lessons, personalize engagement, and take some of the pressure off your plate. 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔ Why students (and teachers!) struggle with motivation in the final months ✔ Simple, high-impact strategies to make lessons meaningful—even when energy is low ✔ How AI can generate quick, engaging activities to refresh your instruction ✔ Classroom management hacks to keep students focused without power struggles 💡 Need more help? Get AI-powered classroom ideas inside the AI Prompts for Classroom Management Cheat Sheet https://member.shakeuplearning.com/ai-for-classroom-management This episode is sponsored by EVERFI. 🎟️ Join the ALL ACCESS Membership: https://member.shakeuplearning.com/ 🛍️ Shop Our Store https://member.shakeuplearning.com/store ➡️ Get FREE FinEd Lessons: https:everfi.com/shake Access the full show notes and blog post here Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
223: Spring Break is the perfect time to refresh your classroom strategies—and AI can help! In this episode of The Shake Up Learning Show, Kasey Bell shares simple AI-powered solutions to help teachers reduce disruptions, reinforce expectations, and support students without extra stress. 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * ✔ How AI can streamline classroom management and parent communication
- ✔ Practical AI strategies to save teachers time and improve behavior management
- ✔ A sneak peek at two brand-new resources: 1) AI Prompt Cheat Sheet for Classroom Management 2) AI for Classroom Management: Smart Solutions to Help Teachers Reduce Disruptions, Reinforce Expectations, & Support Students
- ✔ How to join ALL ACCESS for just $11.50 for the first month and unlock both resources for FREE!
💡 Don’t miss this chance to reset, refresh, and reclaim your time with AI-powered teaching strategies! ➡️ NEW! AI Prompt Cheat Sheet for Classroom Management ➡️ NEW Digital Book: AI for Classroom Management Access the full show notes and blog post here Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
222: 💡 Is your school’s professional development actually making an impact? Too often, PD is one-size-fits-all, inconvenient, and forgettable. In this episode of The Shake Up Learning Show, Kasey Bell shares best practices for blending online and face-to-face PD to create engaging, flexible, and effective professional learning experiences. 📢 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ Why traditional PD often fails—and how to fix it. ✅ How to use blended learning to support teacher growth year-round. ✅ How schools can leverage the ALL ACCESS Membership for unlimited, high-quality PD. ✅ Best practices for making PD more relevant, interactive, and teacher-driven. ✅ BONUS: Discover the AI Prompt Cheat Sheet for PD Facilitators, a free resource for ALL ACCESS members! 🏫 Want to give your entire school or district unlimited access to on-demand professional learning? Learn more about ALL ACCESS for Schools 📚 Don’t miss our upcoming book study! Join us inside ALL ACCESS for a 6-week discussion on The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, starting March 5. Earn 3 PD hours while diving into this critical conversation on student well-being.
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Access the full show notes and blog post here
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221: 📱💡 Anxiety, smartphones, and AI—how are they shaping today’s students? In this episode, we dive into The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt to uncover why student mental health is declining, how overprotection in the real world and underprotection online are impacting kids, and what educators can do to create a healthier learning environment. Plus, don’t miss our Members-Only Book Study (starting March 5, 3 PD hours!) and our Valentine’s Sale (Feb. 10-14)! 🎧 📚 Get the Book: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 📙 Anxious Generation Book Study (ALL ACCESS Members-Only): Join Here 💕 LOVE Teaching Again! Valentine's Day Sale (Feb. 10-14): 50% Off ALL ACCESS 📄 AI Prompt Cheat Sheet for PD Facilitators 📱 No Child Left Offline: Confronting the Mental Health Crisis in the Smartphone Era Access the full show notes and blog post here Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
220: In this episode of The Shake Up Learning Show, we’re tackling teacher overwhelm with the power of AI! Join Kasey as she shares practical, time-saving tools that can help you automate repetitive tasks, reduce stress, and free up your time to focus on what matters most—your students. We’ll highlight amazing tools like Brisk Teaching, a free AI-powered Chrome extension for lesson planning and grading, along with Magic School, School AI, Curipod, Google Gemini, and Diffit. These tools are designed to streamline your workload, personalize learning, and engage your students like never before. Plus, don’t miss the details about our FREE Fresh Start Workshop and an exclusive discount for Sequoia Con—use the code SHAKEUPSPRING to save $50 on registration! Whether you’re a tech-savvy teacher or just starting to explore AI, this episode will give you actionable tips to shake up your classroom and take control of your time. ➡️ Sequoia Con - AI Conference for Educators (SAVE $50 with code = SHAKEUPSPRING) ➡️ FREE Fresh Start 2025 Workshop for Teachers ➡️ AI Prompt Cheat Sheet for EdTech Coaches Access the full show notes and blog post here Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
219: Discover practical strategies to reset, recharge, and beat educator burnout in this episode of the Shake Up Learning Show. Learn why goal-setting and intentional planning are the keys to managing overwhelm, and hear how the Fresh Start Workshop and Toolkit can help you reclaim your time and energy in 2025. ➡️ FREE Fresh Start 2025 Workshop for Teachers ➡️ AI Prompt Cheat Sheet for EdTech Coaches ➡️ 50% Off ALL ACCESS Membership Access the full show notes and blog post here Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
218: In this episode, Kasey introduces The Shake Up Learning Framework, designed to help educators navigate the evolving challenges of blended learning, digital safety, screen time management, and ethical AI use. Discover how this framework will shape future content and provide practical strategies to help you save time, protect students, and maintain a healthy digital balance. Tune in to explore the big-picture approach that will guide educators in creating balanced, safe, and dynamic learning environments. Key Topics: - Saving time with streamlined teaching strategies - Protecting students in a digital-first world - Balancing screen time for students and educators - Ethical and responsible AI use in education ➡️ 🐥 EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT (ends soon!): Join the new ALL ACCESS Membership and get access to even more cheat sheets, resources, professional learning (with credit hours), and connect in our new community! ➡️ 🍂❄️ FREE Fall & Winter AI Prompt Cheat Sheet Access the full show notes and blog post here Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
217: In this episode of The Shake Up Learning Show, Kasey Bell revisits the Dynamic Learning Model to discuss balancing technology and traditional teaching methods in today’s classrooms. Discover research-backed strategies for integrating EdTech meaningfully while addressing potential challenges like digital distractions and screen time overload. Learn how to update your approach with practical tips for blended learning, maintaining digital balance, and enhancing the 4 Cs (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity). Plus, get a sneak peek at the new framework to guide future professional development at Shake Up Learning. Tune in to find out how to create a harmonious digital learning environment that benefits all students. ➡️ 🐥 EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT (ends soon!): Join the new ALL ACCESS Membership and get access to even more cheat sheets, resources, professional learning (with credit hours), and connect in our new community! ➡️ 🍂❄️ FREE Fall & Winter AI Prompt Cheat Sheet Access the full show notes and blog post here Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
216: In this episode, Kasey Bell dives into the art of effective AI prompting with "Prompt Like a Boss." Discover how to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Magic School AI to save time, streamline lesson planning, and supercharge your teaching. Kasey shares actionable tips on crafting perfect prompts, avoiding common mistakes, and advanced techniques to get the most out of your AI assistants. Whether you're new to AI or looking to refine your skills, this episode offers practical strategies to enhance your teaching without the overwhelm. Plus, get a sneak peek of the upcoming "Prompt Like a Boss" training exclusive to ALL ACCESS members, where Kasey will take you even deeper into mastering AI in the classroom. Don’t miss out—tune in to learn how to transform your workflow with AI and elevate your teaching game! ➡️ 🍂❄️ FREE Fall & Winter AI Prompt Cheat Sheet ➡️ Join the new ALL ACCESS Membership and get access to even more cheat sheets, resources, professional learning (with credit hours), and connect in our new community! ➡️ AI Prompt Cheat Sheet Bundle (50% Off) Access the full show notes and blog post here Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
215: In this episode, Kasey sits down with Linda Kardamis from Teach4theHeart to tackle the challenging topic of classroom management. With student behavior issues on the rise, teachers are finding it harder than ever to maintain a calm and productive classroom environment. Linda shares her expert tips and introduces the Calm Classroom Blueprint, offering practical strategies to help teachers create effective plans, maintain consistency, and rediscover the joy of teaching. (sponsored by Everfi) 🎉 Join Classroom Management 101 and use CODE = SHAKEUP to save! https://shakeuplearning.com/cm101 Access the full show notes and blog post here Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
214: Explore how schools can effectively plan for AI with insights from Ryan Findley of Evergreen AI. This episode discusses AI curriculum, teacher professional development, and the new AI student competencies to help school districts prepare for the future. If you want to implement AI in your classroom, campus, school, or district, this episode is for you! (sponsored by Everfi) Get 50% off the AI Cheat Sheet Bundle! (Regularly $25) Evergreen AI Academy 💥 Discount for Shake Up Learning Subscribers * Use code = SHAKE for $250 off individual
- Use code = SHAKEUP for $500 off teams
Access the full show notes and blog post here Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
213: In this episode, Kasey Bell explores how AI can save teachers time and simplify their back-to-school tasks. Discover practical AI prompts for classroom setup, first-week activities, and parent communication that streamline your preparations and enhance student engagement. Learn about the free Back-to-School AI Prompt Cheat Sheet and the comprehensive AI Prompt Cheat Sheets Bundle, designed to help educators make the most of AI tools in their classrooms. Tune in for tips, examples, and special offers to kickstart your school year efficiently.
(sponsored by Everfi)
➡️ Get the FREE Back-to-School AI Prompt Cheat Sheet!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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212: In this episode, I sit down with Scott Nunes from Canva to explore the latest Canva updates that are perfect for educators. Discover how the new "Sort Stickies" feature can help you organize your ideas effortlessly. But wait…there’s more! After you sort your stickies, "Transform to Doc" and then "Transform to Presentation" and let this new workflow blow your mind. We also cover how to link and embed other Canva files more efficiently, and the new "Translate Templates" feature that breaks language barriers. Don't miss out on the exciting "Animated Bar Charts" for dynamic data presentation and the "Graduated Student Export" option, perfect for end-of-year projects. Tune in to stay ahead with these game-changing Canva updates!
📺 Watch this video episode on YouTube.
🔗 Access the full show notes and blog post here This episode is sponsored by EVERFI. Do you want to equip your students for success in both their careers and personal lives, but find yourself racing against the clock? EVERFI is your go-to solution! Their entire suite of K-12 products aligns with state standards and has earned the prestigious ISTE Seal. These digital lessons are crafted to empower your students to excel in our dynamic world. Engage and inspire with interactive, self-paced lessons, meticulously designed by content experts. From financial literacy and workforce readiness to character building, mental health and prevention education – these lessons are tailored for students across all grade levels. Best of all, thanks to EVERFI’s generous partners, these research-based resources come at no cost to all K-12 schools, districts and students.
➡️ Visit everfi.com/Shake to get started today for free.
211: In this episode, Kasey chats with Pam Hubler about the wonderful things teachers can create in Canva. In this beginner's session, we explore how Canva can revolutionize your educational materials, making them more engaging and effective. Learn how to create stunning presentations, eye-catching posters, informative infographics, and newsletters for school and parent communication. Say goodbye to spending your hard-earned money on Teachers-Pay-Teachers resources and discover how to elevate your teaching toolkit with Canva. Tune in and start creating with confidence! Are you registered for the Shake Up Learning Summer Learning Series? (It's FREE!): https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/summer-learning-series Don't miss the video version of this presentation, which is also available on our YouTube channel. You can also enroll in the ALL ACCESS PD Pass for ad-free watching and to claim a credit certificate! 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uZhns6NKjaw 🏅 Get PD credit for watching this presentation with the ALL ACCESS PD PASS: https://shakeuplearning.teachable.com/p/all-access-pass 🔥 NEW Podcast Launching soon: Burnout to Blessed: https://www.burnouttoblessed.net/podcast ⛱️ This is a recorded presentation from the Summer Learning Series. Register here: https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/summer-learning-series ➡️ Work with Us! http://shakeuplearning.com/workwithus 📧 Subscribe to Shake Up Learning emails to get free tips and resources delivered to your inbox each week! http://shakeuplearning.com/subscribe Oh, and follow us! http://twitter.com/shakeuplearning http://instagram.com/shakeuplearning http://pinterest.com/shakeuplearning http://facebook.com/shakeuplearning
210: In this episode, part of our Summer Learning Series, Kasey chats with edtech expert, Tom Mullaney about AI. There is so much hype about AI in education. But what is "AI"? What is "generative AI"? What if the discourse isn't answering those fundamental questions? Incorrect assumptions and misunderstandings about AI could lead teachers to make mistakes. They could rush to use as many AI apps as possible or AI apps children are not allowed to use. They might use chatbots for pedagogically unsound purposes. They may think AI is all-knowing or more intelligent than them. Join us to get past the hype and understand "AI." Are you registered for the Shake Up Learning Summer Learning Series? (It's FREE!): https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/summer-learning-series Don't miss the video version of this presentation, which is also available on our YouTube channel. You can also enroll in the ALL ACCESS PD Pass for ad-free watching and to claim a credit certificate! 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FHSecSH1QvQ 🏅 Get PD credit for watching this presentation with the ALL ACCESS PD PASS: https://shakeuplearning.teachable.com/p/all-access-pass 🔥 NEW Podcast Launching soon: Burnout to Blessed: https://www.burnouttoblessed.net/podcast ⛱️ This is a recorded presentation from the Summer Learning Series. Register here: https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/summer-learning-series ➡️ Work with Us! http://shakeuplearning.com/workwithus 📧 Subscribe to Shake Up Learning emails to get free tips and resources delivered to your inbox each week! http://shakeuplearning.com/subscribe Oh, and follow us! http://twitter.com/shakeuplearning http://instagram.com/shakeuplearning http://pinterest.com/shakeuplearning http://facebook.com/shakeuplearning
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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209: In this episode, part of our Summer Learning Series, Kasey shares tangible strategies for managing stress, setting healthy boundaries, and finding that sweet spot between work and life. Let's explore effective time management and stress reduction techniques tailored just for educators. Together, we can create a more balanced and fulfilling teaching journey. Are you registered for the Shake Up Learning Summer Learning Series? (It's FREE!): https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/summer-learning-series And don't miss the video version of this presentation that is also available on our YouTube channel, or enroll in the ALL ACCESS PD Pass for ad-free watching and to claim a credit certificate!
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOqUtYoqt54
🎟️ Enroll in the ALL ACCESS PD Pass: https://shakeuplearning.teachable.com/p/all-access-pass
🔗 Link to Kasey's slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vR2Bv-R7YAY6iyTWCuvqI16dfkdiGyOd3xaKzz3S9GcU27Eiw8T9F5fKneAHAsVff5N0wVD6qP6bceu/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000
📺 Google Quick Tips Video Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9HrZY6iC2z1OGRJ_ZWupA-bZ-imyf_Mv
🔗 Join the Soul Care Society: https://www.burnouttoblessed.net/soulcare
🏅 Get PD credit for watching this presentation with the ALL ACCESS PD PASS: https://shakeuplearning.teachable.com/p/all-access-pass
🔥 NEW Podcast Launching soon: Burnout to Blessed: https://www.burnouttoblessed.net/podcast
⛱️ This is a recorded presentation from the Summer Learning Series. Register here: https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/summer-learning-series
➡️ Work with Us! http://shakeuplearning.com/workwithus
- Related: https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/how-to-overcome-teacher-burnout-suls0163/
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In part two of this enlightening episode, Sarah Kiefer continues to share her invaluable insights on maximizing the potential of Google Sheets in the K12 classroom. Join us as we delve deeper into her innovative strategies, practical tips, and real-world examples that will empower educators and students to take their spreadsheet skills to new heights. Get ready for more inspiration and practical wisdom on enhancing your classroom dynamics with Google Sheets.
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In this episode, join Shake Up Learning team member Sarah Kiefer and me for Part 1 of an in-depth discussion on Google Sheets. We dive into innovative approaches to harnessing the power of Google Sheets in K12 education. We explore Sarah's outstanding Google Sheets presentation, a tool crafted to enrich educators and students by strengthening their foundational grasp of Sheets and elevating their classroom learning experiences.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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In this episode, join Kasey in a captivating conversation with David L. Jackson, a seasoned education professional with a rich and diverse background, spanning from classroom teaching to curriculum design and professional development leadership. Discover the wealth of free online learning courses for educators offered through Verizon Innovative Learning HQ. Also, gain insights into the upcoming Elevating Innovation Virtual Conference taking place next month, promising exciting opportunities for professional development. Don't let these outstanding PD prospects pass you by!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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In this episode, join Kasey in a lively discussion with Pam Hubler, a valued Shake Up Learning team member, as they dive into the remarkable accessibility features of Chromebooks that you absolutely must explore. Discover the art of tailoring Chromebook accessibility tools to your needs, harness the power of text-to-speech functionality, master display settings, make the most of keyboard shortcuts, fine-tune cursor settings, explore the world of captions, dictation, and so much more!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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In this episode, Kasey chats with Chris McKenna, the founder of Protect Young Eyes. Chris has some powerful insights into the effects of the online world on kids. It’s not their fault. It’s hard being a kid in this world. Kids are faced with adult-level content, technology addictions, and distractions like never before. Find out why Chris thinks that cell phones don’t belong in schools, why we should delay access, and how to better protect our students (and children) in a technology-driven world.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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In this episode, Kasey chats with Immersive Content Director Phil Birchinall from Discovery Education. Phil shares the TimePod AR app, where students can virtually journey through time and space to Mars while solving challenges ranging from “fixing” their TimePod to discovering water on the planet.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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In this episode, Kasey chats with augmented reality expert Jaime Donally. Jaime shares some incredible insights and ideas for using AR in the classroom, including special apps and resources from Verizon Innovative Learning HQ (a free online education portal). She also shares the "Career Day" AR app that can help inspire your students all year long.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, just unveiled a new teacher guide. "We’re releasing a guide for teachers using ChatGPT in their classroom—including suggested prompts, an explanation of how ChatGPT works and its limitations, the efficacy of AI detectors, and bias." In part two, we will take a closer look at the newly released educator FAQ page, and what you need to know about the terms of use.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, just unveiled a new teacher guide. "We’re releasing a guide for teachers using ChatGPT in their classroom—including suggested prompts, an explanation of how ChatGPT works and its limitations, the efficacy of AI detectors, and bias." In this episode, we will take a closer look at what's included in this guide and their suggested prompts for teaching with AI.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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In this episode, Kasey shares 15 Plug-and-Play Lesson Plans from Google's Applied Digital Skills program. These are perfect for Back-to-School or ANYTIME of year! And Google has improved the integration of these lessons with Google Classroom so it's even EASIER now to assign these to students. Kick off the school year with lessons that help students express themselves, build relationships, and stay organized while learning new technology skills.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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In this episode, we are going to take a deep dive into some AH-mazing (and FREE) resources from Canva for teachers and students. From planning to student projects, graphic organizers to classroom decorations, and much more! Canva is a must-have tool for teachers this year.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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In this episode, Kasey chats with AR expert, Jaime Donally about the awesome (and FREE) AR Math lessons from Verizon Innovative Learning HQ. Jaime shares her favorite lessons, how to use them, what you need to get started, and the McGraw Hill AR app! Math teachers, you will love this episode!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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In this episode, Kasey chats with Classroom Management expert Linda Kardamis. Linda shares tips to help teachers manage the chaos of the end of the year, as well as developing a plan to start the school year off on the right foot. Don't miss this episode! Learn quick tips to reduce disruptions without yelling, begging, or bribing. You can reduce the chaos, earn your students' respect, and create a classroom environment that you and your students enjoy together!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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Let's continue to discuss all the Google for Education updates coming your way! In this podcast series, Kasey explains the important updates teachers need to know. In this episode (Part 2), we explore Google Classroom Practice Sets, interactive YouTube lessons, the Screencast app, privacy and safety, and more!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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Google for Education just announced some AH-mazing updates! In this podcast series, Kasey explains the important updates teachers need to know. In this episode (Part 1), we explore Smart Canvas, Building Blocks, Chrome Reading Mode, Cast Moderator, Slides and Meet integrations, and more!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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In this episode, Kasey shares a checklist of best practices for creating an effective and engaging choice board for your classroom. Let's talk about avoiding pitfalls, grading confusion, and finding balance in time and rigor! Listen in for Choice Board Best Practices (and Checklist)!
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In this episode, Kasey shares valuable resources and considerations for evaluating AI tools for use in schools and the classroom. School leaders must consider and evaluate any tool that students use carefully, but how do we prepare for the coming wave of AI tools? This episode (and companion blog post) will provide a comprehensive guide and free, downloadable checklist for evaluating AI tools for classroom use. Let's explore the types of AI, evaluation criteria, privacy and security issues, and resources. And let's make sure we are protecting our most vulnerable and making smart decisions for our schools!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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In this episode, Kasey shares some important information about the evolution of artificial intelligence and the dangers of AI to our world. It's important to understand the potential for good, as well as the potential for harm when it comes to AI. Let's take a look at some of the dangers you need to know.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
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In this episode, Kasey shares a new tool from Screencast-O-Matic: ScreenPal! This Chrome extension is a very robust screen recording tool. You can quickly add a video anywhere you type. This is a great tool for teachers to communicate, leave feedback, record lessons, and more. AND it integrated with many of your favorite tools! Meet ScreenPal--Your New BFF!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
In this episode, Kasey explores the Notion application and how teachers and students can use it. The more she learns, the more she loves it! Notion is a great tool for teachers and secondary students. Create a hub for your day, your class, your tasks, and link everything on one wiki. Oh, and connect Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and even IFTTT. This system will blow your mind!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
In this episode, Kasey chats about one of the most feared Google tools--Sheets! Every teacher should learn to use this robust tool! Let's explore free templates, time savers, and all the wonderful things you can do with Google Sheets. 15+ Ways for Teachers to Use Google Sheets in the Classroom!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
In this episode, Kasey chats with Shake Up Learning Team member, Susan Vincentz about her favorite takeaways from the FETC conference. Susan shares some awesome feedback tools from her own presentation, a little inspiration from the opening keynote, a new novel app, and some important AI thoughts. Come learn with us and get FETC takeaways!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
In this episode, Kasey shares 20 Collaborative Tools for Your Classroom That Are NOT Google. Google is not the only game in town. There are hundreds of fantastic collaborative learning tools! Listen and discover something new to try in your classroom.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
In this episode, Kasey takes a deep dive into a new AI platform, Chat GPT, and the GPT-3 language. She shares insight and ideas on how this technology could potentially transform education as we know it. She also shares quick ideas on using the platform in the classroom today. Unlocking the Potential of K-12 Students with ChatGPT: How AI Could Transform Education.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
In this episode, Kasey interviews Scott Nunes, a teacher and District Engagement Advocate for Canva. Scott shares insider tips, tools, and new features in Canva. Canva has gone from this super cool image creation tool to a blended learning platform for teachers and students. And it's FREE! Don't miss this jam-packed episode!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
Visit Shake Up Learning on YouTube
In this episode, Kasey shares 10 Things for Teachers to Try in 2023. We will explore strategies, digital tools, professional learning, and much more! What will you try in 2023? No matter the subject or grade level, you’re bound to find a great idea just for you.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
As we wrap up 2022, let's take a look at the most popular Google tips and new features of the year. What were the most exciting updates? Which application brought us the coolest new features? The answer may surprise you! Here are the top 10 Google Tips of 2022.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
The Hour of Code is coming Dec. 5-11. Are you ready? Coding is becoming one of the most needed skills in the workforce, and it's super easy to try coding in your classroom. In this post and episode, we will explore the how, what, when and why of the Hour of Code and CSEdweek 2022.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey gives a full tutorial on creating stop-motion activities for students in Google Slides. This special edition podcast is also available as a full video tutorial on YouTube. Let's discover how easy stop-motion animation can be and learn how to create some fun fall activities for your students.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey shares 20 New Ways to Use Google Classroom. Google Classroom can be used for so much more than just your traditional classroom LMS. This powerful tool can provide a space for teacher-to-teacher collaboration, professional learning and support, parent communication, and even special projects and enrichment classes for students.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey shares a powerful Google Docs feature--voice typing. This speech-to-text feature is great for teachers and students. With voice-typing, you can save valuable time, help students with writing, fluency, and so much more. Let's discover how voice typing can help support the learners in your classroom.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey is sharing her brand new framework for designing meaningful choice boards for the K-12 classroom. She will walk you step-by-step through the process to insure it aligns with your standards and learning outcomes, how to select the choice board style, and share important tips along the way. Choice boards are a game changer! Learn how you can implement this strategy, differentiate for your students, and empower them with voice and choice!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey chats with Shawn Young, a former teacher and CEO of Classcraft. When so many teachers are struggling with behavior management, student engagement is at an all time low, and teachers are burnout, we need tools and strategies to help. Shawn shares the importance of building relationships with students (Ted Lasso style), managing behavior with positive reinforcement through gamification, formative feedback, and tracking actionable data. This episode is full of great ideas to help teachers and schools!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey shares some of the newest collections and updates to Google Arts and Culture. Help your students make connections to current events, historical figures, places, and events, diverse cultures, and amazing art. Any teacher can find relevant resources and connections to your curriculum. Yes, you can help make learning meaningful for your students with Google Arts and Culture. (Not just for social studies!)
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In part 2 of this 2-part episode series, Kasey shares Google Classroom grading and assessment tips, how to create and upload a banner image, the many types of comments you should know about, and amazing mobile features. Whether you are new to Google Classroom or a seasoned user, you will geek out over all the tips, tools, and strategies shared in this 2-part series. Geeks unite!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey shares important Google Classroom updates, features, tips, and organizational strategies. Whether you are new to Google Classroom or a seasoned user, you will geek out over all the tips, tools, and strategies shared in this 2-part series. Let's go!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey is sharing her latest Google Keep tips and time-savers to help educators have a productive school year. Let's talk keyboard shortcuts, google calendar connections, labels and organization, checklists, using Canva to create headers, scanning paper documents, annotation, grading and feedback, and more! BONUS: Get access to Kasey's FREE Canva headers to use in Google Keep. If you don't love Google Keep already, you will after this episode!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey shares valuable time-saving productivity tips using Google Tasks, Calendar, and Keep. Learn shortcuts, hidden features, and awesome tips to help you save time and get things done! Google Productivity Tips to Rock the School Year! (Keep, Tasks, & Calendar!)
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey is sharing some hidden treasures from Canva for Education. Let's explore how to create collaborative and interactive assignments, increase engagement, give impactful feedback, and build critical skills. We will also talk about free resources for teachers including live tutorials, how-to videos, a teacher community, and how to bring your lessons to life with Canva! Canva is quickly becoming a must-have teacher tool!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey shares ideas for using Emojis in your informal and formative assessments. This tool can be used for more than emotions and SEL! Use emojis to create a key to check for understanding, reflect, self-assess, peer-assess or give feedback! Use emoji assessments in any classroom!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey shares lesson planning resources, tips and templates to help you prepare for the back to school season. Let's explore where to find lesson ideas, how to use and revise templates, free lesson plans, packaging assignments, and pitfalls to avoid! Plus, get a FREE Blended Learning with Google toolkit loaded with strategies and ideas for the classroom.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey takes a deep dive into 11 Google Docs features that have been released over the last year. We will explore the best ways to use these new features in the classroom. These 11 Google Docs Tips for Teachers and Students should not be missed!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, we are jumping into some Google Chrome updates, features, and tips for teachers and students. Let's learn how to make the most of the Chrome browser, save time and clicks, and get organized. 10+ Chrome Tips and Tricks for Teachers and Students!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey interviews Mike Marotta, co-author of Inclusive Learning 365. Together they discuss how inclusive learning is meeting the needs of all learners. Every teacher should fight exclusion! Mike shares tips and strategies to help teachers shake up inclusive learning in their classrooms.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
My favorite Google tool is Google Slides, not because it is an easy-to-use presentation tool, but because it does so much more than just create presentations. In this episode, I'm going to share with you a little-known secret--how to create drag-and-drop activities with Google Slides.
(Get the full show notes and YouTube tutorial here: http://shakeuplearning.com/27)
Feeling burnout? In this episode, Kasey chats with Amber Harper from the Burned-In Teacher. Amber shares strategies to help teachers avoid toxic influences, improve their mindset, and take steps to overcome teacher burnout. This is more than a bubble bath and going for a walk, take radical steps to set boundaries and do what's best for you and your students.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
I've been keeping a secret! I've had early access to Google's brand new Screencast app for Chromebooks. In this episode, I'm giving you all the details and my thoughts on this new tool for the classroom. Plus, I'll be sharing 20 Ways to Use Screencasting in the Classroom!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey explores a new feature in Google Docs--the drop-down menu! Kasey shares 15+ ways for teachers and students to make the most of this creative and customizable new feature, including choice boards, PBL, peer reviews, trackers, and more!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey chats with Dr. Monica Alicea, a Technology Training and Integration Specialist, about strategies and tools to engage students. Monica loves getting students connected on a global scale and loves to use digital tools like Lumio to create interactive lessons to engage her students. Tune in to learn more about Global Connections Week and other great ideas from Monica!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
Are you struggling with student engagement? In this episode, Kasey chats with augmented and virtual reality expert Jaime Donally. Jaime shares tips and ideas for engaging students using immersive learning experiences (AR, VR, and XR) using free lesson plans and resources from Verizon Innovative Learning HQ. This amazing platform offers free immersive learning content, tailored lesson plans, and professional development for K-12 educators aligned to research backed micro-credentials.
Access the full show notes and blog post here
In this episode, Kasey shares her favorite tips and tools to improve parent-teacher communication. Technology can help improve communication and save valuable time. Let's explore practical tips, digital tools, and strategies to communicate effectively with parents.
Acess the full show notes and blog post here
Google Classroom + Chrome = Match Made in Heaven! In this episode, Kasey shares 5 Chrome Extensions that Make Google Classroom Even More Awesome! Find out which ones made this year's list, and a few more honorable mentions!
Access the full show notes and blog post here
Book studies are a great way to level up your professional learning! In this episode, I will share different ways to run book studies for educators, how to choose a book, what tools to use, and how to keep your group engaged. Consider this your guide: How to Plan an Awesome Book Study!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey interviews Doug Roberts, CEO, and Founder of the Institute for Education Innovation. Together, Kasey and Doug discuss a lot of important topics, including: the current state of educational leadership, how leaders can connect and access essential solutions, how the pandemic has changed edtech, learning loss, teacher retention, mental health and SEL, and getting teachers the respect and pay they deserve. Listen in on this critical conversation!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
Looking to advance your career as an educator? Google Certifications can help you gain confidence, build your resume, learn new skills, connect with a community, and become a leader. (It worked for me!) Learn about the benefits, what it takes, and how you can use your summer break to become a Google Certified Educator Level 1, Level 2, or even a Google Certified Trainer.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
FREE Webinar!
The picture may seem innocent to you. You may have parents' permission and be sharing something awesome, beautiful, or even funny, but there's a dark side to the Internet that every teacher, administrator, and parent should know. Please think before sharing ANY pictures of ANY child online. Here are 10 Reasons to Think Before You Share Photos of Children Online.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey shares 30 Things You Didn't Know Google Slides Could Do and a FREE eBook download with templates! A follow-up to one of our most popular blog and podcast series, Kasey is going to give you even more ideas for student-created projects with Google Slides. There is so much you can create with the Swiss Army Knife of Google!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey shares how teachers and students can use audio in their Google Slides projects. Don't let this feature go to waste! Audio is a great way for students to demonstrate learning. Let's jump into 25 Ways to Use Audio in Google Slides Projects!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey shares some super cool, lesser-known Google tools. These tools that use AI, machine learning, body movements, data, and more to engage your students in new ways. Are they as strange as the Netflix series, "Stranger Things?" You'll have to listen to find out! (I promise it's not scary!)
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey shares her favorite Gmail hacks and features to help teachers save time and make the most of this robust tool. Let's get organized, save time and frustration, manage annoying emails, and get to what's important.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Rich Dixon, Senior Director of Innovative Learning at Hāpara. Rich shares the power of Open Educational Resources (OER)--what they are, where to find them, and how to get started. The FREE Lesson Plans and Resources You Aren't Using (but should be)--Find free, standards-aligned lesson plans and teaching resources for your classroom. (This episode sponsored by Hāpara.)
In this episode, Kasey shares ways that students can use Google Keep - the Instant Pot of Google! Google Keep is a robust tool that can help teachers and students create and share notes, lists, reminders, research, journaling, and much more. Learn 15 Ways that Students can use Google Keep in the classroom.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Shake Up Learning Team member, Susan Vincentz about her favorite sessions at the FETC conference. Susan shares 8 Cool Tools You Didn't Know! Come learn with us and get FETC takeaways!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
Combine Google Classroom and BookWidgets to super power your digital classroom! In this episode, Kasey chats with Educational Technologist and BookWidgets expert, Sheryl Place. Sheryl shares the magic of BookWidgets, and how teachers can create engaging online activities that take worksheets from static to dynamic.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey shares 15 Google Classroom Tips for Teachers! Google Classroom is one of the most popular digital tools for the K-12 classroom. It has improved vastly over the years, and teachers have learned how to make the most of this flexible assignment manager and communication hub. These are tips are FOR teachers and recommended BY teachers!
In this episode, Kasey chats with Noted education technology author, podcast host and edtech CEO, Al Kingsley. Kasey and Al discuss how to protect students online and the ever-growing need for digital citizenship skills.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Shake Up Learning Team member Jen Giffen about remote learning. As many schools face staff shortages and need to go remote, let's get some teaching advice to help make the most of remote learning. Jen offers practical ideas and tips that will help you teach remotely!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey shares her best Pandemic Teaching tips and tools. Everything you need to survive this school year and thrive beyond. Learn practice strategies, organization techniques, and a whole list of tools to make teaching this year EASIER!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
Let's kick off the new year with some great teaching ideas! In this episode, Kasey shares 10 Things for Teachers to Try in 2022. We will explore strategies, digital tools, professional learning, and much more! What will you try in 2022?
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
Supporting a 1-to-1 environment is a daunting task! Empower your students through student tech teams. In this interview with the Royse City ISD High School and Middle School student tech teams (a.k.a. Chrome Squad) and their leaders, we explore the success of their program. We talk about how the program has evolved, what they are doing next, and how to implement your own program at the high school, middle school, or even elementary!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
I take the Google Certified Educator Exams frequently so that I can stay-up-to-date and support other educators seeking certification. A big update happened and the Level 1 and Level 2 exams just got EASIER! Yep! Here's what you need to know...
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Dan Jackson, author of Work Less, Teach More. Dan shares strategies that will help you save time, prioritize what's important personally and professionally, and become a more effective teacher!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this 2-part series, Kasey is sharing time-saving tips and tools for teachers and FROM TEACHERS in the Shake Up Learning community. You will learn tips and tools to help you save clicks, paper, grading time, and frustration. Every teacher needs these tips!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this 2-part series, Kasey is sharing time-saving tips and tools for teachers and FROM TEACHERS in the Shake Up Learning community. You will learn tips and tools to help you save clicks, paper, grading time, and frustration. Every teacher needs these tips!
In this episode, Kasey chats with Jennifer Conti about the podcasting initiative launched at her school. Jen shares how podcasting can help students meet content standards, explore their interests, learn new skills, tap into the 4 c's, and engage in authentic learning. You don't want to miss this episode!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
Canva is FREE for teachers and students, and their templates are beautiful, user-friendly, and great for the classroom! In this 2-part series, Kasey shares 30+ ways to use FREE Canva templates in your classroom, including graphic organizers, choice boards, certificates, and more!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
Canva is FREE for teachers and students, and their templates are beautiful, user-friendly, and great for the classroom! In this 2-part series, Kasey shares 30+ ways to use FREE Canva templates in your classroom, including graphic organizers, choice boards, certificates, and more!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In today’s episode, I’m going to explore my top 20 tech tips for teachers! These are tried-and-true tips that I believe can make a big difference for you and your students. HINT: It's all about the LEARNING!
In this episode, Kasey is sharing her favorite collaborative tools that are NOT Google! I love Google tools, but it's not the only game in town. Collaboration is a critical twenty-first-century skill for our students. These tools will help you facilitate collaborative learning at all levels.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
Catch the audio version of Jen Giffen's closing keynote from the 2021 Back to School Conference! Jen shares some AH-mazing student engagement strategies that work in this crazy, COVID world! And don't forget, you can still catch ALL the conference sessions until Oct. 30 for FREE, or with the ALL-ACCESS PASS!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey and other presenters from the Shake Up Learning Back to School Conference are sharing highlights from their presentations. Learn Google tips, Leadership Strategies, productivity tools, SEL tips, and more! Don't worry if you missed the conference, you can access for FREE until Oct. 30, 2021!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey interviews Jaime Donally, one of the Global Maker Day organizers about the power of creating and sharing on a global level. Learn about the creation challenges and how your classroom can participate. The 4 C's are more important than ever so you don't want to miss this free opportunity to help students learn how to problem-solve and innovate!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
Podcasts are a powerful tool for learning! In this episode, Kasey talks about all sides of podcasting--what it is, how to listen, how to use in the classroom, and how to create!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Stacey Roshan about how she transformed her classroom using the power of technology. Technology doesn't have to be impersonal. In fact, it can help you personalize learning for all students, empower student voice, and level the playing field!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey takes a deep-dive into the uses of Google Forms. There are so many ways to use Google Forms beyond a standard survey or quiz. Learn how you can use Google Forms to engage students in new ways, use powerful add-ons, and save valuable time! And don't miss out on the handy infographic with 30 Ways to Use Google Forms in the Classroom!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Lisa Johnson (aka Tech Chef 4 U). Lisa shares a great Google Slides template and lesson idea -- The Fake Blog Post! There is so much you can do at any level with this template, and it is a great way to talk about media, blogging, writing, digital citizenship, and more. The ideas are endless!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
The 4 C's are foundational skills that students need to thrive in the 21st Century. How are you ensuring your students are tapping into the 4 C's this school year? In this episode, Kasey shares learning activities that align with the 4 C's, as well as tips to help you build these skills throughout the school year.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
Ready for "Back to School"? Kasey has put together a guide of Google tips, instructional strategies, templates, and lesson ideas to help you prepare for Back to School with Google Tools! Don't miss this episode and blog post!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
Back to School is the PERFECT time to jump into choice boards! In this episode, Kasey shares her best tips and ideas for creating and using digital choice boards in the K-12 classroom. She also shares choice board examples and product ideas.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey follows up with a former on-air coaching guest, Vicki Heupel. Vicki shared in episode 26 her struggles with making collaboration meaningful. Listen in to hear how she took Kasey's advice and took her lesson to the next level. Her students are collaborating, thinking critically, and using Google Sheets!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Sarah Kiefer, a Shake Up Learning Trainer and the co-founder of TemplatesforTeachers.com. Learn all about the free templates that Sarah has created and curated, get tips for adapting templates for your classroom, and learn how to create your own templates!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Shake Up Learning Trainer, Sarah McKinney about Hyperdocs. Learn all about what it takes to design a Hyperdoc for your classroom, where to find FREE Hyperdocs, and how you can use them to transform teaching and learning.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey shares 27 Formative Assessment Tools for Your Classroom! Formative assessment is such an essential part of the learning process and student success, and many digital tools can help support this process. This list has a wide variety of features and options to help you solidify your formative assessment strategies!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
I get asked all the time, "How hard on the Google Certified Educator exams?" The answer depends on a lot of things, so I decided to put together this set of tips and tools to help you prepare. Get the free BONUS download ebook: How to Pass the Google Certified Educator Exams (10 Tips!).
Get the BONUS eBook here!
Did you know that Google Classroom plays well with others? Yep! Google is known for making their applications open to working with third-party applications, and Google Classroom is no exception. In this episode, Kasey is sharing some updates to her list of 85+ Apps That Integrate with Google Classroom.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Carolina Ramirez, a Google Certified Trainer and new Shake Up Learning team member. Carolina, originally from Peru, has a unique perspective on teaching language and culture! She shares her favorite Google tools, tips, extensions and add-ons for language learning.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Tammy Lind, a Shake Up Learning Trainer and Google Earth expert. Tammy shares ideas for increasing digital literacy with Google Earth at all grade levels, and the power of creating with Google Earth to deepen learning.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Kim Mattina, Shake Up Learning Trainer, podcaster, and co-author of Teaching with Jamboard. Kim shares some awesome ideas for using Jamboard to engage students in the 4 c's and many collaborative learning activities.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Jen Giffen, a teacher librarian and new Shake Up Learning trainer. Jen shares ideas that will help teachers go BEYOND traditional assessments like reports, essays, presentations, and cookie cutter assignments. Learn how you can use projects like podcasting, Ignite talks, sketchnoting, and student voice to demonstrate learning.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode with Shake Up Learning Trainer and Community Manager, Pam Hubler, we explore the new updates to Google Meet. Google Meet has become a much more robust video conferencing tool, but there is so much you don't know. Pam and I discuss 10 Things You Didn't Know About Google Meet, and we learn about the new Shake Up Learning Course, The Google Meet Master Class!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Shake Up Learning trainer and community leader, Susan Vincentz about Zoom. Zoom has become the standard for teaching online, online meetings, even newscasts, but this robust tool does so much more than you know. Susan shares 10 Things You Didn't Know About Zoom! And we learn more about the new Zoom Master Class from Shake Up Learning!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with Jake Miller, host of the Educational Duct Tape podcast. Jake shares his unique perspective on edtech and the meaning behind #EduDuct Tape. We also chat about the power of GIFs, podcasting, and Jake's upcoming book!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with teacher and Mote Community Leader, Eleni Kyritsis. Eleni shares how Mote, a voice note extension, allows you to do so much more than just leave notes and feedback in your favorite Google tools. Learn how Mote helps support ELL's, STEM, and helps engage ALL students with 15 Ways to Use Mote in the Classroom.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, I am sharing some must-have Google skills for two of the most used Google applications, Google Docs and Google Slides! Better yet, most of these skills will transfer to other applications as well. Learn how to make the most of Google, save time, and learn some best practices to help you thrive with Google! (This is Part 4 of a 4-part series on Must-Have Google Skills for Teachers.)
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, I'm sharing the must-have Google Drive skills for teachers. Google Drive is much more than just cloud storage. Let's take our Google Drive skills to the next level, and learn some tips and tricks along the way. (This is Part 3 of a 4-part series on Must-Have Google Skills for Teachers.)
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, I'm sharing the must-have skills for teachers who use Google Classroom. Let's learn how to make the most of Google Classroom, gain must-have skills, tips, and tricks to help you and your students thrive in Google Classroom. (This is Part 2 of a 4-part series on Must-Have Google Skills for Teachers.)
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In this episode, I'm sharing the must-have skills for teachers who use the Google Chrome web browser or Chromebooks. Google Chrome is the learning environment for all things Google and sets the stage for success. (This is Part 1 of a 4-part series on Must-Have Google Skills for Teachers.)
Access full blog post and show notes here.
In this episode, I'm sharing my best tips and best practices for creating and delivering a rock star presentation. Whether you are presenting to your peers at school, at a conference, or just want to improve your presentations for your classroom, these tips will help you create a great slide deck!
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
In this episode, Kasey shares The Blended Learning with Google Toolkit, a free download to help teachers create dynamic, blended learning experiences for students with Google tools. Kasey will walk you through each step, share proven strategies, and recommend the right Google tool for the job. Get access to this FREE PDF download that aligns technology integration strategies with Google tools!
Access the show notes and get the Toolkit here.
In this milestone 100th episode of The Shake Up Learning Show, guests from past episodes share their favorite tips and lesson ideas for teachers. We will also take a look back at the most popular episodes and what's next for the podcast.
Access the full show notes here.
Google just made some HUGE announcements about your favorite Google products, including Google Classroom and officially renaming G Suite as Google Workspace for education. I'm breaking it all down so you understand what's coming and how it affects you and your students.
Access the show notes and blog post here.
In this interview, Kasey chats with tech specialist, Nadine Gilkison. Nadine freely shares tons of online resources, templates, Hyperdocs, and more. Let's take a deep dive into Nadine's "Teaching Digitally Resource Guide for Teachers."
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
As more and more teachers and students adapt to online and blended learning, let's take a closer look at creating more meaningful asynchronous learning experiences. Every student doesn't have to do the exact same thing at the exact same time. Asynchronous online learning is a powerful tool for teachers.
Access the show notes and blog post here.
Let's talk digital badges with the experts: Cate Tolnai and Jen Gibson! Badges can help us engage students (even remote learners). Learn what digital badges are, when to use them, and how to implement in your classroom.
Access the show notes here.
Digital tools are part of everything I do throughout the day. There are so many wonderful digital tools that make life easier and more fun! I often get asked about what tools I prefer for certain tasks, so I thought it would be useful to share some of my favorites. Here are 15 EPIC tools I can't live without!
In this episode, Kasey will explain all FIVE Google Certification options for educators, the benefits, the requirements, and everything you need to know! Learn how you can become a Google Certified Educator Level 1, Level 2, Google Certified Trainer, Google Certified Innovator, or even a Google Certified Coach. Find out which path is right for you!
Access the full show notes here.
In this episode, Kasey chats with eLearning teacher, Morgan Longtine. As the role of the teacher continues to change in a Post-COVID world, new jobs are emerging. Learn about Morgan's new role as the online teacher for two grade levels, what works, and why she loves it so much!
Access the show notes here
Google Drawings is a hidden treasure! Let's explore 20 ways to tap into the 4 C's and get students creating with Google Drawings.
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
In this interview with teacher Mike Mohammad, we take a deep dive into the power of student portfolios. Mike shares what he has learned after seven years of implementing portfolios--how to organize, how to make them student-centered, and the ease of Google Sites!
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
In part 3 of this 3-part podcast series, I will share with you the BEST takeaways, templates, lesson plans, remote learning tips, Google tips, ideas, and resources from the Blended Learning with Google book! AND don't miss the details on the EARLY BIRD BONUS Training Video!
More Blended Learning with Google! In part two of this podcast series, we will take a deep-dive into storytelling with Google tools and how we can use this strategy in any grade level or subject area. And get a sneak peek of Kasey’s new book, Blended Learning with Google!
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
It's not about Google, y'all! It's about the learning. In part one of this podcast series, we will explore how Google tools can help us create dynamic blended learning experiences for students. And get a sneak peek at Kasey's new book!
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
Get FREE Google lesson plans from Google’s Applied Digital Skills resource center. These are super handy for teachers! These are ready-to-go, asynchronous lessons that will help your students gain future-ready skills. Let's dig into this amazing resource!
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
With Google tools and Google Classroom, giving feedback on digital assignments has never been easier. The only question is where? We have several options for leaving comments and feedback and each can serve their own purpose. Let's explore all the ways you can use comments to enhance the learning in your classroom!
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
In this inspiring interview with Dr. Catlin Tucker, the blended learning guru, we chat about blended learning strategies and models, and what's working right now!
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
Every student should have the opportunity to publish their work and learning for a global audience! This will change the quality of their work and help them build a positive online presence. This episode will explore ways to flatten the walls of your classroom and allow students to publish their work online.
Access the show notes and blog post here.
Many teachers who have only taught in face-to-face classroom settings have been learning new strategies and hearing new vocabulary like synchronous and asynchronous learning. Let's dive-in and take a look at what this means, and the tools and strategies teachers can use.
CLICK HERE to read the full blog post and show notes.
I’m mad! And I’m getting on my soapbox today in defense of teachers. The state of education right now is maddening and unfair to teachers and students. Let’s work together to break old ideas and mindsets and reinvent education for a post-COVID world.
Access the show notes here.
Remote learning has sent teachers and schools into high gear! We are all trying to figure out what works. In this episode and post, I'm going to show you 10 Google Tips for Remote Learning.
Access the full blog post here.
In this interview episode with three AMAZING Flipgridders and educators, Ann, Jess, and Jornea, share how you can use Flipgrid to support remote learning, building community, academic support, and more. You'll also hear about some awesome Flipgrid updates and projects.
Check out the show notes here.
In this interview with Joe and Kristin Merrill, these two rock star teachers share their best strategies for an interactive class in both the online and blended environments. Learn their best tips, tools! Their enthusiasm is contagious!
Access the show notes here.
In part 2 of this 2-part series, I continue to talk about the wonders of Google Slides. It can do all kinds of things! In this post and podcast series, I will show you 25 Things You Didn’t Know Google Slides Could Do.
Access the full blog post here.
I talk about the wonders of Google Slides CONSTANTLY and frequently refer to it as the Swiss Army Knife of G Suite. It can do all kinds of things! In this post and podcast series, I will show you 25 Things You Didn’t Know Google Slides Could Do.
Access the full blog post here.
In this episode, Kasey shares how to create Google Classroom blended learning lessons, including best practices for synchronous and asynchronous learning, Google Meet integration, and Google Classroom tips.
Get the full show notes here.
In this episode, Kasey shares engaging back to school online activities--perfect for blended or remote learning. Meet the teacher, tour the virtual classroom, get to know your students, and have some fun along the way!
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
Ready for Back to School? Google tools can help you kick off the school year, get organized, and have some fun--even when school is online! Here are six online activities for going Back to School with G Suite.
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
In Part 3 of this series on Blended Professional Development (PD), Kasey shares PD activity ideas, facilitation tips, and sample schedules. As we prepare for the new normal of remote and hybrid learning, let’s work together to deliver the best PD for our teachers and schools.
Access the full show notes here.
In Part 2 of this series on Blended Professional Development (PD), Kasey takes a deep dive into best practices and strategies. As we prepare for the new normal of remote and hybrid learning, let’s work together to deliver the best PD for our teachers and schools.
Access the full blog post here.
Access the full blog post here.
As schools across the globe begin to plan for the new normal and redefine the school day and location, we must also rethink our professional learning plans for teachers and staff. In this episode, Kasey shares part 1 of her Blended PD framework for planning, scheduling, strategies, modeling, facilitating and more!
In this episode, Kasey interviews Holly Clark about her new book, The Chromebook Infused Classroom. Learn all about the Infused Classroom model, using Hyperdocs for Remote Learning, and practical ways to go from analog to digital!
Access the full show notes here.
Wondering if you have what it takes to become a Google Certified Trainer? In this podcast, you will learn the six steps to becoming a Google for Education Certified Trainer. Becoming a Google Certified Trainer is a fantastic way to support teachers, students, and take your career to the next level!
Access the blog post, infographic, video, and more on this page.
Check out the full show notes and infographic here.
Don’t miss out on one of the BEST things about online and blended learning! Save yourself valuable instructional time and that oh so elusive teacher sanity by packaging your assignments so that students have EVERYTHING they need in one place. In this episode, I will give you ten things to include in your digital assignment package.
In this interview with Kelly Bell, an instruction leader and health and PE educator from Australia, Kelly shares how she has been trying to implement Kasey's Dynamic Learning Framework with her students. Kelly shares her hits and misses, and leading technology integration and Google apps in her school. She also taps into teacher well-being, training, and more!
Access the show notes here.
In this interview with Keisha Rembert, a fierce advocate of equity and anti-racism in education, we talk about actionable steps educators and educational leaders can take to affect change.
Get the show notes here.
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
In this post and podcast episode, I'm going to share 5 Chrome Extensions that Make Google Classroom Even More Awesome!
Google Classroom + Chrome = Match Made in Heaven!
As many of you know, I love me some Google Chrome, and I love Google Classroom.
If you are a teacher using Google Classroom or other Google tools with your students, you should be using the Google Chrome browser.
Consider Google Chrome the learning environment for all things Google.
Not only is it a safe and secure browser, but it will enhance your experience with Google Classroom.
[ctt template="5" link="bcB74" via="yes" ]5 Chrome Extensions that Make Google Classroom Even More Awesome![/ctt]
Shoutout I'd like to send a big shoutout to Jenna Chapman for recommending the Shake Up Learning book on Twitter!
Don't forget to join our book study!
Quick Tip of the Week: Differentiate Assignments in Google Classroom Did you know that you do not have to give every student the exact same assignment at the exact same time in Google Classroom?
It's super easy to differentiate, distribute modifications, assign group work, and more.
- Click the drop-down arrow next to students on your Google Classroom assignment.
- Uncheck "all students."
- Select the student or group of students you wish to give the assignment.
5 Chrome Extensions that Make Google Classroom Even More Awesome! Below are five Chrome extensions that can make Google Classroom even more awesome for teachers and students.
Looking for more apps that work with Google Classroom? Check out this HUGE list: 70+ Apps That Integrate with Google Classroom.
Please note: Chrome extensions ONLY work on the desktop version. You cannot install Chrome extensions on your phone or tablet.
- Share to Classroom (FREE) The Share to Classroom Chrome Extension, made by Google, is designed to save time in the classroom. (Totally FREE!)
"The extension allows you to push web pages to any of your Classroom classes, so they open instantly on your students' computers. With this extension, you can get your students on the right page, quickly and reliably every time. You can also post announcements, create assignments, or save web pages to post to Classroom later." (Also see the previous post: The Share to Google Classroom Chrome Extension.)
You Can Share a Web Page in 1 of 2 Ways: 1. Share it with all students in a class, so it instantly appears in the browsers of all active students and co-teachers. (Please note: Both teachers and students must have the extension installed.) Students can also share or push websites and links back to the teacher.
- Attach the web page to an assignment, question, or announcement
Share to Classroom Tips * This extension will interrupt students when you “push” a link, so please be sure to “push” during intended times. * Students can only share to the teacher, not the entire class. Teachers will need to model appropriate use. Nothing replaces good classroom management! * Mute notifications of web pages shared by students in the settings of the extension to keep from seeing the pop-ups on your screen. You can still access the pages that you have received in the extension. * Visit the Share to Classroom support page to learn even more about this tool.
- Kami (Freemium) I have recommended Kami a lot over the years. It's my go-to for annotating on documents and PDF files.
The Kami Chrome extension and Drive App is probably the number one recommended PDF editor in the education space. I know many schools that use it. It is freemium, meaning you can use some features for free, and it integrates beautifully with Google Classroom.
If you are looking for ways to use worksheets in Google Classroom, this is a MUST-READ: How to Put a Worksheet in Google Classroom.
- Mote Voice Commenting (FREE)
Mote is a voice commenting Chrome extension that is compatible with Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets, as well as Google Classroom. (This extension is still in beta at the time of publishing this post.)
Mote will record your voice and transcribe your comment! Mote supports transcription in more than 15 world languages, including English, Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, and German.
Teachers can use Mote to ask students questions and provide feedback. Add voice comments within Google Classroom's Stream and Private Comments views. More Classroom support is coming soon.
This is a great way to add a personal touch to your comments, especially during remote learning.
- Classwork Zoom for Google Classroom (Free Trial) (Note: This Chrome extension has NOTHING to do with the Zoom video conferencing software.)
Have you ever wanted to know how much time a student spends on an assignment? Have you ever been frustrated with the time-consuming effort of going through the revision history of a Google Doc?
Classwork Zoom takes the data from the revision history and visualizes it into a timeline, making it faster and easier to analyze.
Just select the assignment(s) you want to add, and you can see all of the work visualized, including a hover preview of comments, suggestions, and text that may have been pasted.
Note: Classwork Zoom visualizes information about (1) student work in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drawings that is assigned (2) through Google Classroom, including (3) assignment deadlines from the class calendar.
- Insert Learning (Freemium) InsertLearning is a Chrome extension that lets you turn websites into interactive lessons, and it is the perfect companion to your blended learning lesson plans.
InsertLearning will let you turn any webpage into an interactive lesson. Formerly known as Docent EDU and developed by two high school teachers who wanted to create a richer learning experience for their students, this webtool has made some amazing progress. InsertLearning has this fantastic toolbar that will allow you to highlight text, add sticky notes, insert questions, videos, or even a discussion all inside the webpage! How cool is that? Oh yeah, and you can then assign it to your students. WHOA!!!
To get started with your first lesson, find the online content you would like to use–an article, video, etc. If you don’t want to start from scratch, check out their lesson plan library. Once you have chosen your content, decide what you want to add from the Insert Learning toolbar options.
There are five different types of interactivity you can add to spice up that content, make it more engaging, and help students retain relevant information.
Learn more about his super cool extension here: 4 Ways to Blend Learning with Insert Learning.
Ready to Learn More About Google Classroom? Learn all about the new updates to Google Classroom and take your skills to the next level. This course will give you everything you need to get started using Google Classroom and best practices to help you make the most of this tool. Perfect for the beginner to intermediate skill levels! Consider this your video guide to Google Classroom!
Click here to learn more and to ENROLL TODAY!
Learn All About the Course Who Should Join the Google Classroom Master Class?
Beginners can learn everything they need to get started.
Intermediate level users can focus on learning more advanced features, tips and tricks, and best practices.
Go at your own pace.
Let’s dig in! This class is for all skill levels!
What’s Included in the Google Classroom Master Class? * Self-paced * Video-based lessons * 5 BONUS Lessons * PDF Downloads * Supporting Resources * Best Practices and Tips * 6 hours of professional learning credit * Purchase orders are accepted * Bulk license discounts - visit GSuiteTrainingforSchools.com * Get your whole team, campus, or district on board
Click here to learn more and to ENROLL TODAY!
Training for Schools We also offer group, campus, and district licenses to help get all your teachers on board!
Learn more: GSuiteTrainingforSchools.com
Check out all of my Google Classroom Resources here!**
In this episode, Kasey shares her best tips for teaching students online. COVID-19 has changed education forever, and now it's time to regroup and redefine teaching and learning. Remote teaching and learning is different. As we begin to plan for the new normal, let's take a closer look at some best practices to help teachers and students in the post COVID world.
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
Be sure to check out the full blog post and show notes here.
It's that time of year again! As many teachers begin to wrap up the end of the school year and prepare for summer, let's make sure everything is clean and organized!
I've put together some Google Classroom cleanup tips for the end of the year!
Google Classroom and Google Drive can get quite messy throughout the school year, and you want to get everything cleaned up and set up for success in the next school year.
Now that even more teachers are using Google Classroom and planning for whatever the new normal is in the fall, it's even more important to take the time to reflect, cleanup, and plan!
Let's go all Marie Kondo and tidy up this mess!
[ctt template="1" link="cj1Jb" via="yes" ]#GoogleClassroom Cleanup Tips for the End of the Year! #gsuiteedu #edtech[/ctt]
Shoutout I'd like to give a shoutout to all of the participants in the Shake Up Learning book study for leaders! Y'all rock!
If you'd like to participate in our next FREE book study, sign up here. (Starts June 18th)
Quick Tip of the Week From Google Drive, you can preview files without having to open them in a new tab by selecting the file and hitting "P" on the keyboard. This is great for checking information in a document without having to fully open and close them.
Google Classroom Cleanup Tips for the End of the Year Below are six tips to help you clean up Google Classroom and prepare for the next school year.
Tip #1: Reflect on the Year First things first, before you get all happy with the delete and archive buttons, I suggest you take the time to reflect so that you have a good idea of the files you want to keep, the lessons you want to improve and repeat, and those lessons and activities that totally bombed!
Reflection is a critical part of the lesson plan cycle.
Ideally, you want to reflect immediately following the lesson or activity.
However, teaching all day, lunch duty, bus duty, parent meetings, and staff development (among a million other things) doesn't always give you the time you need for reflection. And given the fact that so many teachers just learned how to teach from home, there's even more reason to reflect on the experience.
So take a breath, take some time to look through your Google Classroom assignments, their coordinating folders in Google Drive, and that pesky calendar.
What went well? What do you want to do differently next year?
Think about what went well PRE-COVID, and what went well during COVID-19 school closures. We need to be prepared for all possibilities.
Did you give too much or too little time for projects? How engaged were students at home?
Make some notes, digital or paper, before you get into cleaning mode!
Something else I want to encourage you to think about during this reflection time is how you used Google Classroom and G Suite tools in your classroom.
Did you use digital tools to substitute for what you did on paper? Or did you go further?
Did you take advantage of the collaborative features of G Suite? If so, how, and how can you improve? If not, why not?
If you have been uploading your PDF worksheets and Microsoft Office files into Google Classroom, did it transform the learning in any way? How might you move forward next year and take advantage of all Google has to offer?
If you want to learn more about using G Suite in your classroom, consider taking an online course, or even getting Google Certified!
Tips #2: Check Your "To Do" List in Google Classroom Open up your "To Do" list in Google Classroom to see what work you need to review, grade, or return.
You can view all your classes at once, or use the drop down at the top to filter this list by class.
Depending on how much clean up you have to do, you can approach this in a few different ways.
You can open up each assignment individually if you have several assignments left to grade and return. (Remember, the using the Control key on your keyboard when you click will open the page in a new window.)
You can also click on the three dots to "mark as reviewed." Marking as reviewed is just a way of moving assignments to the "reviewed" tab so you can clearly see what is left to do. Students will not be affected.
Tip #3: Clean Up Folders One of the beautiful things about using Google Classroom is how it automagically connects to Google Drive and creates folders for each of your assignments.
Well, not that class has ended, you need to decide what to do with all of those folders and files.
Your earlier reflection should help you decide how to handle these files.
FIRST - DO NOT DELETE THE CLASSROOM FOLDER!
I repeat, DO NOT delete the Classroom folder from your Drive!
This folder is automatically created when you create your first class in Classroom and can be difficult to get back so leave it alone.
What you can do is move or delete the sub-folders and files that are contained in that Classroom folder.
This will be a personal preference kind of thing.
You can delete if you REALLY want to, but keep in mind that you have UNLIMITED storage in your Drive so you can be a pack rat if you want.
Personally, I like to curate exemplary work into a new folder to reference or share later.
I also like to create master folders for each school year, like "2018-2019 Classes." You can create a folder like this in your Drive, or even as a sub-folder within the Classroom folder. Then just click and drag to move things around.
Tip #4: What to Do with All Those Calendars! Another fantastic feature of Google Classroom is the way it creates a Google Calendar for each of your classes and adds due dates!
But when you go to Google Calendar, your list of calendars is cluttered with classes that you don't teach anymore.
If this drives you crazy, you can delete those calendars from your list.
However, consider printing your class calendar to a PDF, or take a screenshot so you can reference your due dates when planning next year. (Tip: choose the schedule view so you can see the dates in a list.)
- Open your Google Calendar and go to the setting icon near the top-right and click "Settings."
- Scroll down until you see your list of calendars on the left and click on the calendar you wish to delete.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click "Delete," and then confirm you want to permanently delete.
Tip #5: Set Up a Class Template for Next Year Did you know you can copy an entire class in Google Classroom?
When you do so, it will copy almost everything and save your assignments as drafts so you can easily reschedule.
This is a huge time-saver for the beginning of school, so why not create your ideal class template while everything is still fresh on the brain?
My advice is to make a copy of your class and edit it to be your "template," that you can reuse year after year.
I have step-by-step directions for setting up your own class template in this post.
See also: How to Create a Reusable Class Template in Google Classroom
Tip #6: Archive Classes
Last, but certainly not least, you can archive your classes in Google Classroom.
This tip is last in the list because you want to make sure you have taken care of all of the things mentioned above before you are ready to archive.
To archive a class, go to your Google Classroom homepage and click on the three dots on the class card, then choose "Archive."
You will receive a quick warning about what this means.
Click "Archive" to confirm.
Archival is great because it moves the class out of your list, but it can always be accessed or restored if you need it.
Go to your main menu (three lines) and scroll down to the bottom and select "Archive" to see your archived classes. You can also copy, restore, or delete them from here.
What would you add to this list?
Ready to Learn More About Google Classroom? Learn all about the new updates to Google Classroom and take your skills to the next level. This course will give you everything you need to get started using Google Classroom and best practices to help you make the most of this tool. Perfect for the beginner to intermediate skill levels! Consider this your video guide to Google Classroom!
Click here to learn more and to ENROLL TODAY!
Learn All About the Course Who Should Join the Google Classroom Master Class? Beginners can learn everything they need to get started.
Intermediate level users can focus on learning more advanced features, tips and tricks, and best practices.
Go at your own pace.
Let’s dig in! This class is for all skill levels!
What’s Included in the Google Classroom Master Class? * Self-paced * Video-based lessons * 5 BONUS Lessons * PDF Downloads * Supporting Resources * Best Practices and Tips * 6 hours of professional learning credit * Purchase orders are accepted * Bulk license discounts * Get your whole team, campus, or district on board
Click here to learn more and to ENROLL TODAY!
Check out all of my Google Classroom Resources here!**
Be sure to check out the full blog post and show notes here.
Sink or swim, teachers and educators across the globe have clung to tools like Google Classroom and Google Meet to survive school closures and remote learning. Building capacity and increasing your Google skills is more important than ever. Let's dive into 10 Ways Google Certification Can Support Remote Learning.
Shoutout I'd like to give Todd Hausmann a shoutout for sharing his kindness choice board for Kindness Week. Check it out here.
This episode is sponsored by Fluency Tutor. Introducing Fluency Tutor; an App for Google Chrome that helps students improve reading fluency while saving busy teachers valuable time. Fluency Tutor fosters independent reading practice, while helping educators provide personalized instruction and tracking of student progress throughout the school year. And because it’s web-based, it’s great for remote learning!
Texthelp, the makers of Fluency Tutor ,are offering it for free through the end of the school year.
Visit: text.help/shakeupreading
Quick Tip of the Week This week's tip is for one of my favorite Google tools, Google Slides! Use Control + D (Command + D on a Mac) to duplicate a slide. You must have the slide selected in the left-hand slide sorter first! Easy peasy lemon squeezy! I use this ALL THE TIME!
All quick tips can be found on this page.
10 Ways Google Certification Can Support Remote Learning Remote learning has forced educators across the globe to learn on the fly and use digital tools in new ways, often tools they’ve never even used before. We have a golden opportunity before us. Educational technology has never been more important, and digital learning skills for teachers and students have moved from nice to have to must-have skills in order to survive remote learning, or whatever hybrid stands before us in the remnants of COVID-19.
I became a Google Certified Trainer and Innovator in 2014, and it changed everything for me as an educator. (Hear my story in episode 39.) I don’t work for Google. They don’t pay me any money to share Google tips and strategies. I found easy-to-use tools that are free, readily accessible from any device, and the potential to change classrooms.
Fast forward to the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak. Teachers, administrators, parents, and everyone in between suddenly found themselves leaning on G Suite tools and other digital resources like never before. This is survival mode. We were not prepared, nor did we receive much training in preparation for school closures.
But amid the chaos and fears, something amazing happened. Teachers stepped up in the biggest way that I have ever seen. Even teachers who resisted technology often hated it and were resentful about any technology or training available saw the light. There was no alternative, virtual learning, and digital communication skills became a priority.
I am in awe of my fellow teachers. You were given a brand new job, something no one has done before, and you did everything you could to help your students. I guarantee you that other professions wouldn’t have adapted so quickly. This is why I love educators. There’s a depth and heart to this profession that often undervalued.
Many teachers and schools were already using G Suite, especially Google Classroom. But teachers were desperate for help, training, tips, pretty much anything they could get their hands-on. I rushed to create FREE Google Cheat Sheets for Teachers and Students. I’ve never finished cheat sheets that fast, nor have I ever created 54 pages and called it a cheat sheet! I knew this resource would help get us through the school year, but it’s not enough. Teachers need more than survival skills, not just because of the unknown reality of COVID-19 and remote learning, but because technology isn’t going anywhere!
I’ve been preaching this for years. I knew when I got my masters in edtech in 2007; I couldn’t go wrong. This is my passion, and the door is open for me to reach even the most resistant audience.
The Google Certification program is more than just a badge or certificate. It’s a journey, a process.
What is the Google Certification Program? Google offers three certifications specifically for educators, Google Certified Educator Level 1, Google Certified Educator Level 2, Google Certified Trainer, and Google Certified Innovator. The Certified Educator program is designed to help teachers learn how to use Google tools through blended learning models. Google Certified Trainers and Innovators are leadership programs for those ready to lead professional development and change in their schools.
Learn more about Google Certifications in this FREE Webinar.
When I first started discussing the Google Certification program with school leaders, we talked about the skills and not worrying about the stress of passing the exam. Teachers don’t need any more stress right now. But then I discovered that many teachers WANT to take the exam and prove their skills right now, which is FANTASTIC. Either way, the program will help teachers prepare for digital learning with G Suite tools, whether it is blended learning in a physical classroom, or some version of virtual and remote learning.
Below are the original 10 Reasons to Become a Google Certified Educator, but I am adding a remote learning twist to help schools better understand how the program can help right now. 10 Ways Google Certification Can Support Remote Learning
- Gain Confidence with Digital Learning Strategies and Google Tools You don’t know what you don’t know! And there is always something new to learn about Google tools! Even if you are an experienced G Suite user, you will learn something new, including new ways to use G Suite in the classroom. The more you know and use these tools, the more confident you will be in your own classroom and teaching others.
No one has ever come out of the Level 1 training and said, “I knew all that,” and if they did, they’d at least be fibbing a little. We can’t know it all and retain it all at once.
The more teachers know and understand G Suite, cloud computing, and using Google tools FOR learning, the more confidence they will have to do more. Confidence cannot be undersold! This makes all the difference in the world when it comes to technology integration and remote learning. Even teachers that I know have had the skills for years, don’t have confidence, and proving their skills through the certification program changed everything.
- Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity The Google Certified Educator program isn’t just about the technology; it is learning how to use these tools to facilitate meaningful learning experiences for your students. Through this program, you will learn how to use G Suite tools to support and deepen learning in your classroom, as well as ideas for inspiring creativity in your students.
Now that we are wrapping up the school year, muddling our way through this remote learning thing, and whatever requirements were given to us by our country, state, and school districts, we can reflect on the process. What worked? What didn’t? How can we improve? How can we create more meaningful learning experiences now that we know what to expect?
The Google Certified Educator program is focused on learning, not on the technology. How to use G Suite tools to assess, give feedback, and facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity. One thing is certainly clear. Those that have clung to old-school static lessons, and then tried to replicate in a digital environment DID NOT engage their students. It’s not about taking our old ways and putting them online in Google Classroom; it’s about rethinking our assignments.
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Create a Paperless Classroom Going paperless is easier said than done. G Suite tools can help you learn how to create a paperless classroom and improve your digital workflow and grading. And now, we’ve had to get extra creative with our paperless approach. Don’t forget that many students haven’t had access to computers or the Internet during this time, so paper packets still went home. However, I believe the gaps in digital equity are in the spotlight, and while it's not ideal in every community, we are making great strides.
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Collect Data and Increase Feedback Loops Assessment data is a critical part of any classroom! Using Google Forms and Google Sheets, you will learn how to collect all kinds of data from your students and improve feedback.
During remote learning, traditional grading went out of the window in many places, and suddenly feedback was at the forefront of, as it should have been all along. Teachers can learn how to use G Suite tools to improve feedback and collect data beyond a traditional test.
- Learn How to Find Answers and Support What do you do when you get stuck? Do you know who to ask for support? Do you know where to search? When you have questions, it’s important to understand how to search the support center, help forums, and find assistance when you need it.
Yikes! Who needs this now more than ever. By the way, bookmark this now, support.google.com, your new best friend! But through the certification process, teachers also learn about many other places to connect and find support.
- Increase Digital Citizenship and Digital Literacy Skills in the Classroom Finding time to teach digital citizenship skills can sometimes feel impossible. G Suite offers many ways to support these skills and help you find practical moments to build this skill set with your students.
Can I get an amen? I mean, seriously, y’all! Have we ever seen a more perfect example of the need for digital literacy and citizenship skills? Learning how to behave online, in video chats, in online discussions, and what to do if something goes wrong--there's never been a more opportune moment!
- Increase Efficiency and Save Time The number one complaint of most teachers is lack of time. What if technology could actually save you time? When you learn how to use digital tools to be a more efficient teacher, everyone wins!
I always say that time-saving tips are the best buy-in for teachers who struggle with technology. G Suite tools should make working and teaching easier, not more complicated, but good professional development makes the difference. If teachers are not given the opportunity to learn in a meaningful way, differentiated for their skill level, they will always struggle.
- Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership Are you a lifelong learner? You should be! That’s part of a growth mindset and will help you learn and grow with your students.
Yes! Teachers have always had to be flexible, but they were just stretched to the limits. There has never been more opportunity to stretch the mindset and build capacity and leadership.
- Prove Your Skills Teachers have to learn so much, isn’t it nice when you are recognized for your accomplishments? When you become a Google Certified Educator, you get a certificate and badge that proves you know your stuff!
Don’t underestimate the power of recognition. We all need validation.
- Get the Badge and Join the Google Certified Family Share your badge in your email signature, your blog, or your website, and wear it proud. Google Certified Educators are part of an elite group, a family of teachers that share and grow together.
How to Get Google Certified You can become a Google Certified Educator on your own, through training offered online or at your school, or attend a face-to-face boot camp.
FREE Webinar! If you are new to Google Certification, I highly recommend you watch this free webinar to learn exactly what it's all about, what it takes, and how to get there. (Please don't go into this blindly!) Oh, and I'll give you a TON of free resources!
>>> Register here for the How to Get Google Certified Webinar.
Online Courses Shake Up Learning offers three online, self-paced courses to help you reach your goals:
- The Google Certified Educator Level 1 Academy
- The Google Certified Educator Level 2 Academy
- The Google Certified Trainer Academy
Teachers don't pay out of pocket! Make the case with your administrator, or apply for a scholarship. (Details available on each of the course pages listed above.)
Training for Schools We also offer group, campus, and district licenses to help get all your teachers on board!
Learn more: GSuiteTrainingforSchools.com
Access the blog post and show notes here.
Last week we explored the remote learning situation from the student’s perspectives. This week I'm chatting with a highly-respected leader and author. Evan Robb has been a building level principal for over 20 years, and he’s sharing what this time has been like from his perspective, and lessons learned from remote learning.
We all know that our administrators have been working hard to make the remote learning experience as smooth as possible. Now we can hear straight from Evan what it takes to move hundreds of thousands of students to a remote learning model.
Shoutout Thank you to Kelly Bell from Australia for her wonderful reviews on the Shake Up Learning courses and masterclasses. Follow her on Instagram: @thelearnnet.
This episode is sponsored by Fluency Tutor. Introducing Fluency Tutor; an App for Google Chrome that helps students improve reading fluency while saving busy teachers valuable time. Fluency Tutor fosters independent reading practice, while helping educators provide personalized instruction and tracking of student progress throughout the school year. And because it's web-based, it's great for remote learning!
Texthelp, the makers of Fluency Tutor are offering it for free through the end of the school year.
Visit: text.help/shakeupreading
Quick Tip of the Week Type in docs.new, sheets.new, forms.new etc. into your browser, and you can quickly and easily create a brand new document without having to bring up any other programs.
All quick tips are here: https://shakeuplearning.com/quick-tip-of-the-week/.
Lessons Learned From Remote Learning Our principals and administrators have been the first line of coordination and strategy when it comes to responding to this pandemic. I have spoken with just about every perspective at this point, and I thought it was time to hear from a leader who is making great strides in remote learning, Principal Evan Robb.
The District Response to Remote Learning Their first order of business was to figure out exactly what was going on from the state level. Once it was confirmed that schools were closing, they needed to determine how best to close out the third quarter of school.
Luckily their schools were already using Chromebooks and Google Classroom very heavily, so they just had to alter their lesson structure.
After squaring away the third quarter, they had to work out a plan to get through the fourth quarter while still following state mandates for performance and attendance. There have been so many changes coming so quickly. The most important thing has been staying on top of changes and communicating them to parents, teachers, and staff.
The Communication Plan Evan shares that they have been communicating with parents and students through Google Classroom, email, and the phone. They do use Screencastify and Google Hangouts Meet, but no other streaming platforms have made sense to implement at this time.
He doesn’t want the kids to learn new software remotely. Instead, they have focused on enhancing the use of platforms their kids are already comfortable navigating. There are so many other stressors right now, and his goal is to not add to them.
This is simply not the time for new tools.
The Remote Learning Plan As with the thought on which tools to use, they are working on the simplest way to master big concepts. This entire experience is one of learning and growing, so they are focused on providing lessons and information that require thought and growth.
Evan is concerned that the disparity in the level of knowledge amongst the kids will be higher than ever. Because every child has a different home life, there is no way to confirm that they are exposed to the same level of educational opportunities.
He is very “anti-busy work.” Especially right now because busy work is just added stress. Kids need to be given lessons that focus on increasing their skills.
The Assessment Plan Right now their assessments are formative. Now that the academic year is wrapping up, the administration in his district is working on a plan for assessments at the beginning of the new school year.
The concern is the obvious level of disparity between students with engaged family members and those without. While this time has opened many people’s eyes on the benefits of flexibility regarding the school day and how to help students learn, it has also pushed some students farther away from positive school experiences.
This new mindset of flexible schedules and varying teaching styles will certainly be needed as we prepare to get back into the classroom because some students are simply going to need more help.
The Opportunity Evan truly believes that positive changes are going to come out of this. Now that kids aren’t motivated by a number grade and there is no test to teach to, he’s found that more of his students are engaged.
We’ve all known that the education system is broken. We’ve known that for years and years, and now this new social experiment has been thrust upon us. For so long the psychology has been that the only way to get kids to do school is to mandate it. But what Evan has found is that those students who don’t care to pass also don’t care about school requirements.
Those kids still want to learn, they just don’t want to or can’t learn in a traditional school environment. His hope is that this experiment will change the philosophy of how we teach our youngsters. Even those that have been resistant to change have made great strides.
Now is the Time to Build Engagement This is not the time to be assessing teachers’ performance. Evan said that he’d heard of districts where teachers are being graded on their ability to make remote learning work. That is not what this time should be about.
Engage with your teachers, engage with your students, build that trust and that bridge for communication, and let’s see where the next few months take us. This is not a competition, we are just trying to get through this with everyone healthy and whole.
Connect with Evan: Email: robbe@clarke.k12.va.us
Twitter: @ERobbPrincipal
Website: https://robbcommunications.com/
Evan's Blog
Evan's Podcast
Evan on Premiere Speakers
Podcast Question of the Week * What advice would you give someone who is about to start their first week of remote learning? * Post your answers in the Shake Up Learning community or on your favorite social platform. * Join our FREE Shake Up Learning Facebook group.
Do you have a question or idea to share on the podcast? Leave me a message here.
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
This week I am interviewing two students who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and are experiencing remote learning first-hand. Getting the student perspective is so critical. Here's what students have to say about remote learning!
These unprecedented times have brought to light so many issues in education, but if we don't ask students about their experience, we will never understand the impact.
My cousin Charlotte is in the 3rd grade and has plenty to say about this situation. On the flip side, Elena is joining me to share her experience with remote learning as a graduating senior. Their insight is so powerful! Every educator needs to take the time to hear what students have to say about remote learning.
Shoutout Thank you to Jennifer Green for her wonderful tweet about Shake Up Learning and how it has impacted her career.
Quick Tip of the Week: Customize the Google Classroom Stream The Stream is your Google Classroom communication hub. This is where you post announcements and keep students informed.
By default, the Stream will also show notifications of new items posted on the classwork page. For some, this feels like duplication and can muddy up the Stream. (Ha! See what I did there.)
If you’re using the Classwork page, you can choose a collapsed or expanded view for Classwork notifications on the Stream page. You can also hide them entirely from the Stream page.
- Go to classroom.google.com.
- Click the class.
- On the Stream page, click Settings.
- Under General, next to Classwork on the Stream, select an option:
You can learn more about all of the Class settings here.
All quick tips are here: https://shakeuplearning.com/quick-tip-of-the-week/
What Students Have to Say About Remote Learning Over the last several weeks, I have talked to a variety of teachers and administrators about their experience with remote learning. We have all been experiencing this pandemic differently. This is why I wanted to chat with students to get their perspective. My cousin Charlotte is in the third grade and had a lot to say about missing school.
The Pandemic: From the Perspective of a Third Grader First up, I’m chatting with Charlotte Dollins, my cousin, about how remote learning has affected her third-grade year. At this point, she definitely doesn’t think learning at home is much fun. She misses art, recess, and seeing her friends.
She’s been busy doing her school "work" online and only gets to communicate with one of her teachers a few times a week.
Charlotte also shared that her teacher just introduced Friendship Friday, where they join a Zoom meeting to connect and see their friends. These connections are not about schoolwork or learning. I love this idea! It's so important to give kids a way to make those social and emotional connections outside of the lesson or assignment.
Charlotte has been spending more time with her dad, who is working from home while managing Charlotte and her little brother. She’s missing her teachers and her friends as well as the school library. Gotta love a girl who misses the library! At this point, she thinks it should be a summer vacation already. (Me too, Charlotte!)
The Pandemic: From the Perspective of a High School Senior Next, I welcome Elena Grande to the show to share her experience because this is her senior year in high school. She’s missing out on the last semester and many senior milestones. Elena has such a mature attitude and is taking it all in stride.
She equates this period to the five stages of grief. She keeps vacillating back and forth between acceptance and denial. In retrospect, life will continue, and everyone will be fine, but it's tough missing prom and graduation!
There have definitely been tears. She’s been working on staying in touch with her friends, and they text frequently, but that has only helped Elena realize that she doesn’t really like texting. When she gets to Facetime, it’s so much better.
Remote Learning During Senior Year Elena admits that the initial days of remote learning were a bit chaotic and tense. There were already tools in place, but to be fully remote was an entirely new world.
The worst part has been trying to keep to a schedule and making sure she gets all of her school work done when she doesn’t want to.
Some classes have been giving more work than others, and more specifically, she feels she is often assigned busywork. She thinks that the grading system is unfair at times. As a top student enrolled in several AP courses, it's difficult when you aren't rewarded with a grade that reflects your learning.
Their grades are static and frozen from before the school closures, but if students do no schoolwork while at home, they could be assigned an incomplete and not be allowed to graduate.
Elena said it’s crazy to think about how much work she has put in during the last couple of years that is now unnecessary. Even worse are the changes to her AP exams and requirements.
How Does it Feel to Miss Those Big Senior Moments?
Prom has been canceled. Elena said that it feels really surreal. She hasn’t even really processed that completely because her prom wasn’t scheduled until May. Once that date comes and goes, she knows she will have all the feelings.
She’s planning to do a virtual prom because she has the dress--why not get dressed up and share it with her friends.
Graduation is still on the books for May, but an alternate date has been set for August. They’re looking at venues they could use, but for Elena, it's hard to imagine never walking across the stage at her graduation.
It’s All About the Little Things All the little things like kids rushing off after the bell and settling into class… those are hard to miss. Elena also said that she misses her teachers and her classes. She recounts the last day before spring break, and she just walked out without a backward glance. It’s odd to realize that all those little things are things to cherish rather than take for granted.
The worst thing about being stuck at home is not having options. It’s one thing not to want to go out, but not to have the opportunity to go out, to be told that you can’t, changes everything.
The best thing that has come out of this time is the fact that she’s been able to spend more time with her family. They already had good family relationships, but they were all busy and on different schedules, so this time together has been nice.
Elena’s positivity was so refreshing. Her answers regarding grades, what school is about, and what she would love to tell teachers were spot on and definitely something we all need to hear.
Podcast Question of the Week * What’s one thing you learned from Charlotte and Elena that will help you better connect with your students during remote learning? * Post your answers in the Shake Up Learning community or on your favorite social platform.
Join our FREE Shake Up Learning Facebook group.
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
Leading from home through a crisis is a whole new beast. We, as educators and leaders, find ourselves leading from a very unexpected place. Home.
Good leaders step up and lead through hard times, and that's exactly what I see happening every day. I have never been more proud to call myself a teacher. Teachers are stepping up and doing things they've never done before, often without any training.
No one could have ever predicted we would be in this crisis, and that teachers and school leaders would be leading from home, but what have we learned? Where do we go from here? What will be our new normal?
Join me for this in-depth episode on leading through crisis and beyond for teachers and educational leaders.
Shoutout All the tech coaches in my Tech Coach Collaborative Group. Everyone has been so supportive and driven to help everyone thrive during this time.
Quick Tip of the Week Google Classroom: Use Private Comments for Reflection on assignments.
Some teachers take the private comments feature a step further and make it part of the assignment by requiring that students add a reflection as a private comment after they submit their assignment. Sean Fahey suggests using an open-ended question or give students a prompt like, “What did you like most about the assignment?” or “What part challenged you the most?”
Be sure to add this to your directions, so they don’t forget!
Watch this video to learn how!
All quick tips are here: https://shakeuplearning.com/quick-tip-of-the-week/
Leading Through Crisis and Beyond These are truly unprecedented times. As I’m recording, we are still deep in the clutches of the Covid-19 pandemic and emergency school closures. This means educators all over the country find themselves leading from home.
This is a post I never thought I would write. Our world has been turned upside down, and our plans have changed. Suddenly, I find myself writing about leading from home through a crisis.
As many schools, teachers, and other educational leaders are scrambling to deliver remote learning from our own homes; we find ourselves leading from an unexpected place.
Teachers are leading their students from home.
Principals are leading their campuses from home.
Technology coaches and leaders are leading from home.
Even Superintendents are suddenly leading hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, staff, and parents from their own homes.
We don't have answers, but we have many problems and obstacles in front of us.
Many of us are over-stressed, anxious, and worried about the virus, our loved ones, the future--the future of school, the future of the economy, and the future of our nation.
This global crisis will be marked on the history timeline of every country around the world.
Because you are a leader, the pressure is that much greater. You are not just worried about yourself and your loved ones, but your students and your school.
"How do we lead during a crisis?" - Craig Groeschel
Rest assured, we will get through this---TOGETHER!
Good leaders step up and lead through hard times, and that's exactly what I see happening every day. I have never been more proud to call myself a teacher. Teachers are stepping up and doing things they've never done before, often without any training.
The pressure is greater than ever for us to be a support system to our students and their families, but we are also worried and focused on our own families. So how do you lead through a crisis? Go. Do. Support. This is what educators do.
Anyone who ever thought being a teacher was easy is suddenly realizing that teachers are worth their weight in gold!
(Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast)
Take Care of Business Now We have the time and the opportunity to move the education system forward in a dramatic way. This is the opportunity to take care of issues that should have been done months or even years ago. For many educators, the tech training they’ve been putting off has suddenly become a must-have skill.
Never let a good crisis go to waste! We have many opportunities before us to lead like never before.
This is the opportunity to take care of issues that should have been done months or even years ago. For many educators, that tech training you've been putting off has suddenly become a must-have skill.
The 4 Phases of Crisis-Driven Remote Learning Phase 1: Emergency/Survival
The first phase is the emergency/survival mode. Many schools had already set the groundwork for digital learning and were able to adapt more quickly. For a host of others, this time has brought to light issues that need to be addressed as quickly as possible. You may still be in this phase right now.
Phase 2: Plan in Place
The second phase is when we start to hit our groove. The plan is in place, and most everyone knows the expectations. The lessons are laid out, we’ve started to figure out how to support each other and our students, and things have started to flow. Many districts are in this phase right now.
Phase 3: Wrap Up the School Year
Next, we will see the wrap-up. We’re wrapping up the school year to end this semester. However, now administrators are focused on how they can properly report on attendance numbers, support, grades, etc. to pass federal and state laws and requirements. I expect to see some last-minute pressure on administrators and teachers to comply with requirements at the state and federal level.
Phase 4: The New Normal
So what’s next? Figuring out our new normal. We don't know what this will look like yet or what school will look like in the fall. We do know that we will need digital learning tools for communication, collaboration, and to engage our students in learning inside and outside of the classroom. The need will still be there.
What We've Learned - The Gaps! Our gaps have become very apparent!
Digital Equity
Equity is one of the huge gaps. I commend those schools have been working triple time to offer wifi access and resources to kids who don’t necessarily have the means. The pandemic is truly highlighting the areas of need where equity in education doesn’t exist. This gap needs to be at the top of our list! (Learn more about digital equity in e51 with Ken Shelton.)
Skills
There are also so many gaps in the skills of teachers and students. The demand for basic digital learning skills has hit a new high. This emergency school closure has shown how many teachers haven't received training and professional learning. Schools who invested in meaningful PD for their teachers and set a standard for digital assignments were much more prepared.
Digital Tools
The need for digital tools is also bigger than ever. Schools and teachers who had ignored things like G Suite and Google Classroom were in a sink or swim situation. Now is not the time for new tools, as we learned from Jennifer Pearson. But if schools didn't have anything in place or expectations for teachers to use it, you had to find a solution quickly.
Offline and Online Activities
Even though students may be at home, even those with access to the Internet and devices, we don't need kids sitting in front of screens all day. The school day cannot be replicated online. We need a balance of offline and online activities, as mentioned in episode 57.
Communication
The need for concise and streamlined communication is ever apparent. Communication within districts and campuses, as well and student and family communication needs more context, and needs to be written in a way that all stakeholders understand, including making it available in multiple languages.
Many schools had policies and communications tools in place, which helped them communicate their home learning plans. Those who did not have streamlined plans have suffered and scrambled.
Privacy and Safety
Privacy and safety for our students and families have become a hot topic among schools and the media. We knew that protecting students was important at school, but how do we protect them at home?
Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship is more important than ever. Students need to learn and understand how to behave appropriately online, online etiquette, and how to protect themselves.
Leaning on G Suite, Microsoft, and other Tools to Survive Most schools have found themselves leaning heavily on G Suite or Microsoft tools to survive. Some were already users, some only had access without training, and some scrambled to get access in place so they could manage remote learning.
Why G Suite Now?
Teachers, students, parents, and schools need a one-stop-shop to distribute assignments. (Google Classroom)
The need for a video conferencing tool to connect and actually see faces! (Google Meet)
And also the need for a better understanding of cloud computing, sharing, and collaboration. I've answered a lot of basic questions from new users! (See also The Guide to Google Drive Sharing.)
Why G Suite Later?
We've made great strides over the last few weeks. Many teachers and students have gained new skills, and we don't want to lose that momentum.
But remember, the focus should NEVER be on the technology, but on the learning goals, no matter where the learning takes place.
Learn What’s Next Schools have been leaning on G Suite and Microsoft to survive. I’ve updated several of my resources. You need to know what it means to use cloud computing.
These tools are helping us to survive, but they will also be vital as we move forward. The number one purpose of these tools is collaboration. We will be able to maximize the skills learned during this period when we return to the new normal.
School leaders guide your teachers to the BEST resources to support your goals.
Curate and share! Don't overwhelm with a massive list of resources and links. Leaders must curate!
Connect and learn on social media, host a Twitter chat, create a Facebook group, or just search a useful hashtag.
The Opportunity for Dynamic Learning You are still a teacher! You still have your instructional skills. Don't forget that!
This period is not about digitizing a bunch of junk. Use this time to better your students and their attitude toward learning.
It's okay to fail. We are all learning, and we are better together.
We will use these new opportunities to move toward more dynamic learning experiences for our students when we return to the new normal.
Hang in there!
Podcast Question of the Week * What has been the biggest lesson you learned during this remote learning period? * Post your answers in the Shake Up Learning community or on your favorite social platform. * Join our FREE Shake Up Learning Facebook group.
FREE Webinar! G Suite for School Leaders: Leading the Normal with a Framework for Meaningful Digital Learning Education has forever been changed by the coronavirus and subsequent school closures.
You have G Suite for Education at your school, and it helped your teachers survive home learning, but what's next?
Let's explore ways to move forward into the "new normal" of school.
Digital learning is now more important than ever.
In this webinar, I will share tips for survival now, what's next, and a framework for meaningful digital learning that will take us to the next level.
REGISTER HERE!
Access the full blog post with links, pictures, and videos here.
Working and teaching from home is a whole new ballgame, but it is possible to do it productively. I’m sharing my best tips to help you work from home and get things done at the same time--everything from planning the night before to journaling and giving yourself grace.
This is a trying time, but it certainly isn’t impossible. I’ve been working from home for several years now, so I’m laying it all out there.
Truth be told, most of these productivity hacks are tips I would recommend whether you are working from home or school. But working from home does give you more flexibility to organize your day in a way that works for you in the home environment.
Shoutout Jennifer Pearson checked back in after her bonus episode. She provided some additional tips and information for how you can get back some one-on-one time with your students through “office hours.”
Please note, this post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Shake Up Learning. Quick Tip of the Week: Bookmark the Classwork Page in Google Classroom In Google Chrome, you can add it to your bookmarks bar for quick access.
To enable the bookmarks bar, click the 3 dots near the top-right in Chrome, then select bookmarks, and make sure the bookmarks bar is enabled.
Go to the Classwork page for the class you wish to bookmark.
Then you can simply click-and-drag the lock next to the URL in the Omnibox to add the bookmark to your bar.
Watch this video to learn how!
Work From Home AND Get Things Done! Every single one of us has a different situation happening at home, but we can all still find ways to be productive each day. Working from home is a challenge even under the best of circumstances, so I wanted to share some amazing productivity hacks to help you navigate this time. I promise you can maximize your time at home and get things done!
Goal Setting Have you set goals for the week, the month, or the year! Goals will help you stay focused on what matters and make things happen. Do you have a goal of cleaning out the garage, spring cleaning, cleaning up your Google Drive, or working toward a new degree? Take the time to set some personal and professional goals!
I use Power Sheets to set goals each year and to revisit and revise goals throughout the year. I've been using Power Sheets for around four years, and I love the focus and clarity they give me. Plus, they are super cute! I get out my gel pens and go to town brainstorming, journaling, and setting big goals.
2020 PowerSheets Collection
Nighttime Routines for a Successful Day Once you have clarified your goals, create some nightly routines.
- Review your calendar and to-do list: Before you go to bed, check your calendar and to-do list for the week. Don’t just look at the next day, look at the week as a whole, so you have a good high-level view of your week.
- Try affirmations: In case you’re not familiar with affirmations, they are short sentences aimed to affect the conscious and subconscious and positively impact our mindset. Read them aloud or to yourself. Anything you’re working through can be put into an affirmation to remind your brain of the goals you have. Here are some bedtime affirmations from Hal Elrod, the author of The Miracle Morning.
- Journal/Reflect: Reflect on the day. What went well? What didn't? Then journal through all the things that are currently causing your stress. Pour your heart out and let it go.
Morning Routines I've always been an early riser, and I do believe this time in the morning helps me attack the day with more gusto! If you are working from home, you may also be working around your kids and your spouse, so getting up early may be your only alone time. Use this time to help you reset and prepare for the day ahead.
Here are some tips for setting up your day for success. Do these in whatever order works for you!
- Prayer/Meditation
- Exercise
- Journaling
- Morning Affirmations and Visualizations
- Review Goals (If you have set goals, it's time to do it!)
- Review To-Do List and prioritize
- Select your three most important tasks for the day. (MITs)
- Plan your day!
Customize this routine to fit your needs, your goals, and your schedule.
After I get up and ready, I have my coffee and do my daily devotional. This could be time to meditate, read a book, or devotional, whatever helps to give you space and put you in the right mindset for the day. I’m currently reading Dangerous Prayer by Craig Groeschel and Unshakeable by Christine Caine.
Tend to Your Daily Mindset Work Morning Affirmations: Just like we had nighttime affirmations there are also daytime affirmations. There is something about reminding yourself about your goals each day that helps you prioritize them. Here's a daytime example from Hal Elrod.
Visualizations: Visualize reaching your goals. You can close your eyes and imagine or create a vision board. You can also create a vision board in Google Slides.
Journaling: Then spend time journaling. Journal at night to de-stress and journal in the morning to write out what you need to get done that day.
Exercise: I prefer to workout in the morning, but feel free to work this into your day where it works for you. Especially during quarantine, make time to get some fresh air.
Get Down to Business Review: Review your goals, your to-do list, and review your calendar. If you do these together, you’ll be able to prioritize your tasks and make room in your day for small steps that move you forward. I use Omnifocus for my tasks. It's quite robust, but I also like Google Keep. There are a ton of to-do list apps. Find what works for you.
I use Google Calendar for my calendar app. Did you know you can have Google Calendar email your daily agenda every morning?
Prioritize Your Tasks: Determine your 3 Most Important Tasks for the day (MITs). There are several strategies to try, but I like using the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize my tasks.
I don't use the Eisenhower Matrix every day, just when my list is long and overwhelming.
I also prioritize all of my tasks with a letter and numbering system that I learned from the Franklin Covey method.
Plan Your Day: Next, you’ll want to plan your day. Block out the times you plan to work on certain tasks.
I love planners! There are so many fun and helpful options. I'm a fan of the Franklin Covey Planner, the Passion Planner, and the Slides Mania planner templates.
I am completely digital with my daily planner. I have even customized the Slides Mania planner template with my branding, my personal way of organizing tasks, and my personal goals. I saved it as a PDF and import it into Good Notes on my iPad Pro, so I can write on the planner with my Apple Pencil 2. I LOVE IT!
Here's the planner template I used from Slides Mania. They also Lesson Planners, and directions on how to customize!
If you want to use mine, you can click here to make a copy.
Work from Home Productivity Techniques Time Blocking: Most human beings cannot stay inherently focused for 8 hours at a time. Instead, try time blocking your day. For bigger projects, and things that require you to think critically, try blocking out 1-2 hours to work on ONE THING. For instance, plan your day with a 1-2 hour block of time to work on grading and feedback.Pomodoro Technique: Take breaks! I use the Pomodoro Technique to stay productive within my time blocks. The Pomodoro Technique breaks work down into intervals. You work for 25-30 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. I like to use this time to walk around, stretch my legs, and pick up around the house or fold laundry. Then you go again.
I use an app called Focus To-Do on my iPhone for Pomodoro timers.
Since most of our work is in front of screens these days, this is also a break for your eyes and from screen time.
When I first heard of this, I thought it was crazy and that it would break my flow. NOT TRUE! It helps me stay hyper-focused when I need to be.
I also recommend this technique for secondary students in the classroom doing deep work!
Turn Off Distractions and Notifications: Turn off the TV. Turn off your notifications. No, you do not need to know that someone liked your social post as soon as it happens! Notifications on your phone and computer are a HUGE distraction.
Limit your notifications to just your VIPs, and the things you MUST know immediately. During COVID-19, the news is important, but can also distract you. Find a balance, so this isn't ruining your focus or stressing you out. Instead, try batching these tasks and only checking updates, email, or other notifications 1-3 times/day.
Try Music or White Noise: Some people can focus well with music. Others need silence. Adults generally know if they can be productive with music playing. If I need a mood boost, I will listen to some of my favorite tunes. But I know that I will start singing and dancing and get distracted if I do that too long. I have learned that I work well while listening to classical music. Baroque piano music is a particular favorite.
There are also many ways to listen to white noise like the sounds of a restaurant or cafe, nature, rain, or even thunderstorms. Once upon a time, I used Noisli. I like how you can customize your own mix of sounds. I don't like that everything isn't free. I already pay for Spotify, and they have lots of options. You can also find great work music on YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Music, or Pandora.
Batch Tasks: Batch your work tasks by working on time-consuming tasks only once or twice/day. Email can be a huge drain on your time and energy. Unless your job absolutely requires you to see and read an email as soon as it comes in, turn email notifications off! Check your email twice a day. You may need to communicate this to the people you work with, so they know your schedule and what to expect.
I also batch my errands, so I can save gas and limit time sitting in traffic.
Don't forget self-care and grace! Take care of yourself, especially during quarantine. Take a walk, a drive, or escape in a hot bath!
Most important is to give yourself grace. No one is perfect, and there are now awards for the best "Quarantiner!"
You don’t have to follow the same path every day, planning is key to get things done!
Resources: * Omnifocus * Google Calendar * Calendly * Evernote * Docs/Drive * Trello * Basecamp
Book Recommendations: * The Miracle Morning * The Miracle Morning for Teachers * Getting Things Done * Free to Focus * The Power of Habit * Atomic Habits * Deep Work * Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life * Power Sheets * 7 Habits of Highly Effective People * The 12 Week Year * Dangerous Prayer by Craig Groeschel * Unshakeable by Christine Caine
Podcast Question of the Week * Share one thing you are doing to be more productive while you work from home. * Post your answers in the Shake Up Learning community or on your favorite social platform.
Join our FREE Shake Up Learning Facebook group.
Access the full blog post here.
Christine Pinto and Jessica Twomey, two amazing kinder teachers, join me to discuss home learning strategies for primary students that ALL teachers can use.
These awesome educators share amazing home learning strategies for primary students, and honestly, ANY teacher can learn from this episode.
This is a MUST-LISTEN episode for all teachers.
Shoutout Laura Steinbrink joined me on Episode 56 to chat about choice boards, but she’s back with an update. She is revising her choice board based on feedback from her students. Some of them prefer a big project rather than small ones. She shares how she has now updated her board to offer either one big project a week or several smaller ones. Keep shifting and changing to find what works for you and your students.
Quick Tip of the Week: Copy Direct Link to Google Classroom Assignment Depending on how you are creating assignments in Google Classroom, this tip can help you quickly link to assignments elsewhere. Go to the 3 dots (more menu) on the assignment and select “copy link.” You can now share that assignment wherever else you need. Watch this YouTube video to learn how!
Get all the weekly tips on this page.
Home Learning Strategies for Primary Students That All Teachers Can Use! You are going to love the ideas from these two awesome kindergarten teachers. Together we will learn some home learning strategies for primary students that all teachers can use.
Jessica and Christine, both kindergarten teachers, have been collaborating for over three years with their classes. They’ve set up a number of rituals for their kids so that they stay connected all year long. From the “Wish You Well” hearts to their daily updates on the weather and happenings, their kids know that learning happens outside of the classroom.
These collaborations and technology integration during the regular class meetings have set these students up for success during the unexpected home learning that is now taking place.
Jessica says this cross-country collaboration helps students better understand that learning can live outside the four walls fo the classroom. Their students already have a growth mindset and a foundational understanding about how learning works--giving them an advantage to understanding the new home learning approach.
How Learning Has Changed on Opposite Ends of the Country California hasn’t fully stepped into a true digital classroom. Their spring break is coming up soon, so until then, they’ve been providing supplements and enrichment activities for families. After the break, Christine thinks they’ll move to requiring the kids to turn in assignments and do more targeted activities.
New Jersey instead has stepped fully into focusing on ongoing learning versus just enrichment. They are working to keep grade-level consistency as well, which is extremely important. Jessica mentions that both districts are using similar technology; they’re overall goals are just a bit different.
Why Supporting Families is Important Right Now This change has been hugely impactful on parents, so giving them the tools and support that they need to help educate their children is necessary. Jessica shares how her district is using Seesaw and Flipgrid to help provide spaces for the parents and kids to learn and communicate.
Also, the focus is on hands-on learning and experiences versus “book” learning. For the youngest students, we have to be careful with too much screen time. It’s also important to note that for many families, school is happening in the evening. They need to have access to resources even though they aren’t teaching during the regular school day.
These technology tools were already in place before schools closed. This is not the time for new tools, use the tools that have already been proven.
What Has Been the Expectation for Time and Assignments? The goal for both Jessica and Christine’s districts has been to promote learning without expecting these kids to sit in front of a screen. They’ve put together the resources and materials that parents need to help their students learn through experience.
The districts have made it known that consistency is a priority, but that there should also be a healthy dose of flexibility. They know that while parents want the best for their kids, they are not always equipped to teach their youngsters.
Teaching Young Children From Home Framework
Christine and Jessica walk us through their framework for teaching and learning from home with young children. Learn more about this framework and their approach in this post.
[ctt template="1" link="Ea9Ic" via="yes" ]We have the opportunities to redefine our educational framework. If we choose tools and learning experiences wisely now, they can follow up back into the classroom.[/ctt]
Recommendations for Teachers:
- Ensure a Method for Communication is in Place
- Create a Home Base for Information
- Develop Learning Connections
- Offer Purpose and an Authentic Audience
- Personalize Experiences
Learn More About Innovating Play Christine and Jessica have been working on creating resources for teachers to help them realize their strengths and how to build their communication systems. Think about the skills and goals that your kids have been working on and build out activities that help your students continue on those paths.
Christine shares the process they’ve created through Innovating Play to help teachers understand how their skills translate to the digital learning space. She builds a house with the foundation, walls, interior, and roof and explains how your classroom curriculum translates.
Where is This Period Going to Take Us? Both Christine and Jessica hope that the tools and strategies we are using today continue once everything is back to normal. The involvement of parents during this time and the increased engagement with students in a more dynamic way are invaluable.
They share how you can help support your students’ parents by reducing the expectation. Help them redefine their norms and make this period relatable to other experiences they’ve had. What you need is for you and your child to be successful.
Christine and Jessica share information on their upcoming book! We are looking forward to this amazing resource.
About Christine Pinto and Jessica Twomey Twitter: @PintoBeanz11 @jlabar2me
Website: innovatingplay.world
Title: Kindergarten Teachers
Bio: Christine Pinto and Jessica Twomey have been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 18 years collectively. Their kindergarten classes have collaborated on a DAILY, yearlong, basis from their locations in California and New Jersey for a number of years. Christine and Jessica moderated the #InnovatingPlay/#GAfE4Littles Slow Flip Chat via Flipgrid for a year and a half, and are proud to be publishing a book with Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. When opportunities arise, Christine and Jessica travel to present about Innovating Play and how they preserve, protect, and transform early childhood experiences in and beyond the classroom.
Super Slow Chat Book Edition
Podcast Question of the Week * How can my students and I grow together through this remote learning experience? * Post your answers in the Shake Up Learning community or on your favorite social platform. * Join our FREE Shake Up Learning Facebook group.
Full blog post and show notes available here.
Let's get real, y'all! While the world is battling the coronavirus, teachers and schools are scrambling to figure out what this home learning thing looks like.
I've put together 12 practical tips for remote learning during school closures.
To be clear, this is about this particular crisis situation. These are not the same tips that I would share for a normal school day.
Let's keep this practical. Let's prioritize what's really important right now. Let's share and collaborate to make the best of this situation.
12 Practical Tips for Remote Learning During School Closures I wish I could do this for you. I wish I could take this burden off of the many teachers who are in a panic right now. Take comfort in the fact that we are all in this together.
Here's some practical advice to consider for home learning during school closures.
- Grace is Greater Than Grades We’ve never faced this problem before, and we need to make sure our priorities are in the right place.
While many are focused on the tech, and how to deliver lessons electronically, we must face a harsher reality.
This isn’t just an eLearning day.
This is not a snow day.
This is UNPRECEDENTED.
Students, teachers, and parents are scared and suddenly balancing fears and anxiety with working and teaching from home. All of us, including you and me, need a little grace right now.
Under normal circumstances, I would never recommend completion grades, but right now, they may be the best we can get.
I wrote more about grace in this post.
- Prioritize Emotional Needs For some of our students, we are their only safe place. They miss their teachers and the safety of school. Even our students that have safe and loving homes miss their classmates and teachers.
Let's prioritize the emotional needs above the learning needs. I always come back to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and meeting these basic needs is more important than a worksheet or checklist.
If you can, schedule a daily or weekly office hours check-in with your class. If your school has enabled a video conferencing tool like Zoom or Hangouts Meet, set aside a couple of hours to be online for any students who want to chat.
Record a good morning video for your students. Show them your workspace, your family, your pet, anything to connect on a human level. Everyone is missing connections right now.
Keep interactions light-hearted when possible. Try having a joke of the day, funny video of the day, or playing a game.
- Choose a Platform and Stick with It! As I learned many weeks ago from my interview with Jennifer Pearson, a teacher who had been teaching her students in China remotely for many weeks, this is NOT the time to throw a bunch of new tools at our teachers and students.
If you were using Google Classroom, or another LMS before your school closed, great! If not, you may be scrambling to figure this out--and that's okay. (Here are some cheat sheets to help with Google Classroom.)
But as a campus, and as a teacher, choose your platform and stick with it! Consistency is your best friend right now. It doesn't need to be fancy. It doesn't need to be innovative.
Create a one-stop-shop for your students--something I have always recommended. Whether that is Google Classroom, a Google Doc, a Google Site, SeeSaw, Microsoft Teams, whatever, keep it simple! Only use new tools if you haven't been using this kind of technology at all!
We are in survival mode. If we can get kids to engage in any kind of learning right now, we should count ourselves lucky.
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Prioritize Offline Activities for Equity We need more offline activities than online activities for multiple reasons:
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Digital equity is a significant problem in most areas, so we must give students offline options.
- Even students with devices and an Internet connection, shouldn't spend all day in front of a screen.
- The distractions online have always been an issue, but now more than ever, as coronavirus talks dominate every media.
- The stress of this on parents, teachers, and students is tremendous. Keep it simple!
Give students offline options for every activity you assign. Get creative! Offline or paper choice boards, at home BINGO, scavenger hunts, and more, can keep students engaged and entertained. They don't have to require rigor and critical thinking right now. I'm sorry, but just keeping it real.
- Use a Simple Weekly Checklist Jennifer Pearson also recommended the checklist idea, but I've seen so many crazy templates floating around, it's essential to keep things simple.
It doesn't have to be daily. Many schools are embracing a partial week schedule, which I think is a good idea. Assigning activities for the week will simplify communications and the turn-in process.
This can be a simple Google Doc or Word Doc, printed for those without access. I would even consider creating a 2-3 week checklist to simplify even more.
Check out the weekly checklists shared in this post.
- Reduce Work by AT LEAST HALF Jennifer Pearson learned early on that you cannot replicate the school schedule every day at home. She recommends reducing the workload by half. I say you may need to take that even further than half.
Again, we cannot replicate the school day at home.
- It's NOT About the FREE Tech Tools
Times are tough. Remote teaching and learning is hard, and many teachers, students, and parents find themselves increasingly dependent on technology right now.
I am happy to see technology embraced, even if it is out of necessity.
However, the focus of what we teach should still be aligned with our learning goals, not the technology.
In fact, now, more than ever, we need to be equitable, patient, and full of grace for all our learners.
I get it. Right now, teachers need help. They are searching for it, and desperate to find a solution to help them manage this mess we call remote learning, home learning, distance learning...Heck! We don't even know what to call it because it is so new and unprecedented.
Take a deep breath. You got this. You are a teacher, and our bottom line is still about learning and supporting our students, not about finding the BEST tech tool.
Yes, it's great that so many are available during this crisis, but these giant lists are not useful to the average classroom teacher.
As Jennifer Pearson says, use what your students know. New tools can cause assignments to be late or wrong and can add to the anxiety over the situation.
Digital learning leaders may find these lists useful, but for the average teacher or parent, it just adds to the confusion and chaos.
Please do not overwhelm your classroom teachers with one hundred free tech tools.
If you are a leader, take this list down to 3-7 tools for each grade level or subject area.
- All Teacher Videos Should Be Recorded If you have the capability, record any live teacher videos, so students who cannot attend live don't feel left out. Even the ones without access may appreciate this when they return to school.
While we have to be careful and follow privacy and protection laws for recording children if teachers are willing to record their lessons or a good morning video, let's make sure every child gets a chance to see it. That may mean that these are saved for later viewing for students without access.
- Give Students DETAILED Directions Remember, without you there by their side; students have no context. They need even more detailed directions than usual.
Here's a post on How to Package Your Digital Assignments that should give you some ideas.
- No Assigned Group Work! As much as I usually encourage collaborative learning, now is not the time. This will over-complicate things for you and your students. Do not require that students collaborate or work together.
Those students that can work together are already getting on Facetime to share the answers. Yes, I said it, and you know it will happen. Yet another reason to keep it simple and understand we can't control the environment.
- Fail Forward We all have to have a growth mindset through this process and accept the fact that this is not going to be perfect.
The control freak teachers and administrators will have to let that go. There is no way to control this. There is no way to know precisely what is happening in the home learning environment.
It's all going to be fine, even if it is not perfect. Even if there are things we don't know and cannot predict at this moment, it is what it is.
I beg administrators not to micromanage teachers and students during this time. Even if you ask teachers and students to track EVERYTHING right now, it will not be accurate. Treat your teachers as the professionals they are. Trust them to know what's happening with their students. Just because you can't control it, doesn't mean we should be micromanaging. This doesn't help the situation at all, and in fact, it is adding more stress and anxiety to an already stressful situation.
No matter what your role in education, we all have to let go and accept that this is out of our control. You will learn things from day one. You will adapt and be flexible because you are an educator, and that's what we've always done.
- Practice Self Care
Don't forget to take care of yourself during all of this! Being a teacher is hard under normal circumstances.
You are about to put on your superhero cape and FLY! I know you can do what needs to be done, but be sure you take time to relax, exercise, pray, meditate, take a long bath, whatever you can do to keep your stress and anxiety down so you can be there for your students.
And of course, practice social distancing, stay home if you can, and by all means, WASH YOUR HANDS!
This is NOT Our Tech Moment.
As much as technology has suddenly become a priority, even for the most resistant teachers, this is not our moment. By "our," I mean all of us who work in edtech, support edtech, promote edtech, and love edtech.
Leaders in digital learning are also suddenly very popular, and this is our moment to help and support.
Technology will help us survive this, but we also have to accept that survival mode means we can't expect innovative, dynamic learning experiences in an environment we can't control. Even in schools that are working hard to send home devices and hot spots, we have to accept the fact that we have ZERO control over what happens in the home.
When we return to school, I do believe there will be a renewed interest in digital learning, and then we will have our moment.
Thank you for all you do!
I don't think there has been a time when I have ever been more proud to be an educator!
Resources to Help FREE Resources, Podcasts, Blog Posts, Cheat Sheets, & More! I am working day and night to create FREE resources, videos, podcasts, cheat sheets, and more. New podcasts and blog posts are in the works to help you through this.
I created a brand new Google Classroom Cheat Sheets, one for teachers, and one for students. I hope these help more teachers who suddenly find themselves having to learn a new platform.
I've created a Remote Learning Resource page, curating all of the resources that are specifically useful at this time.
I have been blogging for more than six years, and have created hundreds of free articles, podcasts, ebooks, cheat sheets, webinars, and more. Check out FREE PD for Teachers Stuck at Home.
I am also creating and adding new YouTube videos to my channel. Subscribe to the Shake Up Learning channel so you get notified.
FREE Tech Coach Collaborative I am also putting together a collaborative group for digital learning leaders and tech coaches. It's a work in progress, but we are better together.
Join us for weekly meetings and shared resources.
50% Off Online Courses I have also discounted my current online courses by 50%. I wish I could give these away for free.
Please know, there is a cost to these courses, the platform, customer service, and providing service hours. The purchase of these courses helps me continue to create all of the FREE resources that I provide.
MUST USE COUPON = homelearning at checkout to claim the 50% discount.
This includes the following courses:
- The Google Classroom Master Class (reg. $99) – NOW $49.50!
- The Google Slides Master Class (reg. $59) – NOW $29.50!
- The Dynamic Learning Workshop (reg. $99) – NOW $49.50
- BUNDLE: Get ALL THREE for $128.50!
Complete show notes with screenshots and templates available here.
As we all find new ways to teach and learn during this unprecedented time, I want to share how you approach home learning with choice boards during school closures.
In this episode with classroom teacher, Laura Steinbrink, you will learn how she is using choice and flexibility to reach the needs of her students.
Laura is creating a week's worth of activities on one choice board with both online and offline options to make sure everything is equitable.
She is even sharing her activities and templates. You don't want to miss this episode!
But first…
Shoutout Shoutout to all of the amazing educators in the Shake Up Learning Facebook group, helping each other, sharing ideas, and collaborating. Join us here. (It's FREE!)
Quick Tip of the Week: This week, I want to hear from YOU! Let's all share what home learning looks like and jump on this Flipgrid to share your workspace, your struggles, your triumphs, and your lesson ideas.
Home Learning with Choice Boards During School Closures (This interview was recorded on March 19, 2020.)
Today, I am chatting with my friend and colleague, Laura Steinbrink. Laura is a high school teacher with 24 years of experience and is currently teaching in Plato, Missouri, as well as the communications director and softball coach for her district. She wears many hats in her small, rural school district.
Laura has always integrated technology in her classroom. Her students have been using Google Classroom and many other digital tools during the regular school year. So they already understand how to use many different tools.
It's also worth noting that at the time of this interview, state testing was still on the table. But very soon after we wrapped up, Laura received the news that it had been waived.
Laura's school district is closed, like many across the world, due to the coronavirus. Teachers were given a very short amount of time to plan for home learning. Many students do not have devices or internet access, so they had to provide paper packets that were hand-delivered to their students with an entire week's worth of assignments.
The teachers were told they had to give both online and offline options for the activities they provide students during this time. Any students with IEPs must be supplied with paper modifications.
Teachers at Laura's school district were told, "Whatever you do CAN be done digitally, but MUST be offered on paper." Laura also happens to be married to the Technology Director for her school district, Cayl Steinbrink, and he has been working with Computers for Learning, a federal government program, to get discounted equipment for their schools.
Cayl has also accepted some basic facts around this idea of home learning. He says, "We cannot hold students accountable for the work they are going to have to do at home." We cannot control that environment. We can have expectations, but we need to have some grace with that.
We have to remember that even students who have access may have limitations, connectivity issues, limited data, and limited devices.
Laura recommends that we don't overwhelm students (and parents) with everything you send home. This is a different learning environment, and we want to make sure it is still manageable and valuable.
Laura has been using the Shake Up Learning Tic-Tac-Toe Choice Board Template to drive her lessons for the week (see below for template). This will keep things simple for students and parents, and save some paper. (Learn more: Interactive Choice Boards with G Suite (FREE Templates).)
Each square is worth 20 points, in hopes they will complete five for a completion grade. We cannot grade things as we would under normal circumstances. (If you haven't read Grace is Greater Than Grades, it will help put things in perspective.)
FREE Tic-Tac-Toe Choice Board Template (Google Docs)
CLICK HERE to Make a Copy | CLICK HERE to Use the Template
Please DO NOT request access. You do not need it to be shared with you. You just need to make a copy or use the template link to add it to your Google Drive.
Laura is giving her students nine choices and not forcing the actual 3-choice tic-tac-toe completion. Instead, she is giving students 20 points for each square they complete. In each square, there is an online choice and offline choice.
If students choose the online option, they also have the choice of tools. These are tools that Laura has used with them in school. They are not new to her students. Use the tools your students know!
Each of the choice boards is aligned to the standards and learning goals for that subject and grade level.
Students completing offline activities will turn those into the school.
Students completing the online activities are curating each activity they complete on a page, like Adobe Spark, Google Sites, etc. This way, as the teacher, she only has to collect ONE link online through the Google Classroom assignment.
Laura's Figurative Language Choice Board for Home Learning (High School, Google Docs) CLICK HERE to Make a Copy | CLICK HERE to Use the Template
Laura's Mythology Heroes Choice Board (High School, Google Docs)
CLICK HERE to Make a Copy | CLICK HERE to Use the Template
Laura's Masque of the Red Death Choice Board (High School, Google Docs) CLICK HERE to Make a Copy | CLICK HERE to Use the Template
Laura's Spanish Stem Changing Verbs Choice Board (High School, Google Docs)
CLICK HERE to Make a Copy | CLICK HERE to Use the Template
Blogging with Google Classroom Laura also shared a great technique for using Google Classroom as a way to link and organize student blogs. Check out her post for details on how she makes this work!
Other Resources Shared in this Episode * Blogging with Google Classroom (Laura Steinbrink) * Caption This Activity with Google Drawings (Laura Steinbrink and Matt Miller) * Shake Up Learning Remote Learning Resource Page * Tech Coach Collaborative Group * Google Classroom Cheat Sheets for Teachers and Students
About Laura Steinbrink Twitter: @SteinbrinkLaura
Website: https://rockntheboat.com/
Laura Steinbrink, a teacher for 24 years, presents technology and instructional practices at workshops locally, around her state, and nationally. She is also the Technology Integration Coach, Communications Director, Webmaster, yearbook adviser, esports GM, and high school English/Spanish teacher for the Plato R-V School District. Laura is the author of www.rockntheboat.com, a Feedspot Top 200 blog in Education, and she has published articles for Ditch That Textbook, Instant Relevance, ISTE, ISTE TEN, Kahoot, Getting Smart, Classtime, and other educational related companies. Laura is also a contributing author in Focused Environments, Stories of Change Vol 3, published by Connected Learning, and In Other Words: Quotes That Push Our Thinking by Rachelle Dene Poth, published by Edumatch Publishing. Laura’s work in the classroom was also featured in ISTE’s Empowered Learner Magazine, What Works: Sketchnoting engages students while building comprehension.
Over the years, I have cultivated a laundry list of tips and ideas for using Google Docs in the classroom. In this episode, I will share with you 10 Google Docs Tips Every Teacher Should Know. We will cover basic skills, as well as, some tips to help you become a power user.
CLICK here to view the show notes and full blog post with step-by-step directions and screenshots.
Access the full blog post here.
Let’s face it, not every topic or subject is something intrinsically interesting to young learners. This is why I have a special on-air coaching episode for you with Debra Copeland and Rebekah Munoz.
Get ready to learn how you can start engaging students who aren’t interested in the content you’re presenting to them.
I wish students would love our content as much as their teachers, but it's just not gonna happen.
There will always be topics that interest different students, and there will always be struggles with skills that are challenging.
Writing is one of those challenges.
As a former language arts teacher, I'll admit, I struggled with teaching writing. It's not easy to teach, and it's definitely not easy for our young students to master, let alone enjoy.
Let's dive into this on-air coaching episode with two teachers who are always striving to improve and engage students in new ways.
But first...
Shoutout Ryan Read called in on the SpeakPipe line to share ways he uses sketchnoting with his students. This goes back to Episode 48 with Carrie Baughcum as we discussed creative ways to use sketchnoting in the classroom.
Quick Tip of the Week: Check out this blog post from Jake Miller about a slides timer extension. Clay Smith is an educator in New York City, and he created a Chrome extension that allows you to put a live timer on your slides!
Engaging Students Who Aren't Interested in the Content For Debra Copeland and Rebekah Munoz of Rudder MS, this is especially true. Their school is primarily filled with economically disadvantaged students who speak over 30 different languages.
They are both extremely busy heading different teams within their school to help bring in and train new teachers, build leaders, coaching sports, and helping with incorporating technology. If that weren’t enough, they teach ELA in a grade that is tested for STAAR.
The Biggest Struggle When you teach in a school with students of such varied backgrounds and languages, it’s hard to help them hone their writing schools. For Debra and Rebekah, it’s especially hard because they are teaching their students to pass the state tests.
Rebekah shares that one of her biggest struggles is helping her students understand that the first draft is not the final draft. They aren’t motivated to learn how to make their writing better in many cases, because they don’t fully understand the language, or just aren’t engaged.
We dive deep in this call to see which tactics have worked best in Rebekah's classroom. She shares that having the process displayed and represented in stages on her wall has helped her students visualize the process better.
As they finish each section, they get to move their name down the line on the wall, and this has helped motivate more of her students, but there is still work to be done. While this process is improving, she wants more of her students to engage and understand the purpose.
Ways to Increase Engagement Rebekah is already doing some amazing things with her students, but Debra and I help point out ways she could revise the lessons to make them more engaging. Rather than having to rely solely on self-revisions, she could allow peers to use suggesting edits in Google Docs.
In this same way, to promote reading work out loud to hear the errors, she could be using Flipgrid to allow another student to read the work out loud and give meaningful feedback.
Debra has implemented both of these strategies, and they’ve helped both the writer and reviewer to level up their writing skills.
Why Reflection is Important to the Writing Process Whether a student is reviewing and reflecting on their own writing or someone else’s, their understanding of the writing process will improve. Going forward, Rebekah plans to use bits and pieces of Debra’s process and her own to help her students better understand the writing process.
She’s going to give her students a rubric to fill out as the writer reads their work and records on Flipgrid. The reviewers will fill out the rubric, and after everything is done, they can then make comments on the work.
This will all take place after they’ve done their mini-lessons on self-revision, and this will show them everything they missed. This will further show why revisions are so important to writing.
How Could These Changes be Measured?
Rebekah would likely use modeling to reveal additional ways that students could reflect on their work. She wrote her own essay for this project, and in the future, would give the students the rubric to grade her work as well.
Debra mentions that Rebekah is really good at using Screencastify. She could record the modeling lesson so that students would be able to review the lesson as often as needed, and any absent students would have access to the lesson.
Another way to use Screencastify would be to use the same draft and show the revision process over time. This way, Rebekah could point out why certain words were changed and why certain sections were re-written.
I also mentioned the Draftback Chrome extension could be handy for seeing the revision process come to life.
It would also help her better explain what she means by expecting their first drafts to “look” messy once revisions are done.
Why Publishing the Student’s Work Changes Their Perspective Because of Shake Up Learning, Rebekah has been digging into expanding the audience that sees the students’ work. She’s been using Google sites to publish the final drafts of her student’s papers, and it has changed their willingness to perfect their work.
She shares a recent project that they did regarding writing an email. The students got to email another student or teacher in the district to share different subjects. One of those subjects was how the student felt they’d changed from the prior year to this year.
The things the student’s shared really touched her. Students were proud to learn how to build their sites, and sharing how much their writing had improved.
What Are Their Next Steps?
Debra wants to offer more opportunities to allow students more creative ways to present their ideas. The district is moving toward using Choice Boards. She is working to make the writing more authentic and real world.
Rebekah completely agrees. She is trying to teach her students how to be engaged authentically and to take away the fact that this is not for a grade but for life. She wants to build life-long learners.
About Debra Copeland * 36 years teaching preschool, elementary, and middle school * Teaching Fellowship for 3 years with pre-service teachers at University of Texas San Antonio * Published Author in Curriculum Theory - De-Mythologizing Educational Reform (ROOT) * Second year at Rudder Middle School as an Instructional Coach for ELA * Debra on Twitter
About Rebekah Munoz * 10 years of teaching experience- ELA grades 6-7 * Taught my first 5 years in South Texas- the majority of my students were ESLs/At Risk/Eco Dis from Mexico * Have been at Rudder MS for 5 years- similar demographics * All my teaching experience has been at Title 1 campuses * My passion is geared towards low performing and reluctant readers * My goal is to motivate students to fall in love with reading and become lifelong learners * I enjoy taking risks with technology and thinking outside the box with traditional lesson plans * Rebekah on Twitter
Podcast Question of the Week: * What strategies do you use to better engage students in the content that doesn’t interest them? * Post your answers in the Shake Up Learning community or on your favorite social platform. * Join our FREE Shake Up Learning Facebook group.
Get Google Certified This Summer! The Google Certification Academies will open again on May 25, 2020!
Don't miss this opportunity to take your Google skills to the next level.
Join the waitlist to get access to exclusive content and giveaways in May.
Please go to the blog post here to access the entire list of apps.
Google is known for making their applications open to working with third-party applications, and Google Classroom is no exception. I have put together a list of 70+ Apps that Integrate with Google Classroom, making it even easier to create lessons and announcements with your favorite apps and resources. In this episode, I'm going to explore my favorites from the list!
Access the full blog post here.
Are you prepared for online learning if your school is closed for an extended period of time? In this special BONUS episode, you can prepare for coronavirus closures and get online learning tips for teachers and schools.
Teachers and administrators listen up!
In this candid interview, I chat with Jennifer Pearson, a tech coach who recently evacuated from China due to the Corona Virus.
Jennifer's school has been relying on home learning and online learning with their students in China for several weeks now. Jennifer shares tips, tools, and best practices for this special situation. And it's not what you think!
Jennifer helps us focus on the right things during this difficult time.
FREE Webinar: Online Learning Tips for Teachers and Schools Jennifer and I will also be doing a FREE Webinar on this topic on Tuesday, March 10, at 4 PM CST. You can participate live and ask questions, or watch the recording. Either way, register here, so you don't miss it!
REGISTER FOR THE FREE WEBINAR
It's important to note the big differences between online learning "snow" days, and the seriousness of closing because of something like the Corona Virus. The time period could be much longer. And while we may use some of the same tools and strategies, the stress and emotions that students and teachers experience during a time like this will be very different. Let's remember Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
Listen to the full interview:
Below are tips and takeaways from Jennifer for facilitating home learning with students when your school campuses are closed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), or other extenuating circumstances.
Jennifer says, "Get a plan!" We cannot sit back and just hope for the best. We need to have plans in place so we can react accordingly.
Coronavirus Closures? Online Learning Tips for Teachers and Schools by Jennifer Pearson
- Online Learning Doctrine In this new frontier of online learning, everyone will need a little guidance as to how things should work when schools are closed for long periods of time. Our school created an online learning doctrine very quickly in reaction to the coronavirus closures.
A document outlining some basic guidelines for teachers from your school's administration will clear up any gray areas. A document informing parents what they can expect from the school during online learning would also be comforting to parents.
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Get Comfortable Take a pic of your workspace, post it, and ask students to show you theirs. Show students what makes a good workspace, and how to create their own.
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Choose a Platform and Stick With It. This platform should be one that students have used before, and one which they are comfortable. Google Classroom, Seesaw, OneNote, or Microsoft Teams are all useful.
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This is NOT the Time for New Tech Tools!
Students need routine and structure during this time. Their way of learning has been changed; their environment has been changed, their routine has been changed, do NOT introduce new tech tools, and expect students to use them for learning during the first month of Online Learning. You can have new content or new tech, not both. Go for the content at this difficult time in students’ lives.
- Use a Checklist Post a checklist every day to help students make sure they do all of their work for the day. In a long feed of posts, it is easy for students to lose track and become unsure of what they’ve accomplished and have yet to accomplish. Checklists can look different depending on the platform.
Here’s an idea to use in Google Classroom:
Make a topic with the day of the week and everything that will be posted for the day. Specialists can access the Google Classroom and add to the topic. You can schedule the topic for the week and allow Specialists access to schedule all of their assignments for the week ahead of time.
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Video, Video, Video! Your presence as a teacher and trusted adult in students’ lives is important to the daily routine. Your students miss you! You know your students are accustomed to your way of instructing, it helps them construct meaning. Your voice and presence is important for your students. They need to see and hear you every day. This does not mean a video conference with them every day. It means you record yourself saying, “Good Morning,” every day and recording video instructions every day. Keep it short, light, and cheery. No one needs a fifteen minute lecture video. Screencastify, Flipgrid, and even your iPhone screen recorder will work for this.
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Reduce the Workload by Half
I know this is not a popular idea. I don’t mean less Reading and less Math; I mean choose three subjects for the day. Monday may be Reading, Math, and P.E. Tuesday can be Science, Math, and Music. Wednesday is Social Studies, Art, and Reading. What you will soon come to find out about online learning is that it takes twice as long to do half as much. There are many reasons for this, but I challenge you as an adult to stay focused on the internet for three hours and see how many times you get distracted. Minds wander, comprehension breaks down, and it isn’t hard to get a digital hangover.
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Consolidate Work Consolidate work as much as possible for students. Fewer clicks, fewer distractions. Try not to send them to tons of websites, sort through different databases, no WebQuests. Put everything you can into a Slide deck or a Nearpod lesson. Every time students have to go search for something, there’s a chance they will get distracted.
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Capture Kids' Hearts Capturing kids’ hearts is essential during a time like this! Respond to their assignments with voice or video whenever possible. Teach them where to look for your response. If you want students to redo something, teach them the procedure for this too.
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No Hard Deadlines. Everyone’s situation is unique and different during home learning. Johnny may not be able to do his assignment until mom gets home from work, while Susie has to do her assignment in the morning before her dad leaves for work. No two homes will be the same. Technology can also make it difficult for students to complete work on time. As the Technology Coordinator of a school, I’ve run into many tech problems in my own home during online learning that interrupted my work and my children’s schooling. The deadlines are not as important as the relationship you are saving by giving students grace.
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Do Not Assign Partner Work. Again, everyone’s situation is unique and different. Stress levels will be raised if students not only have to worry about their own situation but also their partner’s home situation.
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Get Away From the Computer as Much as Possible. All that screen time is bad for you and your students. Be creative with your assignments and incorporate their physical, living space. We have the opportunity to show the learner how to apply their knowledge to their everyday environment. For ideas, see my blogpost on Unplugging Home Learning.
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Send Home a Weekly Email to Parents. In most home situations, parents will be trying to support their children in their learning. Especially for younger students, parents want to know what their child will be doing each week. An overview of their assignments or a simple check-in will assist parents who are trying to make home learning work.
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Give Students Choice Choice boards and learning menus work great for this! Not only will offering choice engage students more, but it will also give options to parents who may not understand an assigned lesson.
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Use a Video Conferencing Tool. Use a video conferencing tool to keep in touch with your students. Publish a weekly meeting schedule that gives students a daily option to join a meeting and send the schedule to parents in their weekly email. Leave this meeting as an option that anyone in class can join and have fifteen minutes of face time with their teacher and peers. You can use this time to clear up some misconceptions about an assignment or allow students to chat so they don't feel so alone. Some students will never join a meeting, and some will choose to meet every day.
Grace and patience is the name of the game. Treat the entire situation with an open mind and heaps of grace and patience.
Check out this online learning template from Nadine Gilkison:
Make a copy of her template!
FREE Online Learning Tools and Resources for Schools Affected Many companies, like Google, are making premium features and tools available to any schools that need them during this time. Keep in mind what Jennifer said above, now is NOT the time to introduce a bunch of new tools. However, if you don't have certain capabilities, these may come in handy in a pinch!
- Google Hangouts Meet: Features that are typically available in the Enterprise edition of G Suite and in G Suite Enterprise for Education, and will be available at no additional cost to all customers until July 1, 2020. Google has also shared some online learning tips here.
- Screencastify
- Nearpod
- Kahoot! offers free access to all features to support distance learning in schools affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
- Pear Deck - get premium access for schools in quarantined communities, Tips from Peardeck, and a FREE Lesson about the coronavirus
- Edpuzzle
- EPforlearning: offering support for schools affected by COVID-19
- WeVideo
- Kami: offering complete Kami Digital Classrooms to schools affected by the coronavirus.
- BrainPop: Free BrainPOP Access for Schools Closed Due to the Coronavirus.
More will be added to this list as available.
About Jennifer Twitter: @1hightechteach
Website: 1hightechteacher.com
Location: Shenzhen, China/Houston, TX
Title: Technology Coordinator
School District/Campus (or Employer): International School of Nanshan Shenzhen
Bio: Jennifer has been an educator for 17 years. In the last five years, she has focused her expertise on helping teachers learn new technology through her position as an Instructional Technology coach.
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
Have you ever struggled with creating engaging activities for your students that provide hands-on learning and real-world knowledge? Chris Aviles joins me to chat about the power of student entrepreneurship and how you can use it in the classroom.
His students are creating businesses, raising money, and using that money to help change the world. Ready for some new ideas on how to better engage and prepare your students?
Shoutout Shout out to all of the educators in Orange County Public Schools in Florida. I hope you enjoyed the presentation I did recently on your digital learning day. I had so much fun.
Do you have a question or idea to share on the podcast? Leave me a message here.
Quick Tip of the Week Need a quick timer for your classroom? Try using Google Search. Go to Google Search and type in the type of timer you need for your classroom, i.e., 10-minute timer, and then hit submit. A timer will show at the top of your search, automatically start, and allow you to project it full screen. Easy peasy!
From the Jersey Shore to Teched Up Teacher Chris Aviles wasn’t always a recovering high school English teacher. Did you know Chris appeared in a few scenes of The Jersey Shore reality tv show? You can spot him in season one!
Chris later moved on to his true calling, education. He is now a teacher at Knollwood Middle School, where he runs the Fair Haven Innovates program. It’s a 21st-century life, innovation, and technology program for 4th to 8th graders.
What IS the Fair Haven Innovates program? When Chris started working with the Fair Haven school district, he was tasked with creating an after school program. He built the Make Ready program in which students learned how to take electronics apart and put them back together.
They were left with a bunch of leftover parts, and rather than throw them away; the kids decided they wanted to use them for art projects. Soon enough, parents were complaining about all of the projects the kids were bringing home, so the kids asked if they could sell their art. It was decided that they could, and they made a little bit of money.
Then next year, Chris started working with the third graders, and several of them asked about starting a business. Chris now takes the students who hate math the most and help them realize how math is used in the real world.
It wasn’t long before the program started making waves, and Chris shares a story about Slack approaching the kids to create fidget spinners. This led to more positive press, and the district approached Chris about creating a district-wide program.
Why Entrepreneurship is so Important Chris started the program after listening to the voices of his students. They wanted to build their own businesses, but this morphed as he realized that what his kids needed wasn’t more busywork, they needed experiences.
Entrepreneurship is like a mirror. Whatever you put into it is what you’re going to get out of it. These kids learn the foundations of business while also realizing the value of hard work. It’s been an amazing experience to watch and certainly one that he looks forward to seeing.
The pride his students find in ownership is huge.
What Types of Skills Are His Students Learning? The beauty of this type of program is that the kids are learning tangentially. They are putting together all of the subjects in one project. They also have to learn how to become master problem solvers.
Chris says that he’s not teaching entrepreneurship, he’s creating problem solvers. When you take a kid who maybe doesn’t like one subject or another and then put them in charge of creating, marketing, and building a business, they become better learners overall.
This program really embodies a program where students are engaged and learning and doing so in a cross-curricular way.
How Can You Approach Getting Buy-In From Administrators?
The best way to approach your administrators is by approaching them with everything mapped out. Be ready to show how this type of program brings fluidity to teaching and learning while approaching multiple subjects at the same time.
It’s much easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, and many times there won’t be any apologies so long as you did the work and research in advance. Chris encourages teachers to try it because this program is real, relevant, and sought after, and not to mention that entrepreneurship is future-proof.
Additional Resources * Teched Up Teacher * Real World Scholars Charity * The EdCorps Classroom by Chris Aviles
Connect with Chris * Chris on Facebook * Chris on Instagram * Chris on Twitter * Teched Up Teacher
Podcast Question of the Week * How can you help cultivate entrepreneurial skills in your students that solve real-world problems? * Post your answers in the Shake Up Learning community or on your favorite social platform. * Join our FREE Shake Up Learning Facebook group.
Access the full blog post and show notes here.
One of the biggest issues facing the learning community today is creating diverse and equitable educational practices, tools and strategies.
Ken Shelton has spent over 14 years working to create digital equity in our classrooms and speaking on why it matters.
His extensive work at the policy level led to his appointment as the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Education Technology Taskforce.
He is going to help us analyze the digital equity and inclusion problem to find better ways to provide a diverse and equitable educational experience.
But first...
Shoutout Shout out to all of my friends with Northside ISD in San Antonio, specifically at Thornton Elementary and Rudder Middle Schools.
I was there recently delivering staff development instruction and we had a blast. Thank you for your time and for everything you’re doing to help our students grow.
Do you have a question or idea to share on the podcast? Leave me a message here.
Quick Tip of the Week This week I wanted to share a Chrome extension that I almost forgot that I use because I use it so frequently. It’s called Eye Dropper and it allows you to go grab any color off of a webpage and save it to a palette. You can pull the hex code and incorporate them into your projects.
#Techquity - What Does it Mean? The search for digital equity is multi-tiered and doesn’t stop at the need for access to devices. Techquity encompasses the entire structure and framework for creating connections in a digital space. No matter the number of devices you have, if your network is lacking, they won’t work.
Additionally, the apps and information that each child has access to need to be uniform. This is why Ken and I are such proponents of using the Google Suite of tools. Those tools allow districts and students the opportunity to connect across platforms in a uniform way while building a tech-based knowledge infrastructure.
Being fully connected in a digital space means having the infrastructure, the device, and the mechanisms for making those meaningful connections.
Using Techquity to Create Cross-Cultural Experiences For too long, the information provided to our kids has been diluted and sanitized. Technology helps bring together different cultures, thoughts, and opinions. By using the Google Suite, those differences are weaved together into a vast multi-cultural community that spans districts.
The importance here is helping students to think on a level of inclusion and this is only possible when they have access to the right tools and opportunity. The internet opens up a world of knowledge and understanding that simply needs to be fostered in our kids’ minds.
Do you know what your kids are reading? What are you assigning to them? You cannot adequately assess any student’s reading comprehension if all students are reading the exact same thing. The literature we bring to our kids needs to be inclusive of different religions, cultures, and voices.
The same can be said of our STEM programs. Why are girls so under-represented in STEM programs? Because there are so few female teachers there to show them they can do it. The system, in general, needs an overhaul so that our young, impressionable minds can once again see themselves as being able to do anything they want to with representation.
How Can You Help Bridge the Gap? The very first thing that educators can do to bridge the gap and create more equity in their classrooms is to become educated. So few programs include discussions of diversity and inclusion and how to create a more connected classroom. We need to make it a point to bring these concepts into our continuing education and development programs.
When you know better, you do better (thank you, Maya Angelou), and as Ken states, without a deep understanding of the effects of a lack of diversity in the curriculum, it’s hard to understand what the kids are going through.
If you are learning something or become aware of something that you didn’t know before, drop the guilt, and work to overcome the barriers that you’ve come upon. Becoming culturally responsive means that as you learn more, you adapt and work to increase engagement and awareness.
How Can Developmental Learning Specialists With the Techquity Issue? While it is difficult to bring up these conversations, it is not impossible. When you leave the guilt behind and work on creating effective strategies for changing the educational culture within your school, you leave the checkbox behind. This is not a checkbox issue. This is a change that needs to be addressed from a place of sustainability.
The equity issue is not a one and done issue when it comes to creating true change. You cannot attend a workshop and come out equipped to address the issues in an ongoing fashion. Instead, this topic should be approached from multiple sides, and discussed often to enact permanent change.
You have to have an administration who is willing to tackle this issue and embrace an ongoing conversation.
Using Technology to Level the Playing Field When technology is used correctly, you can destroy the barriers to communication that decrease connection. We need to use technology as the catalyst to facilitate meaningful changes in continuing education and development.
What’s been most inspirational for Ken was connecting with a group of students. Even though they had graduated, he had become such a fixture in their education, that they wanted to send him a picture of their graduation.
The only way this was possible was through technology, and it further solidified the fact that technology is the catalyst for change. It also wouldn’t be possible if the teacher were less aware of the benefits of diversity and ongoing communication with the class.
Ken’s Advice for Getting Started with Techquity Teachers… you need to be on social media. English teachers, reach out to the authors that you’re studying and see if they are willing to speak to the class. Math teachers, think of having interviews with influential people in the field and have your students complete assignments. The same is true for all of the other core subjects.
The question is, how can you use technology to create equity and social inclusion in your classroom? How can you gain access to knowledge that you don’t currently have? Think of the message this sends to your students. Simply having the courage to reach out to someone shows students that they do not have to leave communications behind.
Where Can You Go to Dig Deeper? * Teaching Tolerance * Code Switch Podcast * Leading Equity Podcast * Revisionist History Podcast * A Pathway for Being Better, Doing Better - Ken’s conglomeration of resources and books that all educators should review. * Is There Techquity in Your Chromebook Infused Classroom by Holly Clark and Ken Shelton * Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria by Beverly Daniel Tatum * Teaching Other People’s Children by Cynthia Ballenger
Connect with Ken * Ken’s Website * Ken on Twitter * Ken on Instagram
Podcast Question of the Week * How can we create culturally responsive and equitable digital learning experiences for our students? * Post your answers in the Shake Up Learning community or on your favorite social platform. * Join our FREE Shake Up Learning Facebook group.
Access full blog post and show notes here.
If you’re a tech coach or instructional learning professional, you won’t want to miss this interview with Jim Knight.
Jim is sharing The Instructional Playbook he uses to create strong relationships between coaches and teachers and how professional development has changed over the years.
Taking on the role of a coach can mean different things to different people, but you really want to maximize your impact on instructional and student learning, this episode is for you!
But first...
Shoutout I want to give a shoutout to my TCEA Conference Volunteers: Meredith Jones, Lyndi Valicek, Kate O’Leary, Sloane Chinners, Nicole LaPoint, and Janet Winninghoff. TCEA would not have been the same without all of your work and help.
You can view all of my presentations from TCEA here.
Do you have a question or idea to share on the podcast? Leave me a message here.
Quick Tip of the Week This week I have two quick tips for you. There are two Chrome extensions that I use every day and had to share them with you. Check out Tab Scissors to split your Chrome tabs into two screens. Then once you need to put them back together, use Tab Glue.
These are perfect for when you need to compare documents, are grading papers, or are doing research for a lesson plan or project.
The Instructional Coaching Guru Jim Knight is a true expert in the field of instructional coaching. He’s written and co-authored several books on the subject and has spent more than two decades studying the fields of professional learning and instructional coaching.
Jim is a Senior Partner of Instructional Coaching Group, a research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning, and the recipient of several university teaching, innovation, and service awards.
There is no better person to learn from if you’re looking into instructional coaching as a career path or if you are looking to implement coaching in your school.
Honoring the Profession of Teaching I ask all of my potential interview guests to share what they would like to shake up as an educator. Jim believes that honoring the right of educators to make choices and decisions within their classrooms.
“If we want the schools our students deserve, teachers must receive excellent professional development, and that starts with honoring the professionalism of teachers by ensuring they have real choices to make about what happens in their classrooms.” - Jim Knight
Professional development so often is a set of decisions made at an administrative level that is passed down to the educators in the classroom. By removing the right of those educators to make pertinent decisions about how to educate, we “deprofessionalize the profession.”
What is Instructional Coaching? Jim describes instructional coaching as involving four things starting with exuding a way of being. This is the way you work with people. Essentially the conversations you have with teachers as a coach should be very similar to the way you spoke with them as a fellow educator. You are a partner.
Next, you need a process. Jim uses the Impact Cycle. First, the teacher videos a lesson, goes over the data and then picks a goal to make the lesson more effective. From there, the coach and teacher create a strategy to accomplish the goal.
Coaches should have great listening skills and have strategic knowledge about a certain area of professional development, whether that is technology, literacy, or something else. The coach has expertise but should show up as a partner to their educators to implement practices to create better learning experiences in the classroom.
How to Create the Feeling of a Partnership with Your Educators Sometimes it can be hard to set up the relationship between coaches and teachers to feel like a partnership versus an evaluation. This is why Jim teaches coaches to work through the Partnership Principles.
The thing to remember is that you’re not there to get the teacher to do something or point out what is right or wrong in what they are doing. The process the teacher should be moving through is a series of decisions they make about how to better their lessons and teaching style.
Often the biggest hurdle to overcome for coaches is that they have likely not ever been treated as a partner within the professional development space. You have to keep treating teachers as professionals so that they see you as a resource versus another evaluation checkpoint.
Impact Cycle: The Process of Digging Deeper One of the key processes that Jim teaches in the Impact Cycle, are questioning strategies that help professionals think more deeply about a problem. This cycle was built on years of research.
Every coach needs to keep working to find the best questions to ask their teachers. Jim shares the research process that he followed to find the questions that made it into the Impact Cycle, but also notes that this is an improvisational practice.
New, great questions are being found and implemented every day, so keep that in mind as you develop your processes.
Misconceptions About Coaching While many feel that coaches are there to provide them with an answer, that’s not really their purpose. The coach is not there to provide a solution. Instead, the coach should be sharing options and empowering teachers to make decisions.
As a coach, it is your job to walk alongside your educators and build their confidence in their ability to create strategies and implement a winning curriculum. As teachers, we want to help and provide the answers, but you need to be sure your educators come to conclusions on their own.
What is The Instructional Playbook? Many coaches don’t have a deep understanding of the practices they share, and as such, Jim has created The Instructional Playbook to bring them fully into their strategies. It is about finding simple and clear explanations to provide to the teachers you support.
It is also a receptacle for documenting the processes in action. This way you can see what works, what doesn’t, and how to fix it. This is the piece of the process that allows you to research and implement new strategies.
The Power of Video Video has been a fantastic way for teachers to see the reality of their instruction. In the past, video was much more complicated and required additional equipment. . That is no longer an issue in today’s world with cameras available on almost every device, so teachers and coaches should be using video as the starting point of their research.
When a coach is video the teacher facilitating a lesson, there is a certain amount of disruption that helps jumpstart improvement. Many professionals have a fear of being recorded because they don’t want to see themselves, but you can break that by reminding them of the benefits.
Having teachers watch each other, and doing themed instructional rounds will help teachers and coaches become experts in each individual practice. When you look at the way you coach and teach, that’s when you get better.
Connect with Jim Every student, every class, every day, should have an excellent learning experience, which is what Jim’s company is all about. When you respect teachers, give them a voice, and give them some control, they will blow you away with their lessons.
- Instructional Coaching Teaching Learning Coaching Conference 2020
- Jim on Twitter
Jim’s Books:
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The Instructional Playbook: The Missing Link for Translating Research into Practice
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The Impact Cycle: What Instructional Coaches Should Do to Foster Powerful Improvements in Teaching
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The Reflection Guide to The Impact Cycle: What Instructional Coaches Should Do to Foster Powerful Improvements in Teaching
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Instructional Coaching: A Partnership Approach to Improving Instruction
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Better Conversations: Coaching Ourselves and Each Other to Be More Credible, Caring, and Connected
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High-Impact Instruction: A Framework for Great Teaching
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Unmistakable Impact: A Partnership Approach for Dramatically Improving Instruction 1st Edition
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Focus on Teaching: Using Video for High-Impact Instruction
Podcast Question of the Week * What is one takeaway or improvement you would love to see in professional learning? * Post your answers in the Shake Up Learning community or on your favorite social platform.
Join our FREE Shake Up Learning Facebook group.
Post your answer to your favorite social media platform using the hashtag #ShakeUpLearning, or share it in the Shake Up Learning Community on Facebook!
More Resources for Instructional Coaches and Tech Coaches * Top 10 Secrets of an Awesome Tech Coach * Google Tips for Instructional Coaches and Tech Coaches * [On-Air Coaching] How to Choose a Digital Assessment Strategy * How to Make an Impact as a Tech Coach
Check out all of the coaching resources on THIS PAGE.
Access the full show notes and blog post here.
Accessibility is and should be a huge topic of discussion across multiple industries but especially in learning.
I’m going to give you tips, tricks, and resources to help use Google accessibility tools to reach all learners. Let’s get shakin’ y’all.
Shoutout Sarah Kiefer recently wrote a wonderful review of the Dynamic Learning with Google podcast series. (Episodes 44-47 - You can find them here!) I appreciate the review so much. Go check out her blog, My Brain Can’t Hold It All.
Do you have a question or idea to share on the podcast? Leave me a message here.
Quick Tip of the Week In any Google Doc, use the keyboard shortcut, Control + Shift + 8 (Command + Shift + 8 on a Mac), to add a bullet to your document. This keyboard shortcut is amazing if you need to add bullet points quickly to a doc.
Accessibility Tools with Google I did a ton of research before deciding to chat about this topic today because I wanted to put together the best resources for you.
Check out Google’s Accessibility page here for a very comprehensive list of features broken down by application. Also, keep in mind that Android devices have built-in accessibility features as well.
Chrome Keyboard Shortcuts Keyboard shortcuts are not just time savers; they are also accessibility features for students and teachers. If any of your students are unable to use a mouse, then these are imperative.
- CTRL + T will open a new tab in your browser
- CTRL + (1-8) will toggle to that corresponding tab within your browser. For instance, if you have 8 tabs open, CTRL + 6 will go to the 6th tab.
- CTRL + 9 will take you to the last tab that you have open.
- CTRL + Shift + T will reopen a closed tab.
- CTRL + W will close a tab.
- ALT + F + X will completely close Google Chrome. (Cmd + Q on a Mac)
- CTRL + +/- will zoom in and out on your browser.
(Use CMD instead of CTRL on a Mac)
Check out a full list of Chrome keyboard shortcuts here! For all the shortcuts you can use to zoom in and out and change text, image, and video sizes, use this resource.
Why You May Need High Contrast Colors Some students may benefit from high-contrast colors rather than the regular settings we get with every browser.
Some students can focus more easily when the background is black with white text rather than vice versa. Darker backgrounds are also easier on the eyes for everyone.
There’s a Chrome extension you can use to change the color schemes for all webpages. You can find the extension here, but be sure to follow your school policies regarding installing extensions.
Text to Speech (Reading with Your Ears) Some of the most useful extensions will read the text on the screen out loud to your students. These extensions help younger students learn how to read, but is also helpful for students who have dyslexia or other learning difficulties.
One of my favorite Chrome extensions is Read & Write for Google Chrome. I shared a post on this extension a while back that you can read here, but essentially you install a toolbar, and then any webpage you visit can be read out loud to you.
This tool is a fabulous accessibility feature to help all types of readers.
You can change the voice, the speed, and it has a translation feature as well.
Two more Chrome extensions that will read text from the screen are Speak It and Announcify. I shared these in a previous post about supporting struggling readers.
With Speak It, you highlight what you want to hear, and it will read that section out loud with just a couple of clicks.
Another favorite is Announcify because it does more than just read what is on the screen. It will open in a new page, and then it will blur out anything that is not being read. This is great for limiting distractions.
Speech to Text (Dictation) Essentially speech to text is considered dictation, but this feature is so helpful to many different types of learners. Many apps and devices now have voice recognition built into their interfaces, making dictation much more accurate than it has been in the past.
Even if you don’t need speech to text for an accommodation, many of us talk faster than we type, so this can be a huge time saver.
The first resource I want to talk about is dictation.io. This is not an extension but instead a Chrome app. You click on the microphone and start speaking, and your words are shown on the notepad.
The Voice Note II Chrome extension is another fantastic tool that opens a new clean window with a microphone in the top right. You click the microphone and start talking, and when you stop, your words are there.
Both of these tools allow you to then copy, paste, tweet, email, message, etc. the words that you’ve spoken.
If you’d like additional Chrome extensions and tools along with explanations of them, check out my Chrome Database.
You can also watch this video that has additional information on Chrome and Chrome OS Accessibility.
Chrome OS & Chromebooks The Chrome OS on Chromebook has several accessibility features built into the device so that you won’t need additional tools. I’ve listed a few resources below to help you familiarize yourself with the built-in tools.
- Chromebook accessibility help
- ChromeVox - Built-in screen reader
- On-screen keyboard (with microphone option)
- Chromebook keyboard shortcuts
Accessibility Tools in Google Docs First off, I cannot say enough for having a full understanding of keyboard shortcuts. You can find a list of shortcuts specific to Docs here, but understanding these shortcuts and being able to share them with your students is unbelievably helpful.
Google Docs also has built-in voice typing. You can find it under Tools > Voice Typing. It works very similarly to the apps and extensions mentioned above, but it allows you to talk your work directly into your document. You can also dictate your formatting options as well, like bold, italicize, etc. Here are 7 reasons you need to try voice typing in Google Docs.
There is also an entire suite of accessibility settings directly within Docs. If you want to see the comprehensive list, go here. But this is where you turn on things for screen reader support, collaborator announcements, a screen magnifier, and others. You can find these options and settings in Tools as well.
Final Thoughts When you’re creating a visual for a website or page, don’t forget to create pertinent alt-text. The alt-text allows you to put in a title and description. Most of the alt-text that you see on websites is the random name someone used to name the picture for their computer. Take the time to create meaningful titles for those students who aren’t able to process busy webpages.
Insert your image, right-click, and select alt-text to update it. This will also give a screen reader a way to describe the image in text to speech tools.
Another way to make your documents more accessible is to use the commenting and suggestions function. Screen readers can jump specifically to those comments rather than jumbling up the text on the page.
One last thought about formatting. Screen readers do not acknowledge bold, italicized, and underlined words. Instead, if something is important, type “important” before the upcoming sentence. Additionally, use numbered lists instead of bullet points to better distinguish the order of importance in your documents. Also, start using headings rather than simply increasing your font size.
Podcast Question of the Week * How can accessibility tools help you reach the learners in your classroom? * Post your answers in the Shake Up Learning community or on your favorite social platform.
Join our FREE Shake Up Learning Facebook group.
Post your answer to your favorite social media platform using the hashtag #ShakeUpLearning, or share it in the Shake Up Learning Community on Facebook!
The Shake Up Learning Book Study Don’t miss our next book study! It’s completely FREE, and it’s all available online!
Get the details here.
You can also enter to win an autographed copy of Shake Up Learning!
Access the full show notes here: ShakeUpLearning.com/48
It’s the first interview episode of the year y’all, and I have an amazing guest to share with you.
Meet Carrie Baughcum, a special education teacher and author with a creative teaching style.
Carrie is one of the most creative teachers I know!
I would love to be in her classroom!
Learn how Carrie has used sketchnoting in her classroom, simple strategies for any teacher and teaching style, and how to spark creativity and originality in your students.
Your students will stop saying their dog ate their homework and start saying, “My Pencil Made Me Do It!”
Shoutout But first, I’d like to give a Shout Out to Svitlata Hom for her super sweet and supportive email. She’s one of our Google Certification students and has been learning so many tips, tricks, and ideas for her classroom. Learn more about the Google Certification courses here.
Do you have a question or idea to share on the podcast? Leave me a message here.
Quick Tip of the Week In your browser, use control (command on a Mac) + F to find words and phrases on any webpage. This keyboard shortcut is unbelievably helpful when you’re scrolling through really long pages of information, particularly in Google Classroom.
My Pencil Made Me Do It! Carrie has been a special education teacher in Arlington Heights, IL, for over 20 years. She strives to integrate technology, creative thinking, a fearless attitude, the power of gamification, and endless doodles into her classroom.
Each of her students has their own strengths, weaknesses, and styles of learning, and she’s that through technology and gamification, she can engage her students in new ways.
Her path to sketchnoting started with her own children. They used to sit in the kitchen, doodling on sketchpads while Carrie made dinner and cleaned dishes. She realized that if she wanted to spend more quality time with her kids, then she needed to start sketching.
She quickly found that sketching made her heart and brain happy and incorporated her sketches into her blog posts.
Carrie also started incorporating sketching and sketchnoting into her curriculum with her students and noticed vast improvements in their behavior and retention.
After doing a ton of research on cognitive science and visual learning, and it’s relation to handwriting and drawing, she decided to put her findings and strategies into a book.
Carrie recently finished writing the book, My Pencil Made Me Do It: A Guide to Sketchnoting, which covers many of the ways teachers can and should incorporate sketchnoting into different areas of the curriculum.
She gives actionable tips on how to ask questions that elicit visual responses from students that they can then doodle or draw on their sketchpads. By having students visualize responses and then draw those visualizations, we boost brain function and retention.
Sketchnoting in the Classroom Carrie says we should ask questions that challenge students to visualize information.
“Sketchnoting is NOT about creating something pretty and artistic. It’s about tapping into the power of the mind and connecting the mind with our hand to draw and amplify learning!”
When we doodle our learning, we are connecting both sides of the brain, the visual side and the textual side, which improves retention and recall.
Drawing can also have a very calming effect--just an added bonus for teachers and students!
Carrie suggests that teachers think of their favorite lesson, and brainstorm one or two questions to add to that would help students visualize their thinking.
The first time Carrie had an Aha! moment in her classroom was when she did a visualization exercise with her students. At first, students were reluctant to create an original response. But after questioning a student about his response and encouraging him to share with the class, other students began to share too.
She learned a valuable lesson at that moment about not underestimating her students. She shifted her mindset and gave them the opportunity to express themselves, and that shift allowed her students to bloom.
When students and teachers learn how to take risks, be vulnerable with each other, and create imperfect sketches, it creates a new culture in our classrooms. It’s this new, growth mindset that helped Carrie make a huge shift in her teaching.
Micro-Summarizing Another concept Carrie shares in her book is an idea she calls micro-summarizing. The process of taking big concepts and having her students condense them into one or two sentences.
Sketchnoting helps us break information into important concepts and big ideas.
Rather than having our students copy notes down word for word, she promotes summarization for concept retention.
Try this: Take your traditional typed notes and cut them into strips (or write on post-it notes). Students can revise the notes and choose 1-2 sentences to create the summary.
Carrie suggests that you jump in with just one idea. Explain your understanding of sketchnoting and share with your students.
Be sure you grab a copy of Carrie’s book to learn all of her best ideas.
Check out Carrie’s YouTube channel for some great ideas on how to implement sketchnoting and micro-summarizing in your classroom.
You don’t have to have any fancy tools to start implementing sketchnoting in your classroom. A piece of paper or sketchpad and pencils, crayons, markers, any writing utensil is all you need to get your students sketching. If you have access to tablets or iPads, then there are several apps you can start your students on, but they aren’t necessary.
Carrie recommends Explain Everything and Procreate for digital sketchnotes.
Quick Note: Don’t miss the AMAZING lesson that Carrie contributed to the Shake Up Learning book!
Check back for a guest post coming soon from Carrie about why she created a learning mascot, and how she has teachers implementing them in their classrooms.
About Carrie Baughcum Website: carriebaughcum.com
School: Arlington Heights School District #25
Bio: Carrie Baughcum is a mother, wife, mismatch sock wearer, a self-described inspiration junkie, learning enthusiast, and most of all a passionate believer that all children can learn, we just need to find out how. As a special education teacher of 20+ years, she integrates technology, creative thinking, a fearless attitude, the power of gamification and endless doodles into her classroom. She strives every day to enhance her students’ learning while empowering them to achieve things they never knew they could do or be a part of. She is also the mother to two children, 12 and 14 years old. At home, she encourages her children to explore, learn, and try anything their imaginations can think up. Together they create and get involved in activities and experiences with exploration, creativity, problem-solving and making. Carrie shares her experiences from her classroom, her adventures, reflections on her time with her husband, children, and students by speaking and connecting with others at conferences and sharing on youtube.com/carriebaughcum and at carriebaughcum.com.
- Carrie on Twitter - @HeckAwesome
- Carrie on Facebook
- Carrie on Pinterest
- Carrie Baughcum Website
- Carrie’s YouTube Channel
- My Pencil Made Me Do It: A Guide to Sketchnoting by Carrie Baughcum
Podcast Question of the Week
- What's one way you could try sketchnoting in your classroom or professional life?
- Post your answers in the Shake Up Learning community or on your favorite social platform.
Join our FREE Shake Up Learning Facebook group.
Post your answer to your favorite social media platform using the hashtag #ShakeUpLearning, or share it in the Shake Up Learning Community on Facebook!
