Have an iPad for your classroom and wish that your whole class could see it on the "big screen?" No problem! Here are quite a few wireless solutions for you...
(1) Apple TV - Go ahead, spend the money. In its fourth generation, Apple TV is definitely pretty cool and will hook directly to your projector system, but it comes at a cost of close to $150 (the 3rd generation can be found for almost a third of that price now, and completely serves the purpose you'll need). You'll be able to Air Play any Apple device (even newer MacBooks), link in to your Netflix account (plus lots of other content), and might even be able to stream YouTube without it being blocked by your school's web filter (Bonus!!). It's a great solution, that is, if your projector is new enough to have an HDMI input. If you're old-school VGA like most of us, you're out of luck.
(2) Reflector 2 - This is just one of several apps / website solutions that can be used to screencast your device. Reflector 2 allows you to mirror multiple devices to your computer, which then allows for projecting. At $15 for a single user license (multiple users can get a discount) the cost is much less prohibitive than the Apple TV option. With a little bit of work, you can mirror multiple types of devices (iOS or Android) at the same time within the same system. This offers an advantage over the Apple TV which only works with iOS devices.
(3) Zoom Screen Share - The Zoom app is primarily used for web conferencing, and it's one of the better ones I've used when it comes to maintaining a good connection. Like many videoconferencing apps, it comes with a screen sharing feature that supports iOS devices like your iPad and iPhone. And guess what? It's got a free version! Set up a Zoom meeting on your desktop computer and connect to it with your iPad via the meeting code. Voila! Free screen sharing for up to 40 minutes with just the basic version of the App. One thing to note - you can screen share within an app that you're using on your iPad and it works great. True mirroring (so that students can see your desktop icons, every tap you make, etc.) requires both devices to be on the same (wireless) network.
(Image source: https://zoom.us/)
The Zoom app would provide a great way for you to test out the features of the iPad (or connect via Android devices as well) and see how much you would truly use it during instruction. You might find that it's enough for the purposes you'd use it for, or it would be a good way to make the decision about whether or not to spend the money on an Apple TV.
One of the best reasons for adding technology to the classroom is that it can have an immediate impact on the quality of formative assessment. With technology, teachers can collect student responses and aggregate data in real time. Formative assessment only really works when teachers can turn this data into feedback for students, and tools like Google Forms make this entirely possible.
I typically love Google Forms for its ease of use. It mimics other Google products in the idea that you can start really simply and gradually build in more complex functions. Math teachers might not agree. There is not a built-in equation editor like with Google Docs, so entering algebraic expressions becomes a bit cumbersome.
Of course, there's an Add-on that can step in and help. The gMath Add-On is available for Google Docs, Forms and Sheets (use the "Add-On" menu within each app to search for and add gMath).
From there, there are multiple ways to create a quiz with even the fanciest of math expressions (or graphs if you are feeling particularly adventurous). Regardless of your method, you will need to get used to the format of typing in math expressions (you can use some basic text entry like 3x^2 + 1/2 x - x^2 and it will help you with the format - or you can choose pre-made pieces of the expression and then edit the variables using LaTeX). There is always an image preview so you really just have to keep adjusting the expression until it looks correct. Here's a LaTeX / Docs tutorial if you need more of an introduction.
I test-drove a bunch of different ways to integrate gMath and Google Forms; here are the options I liked in order of increasing complexity...
Method #1: Write your expressions in Google Docs (it's kind of nice to see all the problems before you build the actual quiz) and then add the images to Forms.
Here's a tutorial for that (it's the old version of Forms but it's all the same function as the current version). I put this method first because the video shows a bit about how to edit the LaTeX expressions - helpful if you've never done so.
For this type of quiz (as well as Method #2) you are creating a quiz that is formatted with technically two fields for each question: Image 1 (the "question" - your expression, graph, etc.) , Answer 1. Image 2, Answer 2. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Method #2: Use the gMath add on directly in Forms to "Create a Math Expression." With this method, there is no need to work back and forth with Google Docs.
When you are ready for a question that requires an expression or graph, choose gMath from the Add-Ons menu in Forms. I was able to experiment with all the options except for "Multiple Choice." I'm not sure if it's a bug or just something wrong with my technique, but the directions in that choice were blurred out and I was left to just guess how it worked... unsuccessfully.
Instead, keep it simple and just write a new expression. When you do so, it inserts the expression as an image field, and adds an answer field directly after the question. You can always change the type of answer to something other than the default short answer text.
Method #3: Use Google Sheets to create a question bank of images. You can create the images with the gMath Add-On for Sheets, or even find existing images from the Web. Have access to online databases of questions? You may be able to add them to your question bank.
You can add a different expression or graph to each of the cells in Google Sheets. If you want them in a certain order, work only in one row or column. Each of these cells is going to become a different question - so think about how you want the text or directions to appear as well as the expression itself (you do this all with the gMath Add On the same way you create the images in methods 1 and 2 above).
The next part is the cool one - select ONLY the questions you want to build into your quiz, and use the gMath "Quick Quiz Creator" to make a new form. Once again, the new form is built in the same format with an image field followed by an answer field. You can edit the form after it's built to enhance how it looks.
The BEST part of this is that you could create a continuous bank of quiz questions throughout the course of the year. Then, select only the questions you want before building the quiz. It would be great as you go along as well as during review time.
Method #4: Use Google Sheets to build your entire quiz - questions, answers, everything. This is an advanced technique, but in the end so much better than trying to build complex questions individually in Forms. When the questions and answers are on a Spreadsheet, you can easily look through them, re-order, edit, etc.
You'll need the formCreator Add-On for Google Sheets. Once it's installed, run the Add-On so it can format your sheet. It will put in all the column headings that you see below.
Use those column headings to add two types of questions. The "Image" type should be your gMath expression. Run the gMath Add-On while you are in the cell for ImageURL and add your expression. Follow that up with another question type such as Multiple Choice, Text, Check Box, etc. This is where you should set up your answer field if you want your form pre-populated. Do this for as many questions as needed. Using the Multiple Choice option will allow you to run your Google Form as a Quiz and enable Auto Grading.
When you are ready, use the formCreator Add-On to create the actual Form. In the end, it might be worth the trouble of figuring this way out because the format of the Spreadsheet makes entering questions / answers really quick - not just for math quizzes but for all subjects.
***One note: I had to edit the ImageURL text to be sure that the URL is https:// and NOT http:// like it defaults - I'm not sure why it wouldn't create my Form otherwise. If you've stuck by this method this far, you'll know how to do that! (Save time and run a "Find and Replace" from the Edit menu. Have it search within formulas to find every instance of http and convert it to https.)
I'd love to hear if you try it out! Unfortunately there are aspects of each method that are just not intuitive - you have to play with it and go through the experience to see what works best for you. At any point if (and when) you get stuck - just post a comment and I would be happy to help you out!
One of the best features of a Chromebook is its portability. That's also perhaps its downfall. Sometimes you want to be "plugged in." For example - projecting a screen to the front of your classroom to guide students through an activity. That can be accomplished via an HDMI cable, but a lot of older school LCD projectors are still kicking from the dark ages of VGA. Previously, going wireless meant investing in a secondary device to act as a receiver for your projector (such as Chromecast or Apple TV). There must be a better way.
Enter the new Google Cast for Education App, available from the Chrome Web Store. Teachers at schools using GAFE accounts can download the app to their Chrome account on whatever device is hardwired to the projector. Students (or the teacher on a portable device) can download the Google Cast Extension for their Chrome browser.
Once the teacher broadcasts as a "Receiver" and shares with groups of students (you can share with an entire Google Classroom group at once or single users), students can click the Cast extension in their browser window and choose which receiver they'd like to cast to.
Here's a link to the support page from Google. I just tested it and it works great. Keep a couple of things in mind:
The computer receiving the information needs to be running the App.
The computer casting (sending) the information connects through the Extension.
You can share with as many user groups as you want. To restrict access (and avoid a hostile takeover by one of your students) you can adjust the settings so that users looking to cast have to be approved before their view is shown.
Users who are casting can choose to display their entire desktop (helpful for walking students through Chromebook tutorials, etc.) or just one browser tab (protects privacy of the casting user and keeps the receiver user a bit more focused).
Perhaps you'd like to cast a view of your own Chromebook's desktop up onto the screen so that students can follow along with your instructions. Yes - that's possible. Use the App on the projector computer, and click the Cast Extension from your Chromebook's browser.
Maybe you want one student to share a screen with another. Students can download the App too and act as a Receiver.
Want to showcase a student's work in front of the whole class? Have them cast to your Receiver.
Looking to push out information from the teacher device to a student one? Having a student computer as Receiver effectively lets the teacher device cast to and "take over" the student device with the content you want them to see.
Finally - don't worry if you don't have Chromebooks - any computer with a Chrome browser affiliated with a Google Apps for Education account can screencast to another one. It would be a great way to look at student work from all the different desktop computers in a traditional computer lab, as well.
As the next school year quickly approaches, I got the dreaded email requesting teachers "please return the Chromebooks you borrowed for the summer so that they can be distributed to students in September."
I knew it was coming... but it sucked the wind out of me. I've spent the summer immersed in all-things-Chromebook; I tend to learn by experiencing and manipulating things (my science-teacher persona) and then I feel pretty competent. All of a sudden, though, I realized that without the Chromebook to use for myself during the school year, I'd revert back to doing things the Windows-way (school) and Mac-way (home).
Chromebooks are pretty simple machines. But like most teachers, I want my instruction to be poised and polished and don't really look forward to stumbling as I guide students through their own getting-to-know-you process with the new Chromebooks. To help teachers like me as well as our students, I created a "Chromebook Hacks" Infographic that can be a quick reference guide. I included those terms and processes that students are likely to hear during the course of instruction from any teacher using 1:1, focusing on the functional things that are unique to Chromebooks. Why "hacks?" Might as well play to my main audience: 5th through 9th graders who love getting sucked-in by clickbait!
The bonus is that I got a chance to experience usingCanva, an online graphic design tool that I just needed a good reason to explore (more on that below).
See the clickable, full-size PDF version of my infographic here (that's what I will be sharing with colleagues and students). You can also share by Tweet, Facebook post, or link.
So what about Canva? I found it pretty intuitive to use, and simple to drag/drop/redesign text, images, and a library of free extras. The pre-made layouts are plentiful and for me were mostly useful for generating ideas and reminding me of what "works" for an infographic. In the end, I started with a blank background and built from scratch.
Would I use it with students?Not as a first-introduction to digital graphic design, but perhaps as an advanced tool. Students without more basic instruction (good practice with design using Google Drawings or Microsoft Publisher is a nice start) would get bogged-down in all the options. As students become better designers (and more accustomed to producing a visually-appealing product for an audience), I could see introducing Canva as one choice from the several good, free-to-start, online design tools (like Piktochart, Venngage, and more).
Last note... Infographics aren't designed to be the final destination for information, but are a great quick-reference guide. Be sure to supply your students with a way to access tutorials or help pages. And the next time they say, "how do I...", think about your response and whether it should simply give them the answer or lead them to figure it out on their own.
Summer is a great time for professional development, but let's face it - nobody wants to sit and read something too lengthy and detailed. With that in mind, I'll be posting a series of quick tutorials throughout the summer that I'm calling "Summer Snapshots." With the transition to 1:1 computing (Chromebooks) coming at my district for September, these will be the quick tips and getting-started bits of information that I know teachers will be looking for. And in the fall, this blog will take on a new purpose as the go-to for my students when they ask "how do I..." and need the same quick tutorials for themselves.
Knowing how to capture all or part of the view of the computer screen and save as an image file is a trick that everyone needsd to know. I frequently capture pictures and diagrams from PDF files (think past Regents exams) that are part of the public domain but not so easy to edit unless you take a screenshot. I also ask my students to use screenshots when they are completing work online and the end result doesn't produce a usable file (results from PhET interactives, certificates from simulations like Virtual Earthquake, etc.). The problem becomes when you work with multiple types of devices and operating systems... there's a way to take a screenshot on everything but the technique is just a little different. Chromebooks: Newer Chromebooks have function buttons across the top row of the keyboard much like other laptops, but they might look a bit different than what you're used to. Older keyboards have the traditional function buttons (F1, F2, etc.) which may or may not have the picture icons. The window button (or F5) is the one you'll need to take a screenshot. (Note: without the Ctrl key, this button advances you to the next window you were viewing.)
These screenshots get saved to the Downloads folder as images, or you can click on the "Copy to Clipboard" link that pops up right after the screen capture.
Click here for a full tutorial on using the screenshot function on Chromebooks.
Windows OS:
Lots of people know about the print screen button on Windows keyboards, but for some reason not many people know about the Snipping tool. To access it, use the search box and type "Snipping Tool" - you can always pin it to the taskbar if it's something you'll use frequently. The neat thing about this tool is that you can capture the entire screen, a rectangular portion, or something totally free-form. You can add text and drawings to annotate the screen capture as well, and it prompts you to name the file and choose the save path (which makes it more likely that you'll remember where it goes). You can also share (by email, etc.) directly from the Snipping Tool.
Click here for a full tutorial on using the Snipping Tool in Windows.
Mac OS X:
Like Chromebooks, Macs utilize a series of keyboard commands to take a screenshot. The command button
helps with all sorts of keyboard shortcuts, and in this case requires the addition of the Shift key.
Command + Shift + 3 ... takes a screenshot of the whole screen
Command + Shift + 4 ... lets you drag a box around the area you wish to screenshot
Command + Shift + 4 + Spacebar ... brings up a camera icon that lets you choose a specific window you want for the screenshot
Screenshots are saved to the desktop as .png files, which makes it particularly useful for dragging and dropping the files somewhere (like into a document or into Google Classroom to turn it in).
Click here for a full tutorial on how to take a screenshot on a Mac.
iPad or iPhone:
It's pretty easy to get a screenshot on an Apple device; simply hold the Home button and the Power button at the same time, and the device takes photo that automatically gets saved to the Camera Roll.
From there, it's accessible as a photo to upload (either from the Photos app as an upload option, or by accessing the Camera Roll through whatever app you are using - the Google Classroom app and Google Drive app both will allow you to access your photos).
Click here for a full tutorial on screenshot with your iPad or iPhone.
