Embed Content in Book Creator- Let the App Smashing Begin!!!

If you are unfamiliar with Book Creator, it is an app/web software that allows the users to sign in with the Google information and be able to create interactive EBooks. The user interface is both intuitive and user-friendly. All K-2 iPads have Book Creator on the students iPads. And Book Creator can be accessed for Chromebooks at app.bookcreator.com

Recently they have posted an update that allows content to be embedded in the books. The update was from the summer, but due to bugs and technical glitches, the TIS team felt it was better to post now, as it is much more stable. Things to embed include Google Maps, Videos directly from Youtube, Audio Clips, Google Docs, and so much more.

 

For more information about the update go to https://bookcreator.com/2018/08/you-can-now-embed-content-in-book-creator/

Go to https://bookcreator.com/to learn more about Book Creator and gather some ideas on how to integrate into the classroom!

Google Classroom mobile app saves time and prevents heavy bags full of student papers

I know you’ve been using Google Classroom for some time now, but maybe you don’t realize the power of the Google Classroom mobile app for iOS and Android devices. By now, you know that Google Classroom can streamline your classroom paper workflow and is a powerful tool for giving students feedback, but did you know that you can use a stylus with the Google Classroom app, that allows you to “write” virtually on student work submitted through Classroom?  You can highlight, circle, add hand written comments and even words of encouragements! It’s awesome. As a former middle school Language Arts teacher, this tool would have been indispensable to me.  I wouldn’t miss hauling a giant bag full of essays home. Just my trusty iPad!

NEW 2018 Google Classroom Updates for Desktop (detailed overview)

How to use Google Classroom (iPad App)

Manage teaching and learning with Classroom

Download iOS Version

Download Android Version

-Rick Coughlin

2019 METS Virtual Rally Registration And Call For Presenters

Use the below to register for the 2019 METS Virtual Rally, which will be held on February 8, 2019 from 8-11:45 am.  bit.ly/mets2019

The METS group are also seeking applications for presenters. The option to submit a presentation proposal is available at the end of this form. They are seeking a wide variety of topics that would appeal to EdTech leaders and which utilize engagement strategies to encourage active participation in an online conference format. Additionally, Presenters will be paired with a “coach” to help prepare for the online format and to develop engagement strategies. To see examples from last year’s Virtual Rally please visit http://bit.ly/2QGfLv

Goodbye Smart AMP, Hello Smart Learning Suite Online

Elementary Teachers: SMART amp has transitioned to SMART Learning Suite Online

Dear Elementary Teachers,

SMART amp and its support for student collaboration officially transitioned to SMART Learning Suite Online on December 11, 2018.  Learn more about the transition.

SMART amp was part of your SMART Learning Suite subscription, which also includes SMART Learning Suite Online. Elementary teachers can get started with SMART Learning Suite Online today by signing-in with their school-assigned Google Email.

Being able to attach Google Files will be coming in a software release February 2019.

Google Tip Sheet and G Suite Training

Want to brush up on your Google Skills?  Bookmark this Google Tip Sheet to help you on your journey or make a copy to keep in your Google Drive.

Also, don’t forget that you can use G Suite Training that is located at the question mark at the top right-hand corner of ALL of your Google Apps! Here’s a brief video about how it works.

New ProBook Laptop Handbook on your desktop

As the new laptops are deployed to staff, and once you log in, please notice an icon on the desktop that will take you to a page on the website tech.pccsk12.com that will help you set your laptop up. Topics covered include Chrome Sync, Inputs and Outputs, Printing, Connecting to Displays, and Lanschool.  This will continue to be updated as new issues and services arise. Please submit a service request for any issues that might arise and seem outside of what the Handbook can help you with.

Welcome to the new PCCS Tech Website and Blog!

Welcome to the new PCCS Tech blog!  We are excited to announce a new way of getting important tech updates and a new way of searching for resources that you have access to. Now, instead of a long newsletter quarterly, a curated collection of blog posts will come to your Gmail inbox each week! We hope this is a more digestible and more immediate way of disseminating information from the Tech Department.

Based on your feedback, we also made a new Tech website that is easy for you to navigate and more responsive to your needs: https://tech.pccsk12.com

One thing you’ll notice right away is the streamlined look of the site. We’d like to think that the most important feature of the website is the Resources Page.  The most exciting part is how easy it is to search for resources based on your particular needs. So, you can search by grade level, device type, Danielson Domain, or subject, helping you narrow down the resources you have available to you as subscribed to by the district, or other resources that are free!  This will be easier than a Google search!

Furthermore, you will be auto-subscribed to our blog and website update that will be tailored to your grade level, so you don’t see the information you don’t need, thus saving you time…and who couldn’t use more time?

Google Removes Apps from Chrome Web Store

If you haven’t noticed already, Google Apps are no longer available in the Chrome Web Store. Google has phased them out and has had plans to soon announce Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).  PWAs will function just like apps on your desktop with icons that can be launched from your desktop just like a conventional program or app.  More on this to come, but in the meantime, the only way to get a Chrome Web App is through a direct link from a software provider’s website or via a link that is still present in your already added Chrome Apps Launcher.  To read more, click here.

Discovery Education Streaming Alternatives

At the end of the 2017-2018 school year, we relayed messaging from Wayne RESA that we would be the benefactors of a free version of Discovery Streaming via REMC of Michigan. Unfortunately, the information relayed to us was incorrect, and we recently learned that only the Health content will be available with our new login. Since we did not seek budget approval for a Discovery Streaming subscription based on this info, we will not have access to Discovery Streaming any longer. But we have GREAT news!

There are MANY great alternatives to Discovery Streaming and we have curated some of the best right here:

PBS Learning Media – Teacher
PBS Learning Media – Student
WatchKnowLearn
YouTube
Khan Academy


If you are using YouTube, we would highly recommend using ViewPure to show videos to your students. The link for the YouTube video can be placed in ViewPure and that link can be either viewed whole class or sent out via Google Classroom or other Learning Management System such as Edmodo, Moodle, or Seesaw for your students’ viewing safety.

IPEVO Software Changes for Middle School Staff

Please note that IPEVO Presenter, the software currently installed on your HP ProBook is legacy software that is no longer supported with updates or fixes. IPEVO has since released a new software “IPEVO Visualizer” for our document cameras that is more optimized. IPEVO Visualizer works with all of our document cameras and is available for download here.

To learn more about the new features, including streaming to YouTube Live, see this documentation: https://www.ipevo.com/ipevo_presenter