2012 Inservice Day Links
AM Session: Google Drive
Google Docs is transforming into Google Drive. It has the same features as Google Docs, but also allows you to upload other file types to your cloud for nearly unlimited access. Below are links to two Youtube channels that offer tutorials on Google Drive that can help you get more out of it.
Google Docs Basics
Google Docs Advanced
Making Online Polls and Quizzes with Google Docs
Google Docs Basics
Google Docs Advanced
Making Online Polls and Quizzes with Google Docs
PM Session: Technologies you can use now
Here are a number of resources that you can use in your classroom immediately (or with a little bit of planning) to help save time, organize, present material, or communicate with students and parents. Also, this link will take you to a prezi presentation which has 45 online tools that may be beneficial for you and your curriculum.
Evernote
Evernote is an online note system which allows you to compose, organize, and share ideas that works fluidly between browsers and mobile devices. Below is a Youtube video that one educator has put together to demonstrate how she has used Evernote to organize herself.
Edmodo
Edmodo is a social media site that has a very "Facebook-ish" feel to it. I have used it for a couple years, and I know a couple other staff members have used it successfully as well. Much of what can be done on Edmodo may also be able to be done through Facebook or Google+, but I've really been please with Edmodo.
Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic is a great way to do screen captures. It does have a cost to it, $15 for a year for the "pro" version, but very easy to use and a lot cheaper than Final Cut or other programs.
Prezi
Prezi is a non-linear presentation tool that allows you to bring in movement, spacial recognition, video, and much more into a standard presentation tool. There are many teachers throughout the school using Prezi already, so feel free to ask around.
Twitter
I think we know what Twitter is, but how can it benefit us in education? What can we do with 140 characters? Reminders? Quick Notices? Schedule Changes? Forget to make a class announcement? The possibilities are endless. This video is created by a guy in the United Kingdom, and uses a Twitter program called Tweetdeck, but it shows how you can organize your Twitter to be more productive.
Weebly
Weebly is a tremendously user friendly website builder. With their Weebly for Education side of their site, it is very easy for students to create their own websites for use with your class.