Mr. B EdTech Blog

For Google (Gsuite) Administrators, a new feature is being lauched today, under the Rapid Release and Scheduled Release Channel. There is now the ability to launch apps in a private channel for the Google Play Store. This is similar to how the Chrome Web store works for having a filtered store for your domain. Preview ...(this) feature which allows G Suite admins to distribute private (custom) Android apps to their users via the Play Store app. With this launch, private apps will be more discoverable and easier for your users to access. Customers using private apps will also be able to whitelist these apps for work profiles and company-owned devices in a more streamlined manner by using an Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) provider. For more information https://gsuiteupdates.googleblog.com/2017/01/google-play-private-channel-apps-are.html

Turn your computer screen into a shared screen. This is a great tool that I would recommend to any Chrome or Chromebook geared setup. What is Google Cast for Education? Google Cast for Education is a free Chrome app that allows students and teachers to share their screens wirelessly from anywhere in the classroom. Cast for Education carries video and audio across complex school networks, has built-in controls for teachers, and works seamlessly with Google Classroom . The Cast for Education app runs on the teacher’s computer that’s connected to the classroom projector, and it doesn't require new hardware. Teachers receive casts through the Cast for Education app, and students share their screens using the latest version of the Cast feature in Chrome. Get the Chrome App https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/google-cast-for-education/bnmgbcehmiinmmlmepibeeflglhbhlea/related?hl=en-US For more information:  https://support.google.com/edu/castforedu/?hl=en

Allowing foreign devices onto your network always carries some risk. Take a look at the article linked below to see some of the risks. Also included in this article are some tips to help reduce or eliminate risks associated with BYOD. See the full article: http://betanews.com/2017/01/06/could-your-byod-system-be-a-threat-to-your-business/

SAMR – Quick Definition S = Substitution: As the word states, this is a substitution of digital technology for past analog methods. (Example – A word processor instead of the typewriter or pen and pencil.) A = Augmentation: Technology goes beyond mere replacement and focuses on new things that are possible because of the substitution realm. (Example – Technology now allows for the word processor to have a spell check or even a thesaurus.) M = Modification: Technology allows learning to begin to transform the learning experience. Students can now take a step outside the word processing box and discover possibilities that could not be done before augmenting the learning experience. (Example – Students can now write in a collaborative manner on the same document using Google Docs or Microsoft 360.) R = Redefinition: Technology allows the learning experience to be redefined so that the word processing document is not the only form of expression…. or perhaps a beginning foundation for a ...

See the full article http://www.shakeuplearning.com/blog/3-text-speech-chrome-extensions-support-struggling-readers-ell/

See the article below http://www.techlearning.com/blogentry/11587

Parent communication is key in education. Take a look at some of the apps that will enable easier communication with parents/guardians. See the Article Here http://www.emergingedtech.com/2017/01/find-the-parent-teacher-communication-app-your-classroom-needs/

See the Full Article Here http://www.aschoenbart.com/2017/01/learning-rules-updated-thoughts-on-new.html

See this article for great tips and tricks with Google Classroom. See the full article here http://learning.zahnerhistory.com/2017/01/google-classroom-features-you-will-love.html

Often, we need to use the same photo or block of text for multiple Google Docs. No matter what kind of writing we do, we regularly repeat graphic elements, such as a company logo or or oft-cited trend chart. Here’s a time-saving tip: You can make copying and pasting multiple items an easy task with Google Docs’ own Web Clipboard. See the guide here: https://shift.newco.co/how-and-why-to-save-content-for-later-in-google-docs-8aa96f8543c5#.tag4n6379

Windows receives updates all the time, why is this one important? Around the time of the official release of Windows 10, Microsoft has said that there was no official plan for a Windows 11 release. Rather than continue adding numbers to their OS, Microsoft stated that Windows 10 will receive a major update each year that will add new features to Windows 10. This is similar to how Apple has been sticking with OS X, now called Mac OS, for the last 10+ years. However, each year Mac OS 10 gets an update each year, with the current version being 10.12 What is the Creator's Update? From Microsoft: Coming as a free update early next year (2017) to the more than 400 million devices running Windows 10 and available to Windows Insiders this week, the Creators Update will bring 3D and mixed reality to everyone, empower every gamer to be a broadcaster, connect people faster to those they care about most, and much more. The creator's update will completely ...

Oh yes, I remember this show quite well. My favorite episode was when the Magic School Bus explored the solar system. Netflix and Scholastic Media, as well as several veteran cast members, are bringing the show back for a new generation. See more details in the article linked below. See the full article here http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teaching_now/2017/01/magic_school_bus_reboot.html?cmp=eml-eb-popweek+01132017webmch

Online charter schools are widely regarded as among the country’s worst-performing, plagued by abysmal test scores and sky-high student turnover rates. They’re also gearing up for a boom during the Trump administration, judging by where investors are placing their bets. See the article here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/mollyhensleyclancy/online-charter-schools-prepare-for-a-trump-era-boom?utm_term=.ng5gB5QXR#.ymkZQxEP3

Below is an excellent guide to setting up Google Cloud print on a computer so you can use your old printers wirelessly. What you need: A Windows or Mac Computer (it will need to be powered on and connected to the internet to work) A printer, installed on the computer Internet Connection A Google Account Google runs a Cloud Print service that can make any printer, internet-enabled or not, accessible from over the web. If there’s a printer you need to get at from anywhere, whether on a computer, tablet or phone, here’s how to get it set up. A lot of modern printers come with Google Cloud Print built in now, and are able to take commands from you directly over the web (via Google’s servers). Getting an older printer connected isn’t difficult, though, if it can’t access the web on its own, you need to leave a connected computer up and running at all times. Guide to Setting up Google Cloud Print http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/how-to-print-from-anywhere-using-goog...

For a text guide, see below https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/2998456?hl=en

Update - the Vine app will become the Vine Camera on Jan 17. Please download your Vines before then! More here:  http:// vine.co/FAQ I have written before about lesson plans that used the tool Vine. However, this Tuesday (1/17/2017), Twitter will be shutting down the Vine service. If you have videos on Vine, you can download them before the shutdown. For more information http://betanews.com/2017/01/06/download-your-vines/

Over the course of last week, Mr. B Ed Tech blog hit another Milestone.  Thank you again for over 10,000 views and your continued support of Mr. B Ed Tech! See the significance of the number 10,000 below In Pixar's film Up The main character, Carl Fredrickson attaches 10,000 helium toy balloons to his house. A myriagon is a polygon with 10,000 sides. In computers, NASA built a 10,000-processor Linux computer (it is actually a 10,240-processor) called Columbia Land of 10,000 Lakes is the nickname for the state of Minnesota. and more (see the link below) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10000_(number)

Pros: These resources promote honest discussion and awareness of the dangers of discrimination and prejudice. Cons: Use of these resources may be most effective when combined with some of the associated professional development programs. Bottom Line: These valuable materials empower students to understand and address difficult ethical choices -- past and present. See more about this tool at:  https://www.commonsense.org/education/website/facing-history-and-ourselves

    Read the full article at: https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-12-21-what-does-a-modern-classroom-look-like-and-what-should-educators-leave-behind Listen to the podcast here:  https://soundcloud.com/edsurge/what-does-a-modern-classroom-look-likeand-what-should-educators-leave-behind

Pros: Integrates with a wide variety of learning management systems. Cons: Comparable free tools may have more features available. Bottom Line: With features that are both basic and useful, it's an easy tool to learn; adding interactivity to video is a snap. Find out more about this tool https://www.commonsense.org/education/website/playposit

Hello everyone, Welcome to 2017! One habit that I learned in my teaching tenure is to constantly revise and improve my lessons and materials. This is one habit that I have not been able to break. Keeping this in mind, here are some exciting changes coming to Mr. B's website and blog. Mr. B Website and Blog Redesign Mr. B Video Podcasts and Tutorials on YouTube Request Mr. B for Workshops, Tech Training Sessions, or Public Speaking Check these out in further detail below and don't forget to visit again next month when these changes go Live. Redesigned Web Page and Blog The New Mr B Website Launch Date: Available Now - Click here to Preview If you haven't heard yet, check out my article on the NEW Google Sites . I started my class web site in 2009 during my student teaching. Since that time, I have taken on many roles as an educator and a technology facilitator. As a result, my website has become a somewhat disorganized hodgepodge of materials from my...

Welcome to 2017! What will 2017 bring, in terms technology? There are many predictions being made about what will happen this year. Here are some of the common predictions for technology of 2017. Virtual Reality will not be as popular as Augmented Reality Trump will have an impact, but what does this mean? 2-in-1 Computers will be on the rise Hackers and Cyber attacks will improve More Smart Devices will be sold (Smart Homes, Cars, Watches, and other devices)  Augmented Reality The common theme of what 2017 will offer, seems to be more of what 2016 offered. Augmented reality was shifted to the forefront of American culture last year as Pokemon Go rose and fell in a short time span. Virtual reality did not get off to the start expected of the "next big thing," in terms of product sales. This has caused some to take pause and re-evaluate virtual reality's future. However, many sources agree that virtual reality is not going away quite yet, if at all. ...