Mr. B EdTech Blog

Original Article:  http://blog.mrbwebsite.com/2016/05/how-to-create-killer-school-website.html There are some very good tips in this article about mistakes to avoid when creating a school website. http://www.techlearning.com/blogentry/10653 With the ADA compliance mandate coming from the US Federal Government, it would not be a bad idea to check out these tips.

“You don’t need to teach us. That’s what Google is for.” That was the message a student shared with a surprised audience of educators during a popular technology conference. The students went on to say, “If I can't figure something out I prefer to watch a YouTube video or text a friend rather than ask a teacher.” The other students in the room nodded their heads in agreement. Many teachers understand this is how today’s students prefer to learn, but what does that look like? See the Full Article http://www.techlearning.com/blogentry/11657

Please remember to like and subscribe! In this video, I give a brief tutorial of how to enable the "Mark as Read" button in Gmail. This feature is useful for removing new message notifications, but not deleting the email itself. Check out my other videos and my blog. Blog: https://goo.gl/9KMoec Website: https://goo.gl/733ISK

Starting with this re-post, I am not ranking these posts like my recent re-posts of my most viewed articles. Orginal Article:   http://blog.mrbwebsite.com/2016/04/ed-tech-tools-every-teacher-should-know.html Article Preview Aside from some much needed rest and relaxation, I did some reading over my school's spring break. While catching up on the numerous magazines, blogs, and mailers I subscribe to, there were several articles relating to "things all teachers should know in edtech." Here is one such example below. http://ictevangelist.com/eight-things-teachers-learn-about-edtech/

One of the most common issues that arise with training teachers is the issue of time. Time is needed to initially train staff and time is also needed for follow up or to allow for retention and practice. I recently just got my Level 2 re-certified from Google this summer and I thought I would share for those that are interested in going through the Google Training Course(s) on their own. Google Level 1, 2, Trainer, and Admin https://edutrainingcenter.withgoogle.com/training Learn by Tool or Device Just want to learn about a specific tool or app of G-Suite? Check out these training modules. https://edutrainingcenter.withgoogle.com/resources/tools I have some companion pages on my website to Mr. B Google Training Resources https://sites.google.com/mrbwebsite.com/home/trainings/g-suite-training I also provide Google Classes to help guide participants through Google's Certification courses. If you're interested, feel free to reach out to me. https://sites.goo...

This article was irresistible for me to share. While reading this article, you may be keeping in mind that technology is not the entire solution to all problems in education. However, technology has proven to be a catalyst or the driving force for changing and improving instruction and learning. Article Preview While Apple products are known for their integration in classrooms, increasingly Google is the choice for schools and districts looking for something organized, useful, and inexpensive that’s available on tablet, laptop, Chromebooks, desktop, smartphone, and more. ...Ed note: Update: This post has been updated with new tips, links, and resources for the 2016-2017 school year to reflect the latest ways to use Google’s latest ‘stuff.’ 1. Find YouTube channels to provide daily writing prompts, activity modeling, and out-of-the-box content area expertise that students find interesting. 2. Use Google Drive for cloud-based storage of critical curricula and other important files...

The second runner up to my most viewed blog posts is "Virtual Reality Google Cardboard" Original Article: http://blog.mrbwebsite.com/2016/04/virtual-reality-google-cardboard.html Looking back on it, probably not the most engaging title, but I think it gets the point across. I did find it ironic that I just wrote a blog post this week about Google Cardboard VR (that will be posted next week). When I wrote this article, I was mainly trying to create a page where I could direct people who had questions about apps, how to get cardboard, or explain what cardboard is.

The first honorable mention for most viewed blog post on Mr. B Ed Tech blog is "200 Ways to Use Word Clouds in the Classroom" Original Article:   http://blog.mrbwebsite.com/2016/04/200-ways-to-use-word-clouds-in-classroom.html This article is itself a re-post of an article I found on another blog. As often as I can I like to share what others are doing so I am not the sole source of #edtech information.

LittleSIS for Classroom is a tool for Google Admins to auto-create class rosters/sections and assign them to teachers based on data in their SIS (School Information System), such as Skyward. A few weeks ago I stumbled across this tool, however I did not have the time to explore this tool until recently. Benefits as a Teacher: No class time is needed to setup Google Classroom by either having teachers manually create their own classes or having students sign up for their class. Class rosters are kept up-to-date with schedule changes and student mobility. If a students drops a class, then access to the class is removed. Parent/Guardian access can also be automatically created. Benefits as an Admin: Admins get a view of all classes setup in Google Classroom (currently not visible in Google Admin). LittleSIS for Classroom can be fully automated with scheduled reports from your SIS. Other apps that sync with Google Classroom can now be automated, such as GoGuardian clas...

Hello everyone! Here is one of my few posts of shameless self promotion. :) One of the questions I get from my various social media is do I present workshops or webinars? The answer is yes! How can I Request Mr. B? Head over to my website and make a presentation request. https://sites.google.com/mrbwebsite.com/home/upcoming-events Where is Mr. B available? Anywhere in the world for Webinars and distance learning platforms. Within reasonable driving distance of the Peoria and Bloomington-Normal area of Central IL for face-to-face meetings. Outside of this area will be determined on an individual basis. When is Mr. B available? "...Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call and I'll be there..." During school days, I am available after school starting at 4pm Central Standard Time. I am also available on weekends and during school breaks. Summer is a great time to schedule training sessions or presentations as well. What can Mr....

That's right, the number one post on my blog is for Microsoft Office Add-ins. I don't post as much about Microsoft's Education tools anymore as I have more experience with Google's Education Apps. Maybe at some point in the future I will make an effort to show more of these tips & tricks. Original Article:  http://blog.mrbwebsite.com/2016/03/microsoft-office-30-of-best-add-ins-for.html Check out these Add-ins for PowerPoint http://www.powerusersoftwares.com/#!40-of-the-best-addins-plugins-and-apps-for-Microsoft-PowerPoint-free-or-not/biauv/56b62cf80cf26832893d6eb2 Now with the updated link. Add-ins, similar to Google's Apps for Education Add-ons, add more features to Microsoft Office products. These are usually developed by other parties rather than by Microsoft.

Original Article : http://blog.mrbwebsite.com/2015/12/my-100th-blog-post.html I am constantly in awe when I look back at my blog over the years. This post shows the evolution of this blog over 100 blog posts. I also show two of my favorite videos about education. It looks like I have to find a different video for my Ken Robinson snippet so I have posted that below. This article is blog post #480. Ken Robinson: Changing Education Paradigms "Thank you again for your continued support of Mr. B Ed Tech!" - Tyler Breitbarth Also, please do not forget to like and subscribe for more #EdTech