March+2017

=March 2017=

=Educational Technology's Writing Website Gem - BoomWriter= =Google Docs Add On For Scoring Online Writing= =Spotlight: First Graders and the 4 C's With Breakout EDU= =Tech Tip - Make Websites Into App Icons for the Chromebook Shelf= =Using LanSchool With Your Chromebooks= =Have You Checked Out the New Google Sites?= =Now Registering For: Code.org For Elementary= =Join the GSDEdTech March Twitter Chat= = =

= = = = = = = = = Educational Technology's Writing Website Gem =



BoomWriter has three unique writing tools:

 * ===[|ProjectWriter]: Students demonstrate their nonfiction writing skills in information and explanatory, argument/opinion, scientific, or narrative focused projects.===
 * ===[|StoryWriter]: Students develop their creative writing skills and understanding of literacy elements.===
 * ===[|WordWriter]: Let students apply, share, and assess their vocabulary knowledge in a new, fun, and interactive way.===
 * media type="youtube" key="S299obAZYVQ" height="209" width="364" || media type="youtube" key="9J6I3UtMtOk" height="209" width="363" ||

Thank you Tricia Fenton, STS at Vista and Western Hills, for sharing this wonderful online writing resource!
= Google Docs Add On For Scoring Online Writing =

To get the Orange Slice add-on:
media type="youtube" key="_KtzCnvqPYs" width="380" height="216"
 * ===Either create a new Google Doc or open an existing Google Doc===
 * ===Click on Add-ons in the menu===
 * ===Click on Get Add-ons===
 * ===In the search box, type orangeslice===
 * ===Choose to add the Teacher Rubric version of OrangeSlice===
 * ===A tutorial for using the Orangeslice add-on to create and use online rubrics is below===

Thank you Tricia Fenton, STS at Vista and Western Hills, for sharing this month's awesome online writing tools!
= = =** Spotlight: First Graders and the 4 Cs with Breakout EDU **= ===In this spotlight video, first grade students at Bennion Elementary work with school technology specialist, Amber Palmer, to solve critical thinking puzzles as part of a Breakout EDU activity. The video also highlights the centrality of the Four Cs of 21st Century Learning (Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity) to our teaching and learning practices in educational technology.=== ===Breakout EDU is defined on their official web site (@http://www.breakoutedu.com/welcome) as “an immersive games platform for learners of all ages. In Breakout EDU games, players work collaboratively to solve a series of critical thinking puzzles in order to open a locked box.”=== ===You can purchase Breakout EDU kits from the web site or use this archive of the Breakout EDU Open Source Materials List to build your own version of the kit. Breakout EDU hosts a large library of educator-designed games, as well as a template to create your own games for the kit.=== media type="youtube" key="RhWzNk2of1o" width="560" height="315" Spotlight contribution by Heidi Meenen, District Technology Specialist

= Tech Tip - Make Websites into App Icons for the Chromebook Shelf =

5. Either click on add or rename the app if desired and then click on add. Your website is now a shelf icon!


= = = Using LanSchool With Your Chromebooks =

with the Chromebooks in your classroom.










= = = Have You Checked Out the New Google Sites? =

The tutorials below will help you get started.

 * media type="youtube" key="Dm8nEq4jVJg" width="335" height="190" || media type="youtube" key="rSvnWUiCiFc" width="336" height="193" ||

= Now Registering For: Code.org For Elementary =