BACK IN BLOG

Since last post, the class has been able to bring their Chromebooks home and use them at anytime.  We've become accustomed to using them daily, and I've seen great advantage to having them.

Now it's time to hear back from the students themselves.  I've asked them to post to this blog about their experiences using their Chromebooks...

It’s been a while since I blogged, but…

AP kids are loving the Chromebooks.  Although they can't take them home yet, we’re using them in class every day.  A week or so ago, I gave a quiz in Google Forms.  Before the kids left the room less than 45 minutes later, I was able to return their quiz scores and record the scores in E-school.  Amazing.

I’m also able to do more detailed analysis of their work, in less time (even in real time), and then provide feedback more quickly and efficiently.  With apps like Actively Learn, for example, there’s a real back and forth that wasn’t possible or practical using paper.  

I’ve also started using Google Classroom on a daily basis (for all my classes).  Each day, I post a short description of what’s going on in class, and attach any relevant docs, notes or links.   When a student is absent, they’re able to go into Classroom to see (and complete) what they’ve missed--much more efficient than waiting until they return to track me down for work.  

Streamlines my routine also:  saves me having to remember what we did three days ago, and then dig up the corresponding assignments / notes, etc.

I’m also able to return scored assignments through Classroom.  Same advantages… Students get results sooner, not a day (or more) down the road.  Less class time spent returning papers, etc.

"THE NEW CHROMEBOOKS ARE HERE!  THE NEW CHROMEBOOKS ARE HERE!...

..things are going to start happening now!"

They've arrived.  After a charge-up and some set-up, my AP class will be using their new Chromebooks daily in class.  There are so many possibilities... where to begin?

I think we'll start by adding some bookmarks, extensions, and apps and go from there.  More to follow...

ONLINE PLANBOOK

I've found two online planbooks which I'm testing out for the new year:

planbook.com
planbookedu.com

As of right now, my preference is for planbook.com.  It's intuitive, user-friendly, and feature-rich.  For example, it's possible to attach files like PowerPoints, documents, etc, to daily plans, and to share your planbook with teachers, admin, parents and students.  This would come in handy for support teachers working with my students, and for students who are absent.  There's also a gradebook feature which incorporates standards and can be shared with students and parents.

Cost for this planbook is $12 / year;  planbookedu is about $25/year.

Here's a beautiful piece of writing.  

 http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/246044740/ara-parseghian-notre-dame-miami-coach-dies-94

I Could Get Used To This...

Just finished grading 'papers' on my phone.   Easier than I thought it would be.  I'll double check them, download scores, and return results via email later today or tomorrow.  Another benefit I hadn't realized:  electronic returns save considerable classroom time...

GOOGLE FORMS PROCESS CONTINUED...

Yesterday I returned to students the results / scoring of their first Summer assignment.  I'm awaiting their feedback here.

The process went well on my end, and I look forward to using this more extensively in the future.  In fact, I'll be sending a second assignment using Google Forms this morning.  More to come...