Google Docs Revamped, Drawing App Added

Many folks are aware of the benefits of Google Docs as a collaboration and sharing platform.  Recently Google announced a number of enhancements which make it an even more powerful tool for collaboration. You can catch up on the enhancements by reading my overview below, or you can view this video summary.



New additions include:

• Improved import of documents created in MS Word and other stand-alone word processors.
• Ruler, margins, tabs, and floating images in text documents
• A full-featured comment system for co-editing documents
• Improved "real-time" updating of co-editors changes
• The spreadsheet application now displays the formula bar by default and allows autofill and drag-and-drop column moving
• A new drawing application has been added to the suite.  While you're probably not going to use it to draw the blueprints for your new house, it is quite capable for charts, simple drawings, schematics and flowcharts
• In all applications, a collaboration sidebar now allows you to chat with co-editors while working on the document.

Using Photostory to Create Historical Documentaries

I have already extolled the virtues of Microsoft Photostory in a previous post, so I won't go into exhaustive detail about the program itself.  Instead, this post will focus on curricular applications for Photostory.

For those unfamiliar with the program, Photostory, available as a free download from Microsoft, allows users to create sophisticated photo slideshows quickly and easily.  Its interface is simple enough that even grade ones can master it, yet it provides enough depth for older students and adults.  For those interested in learning how to use Photostory, Elearning has created a number of video tutorials which walk the user through the process (click "log in as guest").

Fotosketcher Turns Photos into "Works of Art"

When I worked as Technology Coordinator for the legacy Gull Lake School Division, I always carried a Leatherman tool on my belt because I never knew when I might briefly need to enlist the services of a screwdriver, pliers or a knife.  It served me well, but I also always a carried full toolkit in my car for more extended work.  Sometimes you just need a real screwdriver.

The same is true with software.  While powerful do-it-all software suites have their place, there is no denying the value of a software tool that was designed to do one job and do it well.  That's the case with Fotosketcher, a free image altering tool designed specifically to convert regular digital photographs into images that look like they were drawn, sketched, or painted.

Internet Safety

Safety is a common component or unit in many health curricula.  While classroom discussions on this topic have traditionally included safety at home, at school, on the playground, and in the streets, increasingly it should also include safety in cyberspace.  Students need to be taught guidelines for remaining safe while interacting with others online.

There is no sense pretending that we can deal with the situation simply by limiting students' access to the Internet and other communication technologies; that horse left the barn some time ago.  Rather than deluding ourselves that we can keep our kids "retro-safe,"  we need to give them to tools to stay safe in an ever-evolving online world which is - and which will continue to be - an integral part of their lives.

Google Lit Trips

For those of us who have ever taught a piece of literature and struggled to provide students with the kind of background knowledge that will allow the piece to spring to life, Google Lit Trips is an impressive marriage of technology, geography, and culture.

Stop Motion Animation in Movie Maker

A number of Elearning Catalyst teachers have been working with various classes lately on stop-motion animation projects.  Stop-motion is a relatively simple project which can provide some variety within Arts Education or in any course which has story-telling as a component.  Within Arts Ed, students can also record their own a cappella "sound track" to accompany their animation, thereby incorporating another strand.  Because students will need to gain an understanding of the concept of frames/sec, the project will also incorporate some math concepts.

A Teaching Idea: Using Google Maps in SS 30

Google Maps is a rich resource for teaching Social Studies at a wide range of grade levels, but in this Tech Tip we are going to focus on Social Studies 30.