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Showing posts from January, 2016

Replacing Publisher on Chromebooks

Until now, the best choice for printed student projects -- from newsletters, to banner signs -- has been Microsoft Publisher.  With the move to Chromebooks and the disappearance of Microsoft Office, how can you replicate those same projects with the new tools that are available to students?  Here are four options to help you make the transition: 1. Google Draw This is part of the Google Docs suite that everyone in Edmonds can access.  It offers simple layout and drawing tools that are quick, and well-suited to simple projects like graphic organisers and diagrams. Pros:  Simple, free, and no additional sign-in required.  Integrated with Google Drive, and easy to share projects with students (either through the Share menu, or through Google Classroom). Cons:  Limited to one-page projects.  Some advanced tools are missing. 2. Canva Offering more dedicated desktop-publishing tools, Canva is a speedy way for students to put together slick, professional looking publicatio

Teacher Spotlight

Jason Aillaud’s 5th grade classroom at Cedar Valley Elementary is usually a bustle of activity with students engaged in rigorous learning tasks while Mr. Aillaud circulates the room checking work, reteaching, and encouraging students as they take ownership of their learning. This morning was no exception. All of the students in Room 21 had Chomebooks on their desks or laps (Jason has had 1:1 Chromebooks since September 2014) working on an Expressions Math graphing assignment or researching an unsolved mystery. Students were collaborating with each other, able to articulate the work they were doing, and self-directed. Check out the video clip to learn more!