Lots of great resources and web apps to use with Chromebooks!

You can do pretty much anything with a Chromebook so the sky's the limit. Here are some tips and links to web apps:

• Remember - we shouldn’t teach software (ie Word, Excel) we should teach skills, like writing, using spreadsheets and graphs, etc.
• research projects
• Google Docs has built in search - do research as you work: In Google Docs, there is a research pane where you can do a Google search directly from Google Docs
• collaboration - Google Apps is all about collaboration.
• more collaboration tools
• create projects - reports (Docs), websites (sites), graphics (Draw), blogs (Blogger), videos and more (see below)
• online portfolios
• 3D CAD https://www.tinkercad.com/
• coding - especially for 3D printers - https://codebender.cc/
• e-textbooks
• mind mapping
• voice recording
• graphics and photo editing (Adobe Cloud too)
• animations
• video creating and editing
• student choice for projects and assignments
• extra help (go to the web or apps)
• make music all online (SoundTrap)
• Write Music in Google Documents
• database (ie. MS Access) app
• virtual labs and science
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
• online scientific and graphing calculators
• virtual field trips and tours (Google Maps street view is great for this too)
• online assessments
• programming/computer science
• Robotics - Scratch, Hummingbird Robotics, The Finch Robot
• organization skills
• note taking and class planning apps
• guest speakers via Hangouts
• recommended apps for reading and writing across the curriculum (see above also)
• Writing apps and Resources
• Third Party Apps for Reading and Writing
• How to Use Web 2.0 to Teach Literacy Strategies to Struggling Readers
• Students can write, create blogs, collaborate on writing projects and more.
• There are apps to help students with reading.
• When reading on a Chromebook, the student can easily search for the definition for an unknown word instead of struggling.

• Google Apps and Chromebooks Web App Recommendations - a whole lot!
• What Can You Do On a Chromebook? Pretty Much Everything

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Turn any exisiting PC or Mac into fully functional Chromebook - for free!

Neverware, a startup that has developed a software product, CloudReady, in partnership with Google, which turns almost any computer from the last 8 years into a full-fledged Chromebook.

Since launching this spring in the K-12 education market, they've deployed CloudReady in over 100 school districts, helping them dramatically extend the life and functionality of their existing computers. Earlier this month they quietly released a completely free version of the product for individual use, and they've had really positive feedback from the IT & enthusiast communities,

Yesterday, they officially announced the free version for individual use to the public. Imagine being able to use that old PC or Mac you have lying around as a Chromebook. It will run faster and better than it used to and provide you with more years of useful life for your old devices.

I'm going to install it on my old laptop and netbook and see how it goes.

If you want to use this in your school and managed the devices through the Admin Console, contact Neverware for more info. 

Check it out!

Neverware’s CloudReady converts existing computers into fully functional Chromebooks

NEW YORK – October 15, 2015 – Neverware announced the availability of a free version of CloudReady, an operating system that, in partnership with Google, turns almost any existing PC or Mac into a fully functional Chromebook.
Like the paid version of CloudReady, the free offering has been certified by Neverware on nearly 200 computer models and can be used on hundreds of others. Both versions include automatic updates and simple installation from a USB thumb drive. Since CloudReady is based on the same code that powers Chromebooks, it offers complete and secure integration with Google Apps and other Google services.

“We’re very excited to be able to offer a free version of CloudReady,” said Neverware CEO Jonathan Hefter. “This will allow users around the world to have free access to the simplicity and speed of Chromebooks, using the computers they already have.”
The paid version of CloudReady, which offers dedicated support and integration with Google’s device management console, launched in spring 2015. It has already been purchased by over 100 school districts in the United States, and CloudReady pilot programs are underway with organizations in 10 countries.

“Our teachers are amazed that they are using the same hardware - the difference in student engagement is astounding.”, commented Dawn Young, Director of Educational Technology at Binghamton School district in New York. “As we move to learning environments that require increased access to technology, CloudReady has been a great way to increase our device to student ratio.”

CloudReady can be downloaded for free at neverware.com

About Neverware
Neverware is a New York-based developer of operating systems. Its flagship product, CloudReady, enables school districts and other organizations to cost effectively transform their existing hardware into simple, secure, and fast machines that can be managed right alongside Chromebooks.

Neverware recently launched a joint initiative with Google to let organizations that have never tried Chromebooks to do so, cost-free, using CloudReady. Neverware’s investors include Khosla Ventures, General Catalyst, Rethink Education, and Collaborative Fund.

Product images, case studies, company bios and additional quotes are available at: www.neverware.com/media

Related:

Google Apps and Chromebooks Resources




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rosterSync for Admins and Teachers - sync your SIS to Google Classroom

rosterSync is a great new, free tool from New Visions Cloud Lab, the same people behind the Chromebook Inventory Tool. rosterSync has two versions: Super Admin and Teacher.



rosterSync: Super Admin Edition
The Super Admin edition allows GAFE super admin's to create and update Google Classroom, including populating classes, using CSV exports from Student Information Systems. SIS systems that are currently supported include Blackbaud, Infinite Campus, NYC DOE STARS and PowerSchool.

This tool means that teachers don't have to create classes and have students join using a code.

rosterSync: Teacher Edition

The Teacher Edition allows teachers to sync a Google Classroom course roster -- including student email addresses -- directly with Google Sheets for handy use with Add-ons like Doctopus, formMule, autoCrat, formRanger, and others. This will save teachers and students who use those tools a lot of time. 

Related:

Google for Education Resources (Google Apps, Chromebooks and more)

Google Classroom resources for Educators

Chromebook Deployment Help Resources

GAFE and Chromebooks Admin Console Best Practices and Tips

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Remembering 9/11 14 years later

I was in EMS for 22 years before retiring due to a back injury. One of my most memorable experiences was responding to New York City as a Paramedic in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. I will never forget that experience. What I saw and did are still with me, as is a type of asthma from breathing the dust. My Experience as a Paramedic on 9-11-01 

As the years have gone by, I've noticed that people are not remembering this terrible event like they did the first few years after. I know that my EMS, Fire and Police colleagues all do, as do the brave men and women of our armed forces who fight every day against terrorism.

I've also noticed less being done in schools lately. Most of today's students weren't even born when 9/11 occurred. Please teach them about it (facts only please) and make sure they understand what it means.



Yesterday, this photo was taken showing a rainbow leading right to the WTC site and the Freedom Tower!

United We Stood, United We Stand Today is a day Americans will never forget. It is a day of remembrance, a day of reflection and a day to be proud. It is a day we honor and remember the thousands of lives lost, the survivors, and those who rose up in service in response to the attacks on 9-11-2001. It is a day we pay tribute to and reflect on the sacrifices of the public safety workers and the men and women in our military who serve us and protect us 365 days a year. It is a day Americans can be proud of the way we came together following the attacks on 9-11. United We Stood. United We Stand.

Here are some more resources about my experience on 9/11 and 9/11 in general:

My Experience as a Paramedic on 9-11-01

Remembering 9/11 (from 2009)

Great collection of sites about Osama bin Laden, terrorism, and the wars in the Middle East from Larry Ferlazzo.

http://www.history.com/content/9-11/102-minutes

http://makehistory.national911memorial.org/

http://www.national911memorial.org/site/PageServer?pagename=New_Home

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1921566_1932073,00.html

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2008/08/13/the-best-sites-to-help-teach-about-911/







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Welcome Back to School! Here are some great resources to get the year started right!

Welcome back to school! I hope everyone had a great summer and was able to relax and recharge. My wife's district started back on August 24th, some other schools around here started last week, and many start today.

The beginning of the year is always a little crazy for all teachers. Getting your room setup, implementing new ideas into your lesson plans, getting to know your students, and just settling back in to the routine can be busy and stressful. Remember to not over do it and take time for yourself. 

One thing I've done in the past that helped me is using a check list of everything I have to do when school starts, including setting up my room (computer, bulletin boards, etc), things I want to post in my room, lesson ideas and more in Evernote. I modify it each year, adding new things for the following year. 

Here are some more tips, resources, and help to get your school year started on a positive note, and keep it that way. 

Advice to New College Graduates about to enter the Teaching profession 

Summary of new teacher tips, urban schools issues, technology resources

My Favorite Resources for Teachers and Students

Evernote for Education Resources - the ultimate note taking, web clipping, lesson planning resource

Create a Personal Learning Network - a PLN is an excellent resource for help, advice, and sharing ideas.

Google for Educators - Google has a huge number of free resources for teachers and students. Check them all out (they're all free).

Overview of some free technology that can help you be more organized and efficient.


Good luck and I hope everyone has a great school year!!



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September is National Preparedness Month - Here are some great resources!

It's National Preparedness Month, and start of the Hurricaine Season. With all of the crazy weather we have seen, it's good to be prepared.

It is important to consider three scenarios when planning for an emergency: 1) an escape route and meeting point if everyone is in the house; 2) what to do during a school day; and 3) how to handle an emergency during the weekend, when family members might be scattered.

Although many people are familiar with the concept of developing a family plan for emergencies, most fail to take the time to sit down and actually come up with one. One great resource is the FEMA-sponsored website: http://www.ready.gov/. Check out their kids section too: http://www.ready.gov/kids

Schools need to be prepared themselves, as well as teach their staff and students how to be prepared.

Each household, business, and school should have an emergency plan, emergency kits and people trained in emergency preparedness and response.

I started my training in emergency preparedness while on my trail to Eagle Scout. Emergency Preparedness is a required merit badge and the Boy Scouts emphasize emergency preparedness among the scouts. I am also a paramedic, special operations paramedic and FEMA trained in Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Management. Here are some of my favorite resources for learning about Emergency Preparedness.

Ready.gov is the US Government's web site for information and resources on emergency preparedness and response. There are resources for making a plan, an emergency kit, and how to stay informed. Information is included for individuals and businesses.

The Boy Scouts of America, who train all their Scouts and Adults in Emergency Preparedness, has partnered with the Department of Homeland Security to provide resources for the public on getting prepared. The site has planning resources, how to make an emergency kit, and other resources.

The American Red Cross website also has information for creating an emergency plan and how to prepare for different emergencies. They also sell emergency kits (they are very good and a decent price). You can always make your own using their lists though. There is a full section on preparing schools and students. The Preparedness Fast Facts page is an excellent, one stop resource.

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Emergency Management Insitute
The FEMA EMI offers free, online courses for anyone to take. The courses are well done and there are plenty of downloadable materials to help you. If you pass the test at the end, you even get a certificate.

Here are a list of the courses that I think all educators should take: (I've taken these, and more)

IS-7   A Citizen's Guide to Disaster Assistance
IS-22 Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
IS-55 Household Hazardous Materials - A Guide for Citizens
IS-100.Sca Introduction to the Incident Command System for Schools
IS-362 Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools


Education Administrators should also be involved in community emergency planning because schools are on the top of the list as emergency shelters and field hospitals and the building administrators know their buildings.

You can even join your local Community Emergency Response Team. These are teams of citizens that are specially trained to help out in major emergencies, sort of like the reserves. Find out more here. Here is a list of CERT's by State: http://www.citizencorps.gov/cc/CertIndex.do?submitByState


Emergency Preparedness is everyone's responsibility. The Japanese know this and that is one reason why the disaster over there is not worse that it is. Share these resources with your students, colleagues, and family.

Some app substitutions for iPad apps to use on a Chromebook

Chromebooks - apps recommendations and substitutions

Many “apps” made for iOS and Android aren’t meant to be used as apps on a Chromebook, anymore than they would be on a Mac or Windows device. You can just use the website. Others have web apps and/or extensions.

1. Google Maps web app
2. Kindle - use website or Kindle Cloud Reader web app
3. Stage - no direct alternative, but there are “whiteboarding apps”
4. PS Express - Pixlr Editor or PicMonkey
5. Dropbox - Dropbox Web App
6. Educreations - (Lensoo) - go to Educreations website and login,
7. Chatterpix - use Pixlr or PicMonkey (see #4)
8. PhotoFun Animal - no direct alternative (doesn’t seem educational either)
9. Wikipanion - just go to Wikipedia site
10. QR Reader - use ScanQR
11. Accelerated Reader (AR) - Renaissance Learning AR, Achieve3000 Mobile
12. BookPress - (Book Creator) - PictureBook Creator, 5 Online Tools for Creating Picture Books
13. Popplet - go to Popplet website and login and use online
14. Ebackpack - login to eBackpack website
15. Edmodo - login to Edmodo website
16. Nearpod - login to Nearpod website
17. Adobe Reader - Acrobat Reader web app, Google Drive will also open PDF files
18. Overdrive - try the Overdrive web app,
19. Pages - use Google Docs
20. Numbers - use Google Sheets
21. Keynote - use Google Slides
22. iMovie - use WeVideo
23. iPhoto - use Pixlr or Pickmonkey (#4 above) for editing. Google Photos (part of Google Drive) can also be used to organize your photos and do basic editing.

More:

• Google Drive
• Can use Office Editing web app to edit and view Word, Excel and PowerPoint files in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.
• Find more here: Google Apps and Chromebooks Web App Recommendations - a whole lot!

Remember to add these through the Admin Console as pushed or recommended apps for your users.(Scroll down to Force-Installed Apps and Extensions)