Stay Organized with Google Keep!

This time of year can be so incredibly busy!  I know that if I don't write things down, there is a pretty good chance that I will forget something that needs to be done.

Over the years, I've tried multiple online to do lists and apps but one never really stuck until I started using Google Keep.

This app is accessible in the GSuite(Google Apps) menu for staff and students or go to https://keep.google.com.  An app is also available for iOS and Android smart phones.  Everything stays synced so it does not matter if you access it through the web on a computer or the app on a phone.

Here are the ways that I use Google Keep to stay as organized as possible:

• Track all of my to do's (I usually create a list for the week and another list for more long range projects)
• Rearrange my checklists to prioritize tasks, placing the most important tasks at the top of the list.
• Shared "to do" list with my co-workers. This helps us remember agenda items for our next meeting.
• Brainstorming notes or ideas for upcoming projects.
• Website link with a note (easy to add when you use the Google Keep extension in Chrome and will even store the citation for you; could be a great way for students to explore topics for an upcoming project)
• Add reminders to a task that will display on my google calendar
• Modify the color of the note to help an important one stand out. (If you like using colors for organizing, you might want to check out the extension Category Tabs for Google Keep to organize your view by the color of the note.)
• Access Google Keep Notes in Google Docs or Google Slides  and add to the doc or presentation.(In the Tools menu, click on Keep notepad).
• "Pin" the most important notes to the top of the screen.

Some additional ways that Google Keep can be used:

• Record a voice note with the app on a smart phone (Android and iOS)
• Drawings
• Add labels to your notes to help organize, search and quickly filter the notes
• Add images to notes.  Personally, I've used similar tools to capture pics of food or beverage items to make sure that I get the correct item when I get to the store. 
• Grading Comments (video tutorial)
• Google Keep Help site (Google's help site will help you stay up to date with the latest features in Google Keep)
• Check out Matt Miller's blog post (Ditch that Textbook blog) for even more ideas and help with getting started: "10 ways Google Keep can help streamline life at school."

As a gadget lover, I have used or experimented with some gadgets or tools that would just fit into the "cool tool" category.  Google Keep is not only a cool tool but one that has helped me be more efficient!  Check it out!

Submitted by Joanie Rueth, Teaching and Learning Coach/Technology Coach at Brookfield Central High School and Brookfield East High School.

Using Digital Tools to Integrate the 4C's in an Elementary Classroom

As part of my master’s program, I found myself researching how to best align technology to meet the needs of learners and the purposes of instruction.  Adding to my research, I have had the opportunity to analyze the results of staff and student technology surveys.  One area that caught my attention was for integrating the 4Cs (collaboration, creativity, communication, critical thinking) into our learner’s experiences.  Within this area, one idea stood out:  teachers asking students to collaborate online with students at other schools.  86% of students (K-5) have never had this experience in the Elmbrook School District.  Why does this matter?  Research notes, “Online collaboration contributes to improved graduation rates and other academic improvements,” allowing students to connect with a much wider audience than the face-to-face interactions in their own classrooms (Greaves et al., 2010).

Brightbytes Survey Results 2016-2017

While this may be important, teachers are faced with a bigger problem of how?  So many teachers have found successful ways to do this.  However, just getting started, I wanted to start small.  Lower elementary grades (K-2) can be tricky, as above all I wanted the platform to be safe and secure.  This is why I chose Seesaw.  Seesaw according to their site is, “a student-driven digital portfolio that empowers students to independently document what they are learning at school.”  Seesaw allows parents to connect, view, and comment on their child’s work.  It includes a microphone feature which allows users to record their voices or comments which is great for emerging readers.  Last, it has a connected blog feature.  This allows teachers to connect with other classrooms, view their blog within Seesaw, as well as post comments/share  pending teacher approval.  

While this is a small step, I have already begin to see huge payoffs.  Slowly, my learners are becoming global learners.  These connections and collaborations are leading to classroom video chats, read alouds, and experiences that begins to integrate the 4Cs without the feeling of “one more thing.”  An easy win for teachers and for our learners!  While there are many different ways and tools that can help integrate the 4Cs, Seesaw is just one way I wanted to share that has worked for me.  Also another pro - it’s free!  To learn more about Seesaw visit their site here.  

Submitted by Heather Kollmansberger, 1st grade teacher at Tonawanda Elementary