"Scaffold-Blasting" - Differentiate on the Fly in Google Classroom

Being able to differentiate assignments in Google Classroom is an oft-requested feature. We know that differentiation done well is one path to creating an equitable learning environment for all of our students.

Currently, there are work-arounds such as attaching multiple versions of a google doc and directing students on which assignment to choose or using a google sheet add-on such as Doctopus to manage the differentiation. But like most work-arounds, those choices come with an added layer of complexity for the teacher and/or the student.

How about a solution that's quick, easy, and most importantly, instantly responsive to the student's needs in the moment?

Erich Ball, Social Studies teacher at Aurora Hills Middle School, came up with a method he has termed "Scaffold-Blasting."

Hour of Code

Looking for a great way to engage your students?

Consider participating in the Hour of Code. This event is held during the Computer Science Education week, December 7-13, 2015. This event for students of all ages, even four year-olds.

To join over tens of millions of students from over 180 countries, click on the Hour of Code Link and sign up. You and your students can view a map of all the locations that are participating. Check out the Hour of Code guides, handouts, posters, videos, and other Teacher Resources

The code.org site provides one-hour tutorials at all different levels. The tutorials range beginning with Frozen to advanced JavaScript and Robotics. There will be something to fit the needs of each of your students. Students can even participate without computers.

In the spirit of the forthcoming Star Wars movie, Code.org has also created two apps one for 11 and younger and one for over 11. Minecraft has also joined the Hour of Code. Read this blog for details. Minecraft and the Hour of Code.

Great Professional Learning Opportunity

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is coming to Denver next summer. This event is one of the largest and most popular professional learning experiences in the world when it comes to technology in education.  It's time to start thinking about your registration and plans to attend now so you can get the most out of this experience.  Registration for the 2016 conference in Denver, CO. opened yesterday so you can get set up at anytime.  If you're interested in attending this world class professional learning event, you'll find all the details below.  

Engage Students in Digital Learning with NHL Hockey

In partnership with the Colorado Avalanche, Everfi has released a powerful new tool to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning.  This new tool is entirely free and web-based so it can be used on any device.  It involves incredible interactions with the game of hockey from the engineering of skates to the area of the ice to finding angles of puck passes.  It's also perfect for second language learners as it has great audio directions to accompany the text.  If you are interested in using the great new tool to enhance student learning, check out the additional information below.

Customize Your App Launcher in Chrome

Along with bookmarks, your app launcher in Chrome can save time and frustration by giving you quick links to oft-used apps and websites. However, the default app launcher however contains google apps that you might not use. Wouldn't it be cool if you could customize it? Enter "App Launcher Customizer."

Super simple to install, easy to configure, and wham-o-presto, you have a customized app launcher. Below is a link to a help sheet to walk you through it.

http://bit.ly/1RkOuc1

Supporting Students with Reading and Writing Difficulties

One of my favorite Chrome extensions is Read & Write for Google. This extension has been added to all the APS Chromebooks, so students using these devices, automatically have this extension. Although students have the free version and do not have as many features, Read & Write provides text to speech and dual highlighting (yellow & blue) for any text on any website, PDF, or Google doc. It also provides an in the text translator.

As a teacher, you can get a free premium account for this extension by completing the form on this link. The premium version provides the same text to speech, dual highlighting, and translator features.  It also includes supports for Google Docs, specifically, multi-highlighting options for active reading, extracting highlights, a vocabulary chart, a regular and picture dictionary, and word prediction. This Quick Reference Guide will provide more details about the features.

In order to download this extension, you need to be logged into your Chrome account in the aurorak12.org account. Next, you can go to the Chrome Web store or click on this link to download it.

Check out this Read & Write for Google Presentation for more details on how this tool can help you in the classroom. Feel free to contact your Ed Tech Coach if you need help

Want to go to ISTE for free?

+Kevin Riebau is our blogger this week.  He is sharing an opportunity with you to help leverage effective, innovative instructional methods and tools with APS students.  Deadline to submit your proposal is September 30th.