Good afternoon Vita-Learn members

This afternoon, we have a short time to go over using Google's Form and to develop a Google web site.  Your first task is to take a brief assessment (using the Form tool) which I use in August for new staff members.  We'll then spend some time having you develop your own formative assessment using the Form tool.

I would like to show you some of our staff members web sites and then will have you develop your own Google site. Google has two web page formats, Google sites and Blogger.  Both allow you to place links, pictures, videos on your site.  We have found that Blogger is not only easier to learn but easier to use.  Since most of our teachers have decided to use Blogger, that's what you'll experience today.

Be careful when downloading software

If there is an option for "custom install" when downloading anything...take it.  This will allow you to deselect additional software that you do not want.  Read the blurb below from the Google Earth download page.

• This site distributes software via a download manager install system. In addition to managing the download of your selected software, the download manager will make recommendations for additional commercial offers that you may be interested in. Additional software may include toolbars, browser add-ons and other types of applications.
• If a sponsored software offer, like for example a toolbar, will be offered, it might change the User’s home page, default search settings and 404-error traffic, in the event the User selects such options.
• You are not required to install any additional software to receive your selected software.

Realtime Google Earth satellite data

Observe cloud cover along with both moisture content and temperate data using Google Earth.  This is a color enhanced segment of the water vapor content over Oklahoma a day after the massive May 20th tornado.

If you don't already have Google Earth, here's the link to download.

Free Tools and Resources to Help Students Develop 21st Century Skills

New online tools (from Intel) create active learning environments where students can engage in discussions, analyze information, pursue investigations, and solve problems. You’ll also find teaching resources, including lesson plans, assessment strategies, and technology-enriched project ideas for all K–12 subjects.

Seeing Reason Tool - Help students understand the cause-and-effect relationships of complex systems. This tool allows them to create visual maps that organize their ideas and build their collaborative reasoning skills. 
Showing Evidence Tool - Teach students how to use a visual framework to construct a well-reasoned argument and prove their case with credible evidence.  
Assessing Projects Tool - Develop or create assessments that address your students’ critical thinking and collaboration skills. You can also learn strategies to help make assessment an integral part of your teaching.
Visual Ranking Tool - Help your students identify and refine criteria as they assign rankings to a list. This tool can help them better organize ideas, debate differences, and reach a consensus.

The tools are web based so they will run on any platform.  There are are also tools specifically designed for both Android and Apple mobile devices.

Join the Common Core Conversation

One of the best places to find the FREE sites, lessons, web tools, and resources for the Common Core Standards.

Have students design and print out green buildings with Energy3D

Energy3D presents an easy-to-use 3D user interface for designing and analyzing model green buildings. Students can quickly sketch up a house, a building, or even a village. Energy3D allows students to "print out" a design, cut out the pieces, and use them to assemble a physical model. Energy3D is developed for children of age 6-18 and can be used in math, engineering, or physical science classes.  

Energy3D is available for free download in two ways; Web Installer and Zip Installer.  Watch the video tutorial.

Google Earth's Ruler

click to download the Google Earth file

It's amazing what you can measure using Goggle Earth's ruler (under Tools).  Download the Google Earth file of the Paluweh volcano and measure the distance that the plume of smoke traveled on April 30, 3013.