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Zoom Quckie

11/6/2020

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I keep saying how “Complicated” zoom is because of the options at set up.

It does not have to be!

​Here is a Quick way to set up zoom meeting without all the fuss… and NOT let students change their name.
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Zoom Safely

11/6/2020

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Zoom has many options and has always been a great tool.  With many options comes much confusion and … many options.
 
One option is for a user (such as teenager) to change their display name and picture.  I am sure you can imagine where that could go…(and has gone).  Of course teachers should kick anyone out with improper names.  BUT What if one Kid types another kids name… and says “rude” things?...
 
Have less fear as there are options!
  1. Don’t use zoom if you are concerned.
  2. Google Meet and Teams both force users to their respective usernames and images.
 
If you use Zoom (options) details are below.
  1. Force the user to “require authentication” see below on what the teacher does and what the student will see.
  2. Or, after your meeting starts In the participants list you have an option to Allow (by checking) or NOT allow by unchecking the box that says “Allow user to change display name”  Be sure it is UNCHECKED.  It seems to be checked by default.
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Scan using Apple Notes

9/8/2020

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I get a lot of "calls" asking to install or how to use our scanners.  Scans are great to take a paper document to turn it in to a .pdf and post on your Canvas page.  But did you know you might have one of the best scanners already in your hand? 
Your iPhone!  Using Notes and be sure you are logged in to Notes with your Apple ID.  Watch the video to learn how.
  • Open Notes
  • Create a new note
  • Click the Camera button
  • Select Scan Document
  • Scan the document "paper" click the record or take picture button
  • Save it
  • Upload (Share to) to your Google Drive.
    YOU MUST already be logged in to your Google Drive app on your phone.
  • I created a folder called Scans.
  • Go to your Google Drive on a computer.  Find the scans folder and share it just as you would  a normal document to link or embed on your Canvas page.
Much easier than using your PC or copier.
Why NOT  a picture? Compare them yourself!
Below are non-edited Scan vs a Picture of the same document taken the same way.
  • A "Scan" looks for the image to "scan"
  • It saves as .pdf
  • Here is a Picture
  • Here is Scan
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Cameras

7/28/2020

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I am getting asked a bunch about cameras and filming (recording teacher) lessons.  So here are my thoughts....
  • You do not need a camera. Use your chrome book or laptop.  If you need one please come see me.
  • Use ScreenCastify.  Instructions are here on the blog somewhere! When opening it, chose "Camera Only" and it does not capture your screen.
  • When recording be sure to stay in the recording screen.
  • Have a helper watching to move or point the laptop (as you would a camera).
  • Edit it if you feel the need.
More thoughts!
  • I believe in making things simpler for classroom teachers. You already have a camera and software to make videos.
  • Don't use video editing software such as iMovie or Adobe's Premier.  See above.  KISS etc.  Stick to YOUR content, you are not making professional videos - you're teaching math or other content!
  • Sure, go ahead make a few good ones to see that it can be complicated and time consuming.

If you did (do?) have a camera...

  • Where does the video save? Disk, "phone"
  • Do you need to get it to your computer?
  • ​Will you edit it?
  • How will you get the video to Canvas?

Yes, I have answers to all those questions but....

A laptop and screencastify is pretty much... 2 clicks!
  • Click the copy sharable link button in screencastify
  • paste it into Canvas.
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Great Extensions

5/15/2020

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Attendance, Reactions, Grid view

Yes, we are getting close to the end of our quarter of Covid19 but I don't think this teaching style is going to go away.  Here are a few extensions that you will probably love after you use them.  
  • Grid view - is mentioned in another post but shows up again here.
  • Nod Reactions https://chrome.google.com/webstore/
    Great feedback from students.  They can raise hands and send emojies.  Students will need to download extension and install on their end too.  Give them the link to download it.
  • Attendance.  Two options:
    • Google Meet Attendance - https://chrome.google.com/webstore/
      Very simple to use right click on the Users and select Meet attendance to download a spreadsheet of who is in your meet.
    • Meet attendance https://chrome.google.com/webstore 
      Many more options but that makes it more cumbersome too.  I thought it was too much and did not review it in the video.
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Canvas - Embed videos

4/17/2020

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Videos should be embedded into canvas!  That "forces" the students to watch the video in your Canvas page.  If you just put a link to a video for students to click on... you just sent the kid the movie theater and expect them to come back!

1.  Find the embed code.

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You may need to find the SHARE button.  On the left from a Library of Congress website it is under the video. At YouTube (2 pics below) it is a two step process.
  1. Click Share,
  2. THEN embed
  3. then copy the code.
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2.  In Canvas....

Create your page or assignment, then click the video icon in the edit box and select embed.  Paste.  Click OK.  this will keep you students in "Class" and not wandering around the "theatre"... aka being sent to YouTube!
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Teacher Office Hours

4/16/2020

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At the start of this Covid19 thing we created an "Office Hours" calendar.  Here is an update!
  1. Please be sure to use the calendar so students, parents, and your principal knows that you are attempting to connected with your students and when.
  2. It works best with Google Hangouts Meet.  BUT if you are using something else (A "Room", Teams or Zoom) you can still add your link to this calendar.
  3. All is explained in this wonderful perfect video!  But please e-mail or ask me any questions! ksmedberg@graniteschools.org
  4. I have added most of you to this calendar (as an editor)  but if I missed you please send me your @granitesd.org e-mail address. 
Basic Steps
  • Open the calendar link in Canvas
  • Click on the calendar to create an event (if you cannot create an event you must e-mail me your @granitesd.org e-mail and I will get you edit rights)
  • Click "More options"
  • Set your time and date (NO all day or repeating)
  • Add Conferencing  "Hangouts Meet" (unless you are adding your own Teams, Zoom link)
  • Be sure it is on the CORRECT calendar.  "Teacher Office Hours"
  • Save.  Done.  Be sure you are in your office hours!
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Video Chat Options

4/11/2020

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These are in order of preference for Teacher - Student conversations

  1. Canvas "Inbox" not for live video or "Office Hours" but your first line of communication!  (I also recommended NOT forwarding student messages to your e-mail.  Keep Outlook e-mail for employee things and student stuff IN Canvas)
  2. Google Meet (Instructions are here or on their site)
    Teacher - Student / teacher - teacher
    Both teachers and students should already be logged in and know how to use their @granitesd.org accounts.  Go to the waffle find Meet.  Yes there is an app in your app store.
  3. MS Teams Chat (instructions from "them")
    Teacher - teacher / teacher - student / student - student
    Log in to www.office.com with your @graniteschools.org account. Find Teams.  (The Purple T tile.)  Use the Chat feature.  Students can log in with their 9#@graniteschools.org.  BUT most don't know that.  Yes, there is an app in your app store.
  4. Skype For Business (Link to support)
    Teacher - teacher (or Staff/Employees) on GSD Devices.  Does not work on Chromebooks.  YES, there is an app in your app store.  We have been using this for years.  But it is going away as we move to Teams
  5. Zoom
    ​Is not recommended as there are too many security risks.  Also we spend $$$ on the above options and we have been using them for years now anyway!

Good ideas from the Chariot Group.


15 Video Conferencing Personal Etiquette & Protocols
  • Wear work-appropriate clothing and be sure your work space is orderly
  • Frame the camera correctly and pay attention to what is behind you
  • Have the right light and be cognizant of back lighting and distracting glare
  • Be aware of outside noise and when possible, schedule meetings in a quiet space
  • Be courteous to other participants and don't carry on side conversations
  • Look directly at the camera, maintain eye contact, be present and stay seated
  • Speak clearly, don't shout and keep body movements minimal
  • Be aware of visual alignment with your camera positioned above your monitor  
  • Avoid distractions such as your phone and leave the keyboard alone
  • Don't interrupt other speakers and use the established meeting cues  
  • If other participant cameras are on, yours should be also
  • If you have signed in, use your first and last name, not a nickname or handle
  • Eat before or after a video conference call, not during
  • Remember that mics and cameras are live  
  • If you are interrupted by a call, child, etc., mute your audio and disable your camera while you’re dealing with the interruption. Return discretely to the video meeting without unnecessary explanation.  
 
10 Video Conferencing Etiquette Operational Protocols
  • Test your technology before the meeting to ensure it is working correctly
  • Start and end on time, virtual time is just as important as "real" time
  • Have an agenda and perhaps a time keeper
  • Have a moderator if you can to help people stay on track and engaged
  • Identify meeting cues such as raising hands, sharing documents, etc.
  • Briefly explain technology features available such chat pods, etc
  • Begin with a safety minute and/or housekeeping moment
  • Remind participants to mute their mics when not speaking 
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ScreenCastify Submit

4/11/2020

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THIS is awesome!
I will put the link to register at the bottom.
Basically... 
  1. YOU (teachers) create an "assignment*" in ScreenCastify.
  2. Send your students the link.  (Use Canvas)
  3. They record their screen (with video and/or audio)
  4. It saves to YOUR Google Drive!!!
    ​With student name and assignment title.
*Let's not get confused with "Assignment"!

You should still use Canvas and create the "real" assignment to be graded.  Just insert the link #2 in the Canvas assignment.  Either use "No Submission" or a "Text Box" for them to comment. Students will NOT upload the video in Canvas.  It will be uploaded to YOUR Google Drive.
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Click the image on the left to request access and get more info from them.  I AM  not sure how long the beta / Early Access will be.

Why do you want this?

  • Students can show their computer screen (Chrome) and narrate content. In the same way I did above.
  • It saves to your Google drive.  Eliminates confusion on how to turn it in or what to call it.
  • Nothing for students to download or install.  They DO need to allow access to camera and/or microphone.
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Grid View Brady Bunch style

4/11/2020

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Google Meet

Everyone loves the grid view in Zoom.  So everyone is copying it!!!  Here is an extension for you to use Grid view with Google Meet. Instructions are on their website.
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/google-meet-grid-view/bjkegbgpfgpikgkfidhcihhiflbjgfic
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MS Teams (Chat video)

They're working on it is all I know.  When will GSD get it?  Fabulous question - I have no idea.
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