Google Play for Edu + Simple Chromebook Shortcuts

Introducing Google Play for Education

White Bear Lake Schools now have access to the Google Play for Education Store. This means that teachers can send out specific Chrome and Android apps to groups of students.

Google Play for Education is an extension of Google Play designed for schools. Here educators can discover Android and Chrome apps approved by teachers for teachers, as well as educational videos and a collection of classic books for their classroom.

Teachers can search for approved apps by grade, subject and standard, including Common Core State Standards. Instant distribution lets educators bring apps directly to classrooms and schools.

See this presentation made by our own Nicky Lavalley for instructions on how to send apps to students.

Please contact Steve Asper (steve.asper@isd624.org) with any specific questions related to Google Play for Edu.

Useful Chromebook Shortcuts

Here is a handful of Chromebook shortcuts that Sunrise 8th graders think will save you time! To see a full menu of keyboard shortcuts open a Chromebook and press Ctrl + Alt + ?

The screencast was made by 8th grade students in the Tech Depot. Tech Depot is an advisory group at both Sunrise and Central middle school that assists with Chromebook repairs, troubleshooting, and shares their tech wisdom with students and staff.

As always, please contact Cassie Knutson (cassie.knutson@isd624.org) or myself (matt.skogen@isd624.org) with questions. We are available to meet with you one on one or in small groups to help make your innovative ideas a reality.

Digital Citizenship, Chromebook Tutorial, and the Technology and Leadership Cohort

Digital Citizenship Resources

Teaching the norms of responsible technology use is becoming increasingly important as we continue to embed technology in our students' learning experiences. There are many online resources for teaching digital citizenship so that students have safe experiences as the communicate and collaborate online. 

Elementary School Resources:

• PBS Webonauts Internet Academy, Through the Wild Web Woods, and AT&T's Safety Land are great online resources for elementary students. 
• Professor Garfield Online Safety, Cyberbullying, and Fact or Opinion are free iPad applications that teach students how to be safe online, how to recognize and respond to cyberbullying, and how to decide if something is a fact or an opinion.

Middle School/High School Resources:

• Seven Digital Sins and Flocabulary's "Think Before You Post - Oversharing are great online resource for middle and high school students. 

Take some time to review these great resources and consider using them in your classroom!

Chromebook Tutorial

Our 8th graders at Sunrise each have a Chromebook in their hands and hundreds of additional Chromebooks are now available at our elementary, middle, and high schools. This Chromebook Tutorial is a self paced opportunity to learn basic to advanced Chromebook skills.

2014-2015 Technology & Leadership Cohort

Starting October 27, 2014, 30 teachers will begin White Bear’s second Technology & Leadership Cohort focused on improving leadership and technology skills through four blended courses. Members will also earn 15 graduate credits and a Technology & Leadership Certificate through Hamline. The Cohort will be taught in a blended format with all face to face meetings being held Monday afternoon/evenings once month. Applications are due October 9th!