Let Your Writers Become Authors with Book Creator

 As teachers, we know that writing is one way students demonstrate an understanding of concepts. What if a student could write about a concept (or even explain, elaborate, defend, reflect, support) and bring that work to creation with visuals, drawings or media that could then be shared with others or even a real-world audience?

Well, that my teacher friend, can happen with Book Creator! And from now through the end of the semester, you have school & district access to allow your students to create books that show their learning and can be shared with other students, family members and more if you choose. 

📘 How to Use Book Creator:

Book Creator utilizes student friendly tools.

Use the + button to add media and graphics to your book.

Use the i menu to customize your media.

Use the Play Menu to view, play and share your book.

It's that EASY!

Even cooler, Book Creator allows for real-time collaboration between students and/or teachers.

📗 Use Book Creator PK-12th Grade:

Book Creator isn't just for elementary students. It can be used from PK-12th grade to allow students to create and show their learning.

👩‍🎓👨‍🎓 Click the book image below to read more about using Book Creator with upper level students.

    👧👦 Working with littles? Start from a template! 

👩‍🏫👨‍🏫 And what's even better than a template? Start with a REMIXABLE shared from other educators like YOU! See Book Creator Remixables here.

📙 Share Books:

🌎 Book Creator lets student share their work with a real-world audience by:

• 🔗Publishing Online - Get a unique, secure URL for the book to be viewed on any device.
• 🚃 Sharing the Book- Export as an ePub file and share in multiple ways.
• 📖 Printing the Book- Export as a PDF and print the book if you wish.

📕 Start Using Book Creator TODAY:

☝ Access the web version at app.bookcreator.com, choose TEACHER SIGN IN, sign in with Google, and confirm that you are part of the Keller ISD pilot.

✌ Name your TEACHER LIBRARY and share the LIBRARY CODE with other students and teachers. They’ll be able to create books in the library and read each other’s books.

👌 Students access the web version at app.bookcreator.com, choose STUDENT SIGN IN, sign in with Google, enter a Teacher Library using LIBRARY CODE, and then begin creating BOOKS📚!

Note: If you are not a teacher in Keller ISD, find information about Book Creator's 40 Books Account (FREE) and more here.

Choose Your Own Adventure: Google Sites Custom Themes

Choose Your Own Adventure: Google Sites Custom Themes

Choices make the world a better place, and when Google gives you the choice to totally create and brand your own Site, even better!! 

One of the new updates Google has rolled out recently is the ability to create your own custom theme! You are no longer limited to the few choices of colors, fonts, and images! The world is your stage, and you are free to act on your whims! 

Go to sites.google.com

Start a New Site by clicking on the colorful plus sign.

On the right side of your screen, Click on Themes.

Now you have the power to click on the Plus sign to add your own custom theme!

Name your new and improved theme!

You have the option to choose a premade color palette or you can go rogue and completely choose any color scheme you want by clicking on Customize Color. 

Choose your fonts and like magic, create a theme!

Your custom theme will now be housed under the themes tab on the navigation bar on the right. You can continue to adjust colors, text, images, navigation, and components to your liking until you have created the perfect Google Site!

Now the adventure truly begins.

My Favorite 3 New Flipgrid Features

 

I recently read through this blog post and decided to share my favorite   NEW Flipgrid features: backdrops, animated GIFs, and music!

Enhance your video with an interesting backdrop from the Flipgrid selection of backdrops or upload your own. View this short video to see a few in action.

NOTE: This feature is currently only available on the web version.

1. Select 
2. Select the  button
3. Select the preferred backdrop
   

Who doesn't love animated GIFs?!  They can communicate so much emotion and are just simply 🥳FUN🥳! Notice how easy it is to add animated GIFs (a feature recently added to the web version) on top of your video in the tutorial below.

1. Select the  icon
2. Select the GIF or STICKER tab to select a preferred image or SEARCH for a GIF or Sticker
   NOTE: select the  icon to UPLOAD a GIF

Music can add such an element of mood to video. Explore the numerous tracks that Flipgrid has to offer. You won't be able to stop! Watch the tutorial video below to learn how to add music to a video.

1. Once the video is recorded, select NEXT
2. Select 
   
   
3. Select the + button to select the preferred track
   
   Read more here.
   

Not familiar with Flipgrid? No worries! Check out this Getting Started post to learn the basics.

 

Thanks a Latte!

“Hey Alexa, find me an innovative idea to try with my students.”

“Hey Google, how can I engage teachers in PD?”

“Siri, find me an association of innovative educators.”

Do you find yourself constantly searching for the next big thing? Do you want to engage your students and/or teachers with ingenious new ideas? Wondering how to utilize all of the technology? 

TCEA is your answer! The Texas Computer Education Association is not just for the tech enthusiast! It is for anyone in education who wants to stay “in the know” or grow with technology. TCEA hosts free professional learning activities frequently. They have educational resources that will blow your mind! 

The community of educators that make up this association is vast and inclusive. You can find your niche and learn something new every day! It's the perfect place for those that like to bounce ideas around and find great ideas for their classroom.  

Professional development has never been so easy, accessible and FREE! Educators and other experts come together to offer a variety of experiences that can count towards your continuing education. 

And did I mention that it's FREE! Until October 8th TCEA is giving away memberships for free. Follow the link below and become part of an organization that never stops growing and learning together!

https://tcea.org/membership/free/