21 Day Twitter Challenge

For this blog post, I'm actually linking you to another blog post on my Learning Commons website. It's a 21 Day Twitter Challenge! I'm challenging the McGowen staff and anyone else who feels inclined to join us. In fact, it would be much more powerful if other campuses (RJE:)) joined us so there is more collaboration and we are connecting with more people. The power of Twitter really becomes evident when you collaborate and connect with people you've never met F2F (that's face to face, but in Twitter language).

I hope we have great participation in the Twitter Challenge! It starts THIS THURSDAY, March 19 and runs through April 8, 2015. The 21 days includes weekends, because Twitter truly is anytime, anywhere learning:)

If you're going ALL IN with us, use the hashtag #21daystwitter when you post. During the challenge, I'll post to this hashtag with (hopefully) other helpful hints and links that can make you a Twitter pro!

Have fun! Reach out to Melanie Burford or Laura Bates if you have any Twitter questions.

Here is the link to more information about the challenge and your daily tasks.

Googlicious Apps, Extentions, and Add Ons

I was fortunate to go to the Google Academy at TCEA this year.  I learned sooooo much about how we can use Google tools to create engaging and authentic learning experiences by collaborating and accessing their work inside and outside the classroom!  One of the concepts I was able to explore was Google Apps, Extensions, and Add Ons.  Google Apps are software programs that you can install to your Google account, and Google Extensions are mini programs that modify and enhance the Google Crome browser.  Add Ons are features within Google products that enhance its functions.

I went to a session at TCEA where Monica Martinez (Google GURU), shared a Chrome Webstore Extension and App Database sorted by content areas.  Check it out!


At last week's Technology Committee Meeting, Denise did some further teaching on Google, then she had them spend some time in the Google Chrome store exploring Apps, Extensions, and Add Ons as well as taking a look at the above database link.  Denise shared a Google Doc for them to add apps and extensions that they felt would be useful to our students and staff.  You can access the RJE's Favorite Google Apps, Extensions, and Add Ons list and feel free to add any that you come across that you think are especially useful!

Jan wanted to share something, so she is my guest blogger!

I discovered a cool Google App called Loupe Collage.  You can create a photo collage in many different shapes using your pictures on your computer or those on your Facebook or Instagram page. You can even use photos that you upload from the web.   It is so easy.  Try out Loupe .  It's LOTS of FUN.

Jan will get 5 stars on her cape for sharing and being a guest blogger.  If you find something share worthy, you can add it to the RJE's Favorite list or write up a blurb, and I will make you a guest blogger.  Sharing is caring (and remember, every 5 stars on your cape is a chance to win a iPad mini on June 5th)!