Online learning is forcing us to look at things differently - we are noticing that student grades are not what we had hoped, and it is difficult to determine what students are truly learning, especially when we consider the demand placed on students to learn amongst myriad distractions. With that in mind, much of what we have discussed in induction centers around active learning and helping our students to really engage with the information in order to get the most from our limited time. It is taking our induction question, “How does this impact student learning?” and asking it on a daily basis to be certain we are getting to the heart of the matter. Therefore, today’s article is, I hope, more of a resource than an article. I am including several links to articles, blogs, podcasts, and information on active learning and keeping students engaged, as well as information on backwards planning. One of my favorite active learning strategies comes from the Cult of Pedagogy site, and it is all about hexagonal thinking; this strategy can be used online or in person; it lends itself to student-student interaction; student-teacher interaction, and perhaps student-parent interaction. What makes it so versatile is that it allows for out-of-the-box thinking and can be implemented in any subject area and grade. Like so many great strategies, it isn’t new; it’s just updated. It is truly a best practice because it encourages students to think critically about topics, events, people, etc. and how they are related. Then it asks students to explain their thinking. It truly allows for and encourages different perspectives. It also provides opportunities for creation, evaluation, comparison, debate, analysis, and collaboration.

With the exception of The Distance Learning Playbook, all of these books have been around for a few years or more. They just seem more pertinent than ever.

Google Meet Host Controls Google has recently added host controls to Google Meet. Today, we are going to review these controls, how to access them, and what you can now control as a host. When you open a Meet call from Google Classroom, you will now see a security shield icon next to your meeting code.

When you click on the shield, you will now see some Meeting Safety settings. Your first option is quick access. When this is turned off, anyone who is not invited to the Meet must ask to join. This is great, for example, when you invite guest speakers to present to your class. Next you will see two toggles: one for sharing screens and chat. Leaving these on allows everyone to share their screen or send chat messages. Turning them off would take away those abilities. At the bottom, you have the option to view all host settings.

Clicking on view all host settings bring up a new screen. Here, you will see the same three controls only now will some more verbiage to explain each setting. For example, turning off quick access only people invited by the host (you) can join the meeting without asking. Also, people are now not able to join the meet anonymously. Finally, only the host can dial out of a meeting.

When you turn off the Share their screen, the host is the only person who can share their screen. Same is true for chat. When the toggle is turned off, only the host can send messages. You can also access the new host controls in the people panel. When you click on the people icon, you now see an icon for host controls next to the Add people icon. Clicking on the host controls icon gives you quick access to the host controls. From here, you can also access the view all host settings.

I also have a video up on our YouTube channel that explains these new settings. That video can be found HERE.

Google Products and our Chromebooks have built in assistive technology tools to support our students with their educational needs. Below are some of the features to use!

http://bit.ly/ChromebookAT (link to Chromebook Help explaining accessibility features)

Your chromebook allows you to pick the language setting for your keyboard! Picking international mode will allow a user to type with accents (just hold down the LEFT ALT and type!). Watch the video below to learn more about how to enable International mode!

How long have you worked in TUSD? 30 years

 

What is your job title? School Counselor

 

Where did you work prior to TUSD? Safeway checker

 

Any info you would like to share about your job? Average day? Being able to help kids, parents, teachers, and administrators makes it a very rewarding job. The diversity of duties keeps boredom away. Most of the time, I have the freedom to choose what to work on.

Things you are most proud of? I am the most proud of students who improve.

Favorite memory/story? I was waiting in line at a Wendy’s drive thru. A car pulled up and parked near me. A very large and strong looking guy got out and walked towards me. He come up to my window and said "Mr. Long! I just wanted to thank you for helping me out in Junior High. I'm doing great. I have good job, house, and look, there is my wife and kid in the car. I finally remembered who he was and all the troubles  that he had. I congratulated him and told him I was proud of him. I thought I was going be beaten up, instead, he made my day.

Anything surprising we may not know about you? People are surprised that I was in rock band and made 2 CD's.

Anything about your personal life you’d like to share? For hobbies, I like to exercise and go boating on the Delta.