These are really nice features to roll out, but I have a feeling that we are going to see a lot more of the features we want from the output (spreadsheets) and the forms itself (images perhaps?) Love that my toolkit just expanded and became more collaborative and all I did was open up the app. So cool.
Showing posts with label google. Show all posts
Showing posts with label google. Show all posts
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Unleashing creativity in Google’s CSI:Lab | Official Google Blog
I especially love the idea of know and own what inspires you.;) "Take a peek at five tips to help you embrace the CSI:Lab spirit and add more creativity and innovation to your everyday life—whether it be at home or at the office! Know and own what inspires you. Understand where your inspiration comes from and do it 10x more than you do now. For example, if your inspiration comes from museums, then go to museums 10x more often; if your inspiration comes from people, talk to 10 new people each week. Think like a child. Be open and question everything around you. Try not to pre-judge thoughts or ideas; develop them. Dive into something new. Involve yourself in areas at work where you’re unfamiliar with the content and want to learn more. People are generally happy to share their knowledge and you can often teach them something too just by bringing a fresh perspective to their work. Play with fun and unusual materials when developing an idea. We all constantly use our computers and paper and pen, so think outside the box to get your mind flowing. Want to “prototype” a solution you’ve thought of? Grab some pipe cleaners, construction paper, LEGO figures, feathers...you name it! See how the materials inspire you. Invest in your physical space. Having a supportive environment can make a big difference, so learn how what types of space inspire creativity. To create a more open, playful environment, try a flexible workplace with no offices. Or, help ideas flow more freely by making lots of whiteboard space easily accessible. For example, at Google’s Mountain View campus, we’ve created our own innovation space, called “The Garage” (a nod to the iconic Silicon Valley workspace). “The Garage” is big enough for 170 Googlers to use the area to create, collaborate and experiment"
via Diigo http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/unleashing-creativity-in-googles-csilab.html
via Diigo http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/unleashing-creativity-in-googles-csilab.html
Googliciousness: Unleashing creativity in Google’s CSI:Lab | Official Google Blog
I especially love the idea of know and own what inspires you.;) "Take a peek at five tips to help you embrace the CSI:Lab spirit and add more creativity and innovation to your everyday life—whether it be at home or at the office! Know and own what inspires you. Understand where your inspiration comes from and do it 10x more than you do now. For example, if your inspiration comes from museums, then go to museums 10x more often; if your inspiration comes from people, talk to 10 new people each week. Think like a child. Be open and question everything around you. Try not to pre-judge thoughts or ideas; develop them. Dive into something new. Involve yourself in areas at work where you’re unfamiliar with the content and want to learn more. People are generally happy to share their knowledge and you can often teach them something too just by bringing a fresh perspective to their work. Play with fun and unusual materials when developing an idea. We all constantly use our computers and paper and pen, so think outside the box to get your mind flowing. Want to “prototype” a solution you’ve thought of? Grab some pipe cleaners, construction paper, LEGO figures, feathers...you name it! See how the materials inspire you. Invest in your physical space. Having a supportive environment can make a big difference, so learn how what types of space inspire creativity. To create a more open, playful environment, try a flexible workplace with no offices. Or, help ideas flow more freely by making lots of whiteboard space easily accessible. For example, at Google’s Mountain View campus, we’ve created our own innovation space, called “The Garage” (a nod to the iconic Silicon Valley workspace). “The Garage” is big enough for 170 Googlers to use the area to create, collaborate and experiment"
via Diigo http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/unleashing-creativity-in-googles-csilab.html
via Diigo http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/unleashing-creativity-in-googles-csilab.html
Monday, September 17, 2012
Failure is a feature: how Google stays sharp gobbling up startups | The Verge
Nice. "Perhaps the most striking fact touted by the Google? In Silicon Valley, the natural order for founders who are acquired is to work in a company for a short period of time while their stock options vest, then leave to start something new. "Holding onto a founder for a year is considered an accomplishment," says venture capitalist David Packman. Yet according to David Lawee, who runs the company’s M&A department, founders from nearly two thirds of the startups acquired by Google are still with the company. " http://www.theverge.com/2012/9/17/3322854/google-startup-mergers-acquisitions...
http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png via Posterous http://mwacker.posterous.com/failure-is-a-feature-how-google-stays-sharp-g
http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png via Posterous http://mwacker.posterous.com/failure-is-a-feature-how-google-stays-sharp-g
Monday, July 9, 2012
Google Now Better Than Siri - Business Insider
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| lowercase "g" (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
http://www.businessinsider.com/google-now-better-than-siri-2012-7
I like how quick and clearly the answers are shared with you after you ask a low level fact based question.
via Posterous http://mwacker.posterous.com/google-now-better-than-siri-business-insider
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Ruminating Out Loud 01/22/2012
I am going to be trying this tool out soon. I know some of my colleagues will be excited about this. I especially like that the designers built it on top of HTML5 which in the long(er) run it will make it a viable tool to train folks on how to use because it will be relevant. It also plays nicely with vis.io which is a plus, too.
At first glance, I like this a lot. It combines existing social spaces and incorporates or provides the opportunity to fracture them into learning spaces as well. I've heard folks ask before if this is even where our students want us to be. good question. I think the tool, whatever it is, will need to allow for layers or (ahem) circles so that we can organize the input and output cleanly and easily.
I still lik edmodo in this type of space as THE go-to tool because of the ability to work with kids and teachers P-12.
I still lik edmodo in this type of space as THE go-to tool because of the ability to work with kids and teachers P-12.
SO MANY great videos to save and revisit.
My only wish would be for them to be more easily intertwined into Google plus so that students could hop into a hangout and take notes or ask questions interactively.
My only wish would be for them to be more easily intertwined into Google plus so that students could hop into a hangout and take notes or ask questions interactively.
Not a fan of the iBooks Lock Down on format and output/ reader? There's still easy-ish ways to write an e-book.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Loving the "Search Plus Your World"
I'm seriously in love with the new search. I anticipate it getting smarter and smarter with me. I just searched for analytics (thought I typed in the address for Google Analytics, but no) and it brought up this image that not only connected me to add the developers, certified trainers, and other analytics folks to my circles, but coupled with my evernote and diigo, it pulled all the stuff I already had bookmarked, saved, or taken note about. Very, Very Cool IMO
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/search-plus-your-world.html
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Ruminating Out Loud 01/12/2012
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Image via Wikipedia Sad state of Affairs when our state receives a B- in standards, assessment, and accountability, but doesn't fund induction, mentoring, and it is found that their pay for teachers is "lacking."
Not surprised though, we love mandates and accountability, but according to the report we fail to fund it or reward our teachers for their work, expertise, or professional earning and transfer to the classroom.-
The only other better-than-average grade, a B-, came in the area of standards, assessment and accountability, where Colorado’s system of school accountability achieved a perfect 100. But it flunked the standards portion of the category, because the state’s standards are not course or grade-specific.
In particular, the state was dinged because it doesn’t fund induction, mentoring or reduced workloads for new teachers and it doesn’t allow pension portability across state lines.
Colorado’s teacher pay was found lacking and not at least equal to comparable professions.
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- Google Hangouts keeps getting better and better. I've been really impressed thus far with its consistency, ease of use, and functionality. Screensharing is a must, Bigger video, less so for me, but the ability to draft, ,collaborate, and draw out ideas in this setting seemingly super easy is great.
As an aside, I'm wondering how much I'll be using gmail, since Google plus, pretty much does everything I would need from an email already and then some. -
Image via CrunchBase I'm always looking for creative comons photos and images to use and share with colleagues. This seems to do a decent job of aggregating those from the sources that many of us check already, like creativecommons.org, flickr, etc. I like the layout and the options to purchase images as well.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
How to Set Up Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Contacts (Properly) on iOS
via lifehacker.com
This is very cool. We were having this conversation the other day and sure enough, @ginatrapani shared this three month old post on twitter today and it was PERFECT timing! I love it when it works like that. This is super easy to set up.
note: One thing you wanna be careful about though is the duplication or deleting of contacts and calendars.
Steps from the post itself:
Open up the Settings app on your iOS device and go to the "Mail, Contacts, Calendars" section. Hit "Add Account".
From there, choose Microsoft Exchange as the type of account (again, don't choose Gmail).
Type in your Gmail address under Email. Leave the Domain field blank and enter your full Gmail address under Username (including the @gmail.com, @googlemail.com, or other suffix). Type in your password and give it any description you like. Mine's just called "Gmail".
Press the Next button at the top of the screen. It should pop up a message saying Unable to Verify Certificate—if it does, just hit cancel. Then, type m.google.com in the new "Server" box that shows up at the top of the screen. Then tap Next.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Ruminating Out Loud 01/10/2012
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| Image via CrunchBase |
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There is no patent medicine, potion, quack elixir, quick fix, remedy, for what ills our structures despite what soem would have you believe. It really is about relationships, empowerment, and community in my opinion. This quote below, summed up the silo-ness we live in within the EDU community in my opinion.
"Today's school system is set up into disparate parts and silos."
What could happen if we really try to flip the script in our schools? I mean space, schedule, teacher roles, etc... -
Looking forward to the conversation. Hope i can make it. Aaron's been doing this for awhile, look forward to hearing more about how the skill has evolved as access is increased.
"Join us on Tuesday, January 17th, at 3:30pm Mountain time for a visit with Aaron Sams, a science teacher at Woodland Park High School in Woodland Park, Colorado, as we talk about the flipped classroom – what is it, it isn’t and the many forms that it can take."
Monday, December 5, 2011
Facebook Makes Massive Privacy & Tagging Changes [PICS]
I just can't trust this company. People think I'm blinded by the Google-ness of G+, but I'll take perceived or mistaken transparency over a lack of privacy/transparency any day
Miguel Guhlin originally shared this post:
Privacy setting changes...again? Yeah, right. They're not changing privacy settings, they're scrambling them again.http://mashable.com/2011/08/23/facebook-privacy-changes/
Facebook today is launching a privacy initiative that will make it clearer who users are sharing their photos, updates and locations with.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Diigo Bookmarks this Week
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| Image via Wikipedia |
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The @KhanAcademy receives $5M grant & teams up w/@SmArthistory - both avail via #CC BY-NC-SA: http://t.co/c3bbHN0e
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Get your students reading with the help of these: Top 12 Young Adult #Books for Reluctant Readers http://t.co/rktZYtL4 #elemchat
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Get free resources from 4 of @robertjmarzano's best-selling books: http://t.co/7euRjT63
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Bottom-Up Education; Focusing on Students' Unique Talents & Educator's Perspectives: http://t.co/UP1YXeia
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Flipping the Classroom: What, Why, How and Where? in 30 mins through @techlearning http://t.co/em2XnyB5
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Handout from Bob Eaker and Janel Keating - Every School, Every Team, Every Classroom http://t.co/vIm5h0Tr (PDF) #authorspeak
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The Google Apps Mail Merge Solution You've Been Looking For | http://t.co/2dvvC3nO #gct @googleapps
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This is the unit I am teaching with G11 right now - http://t.co/PaCZW2Yi #sschat
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How are you using the Internet for #PD? Which online tools offer the best #PD options? Join the discussion: http://t.co/aVHCuHJP
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Diigo Bookmarks this Week
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| Image by Getty Images via @daylife |
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Miss you so much Dad! They did it! #gocards
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Online Learning: Effective Online Teaching | @scoopit http://t.co/ujIVIh3z via @biemr2 #ECI831 Now commenting http://t.co/NcEFPhnm
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How important is the level of academic rigor in your child’s preschool? http://t.co/iUM74GPh #edreform
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Crazy awesome -> RT @karlravechespn Behind our set here at busch stadium http://t.co/TyjaBfYO
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.@stranack from #eci831 reflects on #opened11 http://t.co/h4q03dSG I wish I could have gone!
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Thinking about TEACHER 'accessibility failure' http://t.co/vrqFrfpe ~Many struggle with Moodle, Sharepoint, Blackboard~ bumpy entry points
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“@DoremiGirl: RT @jkpacelli: 50 time-saving Google Docs templates http://t.co/UiP0M6oS”
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Diigo Bookmarks this Week (weekly)
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New post: Goals are good. Actions are better. http://t.co/7atVj6C
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"What have we learnt about ...Effective Online Facilitation"
Nice but dated guide for lessons learned about student motivation, tips for facilitation and the breakdown of managerial, pedagogical, technical, and social components to the job
Friday, August 19, 2011
Google+ Hangouts can now be initiated from YouTube
Google+ Hangouts can now be initiated from YouTubeThis is a really cool integration that seems to make sense -- watch YouTube videos together in a Hangout.Google is definitely moving quickly to realize the synergies between its various properties -- this reaffirms the idea that Google+ is a "social layer" rather than a social network. What else should they integrate Google+ with?http://mashable.com/2011/08/18/watch-with-friends-youtube/ 
Google has quietly rolled out yet another feature of its Google+ social network, letting users initiate hangouts to watch videos together from YouTube.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Diigo Bookmarks this Week (weekly)
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Preparing Your School for an iPad Implementation - iPads in Education
iPad implementation tips and "stories" from an adopter
- STORIES (527) Be online and have fun of reading online stories in urdu,hindi and pakistani and indian stories.Just go on to http://www.stories.pk and enjoy. - post by suhailrizwanali bukhari
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Worth the time read on blended learning in Finland.
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Map : Gadgets - Google Docs Help
Very cool way to incorporate the power of google Spreadsheets with Maps.
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WebQuest Examples: Grades 9-12 Science
Hmmmm...not sure if this is where I'm heading if looking for High impact Instructional moves integrating technology, but it is a starting point, right?
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Forwarding Email to a Group in Gmail via a Filter
Today Cathy Nelson, posted this question out that seemed like a reasonable request and something you should be able to do, so I tested it out.
Create a group in Google Groups
Next, add that email under forwarding email addresses in the settings on gmail (you will need to confirm that address)
Now you need to add the filter itself. Click on more and then "filter messages like these"
Insert the New Google Group Address and Voila, your emails will now be distributed to any groups that you want. This can be a powerful way to automatically share emails to folks that need to be "in the know" in your organization!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Google Apps Individual Purchased Storage
I must've missed this if it's been around for awhile, because this is REALLY cool!
Individual Google Apps users are able to purchase storage if their domain administrator enables the User Managed Storage setting in the Apps Control Panel. However, an individual Google Apps user's purchased storage will not apply to Gmail storage. Learn more about Google Apps storage.
At $.25/GB for storage, this is kinda a no-brainer. Tie in the fact that it is SUPER easy to take your stuff off of Google products, and I wonder why small schools, independent schools, and even smaller districts don't look at this as a serious cloud solution.
I see the 1GB per file limit, but that doesn't bother me really.What am I missing?
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Stop Talking About EDU ALL the Time, Wacker!
This is a note to myself. I'm passionate. I love learning. While this post isn't about all the things I wanna make better, it is about my acknowledgment that my closest friends are probably tired of hearing it, I need to do more about it…and so do YOU.
I try not to do this often, but this is a post of mine taken out of context (of course) from a siloed walled garden that none of you can participate in..too bad really, because I could totally be wrong. But, you will only have this comment box below to voice your disagreement and even if everyone else in my little discussion agrees with you; you will never know ;)
My closest friends would tell you I'm obsessed, but I'm driven by where we are, where we were, and where we need to go. I purposefully directed the now in the forefront, because we are at a critical time for education. We need to be flipping the script so to speak and the hardest shifts need to happen here in these conversations. I believe professional development is heading that way with all of the informal learning going on today via twitter, ning, edmodo, Google Plus. etc. I want to be a shepherd and lifeline for folks excited to join communities of online practicioners. I build and design these courses/spaces but I still have so much to learn! (A huge missing dynamic piece of this flow is that I can't share the awesomeness here (Regis online), with the outside world.)
We need to get there.
It pains me that we close off these conversations even from ourselves. If I want to reference or footnote this in a future piece, it's not possible because of our siloed walls. This is not unique to Regis but is instead a flaw in the design of 99% of online spaces designed for learning.
Michael
Monday, January 3, 2011
Dear Firefox, I am sorry we haven't spent much time together lately...
Dear Firefox, I am sorry we haven't spent much time together lately. First of all, let me say, it's not you it's me. It's just that the Google Chrome browser does everything I need and more. I know you were there for me a lot over the past couple of years, when other browsers seemed destined to make me quit course design and facilitation, but you've been exposed recently as "less than safe" in wifi environments and that's just a bit risky for me. As recently as a few weeks ago, you were my only option in editing in moodle, but not anymore. Now that we have the chrome/safari patch installed I've ignored and kind of abandoned you; I’m truly sorry about that. I am grateful for the "add ons" and speed of browsing you showed me a few years back, this was without doubt what made me fall in love with you in the first place. I've heard good things about the latest BETA update, so I will try and come by your place again sometime soon. Take care of yourself and again thank you for everything, I hope we can remain friends. 
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