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How I got started in education...

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 Hi all, I came across this today and sharing here. This cartoon depicts how I got started with education. 😉

Voice Feedback in Google Docs

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Hi! I was recently asked by a teacher how she could provide voice feedback in Google Docs. Sometimes, it's better to record your feedback, rather than writing a long note, and I'm pretty sure students would appreciate listening to their teacher's voice too! Here are some options I found. They all work for Google Docs. Some will mention if they work on Google Slides or Google Classroom too. Mote This is a Chrome extension. The basic plan has some limitations , but it's ok. Mote creates a link to the voice note in a comment box. For a better experience, the kids would also need to install that extension, that way they wouldn't be taken out of the Google doc to listen to the message and could play directly in the comments box. Works the same also in Google Slides and in Google Classroom. Read&Write This is another Chrome extension, which also has other cool features you might like. Again, to better experience this feedback option, it is recommended that the student

25 Years and Counting

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Hi everyone! I posted this on Facebook today, but thought I'd include it also in my blog since I think it's a huge accomplishment. 1996-1997 Today marks my 25th back-to-school at ASFM. 👩‍💻 I feel so blessed and grateful to be a part of this community. 🤗  Twenty-five years ago, I switched jobs, from 5 years at another school to a new one. I had 4 job offers to choose from. It was not an easy decision, because it wasn't only what was best for me, but because my kids would be joining the school too. After thinking it carefully, seeing pros and cons, and talking with friends, I chose ASFM. On the first day of school, as I entered the building, the principal was at the entrance greeting students and she turns to me and says "Good morning Diana!". I thought, "What! She knows my name!!" That's when I knew I had made a good choice and I would be all right. 1996-1997 1996-1997

First Lego League Jr.

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For the past years we had attempted to run a FIRST Lego League after school club. It was an amazing experience and the kids were really engaged, however, the timing just wasn't right. We met every Monday after school for one hour, all through the first semester of school. By the time we received the challenge kit, we were already about half way through the weeks. That didn't leave much for us to be able to complete all the tasks and be prepared to participate in the competition. So, this year, we switched to running a FIRST Lego League Jr. club instead. This meant another age range of students and another set of skills, but we were willing to give it a shot. Keep reading to see how it went. The BoomTown Build Challenge We targeted students in grades 1 and 2. We formed a team of 6 students. The kids grouped in pairs. The kids decided on the name of their team: "Pizza Boogie Party" Prior to the arrival of the challenge kit, we practiced building with Legos