Trying New Things

This video, in which a young person attempts a ski long jump, is a fantastic reminder about trying new things. In the beginning, the young lady is apprehensive, scared, and nervous. In so much of what we do, the things we try, and how we handle these new situations, we feel the same way! Then, her nerve rises to a level where she pushes off, she soars through the air and stomps her landing. The exhilaration that she feels after this accomplishment is what we strive for in our teaching. Sometimes, to get there, we have to try new things. When we do, things seem much easier to try other new things.

This video is representative of the struggle and reward of trying new things in the classroom. While this young person didn't stumble or fall, we sometimes do. How we respond is essential to what we do next. But one thing is clear when we try new things and experience success, more new things become easier. Try them!

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How to Use Google Cast - Wirelessly Display Your Chromebook!

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This past week, I had the opportunity to attend a REMC and MDE event on Open Educational Resources (OERs). This event was the launch of a new #GoOpen push within Michigan schools. While OERs have been a part of our school and an option, little has been done to truly push these into the classrooms. The #GoOpen Summit was put on to launch a new initiative in Michigan. Michigan will be launching a database of OERs created by and used by Michigan teachers. This is incredibly powerful. The beginnings of the site can be viewed on this MDE page . The biggest part of the website, something that has been missing from so many OER databases is the fact that these resources will be evaluated before publishing to ensure their openness and their quality. Some of the biggest takeaways from the event is the reminder that there is a significant difference between an Open Educational Resource and something that is free on the internet. The difference comes in the restrictions on use. Some resources, su...

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So, if you took the advice of last week's 90 Second Chromebook Tip & Trick and abandoned your "Search" key in favor of Caps Lock on your Chromebook keyboard, this is still a quick way that you can search Google using this week's Shortcut of the Week. When you want to quick search Google, simply press "Ctrl + e" to focus on the URL bar at the top of the page and begin your Google Search query. It is extremely easy and fast to do!

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