App Highlight - Grasshopper

Grasshopper is a relatively new app from Google's Area 120. It is available on both the Android and iOS operating systems. In this app, you complete challenges through writing bits of JavaScript. I like to compare it to Duolingo, the popular language learning app. It is free and allows you to work on the puzzles at your own pace. This is a step up from the Blockly coding that has been popularized by Hour of Code and Code.org. The best part is, you get nearly instant feedback and multiple tries to master the material. While this will not get you a Silicon Valley coding job by itself, it will definitely start you down a path that allows you to start growing your coding skills. It is really worth checking out. Learn more at here.

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How to Use Google Cast - Wirelessly Display Your Chromebook!

First and foremost, the headline is slightly misleading as you will actually display your Chromebook to your desktop which will be connected with wires. While you will need your Windows PC to connect to the projector, it does not change the fact that you can wirelessly display your Chromebook to students. In my experiments with this both at home and on the school network, I have yet to get the sound to work. (If you would like to connect with the HDMI cable that supports both audio and video, please let me know and I will be sure to get you a cable). To start this process, in your Chrome browser you will need to visit the Chrome Web Store and install the Google Cast for Education app. You will also need to install the Google Cast extension. Next, on your windows desktop open your Google Cast for Education app. You can find it near the top of your browser window. Once you open the app, you should be see a gray screen that names the computer and gives ...

#GoOpen Michigan Reflection

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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