Review: Shake Up Learning
The second website that I chose to review is Kasey Bell’s Shake Up Learning, another resource for educators and their students, but Shake Up Learning has a lot of in depth information on Google and the G Suite, which I really enjoy given that the computer I use currently is a Google Chromebook. Also, Google is a tool that your students can use no matter the device that they have at their disposal, so it’s a very versatile tool for your classroom.
Shake Up Learning breaks down all the different programs available through Google (Google Drive, Google Classroom, Google Keep, etc.) and how specifically you can use them for educational purposes, and a lot of this is done through easy-to-read infographics that would be great to give to students, or even print off as posters in the classroom.
One specific great resource that I’ve taken advantage of is her page that features 150+ Chrome Apps and Extensions for Teachers and Students. Like I said before, Google programs are great for your students because you don’t need one specific operating system or device to utilize them, and that’s applicable to Google Chrome especially. If your school has a BYOD system instead of say, a 1:1 program where devices are provided, then using Google Chrome apps and extensions would be a good way to ensure that all your students are able to participate.
Haiku Deck is one I could definitely see myself using in the future, and honestly will probably use it for some of my classes this upcoming semester. It’s a program that can be used within Google Chrome that allows you to make image-rich presentations that encourage you to not lean on your presentations as a crutch during class time. I’ll admit that I’m very a much a snob when it comes to good presentations; I’ll spend a good deal of time making sure that everything from the pictures to the text to the transitions are absolutely perfect before I even think about putting it in front of people, but Haiku Deck is setting me up to make that a lot easier.
Kasey is also featured on a podcast titled The Google Teacher Tribe along with Matt Miller of Ditch That Textbook where they expand on a lot of the programs and tactics talked about on Shake Up Learning.
I’d say that Shake Up Learning is a must for any teacher looking to fairly and efficiently introduce technology into the classroom, and that’s just a jumping off point for all the different things you can do with Google. Here's the social media and contact info for Kasey as well.