Waffle Bytes

(Updated on 3/21/2017 - triggers have been moved!) ( I just created a new related post on how to create a multiple choice  question on the form that a bit simplified - takes the "other" answers in a multiple choice question on a form, and updates the multiple choice options with those as options.) I guess it was only a matter of time before I ended up dabbling with Google Scripts.  Today I was asked by a teacher how he could populate a drop-down list on his Google Form from data on a spreadsheet - and have it update as he changed the data.  Not finding an add-on for this (why recreate the wheel? :-)  I explored creating a script.  And...discovered that this task is not too hard! To do this yourself - 1. Create your form.   Really important step.  Make sure to create your drop-down item and give it a title, but you do not need to add any options to it (because later you will populate it from the spreadsheet). 2. Create the spreadsheet whe...

In case you missed it - MeL now has Chrome Apps for your use - Michigan eLibrary Chrome Apps Access to your favorite Michigan eLibrary (MeL) databases is now even easier when you install the FREE MeL Chrome Apps! These apps are compatible with any Mac, PC, or Chromebook running the Chrome browser and provide simple one-click access to MeL databases. Install these apps for FREE from the Chrome Webstore!    For additional information and directions for installation go to the  Technology Resources  in the redesigned  MeL Teachers  portal, thanks to  Christine Schneider , Michigan eLibrary Education Specialist. MeL https://goo.gl/6vXBz9   Access the entire Michigan eLibrary which features all of your favorite MeL databases and resources including MeLCat. MeL- Teens https://goo.gl/Ssmmzl Access to resources specifically for grades 6 through 12+ including homework help, recommended books, and college plan...

From Christine Schneider, MeL K-12 Education Specialist - " Join us on October 18th  for a 45 minute webinar to discover content paired with learning strategies to prepare students’ understanding of the upcoming election.  We’ll discover content on the history of presidential elections in the United States, the electoral process, political parties, and key issues surrounding this November’s election.  Pick the time that works best for you! October 18th at 10 AM EST October 18th at 4 PM EST Please share this with anyone in K-12. Email me with any questions: cschneider.mel@gmail.com"

In honor of World Space Week, I encourage you to check out NASA Education.  NASA has developed quite a useful site for educators!  From the site : "As the United States begins the second century of flight, the Nation must maintain its commitment to excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education to ensure that the next generation of Americans can accept the full measure of their roles and responsibilities in shaping the future.... NASA will continue to pursue three major education goals: -- Strengthening NASA and the Nation's future workforce -- Attracting and retaining students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, disciplines -- Engaging Americans in NASA's mission" Some of the items you will find on this site: Subscription to a weekly email with education opportunities Lesson plans & teaching materials searchable by keyword, subject and grade level Links to other useful materials, including NAS...

It is very easy to add a co-teacher to your Google Classroom.  If you have whitelisted domains with your domain, you can even have a co-teacher from another domain!  Here's how: Go to the People area and click the little icon of the person with the plus sign -  Type in the name or email of the person you wish to add -  You can add multiple names at one time.  OR you can even paste a list of emails in to add a larger number.  When done, click Invite -  They will show up under the Teachers list, grayed out with (invited) next to their name -  They will get an email inviting them to join - It will give them a message confirming that they are joining with the correct email address -  Once they have joined, they will be displayed in black (the invited will be gone) - 

From Christine Schneider, MeL K-12 Education Specialist "Just in time for the 2016-17 school year, MeL Teachers ( http://teachers.mel.org/ ), a completely revamped and resource-driven teacher portal, was launched in mid-August.  It is focused on providing assistance to teachers, media specialists, administrators, and anyone involved in K-12 with help navigating MeL and integrating the resources into Michigan classrooms. MeL Teachers offers eight targeted centers that improve site navigation, making no-cost databases and other content more readily accessible.  Here is a quick overview of each center: Elementary Resources is especially for PreK-5 th grade and focuses on MeL Kids, http://mel.org/kids . There are handouts, slide decks and videos that can be used in the classroom to introduce students to MeL resources and supplemental classroom materials. Secondary Resources is designed for grades 6 through the first two years of college and focuses on ...