There is no doubt we are now teaching in a digital world and I know for many teachers it can be hard to keep up with it all. On this page I have put together a series of short videos covering key digital tips and tools that I think are helpful.
Each 5-6mins long video features a step to step guide based on common questions and quick wins from my time supporting and training teachers in the use of technology across my local authority in Scotland.
If you have any questions about the videos or suggestions of future topics (can’t promise anything!) you can contact me. You can also find me sharing resources, tips and ideas on social media so do follow there.
Immersive Reader
Immersive Reader is brilliant tool built into most Microsoft Office 365 applications (and some 3rd party products) to support accessibility and literacy. Includes read aloud, picture dictionary, translation, adjustable font type, size, colour and spacing.
Office Lens
Office Lens is a free iOS or Android app. It captures information from whiteboards, signs, written or typed text and converts scans to documents.
QR Codes
QR codes are everywhere these days. If you have devices with cameras in your classroom they are a really useful tool to get learners to sites quickly. QR code generators turn URLs (web address) into a scannable image.
Live Captions
Use OneNote and the Microsoft Translator App to transcribe everything said by the teacher into a language of the students choice.
Search Techniques
Everyone uses Google on a daily basis. But do you know that you can use certain symbols and words to refine a google search? I have tried to summaries these in this video.
Reusing an Assignment
Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom allow you to re-use assignments you’ve created in any team/classroom, whether they’re from another class you’re currently teaching or a past class you’ve archived. Saving time.
Auto-Grading Forms
Did you know for Microsoft Forms and Google Forms you can set these up to auto grade, multiple-choice, text and ranking questions. Saving you time and giving the possibility of instant feedback for your learners.
Accessibility Checker
A Microsoft tool to check a document for ways to improve the accessibility to all users.
Microsoft Planner
Microsoft Planner is great digital to do list and planner available in Microsoft 365 (Education and Business accounts).
Version History and Recycling Bin
Within Microsoft 365 and some Google applications you can access a Version History. This allows you to track changes made to a document and restore previous versions if mistakes have been made.
More to follow soon….
I’d love to hear how and where these resources are being used. Please take a few seconds to fill out the form below:
Mr Morrison 