Annotating Documents using Google Classroom

While you were away enjoying your summer, Google Classroom came out with brand new feature that allows both teachers and students to annotate PDF's and JPG's using the Google Classroom mobile app. Previously, students and teachers would need to have another app, such as Notability, to annotate documents.

Annotation tools within Google Classroom include the eraser, pen, marker, highlighter, and text tool. Using these options, Students can use the annotation feature to draw, sketch, notate, and write out their thinking. Check out the presentation below to learn how to use the annotation features within classroom!


Think beyond the limits of worksheets! Imagine how students could capture their thinking by taking a photograph of a text they are working with and could mark up the document using their annotation features to show their thinking. No more sticky notes in text books that make it difficult for a teacher to view!

Not only can students annotate their thinking, teachers can, too! Teachers can select a different pen color and provide feedback to their students on the same document previously annotated by students. Teachers have the same annotation tools as students. Just remember to return student assignments in Classroom in order for students to see the feedback on that assignment.

To use the new annotation feature, you will need to make sure your students and teacher iPads have the most updated version of Google Classroom. To update your Google Classroom app, delete the app off of your iPads and reinstall it through the Jeffco App Catalog. Don't worry, you will not lose your classes and data, as that information is saved in the cloud.

Here's the official announcement from Google, published August 17th.

Schoology Kiosk - A lockdown tool for Schoology

Have you ever needed to prevent students from searching the internet, the computer or another computer application for information during a Schoology test/quiz? If your school has Chromebooks, you can enable a new feature called a kiosk.

What this feature does is it locks down a testing environment. It prevents digital cheating during online tests/quizzes. Students cannot print, copy or go to another website. Additionally, it prevents anyone from accessing other applications when using this feature.

When enabled, this feature protects exam questions and provides you the confidence you need to ensure your testing environment is safe.

View the following slide presentation to learn more about how to get started:


Schoology Kiosk information

Jeffco Tech Share Fair

It's almost here! The Jeffco Tech Share Fair is this Saturday at Arvada West HS from 8:00 am-1:00 pm. Check out the slideshow below for more details on some of the exciting sessions that will be happening.

This is just a sampling of learning opportunities that will be available. Check out our website for full details and don't forget to sign up to attend.

tinyurl.com/jtsf2016fall

Not only are we providing the gift of knowledge, we are also giving away some fabulous prizes including Chromebooks, device storage carts, registration to the GAFE Summit in Boulder, vendor swag, and much more!

What is an LMS?

Make your Work Life a little easier with Jeffco's Learning Management System, Schoology!

You've conquered the copy machine, those formative assessment tools have no secrets from you, and you've mastered surfing on the web. Now it's time to take your instruction to a new level.

It's time to use Jeffco's Learning Management System, Schoology. Whether you implement one feature or many, you can enhance your instruction and your students' 21st Century learning style through the use of this versatile system, already on all Jeffco computers!

LMS stands for Learning Management System.

Learning because you use it to deliver education courses/curriculum or training programs.

Management because it helps you manage curriculum (create it, change it, assign it to students, grade it, etc).

System is just a fancy word that translates to "software". An LMS is a computer program already on your Jeffco computer.

Schoology has all the tools you need to create engaging content, design lessons, and assess student understanding.

Take a look at each of the following short presentations to learn what each feature can do for you!