Model Writing with Your Students Without a Keyboard!

Do you model the process of writing in front of your students? Do you use a document camera, or maybe type out the text on a computer connected to a projector? Are you looking for a way to make this process more efficient? These were many questions that I have had through the years as I have modeled writing in front of students. I just found a new way to model writing with just my voice!

Today my class and I were working on improving the kinds of introductions we are using on our pieces. As part of this process, students have a menu of introductions to choose from, which they adapt to meet the needs of the piece they are writing. I always start by modeling this process on a piece that I'm writing for my class. To do this, I've been typing the text into a Google doc and sharing it with students so they can look at my example any time they'd like. The problem is my computer is situated in a location where it's difficult to see the projected image. In addition, I am hidden behind my desk in the corner of the room while I'm typing. This isn't the ideal teaching situation.

I was trying to find a better way to do this. I had the idea to use my iPad (you could use a phone too, but it wouldn't be ideal) to help me enter the text into my Google doc. My iPad has Siri, so all I have to do is speak what I want to type and Siri will do the rest! The students are actually amazed to see me say something and then have it appear on the screen in front of the room. To be honest with you, I was a little impressed too! Now I am able to walk around the room and interact with the students as I model my writing instead of sitting in front of a document camera or behind a desk.

Setting It All Up
These directions will work for an IOS device with Siri installed such as an iPhone 4s, 5, 5c, or 5s, or an iPad mini or iPad 3.

1. Install the Google Drive app on to your device. Log in to your school Google account using your email address and your active directory password. 
2. Create a blank document where you'd like to model writing. You may want to share this document with your students.
3. Open the Google doc on a computer connected to a projector. You should be showing your blank Google doc on the screen. 
4. Open the Google doc on your mobile device. Go into editing mode by tapping the screen where you want to start entering the text. Click the Siri microphone at the bottom of the screen next to the space bar. Speak the words you want to turn into text with the iPad in your hand. It helps to say one sentence at a time. It also helps to say "period" at the end of the sentence so the computer will enter a period and you'll be ready to speak the next sentence. You may have to touch the microphone to stop recording. Once you do this, the text may take a few seconds to update in both locaitons.

I haven't found a way to do this with a device without Siri, but that doesn't mean it's not possible. It looks like the days of the keyboard may be numbered. What a fun and efficient way to model a writing piece! Have fun!

How to Get Your Classroom Ready to Use Google Drive

This year, our district opened up Google Drive for our elementary students. As you may know, the use of Google applications allows for the easy creation, storage, and sharing of documents. Questions like, "How will my students turn their work in?" and "How can I share documents with the students?" come to mind. Of course, having a classroom of 5th graders setting up various folders with a variety of sharing permissions can be a real headache. I found a great tool, called gClass Folders, that helps to cut back the amount of time it takes to get your classroom set up in order to effectively use Google Drive.

Below is a video that demonstrates how to set up your classroom to use Google Drive. It creates a number of folders in your own Google Drive, so you own any work that is in them. One folder is set to be a view only folder, a great place to share documents and examples for students to sift through. Another folder is set to edit. In this folder, students would be able to collaborate on documents together because they would all have editing privileges. And finally there is a "Dropbox" folder. Within this folder each student has a folder that only they can modify. This is where they turn their work in electronically. 

Post Your Photos on Google Drive and Share them with Others Using Your Iphone

Today my students and I began to use Google Drive in our classroom. We had our art docent work with them to create some really cool art projects using rubber gloves and repetitive patterns. I decided to take a picture of each student wearing their glove since it would be difficult to post them on the wall in the hallway.

I wanted to find a way for the students to put their pictures on the websites they're creating (we have a page where they can share work they're proud of). I used my iPad (you could use an iPhone just as easily). I uploaded the pictures to a folder that I had shared with the students. Within seconds they were all browsing each other's photos. I could hear sounds of amazement around the entire room.

I also found out that I could skip the step of uploading and have my phone post the photo into a google folder immediately! My students and I tested it out and it took 5 seconds from the time I took the picture to the time they could see it in their docs folder I shared with them! I'll give you a quick summary of how I posted the photo with both methods.

How to upload photos that are already on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

1. Go to the App Store and download the "Google Drive" app. Log in to your account using your school email and active directory password.
2. Create a folder in your Google Drive and share it with all of your students. You only have to do this once a school year. Now any file or folder you put inside this shared folder can be viewed (or edited if given permission) by your students. I created a photos folder inside of the shared folder because I plan to post other stuff for students to see as well.
3. Navigate into the folder where you want the photos stored (be sure it's within the shared folder you created in step #2.
4. Touch the "+" sign in the upper right-hand corner of the screen, then select "Upload Photos or Videos". You can select as many photos as you'd like by touching each. Click the check mark in the corner once you're finished. That's it! As soon as the photos upload, your students, or whoever you shared the folder with, can see them!

How to Add the Photos you take Instantly to Google Drive

1. Follow Steps 1-3 in the directions above.
2. Touch the "+" sign in the upper right-hand corner of the screen, then select "Use Camera".
3. Take a photo (or video). If the photo is acceptable, touch "use photo". Now your photo is on your drive and shared.

My mind is spinning with all the ways I'll be using this feature this year! Feel free to add your idea as to how this function can be used in the comments below. Happy sharing!