The power (and simplicity) of videoconferencing

I was just chatting with Olaf V about his robotics team.  Turns out there's a team at South Burlington HS doing similar work and their coach and Olaf thought it would be helpful to collaborate. 

Yesterday, they set up a Google Hangout (a videoconferencing app similar to Skype, Facetime, or Zoom) so that the students at each location could see what those at the other location were doing.  There was a webcam at either end, and some students also joined the Hangout with a phone, so they could use it to zoom in on details. Students asked each other questions and were able to help one another out.

Sound complicated? It's not!

• There's no software to install
• Just make a new calendar event or start a chat and you'll have the option to videochat

• You and students can connect on any device-- Chromebook, other laptop or desktop, phone, or tablet
• Plug in the webcam and it works (no drivers to install), or use the built-in in camera on your device.

Trust me-- you can do this! And it makes a difference.  

Olaf reports that the connections students made were powerful-- our kids helped out their South Burlington peers and vice versa.

Let's make even more of these connections-- whether it's the school down the road or somewhere across the world.

Google Drawings in Docs and Sites

I've written before about Google Drawings as a simple, yet effective way to create graphics (including existing images, shapes, text, and more).  Here are two more tips:

When you  insert a Drawing into a Doc, then later edit the drawing, you can click the drawing in the doc and choose "Update" to get the latest version.

A more advanced tip is that you can create "hot spots" in a Google Drawing that you place on a . This means you can make certain regions in the drawing clickable.  The trick is to put a shape on the top layer of the drawing, making both its fill and outline transparent.  With the shape still selected, insert a hyperlink. You can then embed the drawing in a Google site and the image will be clickable.
Here's an example  of that.

Coding Camps this summer

Students,
How about doing some coding this summer?  Here are two computer camps that look interesting:

Applications Now Open: Advanced Coder Camp

Applications for the Advanced Coder Camp (days) July 22 to 26, 2019 at Vermont Technical College, Williston Campus for rising 7th–11th graders are now open. The camp provides an opportunity for students with some programming background to dive deeper into programming. Campers will learn to develop simple Android applications using Java and xml. Smartphone apps, robots, video games and small business - the world runs on code. Whether you dream of becoming a Google developer or want to launch your own mobile game start up, your coding path continues here. $175 (includes workbook, activities, instruction, some lunches, snacks, field trip and more) Many partial fee scholarships available.
Contact: Laurel Butler at lbutler@vtsbdc.org or (802) 922-3692

Applications Now Open: Computer Camp

Applications for a new Computer Camp days July 29 to Aug 2, 2019 are now open. The camp will be held by Vermont Technical College on the CCV Upper Valley Campus in White River Junction for rising 7th – 10th graders. Campers will have a chance to explore/experience a wide variety of topics in computer programming, website development, networking, cybersecurity and related fields working with Vermont Tech faculty. They’ll also have an opportunity to meet with industry professionals who will share their experience on why careers in computing can be so rewarding. Learning, physical activity, and fun will be in abundance. The week will culminate with campers presenting their work to families and friends. $175 (includes all activities, instruction, some lunches, snacks, field trip and more) Many partial fee scholarships available.
Contact: Steven Airoldi at: steven.airoldi@vtc.edu or (802) 728-1337

VoiceThread Training March 27

As you may have read in the February Curriculum Newsletter, we have arranged for a CVSD training on using VoiceThread. The date is March 27th.  VoiceThread is a tool that engages groups in conversations.  Whether you've used VT before, or you're just curious about what the possibilities are, please consider attending.  You can attend at any CVSD school.  The location here at CVU is the library classroom.  I'll be there to host.  We start at 3:30. More information and an RSVP form is here.

Here's another example of VoiceThread in action.  Click on the comments to the left and/or advance through the slides using the arrows on the bottom right: