In my last post, I mentioned that LucidChart can export images with transparent backgrounds. Why are transparent backgrounds important?
Take a look at these two beach chairs. The bottom one has a transparent background; the top doesn't. Against a white background, you can't see the difference. But change the background-- first to solid black, then to a beach scene-- and the distinction becomes clear.
So, how do you find images with transparent backgrounds? In a Google image search, click on Tools..Color, and choose transparent (while you're there, you can apply additional filters, such as usage rights and image size).
Note that the file extension for transparent images is png (although not all png files are transparent). Other types, such as jpg, gif, and tiff, do not support transparency. In many applications, you are given an option of how to save images-- choose transparent png if don't want the white background.
As 9th graders are using Google Sites for their PLPs, you will notice that some of them are using the "old" editor and others are using the new editor. This is good time to update you on what's going on with Google Sites (which I posted about earlier here).
The new Sites has a fresh, modern look and allows for more precise placement of content. As of yet, it is still missing some important features, most notably the ability to copy a site from a template. I hope that this will be addressed soon.
You can continue to switch back and forth from old to new through 2017 (see below), however in 2018, Google plans to no longer support the old editor. Therefore, if you are creating a new site, it is best to use the new editor at this point.
There is not currently a tool to migrate content from old sites to new sites. This would be a manual copy and paste for now.
I will update if and when Google comes out with a migration tool.
Parallax scrolling is a technique in which different elements on a web page move at different rates as the user scrolls, creating a sense of depth. I first got interested in the technique thanks to Annie Bellerose, who was looking for a way for her students to amplify and transform their writing using digital tools.
So what are we talking about here?
The Boat is a story that uses parallax scrolling (and other techniques) to full effect. Check it out below. The New York Times story Snow Fall is another example.
How might students use parallax scrolling to tell their stories? Until recently, this involved a lot of coding that was beyond the reach of most high school students (unless they had coding experience). Now, Wix has parallax scrolling available for many of its background images and even videos. An internet search will also reveal many WordPress themes that use parallax scrolling, however this involves more work than simply creating a Wix site.
Are you someone who made a Google Site a few years ago and didn't like the interface and/or thought the site looked boring?
You might want to go back and take a look at the new Google Sites. The user interface is vastly improved. The overall look is a lot cleaner. Creating and editing pages is more intuitive, as well.
I just quickly made this site to give you an idea of how it looks.
In my last post, I mentioned using the word "embed" to show a Google Map with less clutter. This is a workaround for a specific issue, what does embed actually mean?
It's easiest to explain by example. See the YouTube video playing here?
While you're watching the video inside this blog post, it's actually playing from YouTube. The video is embedded in the post.
Here's an embedded map, as another example. You can manipulate it just as if you were on the Google Maps site. Once again, the functionality of the map comes from Google Maps. This blog post just has a container (or "window") holding the content.
So how is it done?
First, check to see see if the content you want to put on your website, blog, etc, provides embed code. In addition to YouTube and Google Maps, you can find embed code from Prezi, LucidPress, SoundCloud, and many other presentation sites, Vimeo and other video sites, Twitter feeds, news sites and more.
Typical icons for embed code are< > or </>or < > HTML.
For example, here's how I found embed code for a video from the New York Times:
Copy the embed code provided. It will typically start with <iframe>, something like this:
Now, on the website or blog (for example, Weebly, Moodle, Google Sites, Blogger, etc.) where you want the content to play, click the icon to insert HTML or embed code. This is important, because you are inserting code, not "normal" text."
Paste in the embed code. You can adjust width and height and other settings by examining the code, if needed. Return to the normal editor, if necessary.
CVU senior Julien Vandal has created an excellent web site (using Weebly) to promote LED usage in Shelburne. He states, "I'm doing this project for a class Money, Energy, and Power, but I hope to continue my impact on the community after the class ends this semester. I'm really passionate about LEDs, and I have already installed some in my room and around the house." Thanks to Glenn Fay for sharing.
Check it out:
