New & Updated Canvas Features: December 2014/January 2015

Canvas is releasing some new and updated features next week, and we'd like to give you a high-level overview of some of the major enhancements. Following the overview, please watch the New Feature Screencast from Instructure for more information..

• Differentiated Assignments 
• "In Assignments, instructors have the flexibility to differentiate assignments between sections and select which sections are required to complete specific tasks."
• Files Redesign
• "When users filter Conversations by Submission Comments, the name of the course assignment links to the assignment. This link helps users directly access the assignment submission and view any associated attachments that may be part of the submission comment."
• Assignments in Conversations
• "Files has been redesigned for a more improved user experience. The new files redesign allows users to view more details about their files, manage editing permissions, and preview files. In addition, Files is fully accessible for all keyboard users and screen readers."

These updates will roll out on December 20, 2014 and you can click here for more detailed information on all the new and updated features.

Stick Around. For Free.

I stumbled across a free iOS app that I'd like to share with everyone: Stick Around.

"Unlike most learning game apps, Stick Around is open-ended; it isn't limited to the content it comes with. Stick Around is all about empowering teachers and students to make puzzles with their own information, images, and drawings. Stick Around can be used over and over again for just about any topic or grade level. "
(http://learninginhand.com/blog/2014/12/14/make-learning-stick-around-infographic)

It looks like an app that has way more potential that a cursory view gives away - Download it now and give it a try. It appears to be deeply integrated with Explain Everything, so depending on the use of that in your course, some really neat stuff could be created!

Note: It is only available for free December 15 and 16.

My Maps: New in Google Drive

Google has just launched My Maps, a new way to connect content to the visual medium of Maps.

There are lots of possibilities (I already have one brewing...) as you can label areas and create your own directions for field trips, away games and lots more. Check out the launch page for some tips on how to get started!

If your Drive has not been updated, you can access the site here. Happy Mapping!

Autodesk Software for Students and Educators. For Free.

The Twitter headline is "Any student. Any teacher. Any institution. ANYWHERE," and they aren't kidding! Autodesk, makers of 3D design and imaging applications, announced that all of their software is free for students and faculty, available here. The list is exhaustive, but note that SketchBook Express for iPad is there.

Go get 'em!!

Permalink: http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/all

Coding. It's a Big Deal.

Code by Eugen Belyakoff (CC by 3.0)


Coding. It's kind of a big deal.

There are a lot of free, web-based tools to help students of all ages learn how to code. These sites will help them learn how to make their own smart phone app, control the lights on Christmas Trees at the White House or create their own beats.

You never know when you'll help a student unlock their potential!

Code.org
Madewithcode.com
Scratch
Scratch, Jr.

Workflow: Final Paper and Presentation

Writing a final paper for my graduate course this semester, I thought it might be nice to share some insight into the technology used and the workflow used to complete the assignment. As always - questions and comments are encouraged!

The Technology

• 13" MacBook Pro (running OS X 10.10)
• iPad Mini (running iOS 8)
• iPhone 6 (running iOS 8)
• Hearthstone (just one...more...game. Then I'll get back checking that APA format...)
• Breville One-Touch Tea Maker (one cannot study without a nice warm cup of tea)

App	Use	Platform
Evernote	Notes, Reminders	OS X, iOS, Web
Skitch	PDF Markup	OS X, iOS
Pages	Writing the Paper	OS X, iOS, Web
Numbers	Tracking Mentions within PDFs	OS X, iOS
Keynote	Presentation	OS X, iOS
RefMe	Bibliography	iOS, Web

Reference Sites Utilized:

• Purdue OWL (APA formatting)
• ERIC (Article Research)
• Google Scholar (Article Research)

Check List by Sabine Wollender from the Noun Project

The Workflow

1. Choose topic and review with faculty member.
2. Create notes in Evernote that chart Final Paper/Presentation progress
3. Research topic via ERIC and Google Scholar
4. Save URLs into Evernote
5. Create a spreadsheet charting key words and terms within the research papers in Numbers
6. Open URLs and save PDF articles into Evernote
7. Markup PDFs via Evernote and Skitch for iPad
8. Write research paper in Pages
9. Check against Purdue OWL APA formatting standards
10. Use the abstract of the paper to outline a 15m presentation in Keynote