The Digital Scoop

Embedding PDF and PowerPoint Documents with Google Docs Viewer

Use Google Docs Viewer to quickly view documents online without leaving your browser.

The PDF or PowerPoint document must already be uploaded to the web.  I used DropBox to upload my PowerPoint file.  I then copied the web address DropBox provides.

Head over to the Google Docs Viewer and paste in the address for the file you want people to view.  Then, click Generate link.

Copy the embedded viewer html.  Then head to your blog or web site and access the html on a post.

Paste your embed code.  You should see something like this when you publish your post:

 

This is an awesome way for teachers to share files with parents and students.  I could see a kindergarten student flipping through the above PowerPoint file to practice words that start with different letters of the alphabet.

PowerPoint Slide Show Shortcuts Printable-WINDOWS VERSION

Here is the Windows version of the printable set of PowerPoint Slide Show Keyboard Shortcuts that I blogged about here.  :)

 

PowerPoint Slide Show Shortcuts Printable

I love using several keyboard shortcuts with my PowerPoint slide shows. 

My favorite is the black screen.  I often get my slide show started and then press 'B' on the keyboard to bring up a black screen.  This way my audience isn't endlessly staring at my title slide.

I decided to create a help sheet containing most of the keyboard shortcuts used in PowerPoint slideshow mode. 

Note: These shortcuts work on a Mac.  If you are a Windows user and would like a similar sheet leave a comment and I'll create one.

I printed this and plan on keeping it by my computer for reference.

Math Mountains in PowerPoint

My school district recently began using Houghton Mifflin Math Expressions in Kindergarten, first, and second grades.  Math Mountains is one of the concepts used with students.  My previous post on the Big Wig Sub Shop demonstrates this concept.

Another way for teachers to create Math Mountains on the computer is with PowerPoint SmartArt Graphics.  If you've read my blog for a while you know I love these!

Note:  You will need PowerPoint 2008 or newer to use/create SmartArt Graphics.

I have included my PowerPoint file.  Just download, open, and alter it to meet your needs.

Math Mountains PowerPoint

PowerPoint SmartArt Math Graphics

This summer, I did a post on using PowerPoint SmartArt Graphics to create graphic organizers for writing.  SmartArt Grapics are also great for many Math concepts. 

Check out this FlipSnack I created which shows several ways to use SmartArt Graphics:

 

 

You can also download the original PowerPoint I created here:

Math Graphic Organizers

Microsoft Design Gallery Templates

I love the free templates you can download and use from the Microsoft Template Gallery.

The Template Gallery is currently featuring Back to School templates for Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.  The templates provide a great jumping off point for students and teachers alike.  If you don't want to re-invent the technology wheel before school starts...grab a template for inspiration and get started!

Make a Greeting Card using PowerPoint

While searching for new ways to use PowerPoint, I came across an easy tutorial for making a greeting card using PowerPoint.  I do love using PowerPoint creatively!

PowerPoint Flashcards Tutorial

Check out this great tutorial detailing how to make flashcards that "flip" over in PowerPoint.  I love how using the collapse and stretch effects make it look like there is just one card being flipped over.  Very clever!.

Scroll to the bottom of the article to find the original bird PowerPoint and the flash version.

Writer's Wednesday: Creating Colorful Graphic Organizers

I currently have a little obsession with SmartArt graphics in PowerPoint 2008.  I use them to create games, flash cards, and posters.  You can also make some fabulous graphic organizers to help students with writing.

You can learn more about SmartArt graphics here or by downloading my handouts from the 2011 NETA conference. 

Here are a few ideas for using SmartArt graphics in the writing process:

-Print out and laminate the slides for students to write on with dry erase markers.

-Use as posters in the classroom.

-Use them in PowerPoint without going into slideshow mode.  Then work as a class or small group to fill in the organizers.  This would be great projected on a screen.

How would you use SmartArt graphics?  Download my example PowerPoint and try them out. 

(Note:  If you have an older version of PowerPoint you will be able to open the document but you won't be able to edit the graphics.)

PowerPoint Word Walls

Over the last several years, I've experimented with many types of word walls in my classroom.  I'm a K-5 elementary computer teacher so naturally I have primary and intermediate technology word walls.  These are permanent and are posted high on a wall.

My struggle with word walls comes when students are working on content specific writing.  My kindergartners might be writing about transportation, while my third graders are writing about hatching chicks and embryology. 

Here are ideas I currently use that work for me and the grade levels I teach:

1.  Using a projector to show a PowerPoint slide word wall.  Students are encouraged to look up or come up to the whiteboard (not an interactive...just a plain whiteboard) that I project on.  I find this type of temporary word wall to work best with 2nd-5th graders.  It also saves on paper as there is no printing and can easily be changed if students need different words.

2.  Printing the above PowerPoint slide two on a page to create portable word walls. These are handy for younger students who need the word right in front of them.

3.  This year I purchased two schedule pocket charts and hung them on low cabinet doors.  I then used PowerPoint to create word cards for specific lessons.  I made them so I can print three on a page.  I ended up printing two copies of each word.  I love the pocket charts because they allow me to easily change out words for the next class.

4.  To encourage my second graders in word choice I created adjective cards.  They loved finding new words to use in their silly monster descriptions.  I had several different cards with verbs and other adjectives.  I printed each card on a different color of card stock so students could easily find the card they wanted.

Here are my blank PowerPoint templates for you to download:

Word Wall Card

Pocket Chart Word Cards

Blank Word Choice Card

Enjoy!