Google Cloud Connect

Since we recently covered Google Docs, I feel compelled to mention Google Cloud Connect is available for PC users. The add-in makes it possible to sync files directly from Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel to your Google Doc cloud. Nifty!


T4LT - Online Student Engagement Tips and Strategies



10 ideas to begin the sharing of student engagement strategies in online courses. Some low to no-tech ideas are included in this episode. And while we mention online courses specifically (we work in the distance learning department), many of the techniques apply to on-ground and blended courses as well. Join in the conversation and post a comment with your own thoughts on engaging students.
  1. Call/Text Students
  2. Require Regular Logins
  3. Act on Report Data
  4. Create Meaningful & Relevant Assignments
  5. Explain Your Expectations
  6. Assess Online Learning Readiness
  7. Time Management Training
  8. Assignment Variety & Ownership
  9. Add a Live Element
  10. Personalize Communication

Is Online Learning Right for You?
http://www.kirkwood.edu/site/index.php?p=14949

Managing Your Time
http://www.kirkwood.edu/site/index.php?p=14950

More File Types Supported on Google Docs

Some good news and nice timing from Google Docs. They have added more supported file types that can be viewed online. Receive a .pages file from a student? Now you can load it to Google Docs for viewing and reviewing.

From: http://googledocs.blogspot.com/2011/02/12-new-file-formats-in-google-docs.html
Today we’re excited to launch support for 12 new file types:
  • Microsoft Excel (.XLS and .XLSX)
  • Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 / 2010 (.PPTX)
  • Apple Pages (.PAGES)
  • Adobe Illustrator (.AI)
  • Adobe Photoshop (.PSD)
  • Autodesk AutoCad (.DXF)
  • Scalable Vector Graphics (.SVG)
  • PostScript (.EPS, .PS)
  • TrueType (.TTF)
  • XML Paper Specification (.XPS)

T4LT - Google Docs



Google Docs
We use Google Docs for all our collaborative script writing for T4LT. Google Spreadsheets, Forms, Presentations and Drawings complete the suite of Google Doc tools.

These collaborative document creation tools offer many advantages for group projects or for the individual who wants access to files in the cloud - no need to worry about lost or broken external jump drives (but you will need access to the Internet).

Documents in Google Docs can be private or public, shared, exported in a variety of formats, edited in real time by all those who have access, and more. Check out Google Docs for yourself!

Google Docs

Sample Presentation - The Many Ways to Use Flip Video Cameras in the Classroom

Google's Art Project

Google does it again (Google Art Project). A fantastic application of their existing street view technology applied to some of the world's most amazing art collections and museums. I know, it still isn't the same as being in the same room as these works, smelling the sterilized air, pushing past crowds and searching for the restroom, but it comes close.



Sign in and you can create your own art collections from their works and share your collections with your students.

Now I am thinking Google should apply their street view to the skies (astronomy) and the microscopic - DNA, molecules, the dust mites under my couch.