blended learning opportunities gadgets and blogs
TRANSCRIPT
Blended Learning Opportunities
Gadgets and Blogs
Welcome to your D2L E-learning program.
This session will take about 10 minutes to complete. It has been designed to make the learning process easy and to help you apply your blogging knowledge. As you progress through the program, be sure to use all of its features:
•Read each content screen thoroughly •Follow the steps using a separate web browser window•and complete the final quiz
You can return to this session as often as you like, so don't rush ... and DO enjoy your online learning experience!
What you will learn…
• At the end of this session you will be able to add a Google gadget to your existing classroom blog
• Learn some tips/tricks and best practices when using gadgets
• The value of gadgets on your classroom blog
Topics we will cover
• What is a gadget
• How to add a gadget to your blog
• Why Google Gadgets should be your “go to” for gadgets
• Educational benefits of having gadgets on your classroom blog
What’s a Gadgets• They are called widget, apps, minis, bidgets, desklets,
flakes and gadgets but they all do the same thing
• They are miniature objects that offer cool and dynamic content that can be placed on any page on the web.
• Adding content-rich gadgets to your blog can make your site even more interesting and useful to your students and keep them coming back.
What types of gadgets are there….
The gadgets categories include:•Lifestyle•News•Sports •Finance•Education•Libraries
Let’s Get Started
Open your classroom blog to your dashboard while keeping this training program open so you can follow along.
1. Click on Design
On the Design Page
2. Click Add a Gadget
• A menu of gadgets pops up and you can choose from the categories or use the search option.
• Where going to choose Add your own from the menu.
Add a Gadget
• The Add a Gadget screen pops up
• At this point you need to insert an http:// address to add a Google gadget
Don’t worry it’s not as scary as it looks!
Let’s go to Igoogle.ca
• Open a new internet browser window (don’t close your blog!)
• Type www.igoogle.ca into the web address and press enter
• Sign into your account
Web address goes here
Why a Google Gadget?
• Google has more than 4,200 gadgets
• Google served up over 700 million gadget views in one week, including over 400 million gadget views (57%) from its top 10 gadgets
• Ratings for Google gadgets are typically a five star rating
• Google Gadgets are always available
Next….
• Click on Add Stuff and let the search begin
• On the next screen type in a keyword in Search for Gadgets to begin your quest for the ultimate classroom blog addition
Helpful hints when searching
• High rating gadgets indicates more users, a good indicator of quality and usability
• Choose gadgets that relate to your students age and the content your teaching
Choose Your Gadget
Once you’ve selected the gadget you want to add to your blog..
1.Click on the name of the gadget
2. Then click on Embed this gadget (on the right side of the screen)
Customize your gadget
You can now customize your gadget, preview the changes and then….
•Click Get the Code
•Highlight the code right click and copy
Here’s your http:// address
Back to our blog we go
Now that you’ve got your http:// address …
go back to your blog page and in the ADD BY URL right click, paste and……
Voila !!
Do you find yourself…
• Struggling to stay current with how to integrate learning with technology
• Looking for innovative ways to address different learning styles in your classroom
• Wanting to provide students with engaging, current and relevant means of learning
Expand your horizons….. blog with gadgets
Get Your Students Blogging• for sharing of content• creating learning opportunities• sharing of ideas, thoughts, passions• foster a thirst for knowledge and learning• allow for blended learning opportunities• address students various learning styles
Getting started..
• Revive your blog• Update your look and content• Add gadgets that relate to your subject area,
the age of your students, and the overall purpose of your blog.
What’s a gadget???
LORs in the Future?
• Geographic distribution of content• Integrations• Social/Crowd-sourced reviews/ratings
Talk to Us
Want to get more hands-on? We are happy to set-up a personalized
demo
Email [email protected] or give us a call:
• North America: 1-888-772-0325• U.K. and Europe: +44 808.234.4235• New Zealand: 0.800.452.069• Australia: 1.800.656.210