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Explore tips, tools, and strategies for using iOS devices in education. Discover resources to enhance teaching, learning, and productivity.

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iOS Tips and Tricks

Unleash Your iPhone’s Hidden Power: Five Ninja Moves!

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

Feeling like your iPhone is more of a sidekick than a secret weapon? Welcome to the dojo-blog, grasshopper! 

In this blog post, we’ll delve into five features that will unlock even more potential of your iPhone, from becoming a grilling time samurai with the Control Center to deciphering your car’s cryptic dashboard symbols like a code-cracking ninja.

So grab your metaphorical shuriken (or, you know, your phone) and get ready to take your iPhone skills to the next level!

1. Quick Access to the Timer

Do you need to set a timer for the  perfect grilling time? From the Control Center, hold down on the clock. Instantly, a slide bar pops up with a dozen timer options. 

2. Siri to the Rescue

  • Can’t decide between your two favorite restaurants for dining? Ask Siri to “flip a coin.” Heads or tails pops up. (You can also have Siri roll one die or two dice.)
  • Feeling blue? Ask Siri to tell you a joke. For more laughs, check out 125 Silly Things to Ask Siri.
  • Get Siri to help you figure out the tip. Just say, “ What is a 20 percent tip on $18.52? 

3. Compass Directions on Your iPhone

Need to get oriented quickly? While in the native maps, tap on the arrow two times in the top right corner and a compass will pop up. 

4. Dashboard Warning Lights

Forget scrambling for the car manual! iOS 17’s Look Up can now decode your car’s dashboard lights. Just snap a pic and find the circle i icon and instantly the explanation of the indicator warning light pops up. 

5. Scan Multiple Documents with Your iPhone

Need to send a multi-page document fast? Open up your Notes app and choose a new note. Tap on the camera icon and choose Scan Documents. Position the camera and like magic, the camera automatically sizes up the document around the borders of the page. After it snaps a picture, your iPhone is ready for additional page(s). When you are finished capturing all the pages, just tap the Save button.

So there you have it! A handful of iPhone Ninja moves to make your life a little easier. If you happen to have your own iPhone power move, please share in the comments.

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Digital reading room
iOS Tips and TricksReading

Online Reading Programs and Digital Apps

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Looking for some ways to supplement your reading interventions? Here are a few AI-recommended solutions with reflections about each one. We’ll explore 21 supplemental online reading programs and a list of 6 iOS apps, including reading titles and content. Ready to dive in?

Five Reading Strategies

Before we look at the online programs and apps, let’s take a moment to revisit my top five favorite high-effect size instructional strategies. What I like about these strategies is that students can learn to use them independently while reading. So, once students have learned them, they can apply them when using supplemental reading materials.

A list of high yield strategies in an infographic with links to more information for each.
Infographic created by the author | Edit or download the infographic.

Now that you have some strategies, consider these sources of digital reading material and online reading programs.

What AI Was Used?

We prompted several AI tools, including ChatGPT, Claude.ai, Perplexity, and POE. Perplexity and POE offered more varied responses than ChatGPT and Claude, but less in total. While ChatGPT and Claude didn’t provide links, Perplexity and POE did.

THE PROMPT:
What online reading programs can be used as supplemental intervention for struggling readers that are inexpensive or available at no-cost?

-TCEA Staff

21 Online Reading Programs

Here are the responses in alphabetical order. Items with an asterisk appeared on lists from multiple AI. The summaries of each online program were provided by the AI generating them. For a few, I wrote the summary or tweaked the one provided.

  1. ABCmouse: While ABCmouse is a subscription-based program, it often offers free trials. It covers a wide range of subjects, including reading, and is suitable for early learners.
  2. BeReading’s Free Reading Program: The Free Reading Program, initiated by Be Reading, is a K-6 reading, language, and grammar program that provides over 3,500 activities to improve reading comprehension, language, grammar, and spelling skills. It is available at no cost, promoted through various local organizations, and used internationally in schools.
  3. Book Adventure: This interactive and educational online platform is designed to encourage and motivate young readers to develop their reading skills while having fun.
  4. Bookshare: Bookshare is a free program for students with disabilities that affect their ability to read. It provides access to a vast collection of accessible eBooks.
  5. CommonLit: This resource features an extensive collection of reading passages and question sets for data tracking. It’s entirely free to teachers and students.
  6. Epic!: Epic! is a digital library for kids aged 12 and under. It offers a 30-day free trial, and after that, it’s available at a monthly subscription fee. Epic! provides access to thousands of books, audiobooks, and educational videos.
  7. International Children’s Digital Library: This digital library curates children’s books in different languages for free online reading.
  8. LibriVox: Volunteers read books from the public domain aloud and upload audio recordings. All books and resources are free.
  9. Newsela*: Newsela provides news articles at different reading levels, allowing students to choose texts that match their abilities. It offers a free basic version with limited access to articles. But it can be a valuable resource for improving reading comprehension.
  10. PBS Kids: PBS Kids offers a range of educational games, videos, and activities, including reading games and interactive storybooks. The content is aligned with educational standards and is designed to support early literacy development.
  11. Prodigy English: Prodigy English offers a brand-new adventure that introduces kids to a world filled with adventures, wishes, and more ways to practice reading and language skills. It is available for free.
  12. Project Gutenberg: Project Gutenberg offers over 60,000 free eBooks, including many classic literary works. While it may not have the interactive features of other programs, it’s a valuable resource for accessing a wide range of reading materials.
  13. Raz-Kids*: While Raz-Kids requires a subscription, it often offers free trials. It provides hundreds of eBooks at 29 different levels of reading difficulty.
  14. Reading Eggs: This structured online reading program uses visual accompaniments and self-paced lessons to motivate struggling readers and improve their skills.
  15. Reading Rockets*: Reading Rockets offers a collection of free reading resources, strategies, and activities to help struggling readers. It provides valuable tips for teachers, parents, and tutors.
  16. ReadTheory: ReadTheory is a free online reading comprehension program that provides personalized reading practice for students. It adapts to the student’s skill level and offers passages and questions at an appropriate difficulty level to help improve reading comprehension skills.
  17. ReadWorks: ReadWorks offers a wide range of reading comprehension lessons and resources for students of all ages. It’s a free platform that provides high-quality texts and questions to improve reading skills.
  18. Starfall*: Starfall is a free public service that helps young readers learn to read and write with phonics. It’s designed for pre-K through third grade students and offers interactive activities and games.
  19. Storyline Online: Actors read popular children’s books alongside illustrations in videos on Storyline Online with free video streaming.
  20. Teach Your Monster to Read: This website offers a series of engaging and interactive games that help children learn to read. It covers phonics, sight words, and other essential reading skills. The desktop version is free, and there is a paid app version for mobile devices.
  21. Vooks: Vooks is an entire library of storybooks brought to life with beautiful animation, read-aloud narration, engaging music and sound, and read-along text.

You will want to visit each online reading program and decide the best use of these tools for your students.

iOS Reading Apps Available for Free

A fun follow-up question to AI is, “What iOS reading apps can be used as a supplemental intervention for struggling readers at no cost?” ChatGPT offered the following responses:

  1. ABCmouse. While ABCmouse requires a subscription, it does offer a limited number of free activities and books. It covers a wide range of subjects, including reading and literacy.
  2. Epic! – Kids’ Books and Videos. Epic! offers a vast library of digital books, audiobooks, and educational videos for kids. It includes a Read-to-Me feature that can assist struggling readers.
  3. Novel Effect: Read Aloud Books. Novel Effect offers books that you can read out loud. It includes book activity plans that you can export to PDF.
  4. Raz-Kids. Raz-Kids provides hundreds of eBooks at 29 different levels of reading difficulty. It offers interactive quizzes and recordings to support reading comprehension.
  5. Sight Words Reading Games ABC. This is a reading program for young children aged 2-7. The program aims to prepare children for kindergarten and school. [*Updated entry. See note below for previous entry]
  6. Starfall Learn to Read. Starfall’s Learn to Read app is designed for early readers. Through interactive stories and activities, it offers a systematic approach to phonics and phonemic awareness.

*Note: This item removed from the list per the update in the comments: Sight Words Learning Games & Reading Flashcards: This app focuses on teaching sight words, which are essential for early reading. It includes games and flashcards to make learning engaging.

With these online reading programs, reading apps, and reading strategies in your back pocket, you’re sure to supplement reading interventions and encourage students to read. The most important reading is self-directed reading, which promotes autonomy, independence, and engages students’ minds. Which program or app will you try first?

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Using iPads to Support Emerging Bilingual Students
AppleESL/ELLiOS Tips and Tricks

iPad Apps and Features That Support Emerging Bilingual Students

by Lindsay Cross
written by Lindsay Cross

iPad offers numerous built-in features and native apps that can benefit all students throughout the school day. The accessibility features discussed in this article support content processing and language development, with a focus on emerging bilingual students. But they are also beneficial for all learners. Native Apple apps, Keynote, Clips, and GarageBand, facilitate the development of speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. They enable students to express their understanding of content in an accessible manner. Teachers often seek new tools and apps, sometimes overlooking features readily available on iPad. Let’s explore these features and how to effectively utilize them in your classroom to support all learners. 

iPad Accessibility Features 

Spoken Content

Spoken content enables students to listen to text being read aloud to them. For instance, this feature can read highlighted text on a webpage, a PDF, or even text highlighted within a photo. Students have the flexibility to adjust the reading speed, apply text highlighting or underlining, select the voice, and even incorporate custom pronunciations. An effective method for students to enhance their listening skills is to have them select the text they have written, hear it read aloud, and then identify areas that may require revisions or edits in their writing. You can enable this feature from the accessibility settings on your iPad.

Dictation

Dictation on iPad translates students’ spoken content into text. Students may encounter difficulties when it comes to expressing their ideas or initiating the writing process. Dictation provides students with a low-pressure way to begin the writing process. It can be especially beneficial for students who face challenges with spelling. At times, we want students to focus solely on writing, rather than spelling. We can remove barriers so students can focus on the writing task, continuing their growth as writers. Additionally, dictation serves as an excellent tool for students to hone their speaking skills, as it encourages clear enunciation to ensure accurate recognition by the device. You can enable the dictation feature from your iPad’s keyboard settings.

Predictive Text

Predictive text is a feature that helps students with typing and composing text. When this feature is enabled, a list of suggested words appears above the keyboard every time a student types on their device. It can help students with spelling specific words or provide a bank of words that could be used in the next part of their sentence. Enabling this feature for our emerging bilingual students provides scaffolding and can reduce stress when they are tasked with writing.

Live Text

Live text is a newer iPad feature that enables students to capture text in images and have it read aloud or translated. This feature is valuable as it empowers students to scan various types of text in the classroom, such as books, anchor charts, printed material, and more. After scanning the text, students can choose which parts they want to access. After enabling the live text feature, students have the option to listen to the text, translate it, or even listen to the translated version. Live text is only available on certain generations of iPad. 

iPad Apps to Support Speaking, Listening, Reading & Writing

Keynote
Student project for emerging bilingual students using the Keynote iPad app.
Screenshot by Lindsay Cross: Images in this screenshot of Keynote are from PebbleGo. 

Keynote is a native Apple app available on macOS and iOS devices. It is often categorized as a presentation tool, but Keynote’s built-in multimodal features make it a more versatile creation tool. Keynote empowers students to create using shapes, text, drawings, animations, photos, live video, charts, tables, and audio recordings. These features allow students to animate vocabulary for visual representation and conveniently add audio within the app, enhancing their flexibility in sharing their learning. The array of multimodal features offered by Keynote provides essential support for our emerging bilingual students in expressing their understanding of content. For a detailed Keynote lesson idea, you can explore this resource available on the Apple Education Forum. 

Explore a Keynote Lesson Idea
Clips 
Student project for emerging bilingual students using the Clips iPad app.
Screenshot by Linsday Cross: Student Project Using Clips

Clips is an app that enables students to create simple, engaging videos. Students use a combination of pictures, posters, emojis, stickers, live titles, and other features to make their videos engaging. One way Clips can support our emerging bilingual students is by allowing them to record audio directly into their video. This is a great method for students to practice their speaking skills. It is important for students to ensure they speak clearly, avoid mumbling, and speak loudly enough for the app to capture their audio. In Clips, students can activate Live Titles, which automatically adds captions to their video. Editing the captions provides an excellent opportunity for students to practice their reading and writing skills. Students can review their Live Titles, ensure they are written correctly, make necessary edits, and add punctuation.

Discover Ways to Use Clips
GarageBand
Student project for emerging bilingual students using the GarageBand iPad app.
Screenshot by Linsday Cross: Student Project in GarageBand

GarageBand is a native Apple app designed to create engaging audio content, including podcasts, songs, and public service announcements. With its voice effects feature, students can experiment with various voice effects and incorporate Live Loops to add sound effects and music. This process engages a range of essential skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. To begin, students focus on crafting a script, fostering their reading and writing abilities. Once ready to record, they shift their focus to enhancing their speaking skills during the audio recording phase. After completing their recordings, students review their work, making necessary edits, and adding sound effects or music to enhance their audio. This stage of creation sharpens their listening skills.

Check Out a GarageBand Lesson Idea

In conclusion, the iPad has a wide variety of accessibility features and native tools that provide students with a wide variety of support without ever needing another tool, app, or subscription. The iPad is a powerful all-in-one device that empowers all learners, especially our emerging bilingual learners, to practice their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Educators can use these native iPad features and tools to support emerging bilingual learners to interact with and create content in a way that fits their needs. If you have not explored the resources provided by Apple Education I highly encourage you to. Especially explore the wide variety of free resources in the Learning Center and Forum.

Want to learn more about iPad features that support learning? Don’t miss Lindsay Cross at TCEA’s 2024 Convention & Exposition in Austin, Texas! She’ll be leading a session on iPad Features That Support Literacy. Hurry and register before January 13 to get an advanced pricing discount. See you in Austin!

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emoji maker
AndroidContent CreationGoogle Tips and TricksiOS Tips and Tricks

Create Emoji Mashups in Seconds with These Emoji Makers

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Wish you had an easy way to create emojis? Sure, you can find them everywhere on the web. But what about creating your own emoji darlings for custom projects and inserts? Let’s take a look at some emoji makers you can use to make your own custom emojis.

Robot with holly and Christmas decorations
Generated via prompt by TCEA’s Lori Gracey. Prompt was “Robot with holly and Christmas decorations”

Tool #1: AI-Powered Emoji Generator

Looking for an AI-powered emoji maker? Check out this Emoji Generator. You will find many examples like the one shown above. The key to an amazing emoji? The quality of your prompt. For example, in line with my penchant for owls, I offered this prompt:

An horned owl with a happy smile, dressed in arcane robes with blue and silver runes, holding a staff aloft

Quote for emoji generated below
Generated as a result of prompt by author

Of the tools on this list, the AI-powered Emoji Generator above will cost you $9.99 for a lifetime license. Too much awesomeness? Let’s take a look at some simpler, less expensive, albeit powerful, emoji mashup tools.

Tool #2: Google’s Emoji Kitchen

One quick emoji maker you can get started with is Google’s Emoji Kitchen. To get access to it, type “emoji kitchen” into Google’s Search box. Then, click on “Get Cooking” button. This will make it easy for you to create a new, random emoji combination, or select from existing emojis.

Various emojis shown through Google's Emoji Kitchen with the option to mix two emojis, randomize, or clear all.
Screenshot by author of Google Search Emoji Kitchen

For example, I wanted to create a cowboy clown emoji. To do that, I took these steps:

  • Clicked on “Clear All” button
  • Selected Cowboy emoji
  • Selected Clown emoji

And, then voila! The cowboy clown emoji resulted:

Clown emoji plus a cowboy emoji equals a clown cowboy emoji in Emoji Kitchen.
Screenshot by author of Clown Cowboy emoji mix made using Google’s Emoji Kitchen

The “5” die under the first two emojis result in a random emoji. The overlapping boxes under the third emoji signify “copy” and allows you to copy the emoji so you can paste it elsewhere.

Emoji Mashup of hug and robot emojis by the author using Google's Emoji Kitchen
Emoji Mashup of hug and robot emojis by the author using Google’s Emoji Kitchen

Another creation appears below, the rainbow panda:

Screenshot of Rainbox Panda emoji mix made using Google’s Emoji Kitchen

With this amazing emoji maker, you will enjoy hours of endless fun mashing up emojis to get the ones you want. You can also use this emoji maker on iOS mobile. Android users can rely on Gboard to get the same effect. You have even more choices on Gboard than you do via the web version of the Emoji Kitchen. Give it a try!

Tool #3: EmojiMix

Ready to combine emojis of all sorts online? Give EmojiMix a spin.

Turtle emoji plue rabbit emoji equals rabbit turtle emoji in EmojiMix
Screenshot by author of Rabbit Turtle emoji from EmojiMix

Available through Google Play, you can run the app on any device that uses Android, including Chromebooks. I found it easy to install on my Lenovo Duet Chromebook as an Android app. Then, I selected two emojis to combine to get this cowboy emoji with sunglasses. Ain’t it cool?

Unfortunately, this app isn’t available for iOS, only Android capable devices.

Tool #4: Emoji Mashup by Louan Bengman

This easy to use emoji mashup bot makes emoji mashups a snap.

Screenshot by author: Emoji Mashup Bot

Pick your first emoji, choose a second emoji, and hit the Mashup button! As you can see, you have a variety of options in this browser-based mashup tool. Give it a try!

Using Emojis in the Classroom

You may be wondering, “Why use emojis?” There are many opportunities to create emojis. Emojis offer a creative outlet for students to use, for good or ill, and they are great for storytelling.

Here are a few reasons how you can use emojis in the classroom:

  • Classroom wall illustrations. Use them to spice up your anchor charts, bulletin boards.
  • Make student faces anonymous. Each student can invest their creativity in an emoji to represent them on a class chart. Use emojis instead of pictures.
  • Social-emotional learning activity. Students use emojis to show their feelings or to chart group project status.

Looking for more ideas? Read these blog entries:

And, special thanks to Lindsay Foster for sharing these curriculum ideas:

Now, let’s make some emojis!

You’ve seen three tools for emoji makers as well as some ideas for classroom use. I hope you’ll share some of your own tools and ideas in the comments below. In the meantime, allow me to end with this creation by my colleague, Peggy Reimers:

Featured Image: Screenshot by author of Google Search “emoji kitchen” search

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AndroidAppleiOS Tips and TricksOnline Tools and AppsTechnology Applications

Unleash Your Wanderlust: 12 Essential Apps for Summer Travel

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

Are wanderlust and sunscreen on your list as your two summer essentials? Whether you’re hitting the road or organizing your dream summer escape, I’ve curated a collection of 12 apps for summer travel planning that will sprinkle some extra magic on your plans. Get ready to embark on thrilling adventures and create memories that will last a lifetime with these apps at your fingertips!

1. Road Trippers

Image of Roadtripper home page

Buckle up, roll down the windows, and get ready for your next road trip. Do you love road trips but find yourself dreading planning all the nitty-gritty details? Here’s the perfect solution for you: Road Trippers! This app will become your ultimate road trip companion, taking care of all the tedious planning so you can focus on the fun stuff. From mapping out the best routes to uncovering hidden gems along the way, Road Trippers has your back.

2. Whatshalfway

Image of What'sHalfway.com, a great app for summer travel planning

Searching for the perfect spot to meet friends halfway for lunch? Planning a long summer trip to catch up with family? Fret not. The ultimate solution has arrived for you. Whatshalfway will pinpoint the exact halfway point based on time or distance and select an ideal meetup spot. Don’t waste any more time searching aimlessly – head over to Whatshalfway.com and make your meetups or road trip stops an absolute breeze!

3. Texas Historical Marker Guide

Traveling in Texas? Don’t miss out on the incredible Texas Historical Marker Guide app. For the mere price of $2.99, this app is a treasure trove of information on over 16,000 markers scattered throughout the state. What’s more, it works seamlessly even when you’re offline, ensuring you never miss a fascinating piece of history. And here’s the cherry on top: it helps you track your progress, making your exploration even more rewarding. 

4. Gas Buddy

Stay one step ahead of your fuel needs with Gas Buddy. This nifty app assures you’re always in the know about the closest gas stations and the best fuel prices around. Plus, it goes the extra mile by offering handy tools to help you budget for gas, enhance your gas mileage, and even keep track of your fuel consumption. 

5. Roadside America

Image of Roadside America's home page. It's an app that can assist with summer travel plans.

Discover the quirkiest roadside attractions across the U.S. with Roadside America! This app is perfect for summer travel planning. It’s your key to offbeat and kitschy treasures along your road trip. It’s a collection of the most unique and photo-worthy spots. Explore museums, murals, tours, and even quirky restaurants. Roadside America is available for $2.99 on iOS only.

6. iExit 

Image of iExit app for summer travel planning

Don’t let the whirlwind of exit signs at 70 mph confuse your road trip pit stops. Say goodbye to backseat drivers with the iExit Interstate Exit Guide app. This handy tool tells you exactly what’s ahead on your route, from snacks and drive-thru lattes to public restrooms. It covers it all – food, lodging, fuel, and even hospitals. Best part? The app is free to download on both iOS and Android.  It’s a great addition to your apps for summer travel!

7. Recreation.gov

Image of recreation.gov homepage

Are you a fan of national parks and public lands? This app puts the power of exploration at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking to book a weekend getaway or plan a cross-country road trip, Recreation.gov is all you need. Discover and reserve campsites with ease. Get ready to get outdoors.

8. AllTrails

Love hiking, biking, or simply going for a walk? Look no further than AllTrails, the ultimate app to help you uncover incredible trails based on your location. With AllTrails, you can access reviews, save trails you’re eager to explore, and even keep a record of your completed hikes. The choice is yours: share your adventures publicly or keep them private.

9. TripTik by AAA

Plan your perfect summer road trip with TripTik by AAA. Enter your starting and ending points, and decide how many stops you want to make. It will customize the entire trip, including breaks. The app is free to use, even without AAA membership. Hit the road with confidence. This app for summer travel planning is a lifesaver.

10. Signal

Image of Signal homepage

If you’re traveling abroad this summer like my co-worker friends, Charlene and Emily, download this one first. Say goodbye to international fees with Signal because all Signal calling and messaging is done over the internet and encrypted. Plus, they’re a nonprofit, just like TCEA. 

11. Wi-Fi Map

Stay connected while traveling with Wi-Fi Map. Discover free WiFi hotspots with an interactive map and offline mode. When using the offline mode, you’ll see a list of all the hotspots with passwords in your chosen area. You can also contribute to the app by sharing new hotspots in the places you visit. Only available for iOS.

12. Wiman

Image of Wiman App for summer travel WIFI homepage

Don’t worry, Android users. I didn’t forget about you. Wiman is your go-to app for all the fantastic features of Wi-Fi Map. Discover free WiFi hotspots, enjoy an interactive map, and access the offline mode with ease. You can even join the community and share locations, too.

I hope these apps make your summer travel planning easy and breezy. If all else fails, keep calm, and summer on! 

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Computational Thinking
AndroidChromebooksCoding/Computer ScienceiOS Tips and TricksMathMicrosoftProfessional LearningSTEM/STEAMWriting

TCEA Announces All-New Scratch Computational Thinking Course

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Make coding more than a programmer’s tool. Teachers can now learn how to use Scratch, a block coding tool, across the curriculum! This course allows you to learn how to use Scratch to teach computational thinking. Teachers can use it to present, animate, and gamify their lessons. The online, self-paced course (Scratch Computational Thinking) is available through TCEA.

An infographic with an orange cartoon cat and a talk bubble with a red heart and TCEA Scratch course logo. Behind the cat is a screenshot of Scratch code. To the right of the cat is information on cost, course structure, and what is included with enrollment. Above the cat is the title "TCEA's Scratch Computational Thinking" with a brief course description.

What Is TCEA?

If you don’t know us, we’re a nonprofit education association. Our mission? Advancing teaching and learning through the use of technology. Improving education with teachers and ensuring student success is our goal!

What You’ll Learn in the Scratch Course

Participants in the Scratch course watch videos to learn how to create animations, make mathematical instructional resources, and create games. And the course shows teachers how to pose and solve computational thinking problems.

TCEA Course Developer James Abela says that teachers will make lessons that encourage literacy and writing. Abela assisted in the launch of the Raspberry Pi at Cambridge, and he is also the course developer of TCEA’s Swift Programming course.

Abela says he loves teaching computer science, and with this course, teachers can take first steps into coding. “You will be able to create interactive animations. Teachers can support learning across all subjects!” he says.

Screenshot showing the block palette, code area, and stage in Scratch.
Image Source: Scratch Wiki

What Are the Scratch Course Details?

Once you complete the course, you will be able to create learning experiences for students with Scratch. “You can click things together just like Lego, so it’s a great way to get things started. It enables us to teach real models like the input process and output model,” says Abela.

The course includes five modules:

  • Module 1: Getting Started with Scratch
  • Module 2: Sequence
  • Module 3: Selection
  • Module 4: Iteration (Repetition)
  • Module 5: Interactivity

Enrolling in the course gets you a free TCEA membership, and once completed, you receive 12 CPE credits, and a digital badge. What’s more, you’ll get a digital certificate of completion! Course access lasts for one full year from a your date of enrollment in the course.

What Are the Scratch Course Prerequisites and Requirements?

This course is for teachers of students ages 7 – 14 and is an introductory course to computational thinking using Scratch. More sophisticated techniques shown here are suitable for older students. Scratch is also featured in Harvard’s CS50 course, which shows learning Scratch can benefit adult learners.

How To Sign Up

The course is available for $39, but for groups of 10 or more, the price is discounted to $34 per person. Contact Miguel Guhlin (mguhlin@tcea.org) for pricing quotes for 10 or more people. Large groups can also pay via TCEA Credit Card Authorization Form. Interested? Go ahead, enroll now!

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AppleChromebooksGoogle Tips and TricksiOS Tips and TricksMicrosoft

10 More Shortcuts You May Not Know

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

Back by popular demand, it’s a whole new batch of shortcuts you may not know. These guys can help save you time and improve your daily life. If you missed the first edition, read it here! But now, let’s jump right into a new batch of tech tips and shortcuts.

1. CTRL + Shift + Z (Undo Your Undo)

Okay, so you thought you needed to get rid of that text or image, but it turns out you didn’t after all. Happens all the time! Just tap CTRL + SHIFT + Z, and voila! Undo what you just did.

2. Missing Keys

I have no idea why (I’m sure some of you do), but the Chromebook does not have a delete key. You can use ALT + BACKSPACE to start deleting text to the right of your cursor.

What about the CAPS LOCK key? Chromebook decided to leave this one off the list, too. Now, you could just use the shift key, but sometimes, you need to say a lot loudly. Use ALT + SEARCH to get your shout on via all caps!

3. CTRL + SHIFT + V

Have you ever copied and pasted something from the internet into a document, and the font, text size, etc., didn’t match up? Use CTRL + SHIFT + V. This little trick will save you time as it will only copy the text and not all the other details and formatting that come along with it.

4. Bookmark a Webpage

Like what you’re reading? Save it with ease by using CTRL + D.

5. Gmail Shortcuts

There are a plethora of shortcuts in Gmail. Here are three:

  • Use R to reply to an email.
  • Use CTRL + SHIFT + C to add CC recipients.
  • G + T opens your Sent folder!

6. Rename Files

Need to rename a file? Just select it, and tap the F2 button. No more right-clicking!

7. Browsing Hacks

So you’re surfing the web, and you reach for your mouse. STOP! Just use the spacebar to read along.

8. USB Cables

Are you always having to try, try again when you plug in those USB cables? Next time, just look for the logo or symbol and make sure it’s facing up.

9. Don’t Give Out Your Wi-Fi

Tired of changing your Wi-Fi password after each guest is gone? Here’s a tip that you will love. Qifi.org has made your life a little simpler by generating a QR code that people can scan to access your Wi-Fi without entering a password.

10. Group Text Messages

If you have an iPhone and are in an ever-evolving group chat, chances are someone has checked out. So, if you need to get their attention, tag them by typing @ symbol followed by their name. Then, you just hit the space bar or add a punctuation mark. It will make their person’s name bold, and they’ll receive a notification.

Did you learn something new? Share with me in the comments. Is there a shortcut I need to know? Let’s hear it!

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AndroidChromebooksGoogle Tips and TricksiOS Tips and TricksTechnical Support

Google AppSheet Makes Building Mobile Apps Easy

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

A new no-code platform makes it possible to build a Google-powered app. While many educators may reach for Glide, others are looking at a new tool from Google Cloud. This new tool boasts powerful features, mobile and desktop support, app management, and more. Let’s take a look at Google AppSheet!

Introducing Google AppSheet

Looking for a powerful app development tool with lots of features? Google AppSheet has you covered. This tool offers a bewildering array of tools, ranging from how to represent data in a mobile app to a desktop. There are a lot of possibilities.

AppSheet also comes with a variety of templates you can explore.  The education section doesn’t have much to offer just yet, as you can see below, but hopefully, it will be built up as this tool becomes more popular.

Google AppSheet
Screenshot by author

Stop! Videos and Tutorials Available.

My walkthrough below is insufficient to cover ALL the features of Google AppSheet. You may want to watch these video tutorials to learn more. What’s more, Google Cloud offers a two-day, free online course. You can use it to learn the fundamentals of no-code app development. Wouldn’t it be neat to turn high school students loose with Google AppSheet?

A Quick Walkthrough

When creating an app, I thought I’d use the same source sheet as my Strategies That Work Glideapp. The first step was creating a new app:

Google AppSheet
Screenshot by author

Then, I selected the spreadsheet (Effective Instructional Strategies) I wanted to use:

Google AppSheet
Screenshot by author

Google AppSheet created an initial view that needs some work, right?

Google AppSheet
Screenshot by author

As you can see, the work area for AppSheet is quite complex. The burgeoning app is to the far right, and you see that AppSheet offers customization for each menu option:

Google AppSheet
Screenshot by author

After a little tweaking, my data is starting to look a little nicer:

Google AppSheet
Screenshot by author

AppSheet offers various views for the data, including the list displayed above and the gallery below.

Google AppSheet
Screenshot by author

Be mindful of controlling your data access because the default view appears to allow app users to edit or delete data. This is a feature you can switch off.

Here’s the app view on a smartphone. You will have to install an app first (get the iOS version | Android version) to view it, or you can run it via your web browser.

Google AppSheet
Screenshot by author

Here’s what the app looks like with edit mode turned on:

Google AppSheet
Screenshot by author

Final Thoughts

Google AppSheet offers a ton of organization features to those who need to build an app. Although it requires users to install an app on their device, there’s a lot of power there. AppsSheet offers many of these features for a cost yet it gives educators an easy-to-use entry point. Google AppSheet might adopt a similar approach. That is, offering a subset of key features educators need at no cost.

Feature Image Source

Screenshot by author

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AndroidDigital CitizenshipDigital LiteracyGoogle Tips and TricksiOS Tips and Tricks

Two Options for Stopping Smartphone Trackers

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Do you have a friend or co-worker you only can trust so far? You know the “I have an important secret to keep that would be problematic if shared with this person” type situation? If you’re sharing confidential data with your smartphone, it’s the same. You are blabbing too much. If you object to others sharing secrets against your will, you may want to pay attention to what I share today. Every day, as you use your smartphone, it’s sharing your information.

Smartphone users like you share 250 million terabytes of data every day. And companies track everything you do or say with your smartphone. They do this because, in the next three years, the in-app advertising market will reach $234 billion. Let’s explore two ways to safeguard your smartphone.

“My smartphone experience will never be the same again. I feel empty and dumb, naked and invaded.” -Famina

smartphone trackers
Image Source: Techaeris

Data Tracking Apps

“I deleted all but two of my dictionary apps on my phone! I had about fifteen of them,” says Famina. She goes on to write that her dictionary apps were sending information to Google LLC. Most of us install apps on our phones all the time. Sometimes, it’s situational. You’re out somewhere and someone says, “Try this app out! It lets you do so much.”

smartphone trackers
Image Source: TikTok

Or you could be in a conference session and the speaker says, “Install TikTok. Learn how to use it to promote digital resources, programming, and engagement. “Sixty percent of business owners recently reported (source) that TikTok helps their business. Why shouldn’t educators feel the same way?

Headlines, like this one from BuzzFeed News, are important to consider:

Leaked Audio From 80 Internal TikTok Meetings Shows That US User Data Has Been Repeatedly Accessed From China…“Everything is seen in China.”

Your data is being gathered and tracked.

Your phone is the ideal tool for advertisers and data brokers. They collect your information and serve you ads based on it. Ad companies use software development kits (SDKs). They give those to app developers for free and the developers make money from ads the companies sell.

Your location data, as well as other data, gets sent to someone else (source). The data is also sold to various other entities, including law enforcement. Besides not using apps like TikTok, known to share your data, what else can you do?

Stopping Data Tracking

You may throw up your hands in despair. How can you use your phone and valued services (e.g. weather) without unwanted data sharing?

smartphone trackers
Screenshot by author, https://youradchoices.com/

Kim Komando offers eight ways you can prevent smartphone tracking. Here are a few of those that I have done:

  • Disabling location services and opting out of ads.
  • Use a more secure browser, like Brave or Firefox Focus, both of which I use.
  • Visit the Digital Advertising Alliance website, which offers a tool to opt out of ads on your phone.

But Kim doesn’t share everything you can do. Let’s explore two more options.

Stop Tracking Me

Two more options you can take advantage of include using online scanning tools. These check apps for trackers before you install them on your phone. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, right? Once your data is out there, who knows where it will go?

smartphone trackers
Screenshot by Blokada

Option #1: Blokada

Blokada is an ad blocker and privacy app for Android and iOS. It is open source and a secure software. In spite of that, Blokada (especially on iOS) costs money. It offers two plans, including Blokada Cloud ($19.99 per year) and Blokada Plus ($62.00 per year or $6.49/mo).

What do you get for that cost?

  • Blocks ads and trackers
  • Works for all apps and browsers
  • Requires no root or jailbreak
  • Safe design that does not break encryption
  • More protection when using a VPN (available as part of Blokada Plus)

You can get it for Android or iOS. You can give it a try for seven days during a free trial, but cancel your subscription before then if you opt against it.

Option #2: Tracker Control

Another option for your consideration is Tracker Control. Available only for Android, it makes it easy for you to check and control hidden data collection. To detect tracking, Tracker Control relies on the disconnect blocklist and an in-house blocklist. Created from analyzing approximately two million apps, the in-house blocklist is powerful.

The Best Solution

Most of us rely on our phones for many reasons. From game-station to ebook reader to social connector, our phones do a lot. The least of which is allow us to make phone calls. Yet when we fail to secure our data on the devices we use, we become co-conspirators. Co-conspirators in selling our data with little benefit or awareness.

The best solution may be to avoid installing apps that sell our data. Using tools like Blokada and Tracker Control can make a big difference– a difference that can mean everything when someone is trying to get a credit card in our name or a loan.

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Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

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iOS Tips and Tricks

Five iPhone Hacks You Need to Know

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

When I got my iPhone, I was looking for a bit more than a phone. I was hoping I’d have a device that would work like a multi-purpose tool, helping me in any situation. If you’re looking for some amazing, multi-purpose iPhone hacks, you’re in the right place.

Hack #1 – Text Translation

Your iPhone has built-in text translation. Isn’t that amazing? You don’t need special apps to get the job done. This can be a real lifesaver if you are dealing with graffiti, notes in different languages, or reading a book in a foreign language.

What’s that, you’ve never had to translate text? You’re missing out on the possibilities. That’s what is cool about the iPhone; it makes the inconceivable easy to achieve. But how do you do it?

  1. To translate text, access your Camera app. Then, aim your camera at the target text to be translated.
  2. Your iPhone will place a yellow box around the text. When you see that yellow box appear, touch the Live Text icon. You will see it in the top-right corner of the screen.
  3. Now you are ready to translate. You will have the option to copy the text of your translation and/or listen to it aloud. So cool.

You can see the process through this series of screenshots below. I translated some English text from this article on my screen to Spanish. Wow, my blog entries never sounded so good in Spanish.

iPhone hacks
Screenshot by author

And the best thing? You didn’t need to use anything except the camera app on your iPhone.

Hack #2: Scan QR Codes with Your Camera

This hack may already be familiar to you, but I still encounter folks who don’t know it. You can scan a QR code, like the one below, using just your iPhone’s camera app. It’s a lifesaver when you encounter a QR code on a business card or as a restaurant menu, etc.

iphone hacks
Screenshot by author


With this built-in functionality, you can audio record a greeting to a book, link a video, document, and more. Then you or your students can play the audio, watch the video, or open the document via the QR code. Try it out with these 68 free QR Code Read Aloud Cards!

Hack #3: Space Bar as Mouse

One of the most annoying aspects of a smartphone is getting the blinking cursor where you need it to go. That’s the little vertical line that works as a portal for the letters you type– from your mind to the mini-keyboard on your smartphone screen. Moving that cursor can be an act of futility, forcing you to punch at your screen with your finger.

To avoid that silliness, use the space bar on your smartphone’s screen as a mouse. With your keyboard active, press and hold your smartphone’s digital space bar. The keyboard will turn grey, and you’ll be able to slide your finger left or right on the space bar. This makes it easy to position the vertical line, or cursor, where you need it to go.

Hack #4: Stop Robocalls

Every day, it doesn’t matter if I’m in the middle of class or at lunch, my phone receives calls. These robocalls are from people trying to sell me solar panels or vehicle warranties. Sometimes, it’s the state trooper’s association asking for donations to support the blue. The truth is, I avoid answering calls from people I don’t know. It’s a terrible way to live, but I see it as locking my virtual door.

You can auto-block phone calls and ignore text messages from people you don’t know. The way to do that is by adjusting your Phone Settings to Silence Unknown Callers. You’ll want to turn this off if you’re in a situation you receive phone calls from unknown people all the time:

iphone hacks
Screenshot by author

If silencing unknown callers isn’t an option, then you may have to pay for a filtering service. Some I have used include:

There are others you can find, and these work by replacing your built-in phone app and routing everything through them. That includes phone calls and messages. This can be a lifesaver.

Hack #5: Voice Control

Washing dishes, gardening, juggling paperwork, I find myself avoiding touching my iPhone’s screen. Instead, I want Siri (the built-in assistant), or Alexa, to help me. I’ll often tell Siri to open the Alexa app, which knows the answers to critical life trivia questions.

iphone hacks
Screenshot by author

Now, you can tell Siri, “Hey Siri, turn on Voice Control.” This will allow you to dictate a series of commands. I found it a big improvement over having to say, “Hey Siri” all the time. Here’s a list of commands:

You can enable Voice Control on your iPhone which will permit you to open Siri without having to say, “Hey Siri.” To do this, go to your Settings->Accessiblity. Then, open Voice Controls and enable it, as you see below:

iphone hacks
Screenshot by author

iPhone Hacks Make the World Work Better

I love hacks like these for three reasons:

  • They don’t cost any more money.
  • They improve how you use your phone in a fundamental way.
  • You don’t have to have extra apps installed that take up space and crowd your screen.

Give these hacks a try for a week. Soon, you’ll be asking yourself, “How did I get along without these?”

Feature Image Source

Photo by Bagus Hernawan on Unsplash

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