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Let Flexibility Lead To Alignment

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  In my previous school district, I was the only teacher teaching a physics course with set, district-wide learning outcomes. These same outcomes were also taught in physics classrooms at the other high school in our district. But at our school, I was one of the 2 physics teachers. The other teacher taught the AP-level physics courses. So, in many ways, I had opportunities to incorporate strategies I believed were best for learners and that I found worked best for them without being seen as out of alignment with anyone in our building. My amazing friend and one of my teaching philosophy goddesses, Katie Novak, stated the following misconception about alignment: All teachers must deliver instruction in the exact same way. True alignment, she says, is about shared goals, rigor, and outcomes. Thank you, Katie! Katie has taught me to truly believe that learner variability is the rule, not the exception. I encourage you to take 10 minutes to listen to Katie Novak explain it in the ...
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New Google Drive Integration in Canvas LMS

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I was made aware yesterday, that Google apps integration for Canvas Learning Management System was up and running.  Today, I dived in and tried a few things. I'm sure there is more here, but I'll dig in more when I have time.

Our administrator already added it for us, but it can be added as a normal LTI app through settings.



Once you authorize Canvas to access your Google Drive in a quick couple of clicks, I found there were a couple of great efficiencies for me.

I can access Google Drive files without leaving Canvas.



I can add files from Google Drive directly to my modules without ever leaving Canvas.

I not longer have to go to drive and get a link and put that into Canvas.  I can go right from Canvas by adding an external tool.


Add files from Google Drive into Rich Content Editor.


I like to add instructions and rubrics to my assignments in the rich content editor section.  But to do this, I've always needed to publish the file in drive, copy the embed code, enter HTML editor in Canvas, paste the code, and adjust the frame size for the best view. Now, I can embed the file directly from the rich content editor.  This will save lots of time.  You can also choose the option to link to the file as well.



I look forward to digging deeper into what the app can do.  Our tech integrator said it can do some other things like create copies of files for students.  I'll be interested to see how that works.


Comments

  1. EdwardJuly 8, 2019 at 10:12 AM

    I like your suggestions they are really helpful. Thank you so much for sharing this post.



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