Browse Month: July 2021

The Magic Beneath the Surface of EdTech

Editors Note: This blog was originally published on the VSTE blog and the Teaching4Tomorrow blog and has been reposted with permission. Get alerted about the next Teaching4Tomorrow blog post.

In many pursuits in life and learning, there are easy ways that cut corners and harder, but more rewarding, avenues to get to your desired destination. The world of edtech is no different, especially with the incredible pace at which technology evolves. I passionately recommend not moving away from a technology just because there is a new one available or without fully exploring the tool. Many times, the magic of edtech tools rest beneath the surface and are only discovered after users have had adequate time to explore, fail, learn, grow, discover, make connections, and collaborate. Simply because a technology isn’t the latest one released doesn’t mean it isn’t the best or just as capable as another. Likewise, if you have not given enough time for a tool to be explored completely, you may not know what is truly possible or the effect it could have on teaching, learning, or leading.

In the Land of G Suite

One area of prominent examples of the magic beneath the surface of edtech is within G Suite. Nearly every one of the apps that make up G Suite have an incredible amount of uses that you would never discover if the tool is only examined at the surface value. The power of the tools becomes apparent when you begin to peel back the outer layers. Two great examples are Google Chrome and Google Slides.

Google Chrome is, at its surface, just an internet browser. Like Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Firefox it will connect you to the vast amount of information and resources the internet holds. It will allow you to bookmark pages and even autofill forms and passwords for you. However, the magic beneath the surface is infinitely more powerful.

The first example of this is the ability to quickly change between Chrome users. This allows one to switch between work and personal accounts in seconds, each complete with their own separate bookmarks, saved autofill information, Google Drive, and more. Kasey Bell of Shake Up Learning explains the greatness of this feature quite well.

The second example of Chrome magic is found in the power of extensions installed via the Chrome Web Store. This store holds many free extensions that save time and enhance a user’s experience with Chrome. Countless added features and benefits can be found by adding in carefully selected and managed extensions (they do take system resources so choose wisely and manage with something like Extensity). Check out these blog posts all about Chrome Extensions and the magic they add to Chrome (Post 1Periodic Table of ExtensionsFor Struggling Students).

Whether you are teaching in person, virtually, or implementing blended learning, integrating photography in the classroom is accessible and adaptable for multiple subjects and grade levels. Based on our work with educators, below are five ways to use photography to effectively nurture empathy, challenge perspectives, and foster connection in students’ lives.

If you listen to the Google Teacher Tribe Podcast with hosts Kasey Bell and Matt Miller, you’ll know that Google Slides is the “Swiss army knife of G Suite” (Episodes). Without stretching the imagination too far, there are easily 50 uses for Google Slides that are not presentations. Some of these include social media templateseBooks/storybooksreview gamesanimationchoose-your-own adventure storiesbrainstorminginteractive notebooks, and even create an “app.” Trust me when I say this is barely checking into the magic beneath the surface of Google Slides…check these out for more: Control Alt AchieveDitch That TextbookShake Up LearningTeacher Tech, and All The Things You Didn’t Know Google Slides Could Do!

The Deep End of G Suite Magic Beneath the Surface
Thinking the above just isn’t enough Google awesomeness? I agree! Check out these additional resources to take an amazing look into the deep end of G Suite magic beneath the surface:


Written by Patrick B. Hausammann. Patrick is an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher in Clarke County Public Schools and was the recipient of a VSTE Tech Coach of the Year award at the 2018 Conference in Virginia Beach. Patrick describes himself as a perpetual optimist and believer in the power of a #growthmindset to #failfoward. He is the founder of UnisonEDU; Cofounder of #EdcampNSV; and a Google Certified Innovator, Trainer, Admin, and Educator 1 and 2. He can be found online at his website and as @PHausEDU on Twitter.View a recorded session on this topic.This VSTE blog has been reposted with permission. 

Most Poplular Funding Opportunities for March 2021

Most Popular Funding Opportunities Last Month

In the previous month, educators were looking for funding opportunities in the areas of equity-focused grants, reading, STEM, and at-risk community-based programs. Check out which grants GetEdFunding educators viewed the most in the month of June.

Envision Equity Grants
Sponsored by The NEA Foundation

The NEA’s Envision Equity Grants program provides educators across the United States with opportunities to lead an equity-focused reimagining of public education, encouraging students’ love of learning and the best possible educational experience for every child. Funding will support new and creative innovations in the classroom and beyond, incorporating exemplary teaching and learning practices. Competitive applicants will incorporate best practices to support the whole child including project-based learning and experiences that advance cultural understanding and appreciation or an understanding of civic engagement and democracy.

Deadline: October 15, 2021

Bookmobile Grant Program
Sponsored by Lois Lenski Covey Foundation

The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation offers grants for bookmobile programs across the nation that serve children from disadvantaged populations. Grants support organizations that operate a lending bookmobile that travels into neighborhoods populated by underserved youth. Funds must be used to purchase fiction or nonfiction books published for young people preschool through grade 8, from Early Reader books through Young Adult and Hi-Lo books.

Deadline: September 1st, 2021.

Stem Minigrants
Sponsored by
National Girls Collaborative Project

The National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) supports girl-serving programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to address gaps and overlaps in service and share exemplary practices. Minigrants are awarded as seed funding for projects that encourage girls to pursue STEM-related educational programs and careers, and are intended to promote cooperation between existing girl-serving programs. Preference is given to applications for innovative activities and that involve first-time collaboration between the applicant organizations.

Deadline: Minigrants are awarded year-round.

Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers

Sponsored by National Science Foundation

National Science Foundation

The Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program promotes prekindergarten through grade 12 students interests and capacities to participate in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and information and communications technology (ICT) workforce of the future. To do this, ITEST supports the development, implementation, and selective spread of innovative strategies for engaging students in experiences that: (1) increase students’ awareness of STEM occupations; (2) motivate students to pursue the appropriate education pathways for STEM occupations; and (3) develop disciplinary-based knowledge and practices, or promote critical thinking, reasoning, or communication skills needed for entering STEM workforce sectors.

Deadlines: August 13, 2021.

Education Grants, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc.
Sponsored by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc.

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation supports organizations that serve lower-income individuals and assist vulnerable and at-risk populations in the communities in which they reside. Program areas include housing, health, jobs, education, and community services. Education priorities include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); out-of-school time; and college and career preparedness.

Deadline: Letters of Inquiry are accepted year-round.




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