Google Sheets often gets a reputation for the “difficult” or maybe the “least used" app in G-Suite waffle.  But that doesn’t need to be the case all the time! In today’s episode we will share ways students and teachers currently use Sheets in the classroom and then ways you can tech it up a notch when it comes to your knowledge and usage of Google Sheets. 

We are excited to have Emily McDonald as today's guest from Chattanooga, Tennessee! 

​Emily McDonald is a high school mathematics teacher at Red Bank High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. RBHS is a Title 1 school that is 1:1 with Chromebooks. Emily currently teaches Algebra 2, Calculus, and Dual Enrollment Probability & Statistics. Emily enjoys incorporating technology to promote creativity and exploration in mathematics. Emily is a Level 1 and Level 2 Google Certified Educator and a Google Certified Trainer. Other certifications include EdPuzzle Coach, CK-12 Certified Educator, Screencastify Certified Genius, and EquatIO Level 1 Certified User. Emily has presented at several EdTechTeam Summits in the southern region as well as other regional and state professional development conferences.

Twitter: @EMcDonaldEDU 
Email (personal): mcdonald.emily.ann@gmail.com

Ways Educators Can Benefit from Google Sheets:

• Tips from Emily  - New features in Sheets
• Add a class roster, then use Check Marks to keep track of  beginning of year forms and other ungraded items.
• Organize, sort, and filter test score data.
• Create  charts and graphs with ease.
• Freeze rows and columns to work with large data sets. 

Using Google Sheets with Students:

• Self paced learning activity (could be used for PD with adults as well!)
• Track scores over time  - students track their own keyboarding data - make a copy and edit to suit your content.
• Manage a budget - a student activity facilitated by Emily - make a copy for your students. 
• Create Pixal Art using Conditional Formatting

Tech it Up a Notch - Google Sheets Tips:

• Use Scripts to send specific email to multiple recipients - Scripts Example
• Explore the Add-ons Menu and use Sheets to automatically create flashcards, certificates of completion or PD attendance, send confirmation email, manage badging  and more!
  • Autocrat
  • Flippity
  • Form Mule
  • Magic Digital Badges

Share your Google Sheets ideas, successes,  and templates in the comments below.  Would you like to be a guest on our show?  Complete this Google Form and you might join us in a future episode of Somethin To Tech About!

More resources:

• ISTE Standard(s) for Educators and Students
• Newspapers In Education
• Common Sense Media

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