This one is quick–how to create a macro that automatically inserts an MLA-appropriate heading:

• Have students log in. Macros go with the profile of the user, not the local computer.
• Open MS Word.
• Decide what the keyboard shortcut will be for the macro. I use Ctrl+Alt+H. Test it to be sure it doesn’t bring up some other shortcut.
• Go to View-macro-record macro
• Call the macro ‘MLA Heading’ and select 'Keyboard'
• Add your selected keyboard shortcut to 'Press new shortcut key'  and click 'Assign', then 'Close'.
• Your mouse becomes a cassette tape. Type the heading that will be part of your macro. Feel free to backspace and make corrections. Those are all recorded, but they’re so fast, you won’t notice when you invoke the macro.
• Stop recording by clicking Macros – Stop Recording.
• Test the shortkey

Clean and simple, and fun for students--a great lesson during Hour of Code or another coding lesson. The macro will impress anyone sitting by them when they are logged in.

Here's a quick four-minute video on creating a macro (though this one, not specifically for an MLA heading):

Click for video

The 100th day of school is a special milestone celebrated in many educational institutions around the world. It is particularly popular in elementary schools, often filled with fun and educational activities centered around the number 100.

How to celebrate

Here are activities I like that blend learning into the celebration of the 100th Day of School:

Click for more

Resources for celebrating Pi Day and World Maths Day, both March 14th. 

Click for more

Whether you follow Habits of Mind, Common Core, Depth of Knowledge, IB, or another K-12 learning strategy, every student must learn problem-solving to become a functioning, contributing adult. There are thirteen great strategies that can be taught as part of ‘problem solving’ between kindergarten and eighth grade—a few each year, when they’re age-appropriate for your group.

Here’s a poster with the strategies. Post it on the wall in your classroom. Let students notice when they’ve accomplished one and what’s coming up in their future:

Read on for the poster...

St. Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated on March 17th to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, credited with bringing Christianity to the country. The day is marked by parades, wearing green clothing and accessories, traditional Irish music and dance, feasting, and the symbolic consumption of foods and beverages like corned beef, cabbage, and Irish stout. It has become a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage.

Getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day? Try these fun websites with activities for different grade levels, different classes (click for updates on this list):

Read on for links...

Questions? Go ahead and ask! I love tech ed questions. You can either reply to this newsletter, contact me via email, or find me on X/Twitter (@askatechteacher).