Cool Tool Alert -- Mote

 Everyone knows the phrase, "Work smarter, not harder." Well, I have a cool tool to show you that will definitely fir the bill of working smarter, not harder!

Meet Mote! What is Mote? For the full rundown, watch the video below! Otherwise here's a quick summary: Mote is a voice note app. It allows you to record a note in your own voice that students can listen to, and it generates a transcript as well that students can read. It is easy to use with a Chrome extension -- it embeds itself into Google Docs and then allows you to create a voice note that embeds itself in the document OR comment! It can also be used to add audio directions! 

Mote is a freemium product, which means you can use it for free but offers subscriptions as well. With the free account, you can record up to 20 voice notes each month with each note being up to 5 minutes long. If you want an individual license, it's $59.40 per year which gives you unlimited voice notes of up to 5 minutes each with transcription available in 34 languages AND Motebook, where you can save and reuse your voice notes (hello, easy and fast essay feedback!!!!).

The steps are simple!

1. Add the Mote Chrome Extension.
2. Refresh any Docs or Slides that were already open if you want to use Mote with them.
3. Use the purple icon for Mote to record (move mouse to the side of the doc to see the icon, or insert a comment and you will see the Mote icon).
4. Click the icon to start and stop your recording. Note: if it's your first time using Mote, you will be prompted to create an account.
5. Listen to the recording, and if it sounds good, insert it!

Yes, it really is that simple!

Still unsure? No problem! Let me know and I'll come over and personally get you up and running!

Oh, and guess what? If you use Mote, you get a Cool Tool sticker!