Spin It Around…

06/23/201806/23/2018Leave a comment

Recently I received an email asking how do you turn a Google Slide image upside down . The answer is very simple and works to turn all Google Slide images in any direction. Why might a person want to do this? When designing in a linear fashion it may appear visually boring. However when you turn an image upside down or tilt on an angle it spices up the slide presentation. Sometimes it even draws interest to a presentation and may deter the viewers from fallen to sleep due to boredom.

10 Awesome G Suite for Ed Tips & Tricks

03/23/201803/23/2018Leave a comment

It has taken me a long time to understand the benefits of Keyboard Shortcuts, G Suite APPS “Hidden Tools” and Hacks. After using these tools on a more regular basis I’ve discovered they have the ability to provide precious time back within our daily lives.

Common everyday tech tools have the ability to pack a powerful punch for our students. Especially during times of research or designing projects. One common complaint often heard is, “How do we provide the time for our students to be creative?” There is a possiblitiy this could be remedied by providing students with the knowledge to effectively and efficiently use the technology tools at hand. Now-a-day students may be raised with a touchscreen in their hands. However this doesn’t mean they understand how to use technology in beneficial and effective ways.

Below is a Slide presentation which offers 10 timesaving tips to support both teachers and students. Before the Google Slide Presentation I am including an extra hack to start you off with understanding how Timesaving tips and tricks can be “Timesavers”.

Easy Peazy Timesaver Hack

Instead of scrolling through the many layers or steps of a Google Files Toolbar try to “Click Help” and type what you are trying to do in the search window. If done correctly a pop-up window open with the tool.

EXAMPLE: Type “Make a Copy” in the Help Window.

10 Awesome Tips & Tricks Prezo

Using Reminders to Support Student’s Organizational Skills

03/22/201803/22/2018Leave a comment

I have heard “Google Keep” referred to as one of the hidden G Suite Treasures. One of the the useful tools in Google Keep is the ability to set reminders. Reminders support students with remembering and internalizing important happenings throughout their busy day.

When a Google Keep reminder is set it appears as a reminder notification on both Google Keep and Google Calendar. On the date and time for the reminder a pop-out window appears across synced devices alerting the user to check the Google Keep Note. Reminder alert students to check a Google Calendar or Keep Note for assignment “Due Dates” and important activities.

Click here to Open Google KEEP Reminders Tutorial

Lesser Known Tools Residing in GMAIL…

03/10/2018Leave a comment

If you ask a teacher or student which G Suite for Edu tool they use most often I bet the response would be “GMAIL”. They probably feel pretty confident about their mastery of composing and sending an Email. Some might even say they are ninja’s or Guru’s when it comes to using GMAIL. But are they really more than proficient users? Most people only really use the very basics of sending and receiving email.

I created the following GMAIL Learning Square to support colleagues, friends and students with learning about some of the hidden treasures residing within GMAIL.

GMAIL LEARNING SQUARE

Click here to Open the Learning Square

TYPE USING DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
- Useful for Support ELL Students and their families
- Supports Connecting Globally with Classroom from other countries
- May be integrated into a foreign language or social studies unit
CREATE LABELS
- Similar to a Folder or Cabinet for storing Email
- Supports proficient Email Search
- Helps students organize important messages
FILTER EMAIL
- Automates EMAIL Filing process
- Timesaver for organizing Email
- Basis for an efficient Email search
UNDO SEND
- Provides set amount of time to undo a sent Email
  - This is for those with a “Trigger Happy Finger”
CONTACT GROUPS
- Eliminates having typing individual Emails
- May use in to share Google Drive Files
- Timesaver enter one name versus multiple Email addresses
USE TASK SPECIFIC ADDRESSES
- May use to sign up to different educational websites
- Makes it easy to filter the incoming mail from “Free Sites”
- Use to create a “Help Desk” specific Email address
CANNED RESPONSES
- Timesaver by providing a template for common responses
- Use to correspond with parents or students
  - Create set answers to questions about:
    - Field trips
    - Special Project Assignments
    - Classroom Events
GMAIL OFFLINE
- Allows the user with limited internet access to compose Email
- Email may be read and organized off-line
- Changes sync and update once connected to the internet
TYPE USING DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
- Correspond with ELL students
- Supports correspondence with non-english speaking guardians
- May be used in a foreign language class or other content area

One beauty of using G Suite tools is the hidden helpful extra features. These extra features or tools often add a powerful punch to the usability. So the next time you open a Google APP click around and see what you can discover.

Why Dim Google Calendar Past Events???

02/21/201802/21/2018Leave a comment

The “New Google Calendar” user interface (UI) offers quite a few helpful updates such as brightness control for past events. You might be thinking, “Why is it important to dim the color of past events?” In the world of education this is one of those “No Brainer” answers in support of visual learners. If a students maintains a Google Calendar as a schedule for school assignments and events it supports them with visually keeping track of daily activities. When a student is absent or behind and notices an event appears a brighter or pastel color this sets a signal off to check the event. The new calendar also offers both notification and reminder tools. When all three calendar tools are used together this becomes a powerful support for helping students keep track of everyday school activities.