Tech Tip Tuesday #29

 

Today's Tip: Check out these Google Workspace Updates!

Email Draft Template in Google Docs

This is great for teams that are collaborating on communication.

To insert an email template while in Google Docs, go to Insert > Building Blocks > Email draft. For more information, check out New email draft template in Google Docs.

New Emoji reactions in Google Docs

This is just for fun and something I am sure students will enjoy.

To add an emoji reaction while in Google Docs, select the text you want to react to and click Add emoji reaction on the right margin. For more information, check out Use comments, action items, & emoji reactions.

Embed linked Google Forms charts into Google Docs and Slides

With linked charts, anyone (with the proper permissions) can refresh an embedded chart by clicking the "Update" button to see the new latest form responses. No need to go back and re-copy the chart from the form. 

​To link a chart, copy the chart from Google Forms and paste it into a Google Doc or Slides​. Select the "Link to form" option. When the Google Form has collected new responses, users will see an "Update" button to click and the chart will refresh. For more information, check out Embed linked Google Forms charts into Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Drawings.

What features would like to see added to Google Workspace?

Tech Tip Tuesday #28

 

Today's Topic: GoGuardian Frequently Asked Questions

GoGuardian has been a popular topic for the past few weeks! GoGuardian allows staff to "gain a view into student online activity and control over devices with an easy to use classroom management tool." Below are several common questions I've been asked, with the first being the most common question. Keep the questions coming!

What happens when two teachers are running a scene at the same time? 

I took this question to GoGuardian support last week and asked a bunch of follow-up questions to get this figured out. When two teachers are running a scene at the same time, the last applied scene will take precedence. UNLESS both teachers are running the "scene status page" which allows teachers to refresh and update with their scene being the newest applied. If another scene has been applied more recently, you could change your scene to none and then change it back to make yours the most recently applied scene.

How do I "refresh and update" the scene?

When students are in multiple sessions, there should be a yellow warning at the top of the GoGuardian "scene status page." Click the Refresh Scene button and all students should be pulled into your scene.

Want (or don't) daily email reports?

1. Click your name in the upper left corner

2. Click Account Settings

3. Under the Preferences section, toggle the Receive sessions emails on or off (blue is on)

 

More GoGuardian Resources:

Introduction to GoGuardian Google Slidedeck

FAQs for GoGuardian Teacher

Student Groups -- An awesome new feature! You can vote for other new features on the Ideas Forum.

GoGuardian Help Center

Tech tips on GoGuardian archived at mrsthompson2580.blogspot.com.

What questions do you have about GoGuardian? What additional supports would support your use of GoGuardian?

Tech Tip Tuesday #27

Today's Tip: Check out this extension, especially if you have a tablet or a Promethean and are wanting to write on Google Slides or websites.

Page Marker

This is a real basic annotating tool that I have had success with and minimal delay with casting. While it is not a perfect tool, I have been happy with it and feel good about recommending it to you. It's not as nice as Kami but it's quick and easy to use! 

Here's what it looks like:

For more of my favorite extensions, check out the Extensions section in the archives at mrsthompson2580.blogspot.com. 

Wait, what's an extension?
According to the Chrome page, "Extensions are small software programs that can modify and enhance the functionality of the Chrome browser." To install extensions: While in Chrome, go to the Chrome Web Store, find an extension, and click on the blue "Add to Chrome" button. Just like with everything on the Internet, please use caution when installing extensions. (See: Browser Extensions: How to Stay Safe)

Can students install extensions?
Yes and no. Students can install extensions that have been allowed by Bill Groskreutz through the Google Admin console. If there is a specific extension you would like students to use, please let Bill know ahead of time.

Tech Tip Tuesday #26

 

Today's Tip: Ever wonder what the follow-up was on an Incident Referral you entered in Synergy? There is a NEW (to us here at East Central) way to find out! 

I must give a special shout-out to Cassie Gaede and her Region 1 representative for working to make this feature available to us. Thank you, Cassie!

Viewing a Student's Discipline Record

While in the Synergy seating chart section, click on the face of a student to open the menu for that student. Then select Discipline Incident. Double-click a line number, or click the Show Detail button, to see the description of the consequences assigned by administrators and any comments added. 

For more detailed directions and screenshots, please look at page 111 of TeacherVUE User Guide.