Tech Tip Tuesday #5

 

Today's Tip

Use Chrome Extensions to enhance your Chrome experience, and your students can too!

First, what's an extension?
According to Chrome Developers, "Extensions are software programs, built on web technologies (such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) that enable users to customize the Chrome browsing experience."

How do I 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: 6 Ways to Make Sure Your Chrome Extensions Are Safe)

Wait, 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.

What extensions are useful?

I have created a screenshot with links to all the extensions that I am currently using on my school Chrome account. There's a sneak peek below, you can access the full-size image and clickable links at Chrome Extensions.

What is your favorite extension?

Tech Tip Tuesday #4

Today's Tip:

Know what technology tools are available for you to use!

Did you know?!

This school year, the district has purchased premium Pear Deck, EdPuzzle, Quizlet, and GimKit accounts for all high school staff. 

We have a TON of technology tools! I have collected many of these tools on a Technology Tools for Staff handout with links, short descriptions, and resources. 

Technology Tools for Staff

If you would like additional training on any of these tools, please let a member of the Professional Development Team know to add it to our PLC plans or let me know to schedule an individual (or small group) work session.

What technology tool is your"go-to" tool?

Tech Tip Tuesday #3

 

Today's Tip:

Google Workspace had many updates over the summer! Included below are a few that pertain to teaching and learning. [ICYMI: Google Workspace is the name for all of Google's apps and tools. Google Workspace was formally known as G Suite. For more information, check out Google for Education.] 

Frictionless sharing across Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides 

In an effort to make collaboration simpler for users, Google has introduced a new sharing experience in Workspace. Now, when you click the "Share" button in the top-right corner of your file, you'll see a streamlined design that makes it easier to share files with others, control whether your file is searchable to groups with access, and copy the file link. For more information, check out Share files from Google Drive.

More formatting features in Google Forms!

They've added additional font style and size options, and the ability to customize header, subheader, and body text separately in Google Forms. Rich text formatting is also now available in Google Forms, enabling you to customize and add emphasis to your forms. This highly requested feature allows you to use bolding, underlining, italicizing, hyperlinks, and lists in titles, question titles, and descriptions. For more information, check out New options for styling fonts in Google Forms and Rich text formatting in Google Forms titles and descriptions.

An easier way to use emojis in Google Docs!

You can now express yourself in a new way by searching for and inserting emojis directly inline with your text in Google Docs. Type “@” followed by a descriptor, such as “@smile,” to search for a specific emoji amongst other menu items. Type “@:” or “:” to see a dropdown list of emojis and the option to navigate to the entire catalog of emojis. For more, information, check out Insert emojis inline with text in Google Docs.

Better search and suggestion options in Gmail!

Gmail has more accurate and circumstantial search suggestions with better customization as a result of their new machine learning models. This means it is easier to find what you are looking for using the "Search in mail" feature. As an "Inbox Zero" follower, I use the archive feature and search all the time. For more information, check out Search operators you can use with Gmail.

See who is missing from your Google Meet!

In Google Meet, you can now see participants who were invited to the meeting but have yet to join the call. These participants can be found under the “Also invited” heading. Additionally, you’ll also be able to see the RSVP status of everyone on the invite, including “optional” attendees and RSVP notes. For more information, check out Start meetings more efficiently with the Calendar guest list in Google Meet.

What update are you most excited about?

Tech Tip Tuesday #2

 

Today's Tip:

Schoology has an exciting update!

"Student Annotations" are available!

When creating an assignment, you now have the option to create an "annotations assignment" which allows students to draw, highlight, add text boxes, and more to a document. For those who are fans of Kami, this is similar -- without requiring an extension or a paid subscription! 

On the "Teacher-End," click the Annotations Assignment button to enable this feature.

On the "Student-End," the assignment opens in the Schoology window with all the options for annotating in the menu bar at the top.

For more information:

• Watch Schoology Annotation Assignment on YouTube 
• Read Student Annotations on Schoology

Other Schoology Resources:

• ECHS Schoology Handbook
• Instructor's Guide on Power School's Schoology Support page
  

What are your favorite Schoology features?