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?