Weekly Tech Tips and News for May 26, 2017

Vietnam War Memorial, Washington, DC.
K.Szczytko 2016

This week's post brings warnings of the inevitable scams that follow any cyber attack. Take a minute to read about the current round of scams so you don't fall victim to them. There are also several handy how tos, such as changing your Google profile image, filtering your Gmail so it saves you time, the ins and outs of sharing files in Drive, a work around for downloading images in a Google Doc, and more. As we head off for our long Memorial Day weekend to go camping, to the beach, barbecues and other events, let's keep in mind what we are really commemorating. Take some time to send up a prayer of thanks and keep in mind those who selflessly served our country, and especially those who paid the ultimate price with their lives. We owe them all a debt of gratitude for their sacrifices.

• Beware of Post Wannacry Ransomware Scams
• How to Change Your Google Profile Image
• How to Create Gmail Filters
• A Teacher's Guide to Sharing Files in Google Drive
• 3 Ways to Download Images from Google Docs
• 3 Online Tools to Sniff Out Fake News
• The Benefits of Using Backchannels in Your Classroom
• Transform Your Presentations With Visme

Beware of Post Wannacry Ransomware Scams

In the aftermath of any disaster - natural or man-made - the scammers begin to come out of the woodwork. The Wannacry Ransomware disaster is no different. There have been two main scams that have appeared, to prey on those concerned about the latest world-wide ransomware scare. The first is a persistent pop up that appears on your Windows PC, that you are unable to close. It appears to be from Microsoft and falsely claims that your computer has been infected with the Wannacry Ransomware, and that you need to call Microsoft at the number provided in the message. Keep in mind, Microsoft will never include a phone number in any warning or error message on a PC. The second scam is aimed at Android users. Ads may pop up on your Android device for a WannaCry Ransomware Protection or Anti WannaCry Virus apps. First, Wannacry only affected Windows PCs, so an app of this type is not necessary on Android, or any non-Windows, devices. Second, and most importantly, this app is adware. It simply displays advertisements and prompts to install other apps.

How to Change Your Google Profile Image

How to Change Your Google Profile Image, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Instead of seeing that generic initial, wouldn't you like to customize it with your photo or the image of your choice?

How to Create Gmail Filters

How to Create Gmail Filters from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
What are Gmail filters,  you ask? Filters allow you to process your incoming emails automatically. You can automatically delete messages from a particular sender, put mail in folders based on topic or sender, as well as pretty much any other process you can think of.

A Teacher's Guide to Sharing Files in Google Drive

A Teacher's Guide to Sharing Files in Google Drive, from Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell

Learn what all the sharing options are, and how best to use them with your students.

3 Ways to Download Images from Google Docs

3 Ways to Download Images from Google Docs, from Better Cloud Monitor

If there is an image in a Google Doc you'd like to use, you cannot just right click and save it or copy it. There are some work arounds, though. 

3 Online Tools to Sniff Out Fake News

by Common Sense Media

Have you seen those shocking headlines or "free offers" that make the rounds on social media? Someone is always sharing them with the attitude of "it can't hurt, right?" Wrong. Rather than clicking on them, or sharing them, first verify if it's legitimate. Sharing fake news, as we all know by now, simply perpetuates inaccurate information to sway public opinion. Those free offers, that seem too good to be true, usually are trying to track your information and social circles, or worse infect your account or device.

The Benefits of Using Backchannels in Your Classroom

The Benefits of Using Backchannels in Your Classroom from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Giving shy students a comfortable way to ask questions and gauging your students interest in a topic are just a couple benefits of having a backchannel in your classroom.

Transform Your Presentations With Visme

Transform Your Presentations With Visme, from Learn Lead Grow by Matt Bergman
Visme free presentations can be presented aywhere, on any device. You can easily create a presentation (with music), infographic, banner, or anything else you can create from a blank canvas.