Weekly Tech Tips and News for November 10, 2017

And just like that, Winter has arrived in West Michigan. The weather can be so unexpected and random here in the Great Lakes region - in the 60s one day, and in the 30s the next. Not so unexpected anymore are the latest scams - Netflix subscribers should be on the lookout! Unlike with the weather, sometimes random is good. There are several easy ways for random selections in this issue - picking a number, rolling the dice, random student selector, and more. Other topics of interest include Chromebook tutorials, some minor G Suite updates, using hyperdocs to create an assignment or project, taking the mess out of posters, and a lesson planning tool. Snuggle up where it's warm and cozy and learn some new tech!

• Please Beware This New Netflix Email Scam
• G Suite Updates:  Insert Images More Easily, Classroom Improvements
• Google Launches New Chromebook YouTube Channel
• You're So Random (with Google Tools)
• Hyperdocs:  Create Interactive Google Docs
• Making Posters with Google Drawings
• Teaching Kids to Share Images in Google
• Planboard for Lesson Planning

Please Beware This New Netflix Email Scam

Please Beware This New Netflix Email Scam, from Make Use Of by Dave Parrack
If you are a Netflix user, beware of this email scam. As always, never use links in an email - always go directly to the company's website instead.

G Suite Updates:  

Insert Images More Easily

Google will be streamlining this process a little. When you insert an image in Google Docs, Slides and Drawings, instead of being taken to a new screen to select where the image is, it will be part of the drop down menu. Here's a link to the G Suite Updates blog for more details and screenshots.

Classroom Improvements

There have been three minor improvements to Google Classroom recently. You can now grade using decimals, the class code can be displayed in very large letters, and the class cards on the home page can now be rearranged in whatever order you choose. Read all about the details in Richard Byrne's post, Improvements in Google Classroom.

Google Launches New Chromebook YouTube Channel

Google Launches New Chromebook YouTube Channel, from Chrome Unboxed by Gabriel Brangers
If you are curious about what Chromebooks are, or you are interested in purchasing one, or even if you already own one, there is a lot to learn on the new YouTube Chromebook channel.

You're So Random (with Google Tools)

You're So Random (with Google Tools), from Control Alt Achieve by Eric Curts
These are handy tools for when you need to pick a random topic, number student, or flip a coin, roll the dice, etc. All of them are found in Google search or with a free Add-on.

Hyperdocs:  Create Interactive Google Docs

Hyperdocs:  Create Interactive Google Docs, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne

"HyperDocs are much more than Google Docs that contain hyperlinks. They are carefully crafted activities that includes all of the components of the lesson in one central location."

Making Posters with Google Drawings

Making Posters with Google Drawings, from Control Alt Achieve by Eric Curts
Yes, you can use Google Drawings as a desktop publishing app and have your students create posters without messy glue, paint or markers.

Teaching Kids to Share Images in Google

Teaching Kids to Share Images in Google, from Teaching Little Techies by Robin Limpert
This is the last post in the Working with Images series. This post illustrates how to share images without email.

Planboard for Lesson Planning

Planboard for Lesson Planning from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Looking for a free app to assist you with lesson planning? Planboard may be what you are looking for. You'll be able to access your lesson plans from anywhere, reuse lessons, and attached resources, such as photos, videos, web links, etc.