Weekly Tech Tips and News for February 9, 2017

Mother Nature has ushered in the Winter Olympics with a snowy weather system. It will not be difficult for those of us in the midwest to imagine how cold it is in PyeongChang with a high temp of 23 degrees F and 3-5 inches of fresh snow this morning. Hopefully you are safe and snug at home, enjoying a snow day. To complement your viewing of the Olympic games, check out the 16 videos about the science of Winter Olympic sports. You'll be such an informed viewer, you won't casually watch the sports again! You'll definitely impress your family members and friends. To further your tech knowledge, take a look at how to manage your online reputation (control what others see when they Google you), how to opt out of those targeted ads you see everywhere, and several Google Docs tips. Enjoy the snowy weather, and the Olympics and stay safe.

Manage Your Online Reputation
Ten Overlooked Google Docs Features
How to Set a New Default Font for All of Your Google Docs
Google Drawings:  Day 2-Adding a Text Box or WordArt
Important News About Adobe Spark
16 Videos About the Science of Winter Olympics Sports
12 Free Lessons About Rocks, Minerals and Landforms
How to Opt Out of Targeted Ads Around the Web

Manage Your Online Reputation

It is just as important for adults to manage their online reputation, or digital footprint, as it is for students.

Ten Overlooked Google Docs Features

Ten Overlooked Google Docs Features, from Free Tech for Teachers by Richard Byrne
We get used to using Google apps a certain way, but maybe there's an easier way to accomplish our tasks. That's why I love these lists - you don't know what you don't know!

How to Set a New Default Font for All of Your Google Docs

How to Set a New Default Font for All of Your Google Docs, from Free Tech for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Do you find the 11 point Ariel font too boring? Maybe you'd prefer to use the ASA font, Georgia, or a completely different font that matches your personality? You are not limited to the default Google font, and can set your own default font for all new docs.

Google Drawings:  Day 2-Adding a Text Box or WordArt

Google Drawings:  Day 2-Adding a Text Box or WordArt, from Teaching Little Techies by Robin Limpert
Teach your littlest students, or learn yourself, how to add text boxes or create WordArt in Google Drawings.

Important News About Adobe Spark

Important News About Adobe Spark, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
As you may, or may  not, remember, Adobe Spark is a great tool for creating videos, stories and simple graphics with students. There has been a lot of debate about whether or not it can legally be used by students under the age of 13. Adobe has finally made a definitive statement about that, by adding School ID Integration. In addition, Adobe also announced that all the premium features will be available to all schools starting in April.

16 Videos About the Science of Winter Olympics Sports

16 Videos About the Science of Winter Olympics Sports, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Add an Olympic twist to your science lessons. The science behind the sports are very interesting. You won't watch the games the same way after watching these videos.

12 Free Lessons About Rocks, Minerals and Landforms

12 Free Lessons About Rocks, Minerals and Landforms, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Free is good! The lessons are provided by Scholastic Study Jams.

How to Opt Out of Targeted Ads Around the Web

How to Opt Out of Targeted Ads Around the Web, from How-To Geek by Cameron Summerson
You know how targeted advertising works, you do an online search for that replacement part for your washer, then every time you are online after that, you see ads for washer replacement parts or new washers. Believe it or not, you have some control over this, but it's a little time consuming as you need to opt out on each browser you use on every device.