Friday, November 22, 2019

Tech Tips and News for November 22, 2019

As late as Thanksgiving is this year, I still can't quite believe it's already next week. I hope you enjoy some down time, and time spent with your families. May we all find something to be thankful for this season. If you are thankful for the food we eat on Thanksgiving, there is an interesting resource at the bottom of this post, to help you, or your students, map where your food comes from.


How Safe Are Password Managers?

How Safe Are Password Managers? from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
Short answer? Far safer than reusing your passwords!

How Safe Are Public Charging Stations?

How Safe Are Public Charging Stations? from How-To Geek by Matthew Hughs
Short answer? It's safe to use public electrical outlets, but not USB connections.

Common Craft Explains Incognito or Private Browser

Common Craft Explains Incognito or Private Browser, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
What does it mean when you use Incognito Mode or Private Browser online?

G Suite Updates:  

Instantly Create New Docs, Events, Sheets, etc. From Your Browser

So convenient! Quickly create a new Google Doc, Sheet, Calendar event and more without opening the coinciding app first. Simply enter the app followed by .new in the URL bar. For example, if you want to quickly create a new Doc, in your browser (Chrome/Firefox/Edge/Safari) simply enter docs.new. This works with slides, sheets, forms, calendar, keep and sites. Want to add a new calendar event? cal.new. Full details are available in the G Suite Updates blog, and in the video below. 

Add Different Page Numbers to Different Sections in Google Docs

It's now possible to customize which sections of your document should have page numbers. You may have a document with a title page, table of contents or appendix, and only want page numbers for the body of the document. You can do that now by creating different sections for each of those, and applying page numbers to only one section. Here are the full details. This feature should be available to everyone by December 2, 2019.

Audio in Google Slides Available to All by the End of November




EDU in 90:  Apps for Portfolios & Presentations



Slido - Create and Run Polls Within Your Google Slides

Slido - Create and Run Polls Within Your Google Slides, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Easily run a classroom poll and have the results automatically show up on the slide. Just a reminder that due to recent changes in the Google admin console, you may need to request access to this add-on if you'd like it. Just let me know!

Slides Randomizer - A Neat Google Slides Add-on

Slides Randomizer - A Neat Google Slides Add-on, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Have you ever wanted the slides in your deck to randomly shuffle? With this add-on you can! Just a reminder that due to recent changes in the Google admin console, you may need to request access to this add-on if you'd like it. Just let me know!

SnackVids - Automatic Creation of Searchable Video Transcripts

SnackVids - Automatic Creation of Searchable Video Transcripts, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Instead of watching lengthy YouTube videos to see to find the section that is useful, create a transcript and search for key words. Then you'll know what section of the video you want to use.

Mapping Thanksgiving

Mapping Thanksgiving from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Where does all our Thanksgiving food come from, anyway?
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Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Tech Tips and News for October 24, 2019

publicdomainvectors.com
Here's a creepy story just in time for Halloween. In the latest breach of privacy news, while we know Amazon and Google employees review conversations recorded by their home assistants, Alexa and Google Home, at least they are only listening when the user has prompted them to. There are now a few third-party apps, approved by Amazon and Google, that are listening in all the time - even after you tell your home assistant to stop. In some cases, the app even prompted the user to divulge passwords. I would guess these apps won't be approved for long, but who knows how long this has been going on, or who the next culprits will be. Use those assistants with care, my friends, and choose your apps carefully. Speaking of Halloween, there are lots of helpful tricks and treats in the posts that follow, including plenty of Halloween-themed games for your class. Trick or treat safely and responsibly.


Alexa and Google Home Abused to Eavesdrop and Phish Passwords

Alexa and Google Home Abused to Eavesdrop and Phish Passwords, from ARS Technica by Dan Goodin
Most tech conveniences come with a trade off on privacy, but this one is quite alarming. There are a few Amazon- and Google-approved apps that pass themselves off as random number generators and horoscopes, but are actually listening to conversations at all times - even after you tell Alexa or Google to stop. These are malicious third parties, not Amazon or Google, who are listening to all the conversations in your home. Use your home assistant with caution. Even if you don't use these particular apps, more are sure to follow.

How to Avoid Internet Fraud, Scams, Phishing, and Other Cybercrime

How to Avoid Internet Fraud, Scams, Phishing, and Other Cybercrime, from PC World by JD Sartain
I like the broad range of this article. How can you tell if a website is legitimate? How to tell if a retail site is safe? How do I know if an email is a phishing attempt?

How Windows 7's Extended Security Updates Will Work

How Windows 7's Extended Security Updates Will Work, from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
In case you've missed this discussion in previous posts. Windows 7 will stop receiving security updates after January 14, 2020. Security updates are what keep your devices safe to use online. So basically, for the average user, that means it's time to replace your computer.

How to Fix Sound Problems in Windows 10

How to Fix Sound Problems in Windows 10, from How-To Geek by Kevin Parrish
Resolve the sound mystery.

How to Add and Customize Widgets on the iPad Home Screen

How to Add and Customize Widgets on the iPad Home Screen, from How-To Geek by Khamosh Pathak
The Today View has changed in iPadOS13. Here's how to find and customize it.

G Suite Updates:  

Customize Text Size and Position for Captions in Slides

Last year Slides added the ability to display the speakers words in real time as they are presenting, with a feature called Captions. Now users can adjust the font style and size of those captions in the slides so they can be seen better. Learn how to make those changes in the G Suite Updates blog.This feature should become available in the next couple of weeks.

Set Profile Picture for Gmail and All Google Apps

Oddly enough, until now, you could set your profile photo for Gmail, but it wouldn't show up in the rest of your apps unless you set it in Chrome too. That is now changing, and one profile image will be for Gmail as well as the rest of your G Suite apps. If you have a profile pic for Gmail, but not for apps (or vice versa) you can select the image you use for all. You just need to visit About Me to set it. (You can also set all kinds of other info about you there, too.) If you have different images, you'll be automatically prompted to select one image for both. Clear as mud? I'm not sure why there was more than one profile image to begin with, but at least it's being consolidated now. As always, full details can be found in the G Suite Updates blog.

Spice Up Your Slides with 600+ Free Design Templates

Spice Up Your Slides with 600+ Free Design Templates, from Control Alt Achieve by Eric Curts
Tired of the few templates Slides has built in? There are several sources for templates in this post, including those for presentations, graphic organizers, planners, rewards and more.

How to Use Google Drive to Share Videos

How to Use Google Drive to Share Videos, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Students do not need YouTube to share their videos.

How to Share "Make a Copy" Links to Your Google Files

How to Share "Make a Copy" Links to Your Google Files, from How-To Geek by Brady Gavin
So you want to share a file with a co-worker, but you don't want him or her to alter your current file. Did you know you can force them to make a copy before opening the document?

Educandy - Quickly Create Educational Games from Word Lists

Educandy - Quickly Create Educational Games from Word Lists, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Once you create your account and enter your word list, let the games begin. Games include quiz games, memory, hangman, word search and crosswords.

How to Find and Edit Thousands of Halloween Games for Your Classroom

How to Find and Edit Thousands of Halloween Games for Your Classroom, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Kahoot! has you covered!
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Friday, October 11, 2019

Tech Tips and News for October 11, 2019

Flickr Tatsuo Yamashita


This week's post contains several tips for iPhone and iPad users due to the recent iOS 13 update. These tips should help those users determine what settings need to be set or unset, and how to use some of the new features. Updates can be so helpful, but only if you know how to use them. This week's safety and security posts include how to check if your device has a virus, and best practices for protecting your identity online. It's so important to be careful online, and ever diligent. It's a shame we need to be so suspicious, but unfortunately, that's the online world we live in.



Does Your Computer Have a Virus? Here's How to Check

Does Your Computer Have a Virus? Here's How to Check, from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
It's not always easy to tell these days if your computer is infected. Sometimes it's obvious, and other times a virus may be hiding in the background.

How to Protect Your Identity Online

How to Protect Your Identity Online, from How-To Geek by Dave Johnson
Good advice from common actions to more advanced, depending upon how careful you wish to be.

G Suite Updates

New Look for Docs, Sheets & Slides on Android

Google is in the process of updating everything to their new Material Design. Docs, Sheets and Slides on Android devices are next in line for this update. This process is designed to give all G Suite apps the same look and feel, regardless of which device you are using. They will look the same on a desktop or laptop as they do on a mobile phone. Full details can be found in the G Suite Updates blog post. 

Just Updated to iOS 13? Change These Eight Settings Now

Learn your way around the new settings. 

How to Customize the Share Sheet on you iPhone or iPad

How to Customize the Share Sheet on you iPhone or iPad, from How-To Geek by Khamosh Pathak
This feature is new with the upgrade to iOS 13 and iPadOS13. The share sheet provides your sharing options when you wish to share something with another user/account/device on your iPhone or iPad.

How to Use Multiple Windows of an App on Your iPad

How to Use Multiple Windows of an App on Your iPad, from How-To Geek by Khamosh Pathak
Sometimes it's very helpful to have two separate windows from the same app open side by side. Here's how. 

5 Handy Google Slides Features You Might Be Overlooking


A Tool to Simulate Text Messages Between Historical Figures

A Tool to Simulate Text Messages Between Historical Figures, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
The best part about this tool is that students don't need to register or create an account to use it. 

Math & Science Halloween Lessons

Math & Science Halloween Lessons, from Free Technology for Teachers, by Richard Byrne
The students will be obsessed with Halloween anyway, so you might as well channel all the energy into learning. 

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Friday, October 4, 2019

Tech Tips and News for October 4, 2019


Courtesy of Flickr-Kimberly Reinhart
I'm not sure where September went, but here we are already in October! Our lives are so busy, but it's good to take time to review the latest scams, what to do if we get a phishing email, and to remind ourselves to use proper email etiquette. So much of our communications are now done online, it's important to remember to be as polite online, as we are in person. There are also some helpful updates and tips. Take some time to enjoy the changing season, and remember to be kind.


5 NEW Online Scams to Watch Out For!


G Suite Updates

Display Word Count in Docs

This is for those times when you need to know how many words are in your document. You no longer need to check the word count every so often. Now you can select Tools > Word Count > Display Word Count, and the word count will display while you're typing. Full details can be found here.

Better Line Spacing for Docs and Slides

To better control the appearance of your fonts, you can now set custom line spacing to less than zero. This will help text fit into a slide or specific space better. You should see this feature in late September or early October. Here are the full details.

The safest way to free up storage space on your iPhone or iPad

The safest way to free up storage space on your iPhone or iPad, from ZDNet by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
There's a better way than deleting all your prized photos.

What Should You Do If You Receive a Phishing Email?

What Should You Do If You Receive a Phishing Email? from How-To Geek by Rob Woodgate
What to do, and what not to do.

Common Craft Explains How to Craft Clear Email Communication

Common Craft Explains How to Craft Clear Email Communication, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
This is not only helpful information for your students, but a good reminder for all adults as well.

Email Etiquette for Students



How to Quickly Search Google Drive

How to Quickly Search Google Drive, from How-To Geek by Brady Gavin
Google Drive is the filing cabinet for all your Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and any other file types you are storing in your Google account. Learn how to quickly find your files.

5 Features of Google's Advanced Search Menu

5 Features of Google's Advanced Search Menu, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Good Google search skills are imperative to getting accurate information quickly. Both adults and students need to learn how to fine tune an online search.

EDU in 90:  Chrome Extensions to Save Time



EDU in 90:  Chrome Extensions to Stay Organized



EDU in 90:  Chrome Extensions to Increase Collaboration


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Friday, September 20, 2019

Weekly Tech Tips and News for September 20, 2019

Don't do it! Resist the urge to click on the sensational headline, you're just asking for trouble. Assuming the article isn't too painful to read with all the invasive ads, it's usually only intended to grab your attention so you'll click on the malware bait. The more outrageous the title, the more suspicious I become. It's a jungle online these days, keep yourself safe and your device free from malware. On another safety topic, when you get ready to replace your mobile device, be sure to wipe it of your personal data. Check out the articles below for safety, maintenance and time saving tips.


This is Clickbait - A Lesson on Being a Discerning News Consumer

This is Clickbait - A Lesson on Being a Discerning News Consumer, from Free Technology for Teachers  by Richard Byrne
This is a useful lesson for both students and adults. Not only is clickbait designed to misinform, it is also a way to contract malware.

The Most Common Internet Scams! Watch Out!



How to Keep Your Windows PC and Apps Up to Date

How to Keep Your Windows PC and Apps Up to Date, from How-To Geek by Walter Glenn
Making sure your Windows PC is running the latest updates is the first line of defense in keeping your PC safe and secure.

How to Organize Your Messy Windows Desktop (And Keep It That Way)

How to Organize Your Messy Windows Desktop (And Keep It That Way), from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
I completely understand throwing a file on the desktop so you can find it. Do that too many times without taking it back off and suddenly it's not so easy to find anymore.

How to Stop Your Phone’s Charger Cables From Breaking

How to Stop Your Phone’s Charger Cables From Breaking, from How-To Geek by Tim Brookes
Learn how to make your phone's lifeline last.

What To Do Before Selling, Giving Away, or Trading Your iPhone

What To Do Before Selling, Giving Away, or Trading Your iPhone, from How-To Geek by Adam Doud
By all means, don't just hand it over, please remove all your data first.

How to Create, View, and Edit Bookmarks in Google Chrome

How to Create, View, and Edit Bookmarks in Google Chrome, from How-To Geek by Brady Gavin
So you've bookmarked your favorite websites, now how do you find them again. What do you do with them when the URL changes?

Copy an Entire Google Drive Folder

Copy an Entire Google Drive Folder, from A Lever And A Place To Stand by Amy Roediger
Until now, it was impossible to copy an entire folder to another place in Google Drive. Thank goodness for the Copy Folder app!

Create Your Own Mobile-Friendly Random Name Picker

How handy is a random name or group picker on your phone?


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Friday, July 5, 2019

Tech Tips and News for September 13, 2019

Flickr/Dennis Skley
OK, so now that the school year is well underway, I can come back up for air and resume the tech blog. Some of these bits of news and tips are a little old, but hopefully still helpful. As usual, some are cautionary tales, and some are useful tips. Hopefully there is something here to help you further your tech knowledge and comfort level. Happy Friday the 13th, my friends, don't let those paraskevidekatriaphobia superstitions get you down!



Tricky Scam Plants Phishing Links in Your Google Calendar

Tricky Scam Plants Phishing Links in Your Google Calendar, from Wired by Lily Hay Newman
This is truly tricky! It's too bad scammers can't use their skills for something good. The bottom line of this article, is that scammers are taking advantage of a default setting in Google Calendar to send a calendar invitation with with phishing links in it. This default setting allows any invitations you receive to automatically be put on your calendar, even if you haven't accepted the invitation. You then begin getting notifications about the event that look legitimate because they are coming from your calendar. To protect yourself, you need to change that setting in Calendar:  Settings > Event Settings > Automatically Add Invitations. Select "No, only show invitations to which I've responded".

7 Ways Hackers Steal Your Identity on Social Media

7 Ways Hackers Steal Your Identity on Social Media, from Make Use Of by Simon Batt
Social Media is a wonderful way to keep current with your real friends, but as with any other online activity, we must be careful.

Say Goodbye to In-app G Suite Training

If you were used to using the colorful question mark button in G Suite to get help while in an app, I'm sorry to break the news...it's going away. It was so handy to get Gmail training while in Gmail, or any other G Suite app. Instead, Google has unveiled their G Suite Learning Center. Yes, there's a bookmark for it in the magic ASA bookmarks folder. You can either follow along as a new user, or you can search for training modules by product (app). Of course, there's always the support button - the black and white question mark in a circle. You can click or tap the support button and select help or training. In both you can search for the topic you need help with.

How to Properly Clean Your Gross Laptop

How to Properly Clean Your Gross Laptop, from How-To Geek by Andrew Heinzman
A dirty, dusty or clogged laptop will not run well. Help it out by giving it a good cleaning.

Why Do Phones Explode? (And How to Prevent It)

Why Do Phones Explode? (And How to Prevent It), From How-To Geek by Andrew Heinzman
We've all heard the horror stories. How does it happen? Are we all at risk?

5 Helpful Gmail  Features for Teachers

5 Helpful Gmail  Features for Teachers, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
These features take very little time to set up, and will save you so much time.

Google Docs Help:  How To Restore Your Original Version After Collaborators Make a Mess

Google Docs Help:  How To Restore Your Original Version After Collaborators Make a Mess, from ZDNet by David Gerwitz
Not only does this post explain how to get back to your original version of a doc, there's also the suggestion for a best practice to make it easier to find your version.

Google Forms Now Has a Native Function to Import Questions From Other Forms

Google Forms Now Has a Native Function to Import Questions From Other Forms, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
If you ever reuse questions from one form to another, you've either needed to use an add-on to recycle the questions, or manually copy and paste the text. Google Forms has now built in the ability to recycle questions from your other forms. Read the post to see how.

How to Use Macros in Google Sheets

This video gives a quick demonstration of how you can record the common tasks you do when setting up a spreadsheet, so you don't have to do them manually every time. You can record a macro to handle any tasks you routinely do in a spreadsheet, such as sorting, freezing or formatting your column headings, etc.


How to Use Quillionz - Quiz Questions Automatically Generated from Documents


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Friday, June 7, 2019

Tech Tips and News for June 7, 2019

It's an abbreviated post week, due to all the crazy year end deadlines and activities, as well as that I will be out for the next couple weeks. I wanted to remind everyone that posts during the summer months will be more sporadic as I go into IT installation and maintenance mode. Have a fabulous summer. Take some time to relax and recharge! Summer is also a great time to learn some new tech skills to apply to next school year. A look back into previous posts should give you plenty of ideas for new learning ideas.


Dark Patterns:  When Companies Use Design to Manipulate You

Dark Patterns:  When Companies Use Design to Manipulate You, from How-To Geek by Justin Pot
A good example of this, is when you are downloading some free software and you click on the giant, flashing red DOWNLOAD button, but that button is really for something you don't want. Read this article to learn what to watch for.

How to Forward G Suite Email to a Gmail Address - and How To Filter Your Email

How to Forward G Suite Email to a Gmail Address - and How To Filter Your Email, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
If you don't want to check multiple email accounts over the summer, it's pretty easy to forward your school account to your personal account. Instead of forwarding all mail, you can also easily create a filter to just forward important messages.

How to Check for Speed Traps, Speed Limits, and Traffic Accidents in Google Maps

How to Check for Speed Traps, Speed Limits, and Traffic Accidents in Google Maps, from Lifehacker by Brendan Hesse
While heading out on those summer road trips, Google Maps can now help you avoid some pitfalls.
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Friday, May 31, 2019

Tech Tips and News for May 31, 2019

If you read nothing else in this blog post, take some time to check out the new G Suite Learning Center. This is seriously overdue. Kudos to Google for finally getting there! Summer is coming, and it's the perfect time to enhance your G Suite skills. It will help you be more productive at school, and you'll be better able to help your students on their chromebooks. Start with week 1 or day 1 training and see how much you already know - you might be surprised by the information you didn't know! Then you might move on to the learn by product section, and learn all you can about Gmail, Drive, Docs, etc., to make things easier for you. If you're really feeling adventurous, maybe try learning a product you've never used before. The better you know how to use G Suite, the faster and more efficient you can complete all your work tasks. You'll also be able to pass your mad, ninja, G Suite skills on to your students. As far as reading nothing else goes, you will also want to take the time to familiarize yourself with the 7 signs of phishing and the upcoming Gmail Confidential Mode.




'Your Account Has Been Locked' - 7 Telltale Signs of a Phishing Scam

'Your Account Has Been Locked' - 7 Telltale Signs of a Phishing Scam, from Security Boulevard by Filip Truta
This article has some great details to watch for if you don't want to fall victim to a scam or ransomware attack. We can never be too prepared or vigilant - that includes you, Mac and iOS users!

How Not To Have 100 Browser Tabs Open

How Not To Have 100 Browser Tabs Open, from How-To Geek by Andrew Heinzman
This is a great way to speed up your computer and simplify your browsing habits. Yes, your device will slow down if you have too many tabs open.

How to Customize Your Icons in Windows

How to Customize Your Icons in Windows, from How-To Geek by Walter Glenn
Just as you would arrange your physical desk to make it the most efficient for you, you can do the same with the virtual desktop on your Windows PC.

How to Take a Video on a Chromebook

How to Take a Video on a Chromebook, from How-To Geek by Brady Gavin
Yes, it's possible, and here's how.

How to Delete Contacts From Your iPhone

How to Delete Contacts From Your iPhone, from How-To Geek by Adam Doud
There are several ways to accomplish this task, read the article for details.

G Suite Updates:  

Update All Linked Content With One Click in Docs and Slides

This is great news for anyone who spreadsheet data or charts into Docs and/or Slides. There will now be a Linked Objects sidebar, where you can updte all links with one button. Check out this post for full details and screen shots.

Check Out the New G Suite Learning Center

This is a HUGE improvement. You can basically go through self-paced G Suite training as a new user (day 1, week 1 etc.), by product (Calendar, Gmail, Drive, etc.) or by task (optimize your inbox, manage a project, get up to speed after a vacation, etc.). G Suite users of all comfort levels should check out the G Suite Learning Center. I've bookmarked it for all ASA users - it's in your "magical bookmark folder". There are also PDF versions of each help article if you prefer reading offline while you practice a new skill.

Section Breaks Coming to Docs

In about two weeks, in addition to being able to insert page breaks, you will also be able to insert or view continuous section breaks. By selecting the Insert > Break menu, you will be able to choose either page break or section break. Here are the full details.

Gmail Confidential Mode Launching June 25

Gmail Confidential Mode provides the ability for the sender to protect sensitive information by restricting the recipient from forwarding, copying, printing or downloading the message, and you can set an expiration date for the message. You can also revoke a recipients access to the message at any time. How does one use Confidential Mode? After opening a new message, in the bottom right of the message window, click to turn on confidential mode. You will then be prompted for the options you'd like to use. It's important to note that if you receive a confidential mode message from an outside email address (not ASA or DOGR), it will not be saved in Google's back up system, Vault. Internal confidential emails will be saved to Vault. While this tool can be useful for adults, I have turned Confidential Mode off for students.

Three Lessons to Learn From the $9.2M Copyright Ruling Against Houston ISD

Three Lessons to Learn From the $9.2M Copyright Ruling Against Houston ISD, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
If you are unfamiliar with this case, it involves a small company that sells study guides suing Houston ISD for routinely making copies of the study guides - and winning - big. School employees at HISD even went so far as to cover up the copyright notice on each page before copying and sharing. Take a look at this article, and think about it the next time you want to photocopy any books or other purchased materials. If you think no one notices, think again.
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Friday, May 24, 2019

Tech Tips and News for May 24, 2019

Once again there is a security issue every Windows 7 user needs to be aware of. There is a serious security flaw in Windows 7 and Microsoft has issued patches for it, so make sure you are running those updates. Either Shut Down or Restart your computer daily until it no longer prompts you to update. There may be several updates, unless you've already run them in the last week. It's always important to stay current on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and hardware updates. These are usually to patch vulnerabilities in your device. It's a good idea to form the habit of checking form them on a weekly basis, or just shutting down/restarting weekly. They'll automatically run on a shut down or restart. You could equate this maintenance habit with the oil changes you get in your car. You need them periodically to keep everything running properly.


Very Important Windows 7 Update

If you use a Windows 7 computer, please make sure you are properly shutting it down for the next few days. There is a very important security patch that needs to be installed as soon as possible to keep your compter safe. It is very important that you let the Microsoft updates install, if they haven't already. There will be 3-4 of them. The easiest way to make sure you get all the updates is to shut down your computer. When the updates have downloaded, they will automatically install upon shut down. How can  you tell if your computer is running Windows 7? When you turn it on, it will display the version of Windows it is running. You can also navigate to Start/Windows (in the lower left corner of your screen) > Control Panel > System and Security > System. The Windows edition will be displayed very prominently.

Common Craft Explains URLs

Common Craft Explains URLs, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
URLs are the web addresses you enter into your web browser. Did you ever wonder what all the different parts of a URL mean? This is key to helping you determine if a URL is genuine or bogus. This video explains it all in about 3 minutes.

5 Google Drive Tips for New Users

5 Google Drive Tips for New Users, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Does Google Drive confuse you? Are you not even sure what Google Drive is? Google Drive is the filing cabinet for all of your Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc. You can organize your files in My Drive by creating your own folders and sub-folders. It's also possible to share folders and files with others in Drive. This is also where Team Drives are located, so you can find files shared by large groups of users. This article will walk you through some of the basic functions in Drive.

EDU in 90:  More Innovation with Google Forms



26 Incredibly Useful Things You Didn't Know Google Calendar Could Do

26 Incredibly Useful Things You Didn't Know Google Calendar Could Do, from Fast Company by JR Raphael
Seriously, I don't think I could keep my life straight without Google Calendar. Learn you you can make it work for you! Although I've been using Calendar for years, I still learned some very helpful tips, such as how to lose the sidebar and several useful shortcuts.

How To Use the Photo Slideshow Add-on for Google Slides

How To Use the Photo Slideshow Add-on for Google Slides, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
This is a follow up to last week's post about how to create audio slide shows. This is the time of year when many teachers are looking for ways to share all those photos they've taken all year long. Sharing a slide show with parents is an easy way to do it!

How to Make an Animated Timeline in Google Slides



How To Automate Google Sheets With Macros

How To Automate Google Sheets With Macros from How-To Geek by Brady Gavin
If there are tasks you routinely do in Google Sheets, you can automate those tasks to save your self some time. For example:  When I create a new spreadsheet, I usually make the column headers bold, underline the cells, and freeze that row. I can save three steps by creating a macro to do it for me. It's really quite easy to do, as this article shows you, step by step.

Which is Cheaper:  Printing Your Own Photos or Using a Printing Service

Which is Cheaper:  Printing Your Own Photos or Using a Printing Service, from How-To Geek by Andrew Heinzman
You might be surprised by this answer!
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Friday, May 10, 2019

Tech Tips and News for May 9, 2019

With Windows 7 reaching end of life next January, you should think about upgrading your Windows 7 PC. What does end of life mean? It means after January 2020 Windows 7 computers will no longer receive security updates. This makes them very vulnerable to malware attacks. After that date, Windows 7 PCs should not be connected to the internet. If you fall into this category of users, or if you are interested in upgrading any device, the first article may interest you so you can sell your old tech. There are also several other PC related tips in this week's post  (sorry Mac users, that's just the way the news stream ran this week). Among the Google tips are a couple useful hints about Gmail that will save you some time:  how to schedule an email and how to use canned responses for those questions you are repeatedly asked. I use canned responses all the time for grading instructions, field trip forms, and Infinite Campus requests. There are also more Chromebook tips for you and your students in a quick 90 minute video. There are always a few gems in those videos to make using Chromebooks a little easier. Finally, what to do with all the photos you've taken of  your class all year? How about a slide show? There are several options for that.


How to Sell Your Laptop, Phone, or Tablet for Top Dollar

How to Sell Your Laptop, Phone, or Tablet for Top Dollar, from How-To Geek by Andrew Heinzman
A step by step guide to preparing your device, and where to sell it.

How to Remove Malware From Your Windows PC

How to Remove Malware From Your Windows PC, from PC World by Eric Geier and Josh Norem
These step by step instructions will help you get rid of those nasty pop ups.

How to Customize the Taskbar in Windows 10

How to Customize the Taskbar in Windows 10, from How-To Geek by Walter Glenn
The taskbar is the band that runs along the bottom of your screen (unless you've dragged it over to the side. It has the Windows (start) button, search bar, and icons of whatever programs you have open. By customizing this bar with the icons if programs and accessories you use often, they become easily accessible, even from within other program.

Is it Bad to Have Your Desktop PC on the Floor?

Is it Bad to Have Your Desktop PC on the Floor?, from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
Find out what you need to look for if keeping your PC on the floor.

G Suite Updates:  Three New Features for Sheets

There are three new features that will make things a little easier in Google Sheets. These include the ability to quickly remove duplicate values, removing anhy leading, trailing or excessive white space from cells with a quick click, and also you can now use keyboard shortcuts from other spreadsheet programs. See all the details and animations here.

How to Schedule Sending an Email in Gmail

How to Schedule Sending an Email in Gmail, from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
This is a recently added G Suite update. Find out how to use it, both on desktop or mobile interfaces.

How to Create & Use Canned Responses in Gmail

How to Create & Use Canned Responses in Gmail, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Do you ever find yourself being asked the same question many times and responding with the same answer to different people? Canned responses will save you a lot of time! Compose one canned message, and use it over and over again whenever anyone asks that question. You can create as many as you need.

EDU in 90:  More Chromebook Tricks


What is RSS? How Can You Use It?

What is RSS? How Can You Use It?, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
What to do when you find a blog you really like that doesn't have the option to subscribe via email? You can subscribe via RSS feed. Learn how in this article.

5 Ways to Quickly Create Audio Slideshows for End-of-Year Events

5 Ways to Quickly Create Audio Slideshows for End-of-Year Events, From Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Here are several options for creating slideshows of photos, including Google Slides. I haven't seen the Insert>Audio option appear yet in our ASA accounts, but I do see it in my
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Friday, May 3, 2019

Tech Tips and News for May 3, 2019

I cannot stress enough how important it is to be skeptical of everything online and in your emailbox. You cannot be too careful out there, my friends. Maybe I'm too cynical or paranoid, but I haven't been compromised...yet. (Knocking on wood now - I've probably just jinxed myself.) If you haven't been caught by any phishing or hacking scam yet, good for you! You're obviously being sufficiently cautious as well. We must continue to learn about the latest scams to remain safe online. The first two articles touch on the latest twists to Phishing scams and spam. If only those scammers would use their talents for a good purpose! They could probably end war and world hunger.




How Phishing Scams are Evolving - And How Not to Get Caught

How Phishing Scams are Evolving - And How Not to Get Caught, from Gizmodo by David Nield
Because if you are going to be online - ever - you need to be aware of the latest scams so you don't fall for them. There's an online Google Quiz included in the article if you want to test your phishing smarts.

How Email Bombing Uses Spam to Hide an Attack

How Email Bombing Uses Spam to Hide an Attack, from How-To Geek by Josh Hendrickson
I'm truly grateful I haven't encountered this particular attack, and I hope none of us ever do. It's good to be forewarned just in case!

How to Wipe Your USB Drive Before Throwing it Away

How to Wipe Your USB Drive Before Throwing it Away, from Tech Republic by James Sanders
It's important to wipe any old technology before discarding it. Anyone who ends up with your old device or drive can access your files if you don't.

How to Update Google Chrome

How to Update Google Chrome, from How-To Geek by Brady Gavin
Your browsers update on a regular schedule, just like your operating system does. This is what keeps them running properly and securely. Although the updates will download automatically, they won't be applied until you close and reopen your browser. It's a good idea to get in the habit of doing this on a regular basis. This article will show you how to check to see if Chrome needs an update, and how to run them.

G Suite Updates:  Team Drives is Being Renamed to Shared Drives

Be aware that on May 31, you will no longer see Team Drives in your Drive, instead you will see Shared Drives. It's just a simple name change, they will still work the same way.

5 Ways to Prevent Cheating On Your Google Form Quiz

5 Ways to Prevent Cheating On Your Google Form Quiz, from The Electric Educator by John Sowash
Prevent students from looking at someone else's screen or previewing the quiz before class. It's also possible now to keep them from opening other tabs.

Google Earth Timelapses and Historical Imagery>

Google Earth Timelapses and Historical Imagery from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
This feature has been available in the desktop version of Google Earth for quite awhile, it has recently been added to the online version, which the Chromebooks use. See how to access it in this article.

10 Ideas for Digital Exit Tickets (and some analog ones too)

10 Ideas for Digital Exit Tickets (and some analog ones too), from Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller
These are quick check-ins with students before class wraps up. Did they understand what was covered today?

Make Trading Cards for Historical and Fictional Characters

Make Trading Cards for Historical and Fictional Characters, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Using the Read Write Think Trading Cards free tool, students can create trading cards about people, places and events, both real and fictional.
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Friday, April 26, 2019

Tech Tips and News for April 26, 2019

Now that we've finally been able to enjoy some beautiful spring weather, the meteorologists are predicting accumulating snow for the weekend. Just another Pure Michigan weather whiplash weekend! Let's hope they're wrong. Speaking of changes, there's a major Windows 10 update coming in May. This one will include new features as well as the usual security patches. Check out the first post below for all the changes you can expect with this update. In addition, Google had a couple significant updates as well. They've made it easier to find G Suite training resources from within each app, and they've also made it easier to work offline when there's not internet connection. Take a look at how to use both in the G Suites Update section below. There are also several tips you may find helpful!




Everything New in Windows 10's May 2019 Update

Everything New in Windows 10's May 2019 Update, from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
Twice each year Microsoft pushes out a major update for Windows 10. These big updates contain new features as well as security updates. The next major update is coming this May. Windows may look and feel a little different after the update. Learn what is coming in this article.

Why You Should Never Allow Your Web Browser to Save Your Passwords

Why You Should Never Allow Your Web Browser to Save Your Passwords, from Tech Republic by Jack Wallen
I know, I get it, passwords are a pain, too hard to remember, and inconvenient to enter for every site that needs one. Don't put yourself at risk for the sake of convenience.

G Suite Updates:  

Quickly find support resources in Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar and more

It's never been easier to find training for G Suite apps. There's a new question mark (?) next to the search bar in the main G Suite apps. When you click on this question mark, you have options for help, training and updates. Choosing Training navigates you to the Learning Center for the app you're in. You can start a training course for that app, or choose tthe module you want to learn. Finding training has never been easier. All the details are available here.

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides Have a New Offline Mode

Access this feature from Google Drive, by right clicking on the file you wish to access offline, then select Offline Preview. Click here for full details and screenshots. 

How to Enable Gmail's Hidden Email Preview Pane

How to Enable Gmail's Hidden Email Preview Pane, from How-To Geek by Rob Woodgate
Have you missed the preview pane from Outlook? That's where you can see a preview of your email in the right pane, before opening your message. You can enable this in Gmail.

EDU in 90:  Chromebook Tips



How to Zip or Unzip Files on a Chromebook

How to Zip or Unzip Files on a Chromebook, from How-To Geek by Brady Gavin
Whether you've received a zipped file on a chromebook, or you have a file (or multiple files) that are too big to email and need to zip them, it's easy to do on a Chromebook.

A New Way to Customize Google Slides

A New Way to Customize Google Slides, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
You can now tweak themes by creating your own color pallette.

Google Earth and Maps Lessons for Five Subject Areas

Google Earth and Maps Lessons for Five Subject Areas, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Google Earth and Google Maps are not just for Geography. This article contains examples for using them in Language Arts, Science, Math, PE and Art.

How to Start a Quizlet Live Game in 60 Seconds + Tips and Tricks

How to Start a Quizlet Live Game in 60 Seconds + Tips and Tricks, from Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller
You can do everything in this post with a free Quizlet account. Just create flash cards, and you're off. Quizlet Live is a great way to review content with students in an engaging way.

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Friday, April 5, 2019

Tech Tips for April 5, 2019


At long last...sound is coming to Slides!
...and I'm back after an involuntary hiatus due to some unexpected health issues. My apologies for the blog silence these last several weeks. I'm happy to be back in action and able to share the latest tech news with you. My favorite bit of news this week is the added ability to schedule messages in Gmail. Compose your message now while you're thinking about it, and schedule it to automatically send at a more appropriate time. In addition to this great feature, the best news is that sound is coming to Slides! Yes, you read that right, you will finally be able to add sound to your Slides presentations. I think this is the MOST requested feature ever. Hopefully those of you returning from Spring Break had a nice relaxing week, and are refreshed and ready for the remainder of the school year. It will go by quickly! If you were unable to unplug during break, the first article may be of interest to you, to help you learn how to do just that!




Do Not Disturb:  How I Ditched My Phone and Unbroke My Brain

Do Not Disturb:  How I Ditched My Phone and Unbroke My Brain, by Kevin Roose, The New York Times
I've ready many articles about how digital devices are programmed to be addicting. It's hard to resist the constant siren call of notifications for everything under the sun, which is why the first thing I do when I get a new device is turn off all notifications. They will still be there when it's convenient for me to check on them. This is probably a bit easier for me, as a member of a generation who did not grow up with mobile technology...unless you count the boom box or Walkman. Although this is a bit of a lengthy read, it's very interesting to see how this writer broke his addiction. It's also a rather illuminating view of how all consuming our relationship with technology has become. Do yourself a favor and learn how to take a break.

What's the Best Way to Back Up My Computer

What's the Best Way to Back Up My Computer, from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
Whether you own a Mac or a PC, if your computer files are stored in only one place, you will lose them at some point. All it takes is one failed hard drive, or worse, ransomware attack, and your files, photos, records, etc. are history. If you are not regularly backing up your files, stop procrastinating and set something up now!

What's the Difference Between My Photo Stream and iCloud Photos?

What's the Difference Between My Photo Stream and iCloud Photos? from How-To Geek by Anthony Heddings
Speaking of back ups, photos are the files we most hate to lose. You can never recapture all those moments and milestones. iCloud Photos will back up the photos on your Mac or iOS device. Google Photos is a great choice for Androids, and if you are an Amazon Prime member, Amazon Photos allows you unlimited photo storage on any device or the web.

How to Validate and Remove Fonts on a Mac

How to Validate and Remove Fonts on a Mac, from How-To Geek by Oliver Haslam
Fonts can be tricky on a Mac. This should make it easier for you.

G Suite Updates:  

New Look for Google Drive on iOS and Android

Drive, on your mobile device, will look a little different very soon. It will begin to display the files you've used recently or usually use with specific people or at certain times of the day - just like the web version does now. The navigation bar at the bottom will allow you quicker access to Home, starred files, shared with me, and all files. The search bar will be available from the Team Drives, and Team Drives will be a tab next to My Drive. There will also be a Computers tab, to access files on your device. If you are looking to switch accounts in the Drive app, that option is moving from the left to the right side of the app. For all the changes, and full details check out the G Suites Update blog here.

Schedule Send in Gmail

I'm very excited about this new feature - it's long overdue! You should see this feature any day now in your Gmail account. When you are composing a new message, you will see an arrow next to the Send button. Clicking this arrow will give you the option to schedule the message instead of sending it immediately. You can choose a specific time and date to send the message. This will definitely ensure your recipients receive your messages at the best possible time without you needing to remember to hit send at that time. Full details about this new feature are availalbe in the G Suite Updates blog. Watch for the send arrow in your Gmail account, it should arrive anytime between now and April 15, 2019.

Enhance Presentations in Slides with Audio

I think this is the most requested feature since the beginning of G Suite! Finally, you can add sound to your Slides presentations! You'll be able to embed MP3 and WAV audio files. It'll appear in the Insert menu in Slides. You should see this feature appear anytime between now and April 18, 2019. Full details and instructions area available here. 

How to Achieve Inbox Zero With These Gmail Search Queries

It's amazing to me that there are people who can maintain Inbox Zero status - they empty their inbox every day! If you're like me, you get way to many emails to keep up with. Some are important and need to be addressed, but others are promotional, news, etc., and after awhile no longer need to be there. These search terms will help you quickly weed through all those old messages. 

How to Use YouTube's New Creator Studio

How to Use YouTube's New Creator Studio, from How-To Geek by Anthony Heddings
Hopefully this will be a good solution to video editing on Chromebooks and without expensive apps. It looks like the video editing options are pretty limited, but it will allow for some basics.

5 Tips to Design Better Forms

5 Tips to Design Better Forms, From Tech & Learning by John Sowash
There are lots of features in Forms that you may not know about, as well as some other tips to make your forms look very professional.

EDU in 90:  Robotics Tools on Chromebooks


Where on Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego - A Great Geography Game

Where on Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego - A Great Geography Game, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
This is a fun way for kids to use their knowledge of Geography
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