Friday, January 25, 2019

Tech Tips and News for January 25, 2019

This is so easy, our elementary students could do it. One of these photos is real. The four of us were together...but in only in of these locations. For the other photo, I used remove.bg to remove the background. Then I popped it over a different photograph (no photo editing programs were necessary) and it took under 5 minutes. The full instructional blog post, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne, appears at the end of this post. So what do you think? Were we in Nashville or Washington DC? Why do you think so? (Shhhh! Please keep it to yourself if you know which of our children live in these cities.) Add your guess to the comments below, and I'll reveal the answer next week. Think of the places you could "take" your students! Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't point out that this could also be a cautionary tale about how easy it is to edit real photos as "proof" of something that never happened - also a great lesson with your students. Speaking of cautionary tales, there has also been yet another data leak, compromising many account credentials and personal information. This is another reminder as to why strong passwords, changing your passwords periodically, and good online habits are so important. Read on to see what you need to do to protect yourself. Other tips include...




Over 1 Billion Login Credentials Leaked, Here's How to See if You Were Compromised

Over 1 Billion Login Credentials Leaked, Here's How to See if You Were Compromised, from How-To Geek by Cameron Summerson
We know the drill by now after these leaks. Visit haveibeenpwned.com to see if your accounts have been compromised. Although it has since been revealed that this leak was from 2 year old data, as a general precaution, change your password for any account you care about.

Lock Down Your Tech in 2019 With These Resolutions

Lock Down Your Tech in 2019 With These Resolutions, from How-To Geek by Justin Pot
Don't put this off any longer! If you spend time on the internet, and especially if you buy anything or bank online, protect yourself!

G Suite Updates:  New Gmail Compose Formatting and Download Options


This week, new formatting options are coming to Gmail. They include Undo and Redo buttons on the formatting bar, as well as strikethrough. In addition, there will also be the ability to download email as .EML files, so they can be added as an attachment and recognized by other email clients. Full details are available in the G Suite Updates blog.

Quick Tips for Changing the Layout of Your Google Drive

Quick Tips for Changing the Layout of Your Google Drive, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Do you prefer a list view instead of the thumbnails in Drive? Maybe the Quick Access at the top gets in your way? You can customize the way Google Drive looks so it works better for you.

The Best Google Docs Add-Ons

The Best Google Docs Add-Ons, from How-To Geek by Brady Gavin
You may, or may not, agree with their list of the best add-ons, but there are great instructions here for installing, using and removing them. What are Add-ons? They are clever little helpers in Docs, Slides, Sheets and Forms to help with some of those enhancements that may be available in Microsoft, but not in G Suite itself.

25 Things You Didn't Know Google Slides Could Do!

25 Things You Didn't Know Google Slides Could Do! from Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell
Don't just create a presentation, you can create an interactive presentation in slides or a self guided adventure! Did you know you can create an eBook or create images with a transparent background, or even insert audio? Slides also offers an easy way to create stop-motion animation without the need for a third party app. There are many more tricks included in this post.

Choose a Layout When Adding a Google Slide


How to Create Magnetic Poetry (Free Mini-Course)

How to Create Magnetic Poetry (Free Mini-Course), from Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell
I've shared magnetic poetry templates before, but this is a great way for you to customize the idea for your class using Google Slides and Google Drawings. It's a great way to use those vocabulary words in any subject, not just ELA. It's also a good tool for foreign language class!

Google Slides Templates for Snapchat Games in Class

Google Slides Templates for Snapchat Games in Class, from Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller
Use the games kids love in your class without the Snapchat app. These games aren't just for mindless fun because you can customize them to your content so students use them to learn.

Picture Yourself in Front of Any Landmark With Remove.BG and Google Slides

Picture Yourself in Front of Any Landmark With Remove.BG and Google Slides, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Yes, this can be used for many educational purposes, but it's also just plain fun. You and/or your students can travel the world, travel through time, in space or be Mrs. Frizzle and travel inside the body. The photos at the top of the blog took about 5 minutes to complete...the longest part of the process is deciding on which background image to use. In addition to remove.bg, a later blog post also demonstrates how to do the same thing with Photo Scissors.
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Friday, January 18, 2019

Tech Tips and News for January 18, 2019

Pixabay.com
How are those New Year's Resolutions coming along? We're nearing the threshhold where they begin to lapse. The YMCA and Planet Fitness parking lots will start to thin out soon. If you are looking to become more organized this year, I have just the tool to help you be successful with that resolution. My work days revolve around Todoist, the task manager I've been using since last spring to keep me on task, and help those lingering tasks from falling through the cracks. Resolutions aside, there's something else you may need to think about this year. If you are using a Windows 7 PC, you have just under one year to either update or replace it. After January 2020 it will no longer receive security updates and will be unsafe for use online. In today's online environment, security is a must! In addition to these two tech news topics, there are several G Suite Updates, and assorted tips. Good luck with your resolution, whatever it may be.




New Year's Resolution to Organize Your Time....Check!

Todoist is a fabulous tool for organizing your task list. I've been using it since last spring, and now I could not live without it! The best part? It's free! Of course there is a premium version with a few more bells and whistles, but the free app does everything I need. It's available via web interface for laptops/desktops or mobile app for tablets and phones. Not only does it allow you to make a daily "to do" list, but you can organize those tasks by project, by date and time, and priority. It's so simple when entering your new task to add "7:40 am tomorrow" and Todoist will take care of scheduling it. There are also extensions to link it to your calendar and email. You can also schedule recurring tasks, or add sub-tasks to organize your projects. Even better, you can share your task lists with others, and sync it between all your devices. For those of us who are a little competitive, you can keep score of your ability to clear your task list each day...either by moving tasks to the next day or completing them, and increase your skill level as you use it.  Here's a quick video to see how it works.

Windows 7 Only Has One Year of Security Patches Left

Windows 7 Only Has One Year of Security Patches Left, from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
You may recall we went through this with Windows XP several years ago. If you are using a device with Windows 7, and it cannot be upgraded to Windows 10, you have one year to find something else to use. Continuing to use Windows 7 after January 2020 will leave your device and information at risk. Find out why this is important, and what you should do in this article. Not sure what version of Windows your PC is using? When you turn on your PC, as it boots up it will display the Windows version. Missed it? Navigate to Start - Control Panel - System and the version will be displayed. Wait, you don't see control panel listed in the Start menu? You probably have a newer version of Windows if you need to search for control panel.

Why Does Wi-Fi Use the Same Frequency as Microwaves?

Why Does Wi-Fi Use the Same Frequency as Microwaves?, from How-To Geek by Josh Hendrickson
Have you ever noticed that when you use your microwave, sometimes you have trouble with your Wi-Fi connection? No, it's not a coincidence.

G Suite Updates:  

Embed Google Drawings in Google Docs

Now, you can embed a Google Drawing into a Google Doc, and whenever you update the Google Drawing file, by clicking the Update button, it will automatically update the image in your doc. This post from Free Technology for Teachers illustrates how to use this feature.

Assign Unique Colors to Chart Elements in Sheets

When you are in Sheets working on a chart, you can now change the color of any individual element in the chart. If you want to highlight one particilar bit of data, just change the color on that bar or pie wedge by clickin on it and selecting Format Data Point. Here is a help article about working with charts or graphs in Sheets, including this update.

A New Look is Coming to Google Slides, Sheets, Docs and Sites

A New Look is Coming to Google Slides, Sheets, Docs and Sites, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
New look but they'll work the same. This is part of an evolution so G Suite apps look and feel the same no matter what device you are using. For example, Docs will look the same on your desktop PC, Mac, iPad and SmartPhone.

Customizing Fonts and Emojis in Google Docs

Customizing Fonts and Emojis in Google Docs, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Are you tired of all your Google Docs using 11 point Ariel? You can change the default font (so the font is changed for all of your new Google Docs), as well as add more fonts than those appearing in the list. There's also an instructional video for easily adding emojis to your doc.

How to Control Margins in Google Docs

How to Control Margins in Google Docs, from How-To Geek by Brady Gavin
Do you need an indented paragraph? That's controlled by margins. How about needing a narrower or wider space around your document? That's controlled by margins, too. Thankfully, they're pretty easy to adjust.

How to Share Links to Your Google Doc as a PDF

How to Share Links to Your Google Doc as a PDF, from How-To Geek by Marshall Gunnell
Yes, you can go through the steps to print your Doc as a PDF, but this tip is much quicker, and adapts to any changes you make to your Doc!

How to Add Footnotes to Google Docs

How to Add Footnotes to Google Docs, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Oh yes you can create those reference papers in Google Docs.

How to Show a Portion of a Video in Google Slides

How to Show a Portion of a Video in Google Slides, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
This works for both YouTube videos, as well as videos in your Drive.
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Friday, January 11, 2019

Tech Tips and News for January 11, 2019

Flickr by Matti Mattila
I truly hope you had a joyous and restful Christmas break (for those of you who get a break). New technology is a common Christmas gift, and while we're learning all the new bells and whistles on our new device, we often sign up for lots of new apps and services. There are a few security reminders in this post (there were last week too) to help us keep our shiny, new devices, and our personal information, secure. There are some cleaning tips as well to keep that technology shiny and new! It is flu season, after all, so remember to clean all those electronics everyone touches. There are several other, more fun, tips in this post as well. In other new year news, a large collection of new photos and recordings just became part of the public domain, which means they are usable without paying royalties or obtaining permission. This gives you a larger catalog of free works to use in presentations, publications, projects, etc. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy your new toys.


Don't Give Apps Access to Your Email (Even to Save Money)

Don't Give Apps Access to Your Email (Even to Save Money), from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
Too many apps as for way too much access - protect your email.

Secure your Online Accounts by Removing Third-Party App Access

Secure your Online Accounts by Removing Third-Party App Access, from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
So, now if you're worried about what permissions you've give to various apps, check out how to remove those permissions.

How to Control a Chrome Extension's Permissions

How to Control a Chrome Extension's Permissions, from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
Chrome extensions - those little helping applets in the Chrome browser - can be amazingly useful. Now they're even better with the ability to control how much of your data they can access.

How to Create a System Image Backup in Windows 7, 8, or 10

How to Create a System Image Backup in Windows 7, 8, or 10, from How-To Geek by Walter Glenn
Whether your computer is older or brand new, using a computer without a back up image is like driving your car without insurance. If the hard drive fails, or you become a victim of ransomware, you'll lose everything on it. Windows has a built-in utility for this. Recovering your computer from a system image is much quicker than having just a back up of your files. By restoring the image, you won't need to take the time to reinstall your programs and desktop profile settings.

How to Clean the Dust Out of Your Laptop

How to Clean the Dust Out of Your Laptop, from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
All tech devices are dust magnets. If the air cannot circulate properly through any tech device, it will eventually stop working. Treat it kindly and it will last longer.

How to Thoroughly Clean Your Dirty Desktop Computer

How to Thoroughly Clean Your Dirty Desktop Computer, from How-To Geek by Patrick Bisch
Desktop computers suck in even more dust than a laptop. If the air cannot circulate properly through any tech device, it will eventually stop working. Treat it kindly and it will last longer.

How (and Why) You Should Be Cleaning Your Phone and Other Electronics

How (and Why) You Should Be Cleaning Your Phone and Other Electronics, from How-To Geek by Craig Lloyd
Read this and you'll be cleaning everything...phones, tablets, mice, remotes, gaming controllers, light switches, any device on/off switch, etc. Now you can do it correctly and safely without harming your electronics. Just remember to apply cleaning liquids to the cloth and not directly on the electronic devices.

How to Use Voice Typing in Google Docs

How to Use Voice Typing in Google Docs, from How-To Geek by Brady Gavin
Need to give your fingers a break? Can't type fast or accurately enough? Voice Typing in Google Docs is your new best friend.

Create Your Own "Apps" With Google Slides

Create Your Own "Apps" With Google Slides, from Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell (Guest Post by Micah Shippee
Teachers can use this concept to communicate with students and parents. Students can use this concept for an in-depth report.

It's Public Domain Day!

It's Public Domain Day! from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
January 1, 2019 is the first time since 1998 that a large body of previously copyrighted works become available to the public domain - meaning royalty free. This music, film, books, etc., created in 1923 and earlier, can be used for free, without asking for permission, and without paying the artist. This blog post by Nick Douglas for LifeHacker provides a short list.

A Tatsulok Puzzle Template

A Tatsulok Puzzle Template, from A Lever and a Place To Stand by Amy Roediger
Make your own triangle puzzle with the included Google Drawings template. Students can use this to test their skills or review content. This could be used in any content area.

Five Options for Creating Animated Videos on Chromebooks

Five Options for Creating Animated Videos on Chromebooks, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Here are five tools your students can use to show you what they know.
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Friday, January 4, 2019

Tech Tips and News for January 4, 2019

It's a new year, so it seems like a great time to brush up on our security and maintenance skills. The latest scam going around are fake receipts that make you think you've been charged for something you haven't purchased, and then provide your personal details to resolve the issue. Another topic is about how we all unwittingly give away too much of our personal information online. In addition to these tips, are some Windows troubleshooting tips for a slow computer, and lots of Google tips for searching, various Docs features and more. I hope 2019 is a fabulous year for you and starts out with secure and safe online habits.




PSA:  Fake App Store Receipts are Tricking People Into Providing All Their Personal Details

PSA:  Fake App Store Receipts are Tricking People Into Providing All Their Personal Details, from How-To Geek by Cameron Summerson
Don't believe this fake App Store invoice, and don't login to any account via a link in an email!

Things You Should Never Post Online but Probably Are

Things You Should Never Post Online but Probably Are, from How-To Geek by Craig Lloyd
File this under one of those things you may not have considered. Do yourself a favor and take this advice.

The Real Way to Avoid Hearing from the Same 26 Facebook Friends

The Real Way to Avoid Hearing from the Same 26 Facebook Friends, from Tech & Learning by Lisa Nielsen
Here's a genuinely helpful solution, so please stop falling for and participating in the chain letter version of this topic on FB. While we're at it, please stop falling for and participating in any chain letter meme/post on social media in general.

Do You Really Need to Regularly Reinstall Windows?

Do You Really Need to Regularly Reinstall Windows? from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
This is typically the remedy for a slow computer when all other troubleshooting fails. There are simple things we can do to prevent the slow down in the first place.

EDU in 90:  More Search Tricks for the Classroom


Ten Overlooked Google Docs Features

Ten Overlooked Google Docs Features, From Free Technology by Richard Byrne
Word Art, Voice Typing, and columns are just a few of the features you may not be aware of in Google Docs.

How to Suggest an Edit in Google Docs

How to Suggest an Edit in Google Docs, from How-To Geek by Brady Gavin
The beauty of Google docs lies in their collaboration tools. You can share the doc and give collaborators edit rights, or if you wish to approve each edit before it is made, or you can limit access to comments, and collaborators make suggestions that you can approve or cancel.

How to Create Multiple Columns in Google Docs

How to Create Multiple Columns in Google Docs, from How-To Geek by Brady Gavin
Trying to create a newsletter or brochure? The column feature in Docs will help achieve that look.

Reminder - Empty Your Google Drive Trash Bin

Reminder - Empty Your Google Drive Trash Bin, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
While your Gmail trash empties itself every 30 days, the Drive in your personal account does not. Why does it matter? There's a storage limit on personal accounts.

Create Drawings on Canvas by Google


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