Friday, May 28, 2021

ASA Tech Tips and News for May 28, 2021

by Grant Source
We've nearly made it through what has probably been one of the most difficult school years any of us have experienced. It's amazing that we've already reached the last week with students! While your mind may be solely on the tasks ahead of you to wrap up this year, you may want to spare a moment or two to think about next year before the MACUL grant deadline expires. Are you dreaming of adding an ed tech project to your classroom next year, but it's too expensive? Consider applying for a $1,000 MACUL grant. The deadline to apply is June 14. The article below has a link to the MACUL grant page, which will not only provide you with the application, but also tips for a successful application. Not sure about tackling it on your own? I'm happy to help you through the process. 

Google Workspace for Education Plus Updates


Google Docs Now Supports Images Above or Behind Text



You should see this new feature within the next month. It will allow either importing or creating Docs that contain images that are either on top of, or behind text. Previously, your choices were only either in line with text or wrapping text around the image. Not sure how to add images to a doc? Instructions can be found here.

Master view in Slides Renamed Theme Builder


Within the next two weeks, when you want to update the master slide or template in your slide deck, you'll be looking for Theme Builder, not Master. It has simply undergone a name change to better reflect the job it does, such as custommizing the font, color and layout for the current slide deck theme. Not sure how to change the theme or template of your slide deck? Use these instructions to learn how.

Save Photos from Gmail Directly to Google Photos

Also within the next two weeks, you start to see an additional link on photos attached to Gmail messages. Along with the download and save to Drive buttons on the photo attachment, you also see a Save to Photos button. This will allow you to save the photo directly to Google Photos, instead of downloading or saving to drive, then uploading to Photos. Full details and images are available here.

How Google Search Works (in 5 minutes)



How to Delete Data and Free Up Space in Google Drive

How to Delete Data and Free Up Space in Google Drive, from How-To Geek by Khamosh Pathak
Instead of pouring through every file you've saved to Drive, try this trick. 

The Best Online Plagiarism Checkers for Teachers

There's Google's built-in originality report. If that isn't working for you, here are some other options to try. 

Three Good Ways to Make Online Word Games

Three Good Ways to Make Online Word Games, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Just in time for some end of the year review.

Fling the Teacher! - A Fun Review Game

Fling the Teacher! - A Fun Review Game, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Use a template to create the review questions of your choice. Upload your photo. When students answer 15 correctly in a row, they can use a slingshot to fling your image, Angry Birds style. 

Two Ways to Automatically Generate Certificates for Students

Two Ways to Automatically Generate Certificates for Students, from Practical Ed Tech by Richard Byrne
Looking for a way to reward your students? Simply create the certificate using a template, and then use AutoCrat to merge the info into the certificate template.

Grant Opportunities:  MACUL Grants

Every year, MACUL (Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning) offers $1,000 ed tech grants to teachers, coordinators, and administrators who would like to implement instructional use of technology in the classroom. Applications are being accepted now until 5:00 pm Monday, June 14, 2021. Applications and guidelines for this grant are available here. If you would like to work together on this application, please let me know, I'm happy to assist. 
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Friday, May 21, 2021

ASA Tech Tips and News for May 21, 2021

thenounproject.com

As we near the end of the school year, posts about ed tech tips slow down, and will nearly dry up over the summer. Security tips and news continue to go strong year round, especially as phishing, smishing and ransomware threats increase. Continue to be on your guard and keep a healthy dose of skepticism when addressing any email or text. Google Workspace for Education updates will also continue to roll out over the summer. Posts will be less frequent over the summer as I shift into maintenance and preparing for the next school year mode. Be sure to check in periodically to keep up on Google updates and any security trends you need to keep in mind. When you are posting on social media about your summer vacations and activities, please keep in mind the 6 things you should never share on social media from the article below. 


Why Cybercriminals Looking to Steal Personal Info are Using Text Messages as Bait

Why Cybercriminals Looking to Steal Personal Info are Using Text Messages as Bait, from NBC News by Kevin Collier
I've personally noticed a vast increase in scammy texts. A clear reminder to never click on a link in a text unless you are 100% sure it's legit. If the text is supposedly from your bank or a delivery service, go to their site through your browser and check there. Once you respond to a text scam, the scammers then know it's an active number and you will recieve even more scam texts.

Top 10 Computer Rules (NEVER Break These!)

Good rules of thumb when online, or using any device, including laptops, tablets, phones, etc.


6 Things You Should Never Share on Facebook and Social Media

Words of wisdom for your protection against identity fraud, theft, and harrassment, both online and in the real world. 

Google Workspace for Education Updates:


Insert Smart Chips for Files and Meetings, Create Checklists in Google Docs

Smart Chips are already available when you @ mention a person in a document. Adding an @ before someone's name or email address links them to that document, and displays info such as their contact information (or any additional info the user has added to their Google profile). Now, in addition to connecting to just email addresses, smart chips will also suggest recommended files and calendar meetings. This feature should roll out within the next two weeks. Also included in this update will be the ability to create checklists, in addition to numbered and bullet point lists. Those checklist items can then be assigned by using the smart chips and @ mentioning another user. 

These updates are part of the smart canvas experience, being rolled out in the coming months, and will bring even more collaboration features. 

Present from Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides Directly to Google Meet

Within the next two weeks, you should see the option to present to an active Meet call directly from within your Doc, Sheets or Slides file. There will be a Meet icon at the top of the file, next to the Share button. Clicking on that icon will allow you to join a Meet that is already active and present the tab. Here are the full details. 
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Friday, May 14, 2021

ASA Weekly Tech Tips and News for May 14, 2021

Just in case you tire of the frequent scam and security reminders, let the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack be a cautionary tale. This is an example of why every user on a network must understand the importance of safety and security, whether it's your home network or the work network. Once one user's account is breached, or someone clicks on a link in a phishing scam, it may not just be a personal embarrassment when your files are locked or your contacts also get phished, the malware may race to every other user and the server as well. While the actual cause of Colonial Pipeline's ransomware attack isn't yet known, it was recently reported they paid a five million dollar ransom, and it's a good reminder to all of us to never let our collective guard down whenever we are online. Remember to be ever suspicious when online and use safe online behavior and secure passwords.

New Scams to Watch Out For in 2021

Twelve minutes of valuable information. If only scammers would use their talents for good!



How to Screen Record on a Mac

How to Screen Record on a Mac, from How-To Geek by Sandy Writtenhouse
Screen recording, also known as screencasting, is possible on a Mac by using the Screenshot app. 

Google Workspace for Education Updates:  Some Docs Extensions May Stop Working

Google Docs is changing the way they render, which will probably not be noticeable to most users. Unfortunately, if you use any extensions for Docs, they may stop working until the extension is updated by the creator. Doc features are not expected to change. This change is expected to roll out slowly over the next few months. ates+%28Google+Workspace+Updates+Blog%29" target="_blank">Full details can be found here. 

EDU in 90:  The Latest from Google for April

Topics included: Google Meet, Family Resources, Chromebooks


Ten Google Tips for Using Audio and Video in Google Slides

Ten Google Tips for Using Audio and Video in Google Slides, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Just in time for creating those end of the year slide shows!

Three Good Options for Drawing on Digital Maps

Three Good Options for Drawing on Digital Maps, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
This will work for marking up any image, not just maps. In Jamboard you'll be able to make the image a background so students can't accidentally delete it. 

Knowt Now Offers Public Galleries of Notes, Flashcards, and Quizzes

Knowt Now Offers Public Galleries of Notes, Flashcards, and Quizzes, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Simply import a document, and easily create flashcards and quizzes. 

End the School Year With Epic Review Olympics

End the School Year With Epic Review Olympics, from Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller
Combine this Summer's Olympic excitement with end of the year review.  Free templates are included. 
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Friday, May 7, 2021

ASA Weekly Tech Tips and News for May 7, 2021

 
Pixabay.com
As Teacher Appreciation Week draws to a close, I hope you've all felt the love! This year has been an especially challenging year for teachers and all school staff, and everyone has stepped up and continued to make things seem as normal as possible for our kids. Now that we're in the home stretch, be sure to give yourself a pat on the back for all you have done, and continue to do! Another shout out to all mothers and mother figures. Wishing you all a very blessed Mother's Day this Sunday. May the spring sun shine warmly on all of you!


What Happens If You Don't Shut Down Your Computer Properly?



How to Take a Windows 10 Screenshot Without a Keyboard

Need to save an image of something on your laptop screen? There's an app for that built right in. You can use the keyboard to change the name of the image if you wish. 

Google Workspace for Education Updates:  

Email Threads With Recipients Outside Your Organization Labeled "External"



You have probably already noticed the yellow "external" flag in Gmail. This is to alert you than someone outside of ASA or DOGR is included in the message. The intent is to keep you from accidentally sharing confidential information. 

See More Context on Google Docs Changes with Show Editors



By highlighting text in a Doc, right clicking and selecting Show Editors, you will see a list of users who made edits, what their edits were and a timestamp. You also have the option to see more details of the edits. This update is available now. 

How to Find, Add, and Remove Fonts in Google Docs

How to Find, Add, and Remove Fonts in Google Docs, from How-To Geek by Sandy Writtenhouse
Are you unimpressed by the lack of font selection in Google Docs? There are many more to choose from than you may realize. 


Create Green Screen Videos on Chromebooks

Oh, yes you can edit videos on a chromebook! Kapwing is an online tool that allows you to upload your video, edit it with a wide variety of tools, including trimming, adding music, a gif creator, meme generator, combining videos, slideshow, a green screen editor. The free version allows up to a 250MB file upload for videos 7 minutes long or less, with a limit of 3 hours of video per month. Unfortunately Kapwing's privacy policy clearly states it "is not a service directed towards children", so students are not allowed to create accounts.

Blackbird Code Teaches Students to Write Code

This is a great resource for middle school students, to bridge from block coding to text coding. 


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