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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