Thursday, March 31, 2022

ASA Tech Tips and News for April 1, 2022

Hopefully you've already updated chrome based on the email I sent this week. Thanks for attending to that quickly. Browser updates, especially Chrome, are just as important as Windows, Mac, and Adobe updates to keep up on. I know it's not always convenient to wait for them to install, and then be inconvenienced by a restart, but they are absolutely necessary to keeping your information, files, and device safe and secure. The other area to keep an eye on are Android and iOS updates on your mobile device, as well as updating all the apps on them. Run your updates as soon as you are notified whenever possible, even though they always seem to show up when you're right in the middle of something. If you have not already done so, please make sure your apps are set to automatically update. It's one less thing you need to remember to check. Consider running those updates a good excuse to take a little break! Speaking of breaks, I hope you enjoy a safe and relaxing Spring Break. 

Update Chrome ASAP


Google issued an emergency security patch for the Chrome browser this week. If you see the Update button in the upper right corner of the Chrome window, click it NOW. A vulnerability has been discovered and it is being currently attacked, so please protect yourself and ASA. Once you click the Update button, select Update Google Chrome. Chrome will update, and restart. In the restart process it will restore all the tabs you had open, so you won't lose any work in progress. If you don't see the Update button, please check your Chrome version. It should be at 99.0.4844.84, although the next version, 100, is also beginning to roll out and it may want to update to that. Not sure how to check the version on a Windows or Mac device? Watch this short video to find out. On a mobile device, you would navigate to your app settings. If you don't have auto update apps turned on, you may want to consider doing so. 

Phishing Attempts Against Smartphones are on the Rise

As more people use smartphones, those targeting users for phishing attacks are increasingly sending those attacks to smartphones. The smaller screens aren't helpful for users to determine if a message is a phishing attempt. Find out what you can do. 

10 Quick Ways to Speed Up a Slow PC Running Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11

I've had a lot of requests for this information lately. Don't just suffer through it or replace it, troubleshoot it!

Are You a Member of MACUL?

I attended the MACUL conference March 17th & 18th. (MACUL stands for the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning.) This conference always provides a wealth of Ed Tech-related knowledge. If you are not a member of MACUL, you're missing out on monthly ideas and resources for integrating tech into your classroom, news about special workshops, grants and networking opportunities with other educators. Membership is free. Incidentally, MACUL grant applications are being accepted through June 13th, so if you have an idea of new tech you'd like to use, apply for one of their $1,000 grants. 


One of the breakout sessions I attended at MACUL last week included a collection of helpful Chrome extensions for educators that were new to me. Just a reminder, Chrome extensions are little helpers that either add features to Chrome, or take you to an online application. You install extensions from the Chrome Web Store. They then appear in the upper right of your URL bar in Chrome. Most of your extensions will appear in the extension folder that looks like a puzzle piece, but if you pin an extension, it will appear outside of the extension icon for easy access. In most cases, just click on the extension to use it. Watch this video to learn how to add, remove and manage your extensions. 
Extensions I use on a regular basis include:
  • Loom - Quickly start a screencast or record video.
  • Bitly - Shorten a URL or create a QR code to more easily share a link with others.
  • Bitmoji - Add my Bitmoji image to whatever I'm working on.
  • Web Apps by 123apps - Edit video files, audio files, and PDFs, convert files from one format to another, including video, audio, image and PDF files.
Now for the extensions that were new to me, and that you may want to try (in no particular order):
  • Extensity - This is a great tool for managing your extensions and web apps, especially if you use a lot of them. You can easily enable and disable or launch your extensions from this list. You can even enable/disable all extensions at once.
  • Print Friendly & PDF - Print any web page and remove ads, navigation and junk before you print. Pages are optimized for reading. You can either print, or save as a PDF. PDF will include clickable links. Check out this video demo.
  • Lightshot (screenshot tool) - Quickly make a customizable screenshots to either upload to the cloud or download to your device. You can also copy and paste the screenshot image. Edit the screenshot too. Here's a video demo.
  • System Information - If you ever need to know the version of your operating system, browser, CPU info or memory info, this will tell you in one click. 
  • Giphy for Chrome - Find just the right GIF, sticker or emoji on demand, then drag and drop it with this extension.
  • Record to Slides - From within Google Slides, quickly record a video and add it to the slide you are on.
  • Homey - Customize your browser home page with the look and gadgets you use. 
  • G RTF: Plain to Rich Text - Allows you to format text (bold, italic, change font, etc.) in those places that don't typically allow for formatting, such as Twitter, Google Forms, etc. Here's a demo video. I'll finally be able to format text in those field trip permission forms!
  • Panic Button - Hide all open tabs with a single click
  • Edit Anything - Temporarily edit the text on any website
  • Button for Google Calendar - Displays a quick daily view of your daily calendar in a pop-up window.
  • Tab Wrangler - Do you wrestle with all the tabs you have open every day? The more tabs you have open, the slower Chrome runs. Tab Wrangler will automatically close inactive tabs based on time limit you set, but saves them so they are easy to find, prevents favorite tabs from closing, Here's a demo.
  • One Tab - An alternative to Tab Wrangler, One Tab will consolidate all your tabs into a list of links.

How to Restore Your Chrome Tabs When There's No "Re-Open Last Session" Button

Find out how to restore those lost tabs! Knowing how to find tabs you've had open should also help you give your browser a break and close some of those tabs you keep open. 

30 Ways to Use Google Forms in Your Classroom

30 Ways to Use Google Forms in Your Classroom, from Chromebook Classroom by John Sowash
Some of these ideas we already do, such as field trip forms and scheduling for conferences, but that leaves 28 new ideas.

Make a Word Game with Google Sheets - A Fun Way to Learn About Formulas

Make a Word Game with Google Sheets - A Fun Way to Learn About Formulas, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Make some word games for your students, learn a little about valuable lesson plans in Google's Applied Digital Skills and Google Sheets at the same time. In the lesson, there are videos to guide you, or your students, every step of the way. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Friday, March 25, 2022

ASA Tech Tips and News for March 25, 2022

Until I received the White House alert this week, this was just going to be a routine post with several  updates. That all changed with the US government warning about the increased risk of cyber attacks from Russia. War tactics have significantly changed in the last several years, turning increasingly to cyber warfare. I don't want to be an alarmist, however I do want you to seriously consider the warning and take necessary measures with your devices to protect yourself and ASA. Definitely brush up on your cyber security awareness and knowledge. Read the article below for recommended steps to take to secure your devices, network and data. In addition, in October 2021, which is Cyber Security Awareness Month, I featured a different aspect of online security each week. Please take a look at the October 2021 posts and review the first article in each post. Here are links to make it easier to find them:
You can also scroll down to the labels section in the right column, and search this blog by key word, such as phishing, cybersecurity awareness, or security for more videos and articles on the topic. 

Prepare for Russian Cyber Attacks

In a rare move, President Biden has warned all business and organizations to prepare for Russian cyber attacks as the war with Ukraine continues. You may think that as an average American you are not in danger, or that as a small private school we aren't the target they are looking for. Right now, ANY target is a good target, especially if it's American, and the more targets they can hit the better. Please take this warning seriously, and consider implementing the following measures right away:
  • Turn on multi-factor authentication with all your accounts - especially your ASA Google account. This means when you login, you'll enter your password, and then verify you are logging on your mobile device. Here are instructions for turning on 2-step verification in Google. When turning it on, please use a Google prompt or the Google Authenticator app on your mobile device. It's best NOT to use a verification code from a text message or call because those can be intercepted and spoofed. Need help? Please contact me, I'll be happy to walk each and every one of you through the process. 
  • Anti-Virus AND Anti-Malware - In addition to whatever antivirus program you are running, consider installing at least the free version of Malwarebytes (or a similar program that looks for all malware, including ransomware, spyware, adware, etc. - not just viruses) on your device. It will start with a premium trial. At the end of that trial you can just continue on with the free version. 
  • Keep up with all updates - Windows, MacOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, as well as apps or programs loaded on your device. Make it a priority to run those updates when prompted. 
  • Back up your files - Make sure you are backing up all the files on each of your devices. If your files are consistently backed up, you won't lose anything if you are hit with ransomware, AND you won't feel the need to pay up. Whether you use a USB hard drive or online service, such as OneDrive, iCloud, Acronis, etc., make sure it is set to run automatically. Photos can be automatically backed up to Google Photos or Amazon Prime. Here are some suggestions for online back up services. 
  • Continue to be vigilant - when checking email and text messages. Do NOT click on links in an email that you are not expecting or is not from someone you know. It's far better to err on the side of suspicion than to click on something that looks legit, but instead loads malware on your device, or worse, steals your online account info or personal data. Here are a few videos to remind you what to look for:



What Happens If I Don't Upgrade to Windows 11?

What Happens If I Don't Upgrade to Windows 11?, from How-To Geek by Benj Edwards
I get it! Another Windows version change. Some may choose to update, while others may be putting it off. Still others, like me, have a laptop that is just old enough to be incompatible with Windows 11. Fortunately, you have 3 1/2 years to decide to upgrade if you're able, or replace your laptop if you aren't. 

Canvas Resources


Creating Emergency Sub Plans

Step by step instructions for creating sub plans, and teaching students to use them as well. These instructions were included in the March 2022 Canvas Newsletter and can be found here.

Canvas Tutorial for Subs

While we don't give subs a Canvas Account, It is helpful if they know how to help students navigate Campus. The links on this page are student guide videos. If the sub knows where to find these links, it will  help him or her help the students. 

Upcoming Webinar on Canvas Mobile Apps

Canvas is holding two identical webinars about the Canvas Mobile app for teachers, students and parents. Use these links to register for March 31st or on April 1st. Previously recorded webinars can be found here. 



If you have changed your calendar status in Gmail (upper right of the message window) from Active to anything else, such as In a Meeting or Commuting, it will be visible to anyone sending you a chat. This will make it easier for them to see if it's not a good time to message you, or at least not to expect an immediate response. This update should be available within the next week. Full details can be found here.

Google Docs:  Create an Email in Docs



Within two weeks, you will be able to compose an email in Google Docs. This will allow you to collaborate with others when drafting the message. Insert an email template (Insert > Building Blocks > Email Draft), and use @ to find email addresses without typing in the entire address. I'm not seeing this feature yet, but it should be available within the next week. Find all info about this update here. 

Google Sheets:  Cell Limits Doubled

The number of cells available in a sheet has doubled from five million cells to ten million cells. So if you need to create or use a HUGE sheet, you will be able do so now. 

How to Edit a PDF

How to Edit a PDF, from How-To Geek by Mahesh Makvana
In addition to the three methods in this article, you can save the PDF to drive, right click on the file and select Open With. Select Google Docs and it will do its best to translate the text to a Google Doc. Like Microsoft Word, this method works best with PDFs that are mostly text. 

How to Add, Edit and Remove Tab Stops in Google Docs

How to Add, Edit and Remove Tab Stops in Google Docs, from How-To Geek by Sandy Writtenhouse
If you really want your text to line up, it only takes a couple clicks to set a right, left or center tab.

Find Free Ideas for Your Classroom

Matt Miller from Ditch That Textbook has curated ideas from teachers on a variety of classroom topics, such as engaging students, communication, memorization, practice activities, assessments, and more. You can access them here at efficienteach.com. The site will continue to grow as more teachers submit suggestions. You can submit your suggestions too at matt@ditchthattextbook.com.

My Five Favorite Canva Features

Educators are eligible for a free Pro membership to Canva, as long as one person has signed up and jumped through the hoops to get the email domain designated as an educational institution. I've already done that for asagr.org, so you just need to sign up. You can also create a class and add your students (with parent permission) so they can use Canva as well to create posters, presentations, images, infographics, magazines, book covers, etc.
 


Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Friday, March 4, 2022

ASA Tech Tips and News for March 4, 2022


One of the most exciting bits of info to roll through my inbox lately is the tip from KISD about access to FREE LinkedIn Learning training. This is quality online training courses that most people pay for, but with a GR or Kent District library card you can access it for free. One lesson I've learned is that if you haven't used your library card in awhile (at least 10 years in my case) it won't work and you'll need to renew it, but you can do so online. So find your library card and be an example for life-long learning!





 How to Delete Your Old Online Accounts (and Why You Should)

Find out why it's important that you remove old online accounts, and what to do if you can't.

Get Free LinkedIn Learning with a GR or Kent District Library Card

Free is good, but quality free is the best! LinkedIn Learning was formerly known as Lynda.com. I've taken several courses when it was Lynda and found them to be full courses, and very helpful. This is not just tech training, but training on so many different topics, such as business, creative skills, industry skills, communication skills, software skills, and of course tech and more. You can enter your area of interest, or career path and find all the training courses that match it. Of course the ed tech tools we use, such as Google, Canvas, Loom, Canva, and many other programs are available, too. Watch the video to find out how to access this quality training for free!



Google Workspace Updates

2 New Docs Features

The two latest Smart Canvas features in Docs will allow you to add a summary to your document so readers will see an overview of its content, and you'll be able to create pageless documents for those files that use wide tables and large images. Here are the full details, as well as screen shots. Not sure how to use these new features? Learn more about Docs summaries here. This is where you can learn about Docs page setup for pages and pageless files. 

New Manager Role or Chat Spaces

Google has added a new Manager role to Google Chat Spaces. You may recall the spaces is a feature of Google Chat that allows for online collaboration and project management with a group of people. Managers will have greater control over the management of the space, and can give Spaces descriptions and guidelines. This helps define the scope of the space, and manage effective communications within the space. Those who create a new Space, will be managers by default, and can also assign others to manage the Space as well. Here are the full details. If you are not already seeing this feature, it should be available in the next week. Not sure how to use Spaces? Check out this help article about Spaces and Group Conversations. 

Embed Linked Google Forms Charts Into Docs, Slides & Drawings

Because Google Forms responses are deposited into a Google Sheet, you can create charts from those responses. Now when you embed those charts into Docs, Slides and Drawings, they are linked and you'll be able to updated them to see real time data. Updating is as simple as clicking the Update button in the chart. You will no longer need re-embed the chart to get updated data. Full information about this update is available here. You can also learn more about viewing and managing form responses here. You should see this updated sometime between now and mid-March.

Five Frequently Forgotten Google Docs Features

Five Frequently Forgotten Google Docs Features, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Learn more about revision history, page setup - including those pageless docs, view full screen, download your Doc in another format, and publishing it to the web so it is visible to all.

How to add Borders and Color to Paragraphs in Google Docs

How to add Borders and Color to Paragraphs in Google Docs, from How-To Geek by Sandy Writtenhouse
Do you need to emphasize some of the text in your doc, or just want to snazz it up? Add a border or some color. With most docs read online, there's no reason to limit them to black and white anymore. 

Three Ways to Create Video Lessons With Your Existing Slides

When he talks about Google Slides, you can use any screencast program, such as Loom.


Try the Game Templates in Canva

Try the Game Templates in Canva, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Complete slide decks with ice breaker games that you can use as is, or customize.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)