G Suite Updates, Add-ons, Social Studies Trading Game

G-Suite Updates

If you haven't already seen a pop up in your Gmail asking if you want to try the latest update, you will see it in the near future. One of the awesome features in the update is that you can access your Calendar, Keep, and Tasks from the new side panel. 

Similar updates will be rolling out in the next couple of weeks for Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drawings. You'll be able to access your Google calendar, Google Keep, and Google Tasks right from the application. Click HERE to see how the update will look.

The new Google Sites also got an update in layouts that makes designing pages even easier. Click HERE to see the six pre-built site layouts.

Google Add-Ons

During the secondary Digital Breakout Day, Two BHS teachers shared add-ons they are currently using. Mr. Koerlin is using Doc to Form which allows you to quickly create a Google Form from text within a document. That could be a real time time saver!  Ms. Gibson is using Math Type for mathematical notations in Google Docs.

If you're using an extension or add-on that is making your job easier, please send me an email!

Social Studies Game

Lori Gracey of TCEA recently wrote about a social studies game by author Todd Stanley that is now available as a free download. "Trading Game" allows students in grades 5-12 to work in groups to learn about supply and demand. The download includes game cards, directions, and a debriefing activity. 

Automate Differentiating Assignments Based on Google Form Scores; Opening Microsoft Publisher files on your Chromebook; Drawing with Ed Emberley

Differentiate Assignments Using AutoMastery Add-on

Imagine giving a Google Form quiz and pushing assignments to students based on how they scored on the quiz. A nifty little Google add-on makes that differentiation possible. "Students who score at or above mastery receive a link to an extension activity. Students who score at or below the beginner level will receive an assignment that is designed to fit their needs and help them build the necessary skills to move to the progression level." Richard Byrne of Free Technology For Teachers has an excellent blog post highlighting the AutoMastery Google Forms add-on. It's definitely worth checking out! 

(Since I don't have classes to test this add-on, please let me know if you like it, or if you don't!)

Navigating Microsoft Publisher in a Chromebook World

 

Years ago when we were all using PC's in our classrooms, sharing Microsoft files wasn't a big deal. But as many teachers are strictly Chromebook users now, some of those old Microsoft files are harder to share. Word, Excel, and Powerpoint open almost seamlessly in G-Suite products. Microsoft Publisher? Not so much. 

Using an online converter tool will allow you to view a Publisher file on your Chromebook. Navigate to Online2PDF and drag your file to the gray SELECT FILES box on that tab. Click CONVERT, and the Microsoft Publisher file will download to your Chromebook as a PDF.

Draw with Ed Emberley

Ed Emberley's books have been a go-to for me for years, so I was excited to discover his website. Pages include options for step-by-step drawing tutorials as well as drawing pages like the one pictured above. There are links to cut and paste activities, mazes, and more.

This is a great site for both students and teachers. And I love that students use a digital interface to make art using markers, crayons, scissors, and ink--the best of both worlds.

Looking for more online drawing tools? Check out Shannon McLintock Miller's blog about YouIDrawPainter.