Thinglink in Context

We have been training teachers in our district on various iPad apps that they can use for teaching and learning. One of these apps is Thinglink, which is a very versatile app. I started saving YouTube videos about how to use this great app within context in the educational environment.  One specific way to use Thinglink is for vocabulary development.  I also found videos that show you how to us this app for professional development, differentiation and much more.  Check out my YouTube playlist for more ideas.  I will continue to add to this playlist as I find more videos.

Showing YouTube Videos Safely

Teachers, especially those of younger students, are often concerned about all the other "content" that shows when you use a You Tube video.  This would include the "suggested videos" as well as the comments and ads.  Let's admit it; those are not always appropriate for students to view.  This video, created be Eric Curts, gives several different options for getting YouTube video content to students without the questionable content.  I would also suggest checking out the free tool, EdPuzzle, as you can also add audio notes and questions to the videos.

Google Doc's New Share Options

Have you ever had a document that you wanted to post online, but you did not want other Google users to have the option to Make a Copy or download it?  This is a request I have heard a lot from users and Google now has an answer to it!  They have added new features to Google Docs which you access by clicking the Share button and then Advanced near the lower right hand screen of the Sharing window.

You have two boxes to check.  The first choice allows you to prevent editors on the document from changing access and adding more people.  This gives you as the owner total control over who has access to the document.  The second choice allows you to prevent others from downloading, printing and copying the document if they only have commenting or viewing rights.  Users cannot even copy the text from the document. This comes in very handy if you want to retain ownership and control of the content.

Add Ons for Google Forms

Google announced today that they have "Add Ons" for Google Forms.  If you go to create a new form, you will notice the Add Ons menu is now there just like it is in Sheets and Docs.  The Add Ons will allow you to add features to your forms for easing work flow or managing data.  For example, Form Limiter can be used to shut off a form on specific date or close an option once a spreadsheet cell gets to a certain limit.  This could come in handy when having people sign up for something where there is a limit to the number of attendees.  Check out the Forms Add Ons Store to see what is available.

New Google Apps Launcher is Customizable

Well, Google has done it again!  They have come through on a feature for which I have been waiting patiently....or not so patiently.  You can now edit the apps launcher, which many people have nicknamed the "waffle" that appears in the upper right hand corner of the screen when you are in a Google app.  This means you can put the ones you use most at the top.

Take me for example.  I use Gmail, Calendar, Blogger, Sites, Drive and Groups the most.  I can now make sure they are at the top of the list.  All you have to do is drag and drop the ones you want at the top.  If there is an app that does not show on the More list, it is still simple to add them.  First, go to the app and then click on the app launcher (waffle grid).  At the bottom will be a shortcut to the app and a question asking if you would like to add it to your grid.  How easy is that?

I can arrange my apps in my personal Google account, but can't do that in my school district Google account.  I searched several times trying to find out if it is going to be released for school district accounts as well.  I will keep you posted on what I find.  Please post to the comments if you know the answer to that question.

For more information and more detailed directions, check out the Google support information page on how to switch between products. Scroll down to the section on how to "customize your menu".

Google Drive Add Ons - Mindmeister

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR4PJI4GtM4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Google+ for Business

On March 12th, I am conducting a training for Kewaunee County Economic Development with a focus on Google+ and Google Drive.  I have a lot of experience using Google Drive, so I am just looking for ideas on how businesses can use these tools.  In education, we use them for student work, planning agendas, gather data, and more.  I am looking for more ideas specifically for businesses, so please post them in the comments below.

I use Google+ for myself and just create my Google+ page for my 21st Century Academy business.  There are a ton of videos out there that give you ideas for using Google+ to connect with customers and grow your business.  Here are a couple that I have watched.  Please share more resources if you have others you think are helpful.