Articles in category "Integration into teaching and learning"

Weekly post #44 – Google Tasks, linking directly to text, Meet updates and Project Zero

New Year Resolution - Get Organised with Google Tasks

Google Tasks

The capabilities of Google Tasks are ever growing and worth a look for anybody thinking about using a digital 'to do list manager'.

There is a useful guide to Google Tasks, by Jeremy Badiner, here.

Useful tip → Link directly to text and quotes

Google Chrome

Rather than sharing a link to a whole webpage - you can now easily share a link to a certain line of text.

To create a link that opens directly to highlighted text: 

  1. On your computer, open Chrome. 
  2. Go to a page with text you want to share. 
  3. To highlight the text you want to share, click and hold, then drag your mouse.
  4. To open the context menu, right-click on the highlighted text.
  5. Select Copy link to highlight
    • If you can’t select this option, this feature may not work for the selected content.
  6. Paste the link anywhere, like an email or message thread.

Read more here.

Google Meet updates - some super interesting!

Google Meet

Live translated captions

Live translated captions are now available for our Google Workspace editions. It's not (yet) perfect but it is certainly an interesting development. Read more here.

Up to 500 participants

Users can now host meetings in Google Meet with up to 500 participants. Read more here.

New immersive backgrounds and styles for Google Meet on the web

Five new immersive backgrounds have been added for Google Meet on the web. The backgrounds feature "subtle animation that give your background life or change your lighting." Just because you can doesn't mean you should! Read more here.

Automatically move breakout room participants back to the original meeting

There is now the ability for meeting hosts and co-hosts to automatically move participants back to the main meeting room once breakout rooms end. The visual indicators have been improved for breakout room participants to indicate this movement. Read more here.

Using Jamboard with Project Zero thinking routines

If you already are using See Think Wonder, hang around. Cause Google Jamboard and STW were made for each other.

Glenn Wiebe

Super post from Glenn Wiebe at history TECH those has many applications outside of the 'history' classroom.

Weekly post #43 – 2021 in Search, copying pages in Google Sites, document approvals and new ways to work with tables in Google Docs

Google – Year In Search 2021

Google produces one of these videos every year. You can explore more trends from the year at https://yearinsearch.google.

Copy a single page or subset of pages in Google Sites

Copy a single page or subset of pages in Google Sites

Google have added the ability for editors to copy a single page or subset of pages into a new site. Previously, it was only possible to make a copy of an entire site. This feature gives site editors more control, allowing users to reuse part of a site or easily break up a large site into smaller sites.

Read more here → Google Workspace Updates - Copy a single page or subset of pages in new Google Sites

Request and review formal document approvals in Google Docs

Request and review formal document approvals in Google Docs

Once a document is sent for approval, reviewers get email, browser or Google Chat notifications, based on where they have selected in Google Drive’s web settings to receive notifications. They will then receive a link they can follow directly to the document. 

If you set a due date, your reviewers will receive email reminders that their approval is needed or past due.  

If you request approval from multiple people, the document is considered approved once all reviewers approve the file. If an edit is made during the approval process, all reviewers will need to re-approve the latest version of the file and will receive email notifications in those instances. The document approval request is rejected for all reviewers if a single reviewer rejects the file. 

Once all reviewers approve the document, the file will be locked.

Read more here → Google Workspace Updates - Request and review formal document approvals in Google Docs

New ways to customise tables in Google Docs

New ways to customise tables in Google Docs

Google have added several new ways to customise tables in Google Docs.

You can now:

  • Pin a table header row to repeat on each page
  • Designate that a row should not be split across pages
  • Quickly add, and arrange columns and rows
  • Sorting tables to better organize data.
  • Use a new table sidebar to manage table properties

Read more here → Google Workspace Updates → New ways to customize tables in Google Docs

Weekly post #42 - The launch of 'Essential PD bytes' and all things Mote.

The launch of 'Essential PD bytes'

Essential PD bytes

What is a 'Essential PD byte'?

A 20 minute long digital skill focused professional development session.

The aim of 'Essential PD bytes' is to offer a range of 'byte' size professional development opportunities for staff at the International School of Geneva - Campus des Nations. Each 'byte' should last no longer than 20 minutes so can easily be an agenda item at a meeting or part of a larger event.

What 'Essential PD bytes' are on offer?

Check out the ever growing list of suggested sessions here.

Mote - voice messaging for the web, integrated into the products we use

Mote - at its simplest - enables you to leave audio comments on a Google Document. So instead of typing feedback as comments - you can leave audio feedback.

We have 'unlimited' subscriptions that we can assign to interested staff so that the audio clips recorded can be 90 seconds long, rather than 30 seconds. If you are interested in benefiting from an 'unlimited' subscription - please contact Richard Allaway.

Using Mote for Google Forms

With Mote for Google Forms, you are able to leave Motes as a question in Google Forms.

We do not have Mote accounts for students - but this is something we are investigating. If you are interested in exploring how your students could use Mote as part of their learning in your subject - contact Richard Allaway.

Read more here → support.mote.com - Help! How do I use Mote for Google Forms? Troubleshooting tips

Using Mote for Google Slides

Mote for Google Slides to be the easiest, most delightful way to record and insert audio content to Google Slides.

Using Mote for Google Slides you could add explanations or instructions as part of a Google Slide deck that other will use asynchronously.

Again - we do not yet have Mote accounts for students. If you are interested in how students accounts would enable them to produce 'new' and different classroom artefacts - contact Richard Allaway.

Read more here → support.mote.com - Help! How do I use Mote for Google Slides? Troubleshooting tips

Weekly post #41 – All Google Docs focused

Google has been busy with a a slew of updates to Google Documents therefore I felt it important to highlight them here - plus the fact that Google Docs in 15 years old!

Google Docs has been around for 15 years

Starting as a service called Writely in 2005, Google Docs was officially launched a Google product in 2006.

Read more about 15 Google Docs milestones here → Google - The Keyword - 15 milestones, moments and more for Google Docs’ 15th birthday [11 October 2021]

Google Docs - Add a page break before paragraphs in Google Docs

You can now mark a paragraph to always begin on a new page with the new “Add page break before” option in Google Docs. This is particularly useful if you want certain paragraph styles to always create a new page such as titles, subtitles, or headings.

To insert a page break before a paragraph:

  1. Select the entire paragraph or click anywhere into the paragraph.
  2. Select an option:
      • In the toolbar,  go to Line & paragraph spacing  and then Add page break before.
      • At the top, go to Format and then Line & paragraph spacing  and then Add page break before.

Tip: To have a heading stay at the top of a new page, you can select it and use Add page break before.

Read more here → Google Workspace Updates - Add a page break before paragraphs in Google Docs [19 October 2021]

Google Docs - Easily add to Google Docs with the new universal @ menu

Google have added a universal insertion menu to easily add things like tables and images, in addition to smart chips, directly in Google Docs. Simply type “@”, and you’ll see a list of recommended files, people, meetings, as well as different content elements and formats to insert into your document. You can also search all available components.

Read more here → Google Workspace Updates - Easily add to Google Docs with the new universal @ menu [19 October 2021]

Google Docs - More easily add citations in Google Docs with new search and automated entry function

When adding citations in Google Docs, you can now search for books and online sources, then automatically populate some attributes for those sources.

[This feature may not be available yet - it could take until the end of the month.]

Read more here → Google Workspace Updates - More easily add citations in Google Docs with new search and automated entry function [2 November 2021]

Weekly post #40 - Google Tasks and splitting your screen and using multiple desktops on your Chromebook

Making more use of Google Tasks

Google Tasks is Google's basic (yet very capable) to-do list manager. The easiest way to find it is to go to your Gmail, Google Calendar, Docs, Sheets or Slides. You should see the icon on the right hand side of the screen. If you can't see Tasks app, click the arrow in the bottom right corner of the screen to expand the panel.

makeuseof.com recently published a post titled '5 Tips to Use Google Tasks Effectively' which is well worth a read if you are interested in making more use of Google Tasks.

Educators should consider showing students how to use Google Tasks to organise the things that they need to do.

To-do list managers work best when they are easy to access - when you want to add something or check what needs to be done.

Google Tasks can be found in the side panel from Gmail, Google Calendar, Docs, Sheets and Slides.

There is a smartphone app available for Android phones and iPhones.

TasksBoard produces a desktop app for Google Tasks.

If you like a more 'kanban board' approach check out the Kanbanly Google Chrome extension.

Splitting your screen and using multiple desktops on your Chromebook

You can split the screen on your Chromebook.

You can drag and drop windows. Just grab the window using the menu bar and drag it to the left or right edge of your screen.

You can us the maximize button. Just click and hold the button, located in the top-right corner. You'll see two arrows on the left and right of the button. Move over one of them while still holding down the mouse button and the window will be shifted there.

You can also use keyboard shortcuts to split the screen and move windows. The Alt + [ and Alt + ] shortcuts will move a window to the right or left sides of the screen.

Read more here → makeuseof.com - How to Use Split Screen Mode on Chromebook [12 September 2021]

You can add desks to organize multiple windows and multi-task on your Chromebook.

To create a desk →

  1. On your Chromebook keyboard, press the Show windows key .
  2. At the top right, select New desk.
  3. Optional: To rename a desk, select the desk's name and enter in your preferred name.

To go to a different desk →

  1. On your Chromebook keyboard, press the Show windows key .
  2. At the top, select a desk.

Tip: To switch to a different desk on your touchpad, swipe 4 fingers left or right.

Read more here → support.google.com - Set up & manage multiple desktops with desks


A bit of geeky fun for the break → the starting sequence from this week's 'Unleashed' Apple event - a bit of computing history and creative flair.

Weekly post #39 - Co-hosts, watermarks, and leveling up your Soundtrap skills

Add a co-host to a Google Meet

You can now assign co-hosts in a Google Meet.

Why would you want to do that? Maybe you are presenting to parents or a large group of students and you want somebody else to take the lead in admitting participants, muting etc. so that you can focus on what your the message you are sharing. If this is the case - you need a co-host!

Read more here → support.google.com - Add Co-hosts in Google Meet

Add a watermark to a Google Document

You can now add image watermarks directly into Google Docs. This watermark image will repeat behind the text on every page of your document.

Read more here → support.google.com - Change page settings on Google Docs

Soundtrap Academy

All staff and students in the secondary school at the International School of Geneva - Campus des Nations have access to a Soundtrap account.

Soundtrap is a very capable online application - but should also be your first stop for recording simple audio clips for classes etc.

Soundtrap offers the Soundtrap Academy where you can "learn to use Soundtrap to the fullest, empower your students, and become a Certified Soundtrap Educator."

Is it just me?

Google Workspace Status Dashboard

It might be...

If you are experiencing a problem with a Google Workspace application it can be worth checking the Google Workspace Status Dashboard to see if it something 'bigger than just you'.

Weekly post #37 - Google Workspace age related changes, Todoist and managing your Chrome tabs

Google makes some age related changes

Google recently launched a new age-based access setting to make it easier for domain admins to tailor experiences for their students and educators based on age when using Google services like YouTube, Photos and Maps.

Since September 1, 2021, students who are under 18 are seeing changes in their experience across Google products.

For example, after September 1, students designated as under 18 in K-12 domains can view YouTube content assigned by teachers, but they won’t be able to post videos, comment or live stream using their school Google account.

Safer learning with Google for Education [29 June 2021]

If you used to get students to create videos and add them to YouTube you should still get students to create videos - but now they should add them to their Drive and share them with you.

Read more here → Google Workspace Admin Help - Control access to Google services by age

Are you looking for a to-do list manager?

I find that a 'proper' to-do list manager really helps me to organise what I need to do and therefore reduces the stress associated with rushing or forgetting things.

My to-do list manager of choice is Todoist. It is great on the web and has a slick smartphone app as well. It integrates nicely with Gmail so that you can easily generate tasks from emails.

If you want to know more check out this post → An Educator’s Guide to Todoist.

Chrome tab management

I have (strong) opinions on font choice and the number of tabs a 'normal' person should have open in Chrome!

If you struggle with managing all your tabs you may want to read this blog post → The Ultimate Guide to Chrome Tab Management by Jonathan Wylie. Super useful.

Basic actions on multiple tabs in Google Sheets

Now you can select multiple tabs in Google Sheets and perform basic actions on the selection (such as moving the tabs together, deleting, duplicating, copying, coloring, or hiding). I just thought some of you might like to know!

Read more here → Google Workspace Updates - Select multiple tabs in Google Sheets and perform basic actions on the selection [22 July 2021]

Weekly post #36 - ManageBac subject pages, Cursive, how does Google Search work and Mote updates

ManageBac subject pages

ManageBac now has 'subject pages' for IB Diploma and MYP.

Our new Subject Pages for IB Diploma and MYP provide searchable, dynamic, curated support, resources, ideas and unit plans to support IB teaching and learning.

managebac.com/blog/subject-pages

Subject Pages are accessible by Teachers from the Curriculum Tab via the Subject Centre Tile.

Read more here → ManageBac - Subject Pages [23 August 2021]

Cursive - a new note taking app for Chromebook users

Cursive is a new note taking app from Google but it isn't an app store app - it is a web-based 'progressive Web App' and that means anyone (with a Chromebook) can use it now.

It is still 'early' in it's life and I will try and share more about it in the future. If you are a Chromebook user - visit the URL cursive.apps.chrome, unleash your stylus and give it a test drive.

Discover how Google Search works

We all use Google Search - regularly! We rely on it to find the answers to our questions. Seeing we are so dependent upon it maybe we should take an opportunity to learn more about it.

Google has recently updated their 'How Search works' website. It is worth a couple of moments of your time.

Mote - recent updates and developments

Mote is a platform that allows you to record audio comments and the like in Google Workspace applications. For example - if you are commenting upon a student's Google Document you can leave audio comments in the comment boxes - rather than texting.

Staff at Campus des Nations who are interested in giving Mote a try - please let me know and I will sort you out with a subscription.

Mote has made the following recent updates:

  • Pause recording in Google Classroom and Google Slides
  • iOS app
  • Extension and iOS app localization into Chinese, French and other languages. Find out how to switch your language.

Weekly post #35 - Chromebooks, lucid.app, digital notes and the Social Dilemma

Staff familiarisation with C13 Chromebooks

Forty teachers at International School of Geneva - Campus des Nations Secondary are starting the academic year using Lenovo C13 Chromebooks as their personal devices.

The slides below are what was used at the familiarisation session →

Use lucid.app for all your Lucidpress and Lucidchart needs

Lucid have brought all their services and you files together in a very 'Google Drive' style approach.

To start a document or find your exiting ones - start of lucid.app.

Do you get students to produce notes in Google Documents?

If you allow your students to make digital notes in your lessons consider the use of a Google Documents.

A single document, per student, per subject structured with uniformly formatted headings (using H1, H2, H3 etc) and bookmarks produces a well structured document that increases in usefulness as more content is added.

The Social Dilemma is now available on YouTube

If you haven't seen it - it is worth a watch. I think there are some great sequences in it. I particularly like the ones that 'show' a characters attention being kept by a social media platform.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mqR_e2seeM

Weekly post #34 - Smart chips, checklists and adding audio to Kahoot! questions

This will we the last 'Weekly post' before the summer break. Posts will start again in late August or early September focused upon the updates made during the summer months.

Google Docs - Smart chips for files and meetings

Google is currently working on a whole set of enhancements to Google Workspace that will make the collaboration and project management even easier.

Smart chips are already available when you mention a person in a document, displaying additional information such as the person’s location, job title, and contact information.

Google have expanded this functionality to include the ability to insert smart chips for files and events.

  1. Open a document in Google Docs.
  2. Enter "@."
  3. Select from the list of suggestions or enter letters, numbers, or symbols to narrow your suggestions.
  4. Hover over the smart chip to view related information.

Read more here → Google Workspace Updates - Insert smart chips for files and meetings, create checklists in Google Docs [18 May 2021]

Google Docs - create checklists

It is now possible to add checklists to Google Documents.

  1. Click a Google Doc page where you want to add a list.
  2. In the toolbar, choose a list type → Checklist.

Read more here → support.google.com - Add a numbered list, bulleted list, or checklist

Add audio to Kahoot! questions

You can now add audio to questions. Just type a short text in one of the supported languages and it’ll be read aloud to players before they answer the question!

Based on Microsoft Azure’s Text to Speech service that converts text to lifelike speech, this media type supports text in the following 37 languages:

Arabic, Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Filipino, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Turkish, and Vietnamese.

Read more here → New: add audio to Kahoot! questions to power up listening comprehension and language learning [14 June 2021]

Replace your background with a video in Google Meet

In addition to replacing your Google Meet background with a static image, you can now replace your background with a video. At the moment, you can select from three Google made videos: a classroom, a party, and a forest — more options will be available soon.

Just because you can - doesn't mean you should!