Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Printing Multiple Google Documents at Once

Let’s face it, Google Documents rule! They are so easy to access anywhere. They allow collaboration and they are FREE! All this is great, but there was one thing that was always difficult for teachers to deal with...printing. I know (and I would agree) that we really don’t need to print a Google Document. That is the point of this type of file; remaining paperless. There are those instances that we need to print all of our students’ files. In the past that involved opening one document, waiting for it to load, selecting print and going through the printing process, then repeating until all 27+ files were printed. This was very time-consuming. The good news is this process is a thing of the past. Adding a Drive Add-On eliminates all these steps. Follow the steps below to install the PDF Mergy Chromebook App (or visit this site: https://pdfmerge.w69b.com/) to make printing multiple documents easy!


Use Chrome App with PDF Mergy App:

  1. Click on the multi-colored waffle for “Show Apps” in of Chrome and go “Web Store”.


    
  1. Search for “PDF Mergy” and install the App.




  1. Locate the folder containing the documents you want to print and select all the files you want and right click.
  2. Click on “Open With” and select “PDF Mergy”.


  1. If asked, allow access to Drive.
  2. A new tab will open and give the option to “Merge”. Click “Merge”. You also have the option to add additional files to the list.




  1. When the files are merged you will have a choice where to save the new PDF. Make that selection and then open this new file and send this to the printer.






Use  PDF Mergy Website:
  1. Go to pdfmerge.w69b.com/. Choose “Select Files from Google Drive”.




  1. Choose where PDFs are located (Google Drive). Click “Select”.




  1. You can now re-order the PDFs if needed. Click “Merge” when you are ready.




  1. Choose where you want the new PDF saved. Then print this document!








You have now printed multiple files in one print job!


If you want these directions in a document click HERE!



Monday, October 15, 2018

Safe Share YouTube Videos

We all love YouTube. It is a great resource for educational (and just fun cat) videos. The main complaint is that there are often too many other distractions on the screen. The other issue is the content of some of these linked videos. If you are trying to show an educational clip to a group of 1st graders, the last thing you need is a video on the right side showing something inappropriate. The fear of this happening is perhaps one of the main reasons YouTube is blocked in many districts. There are some extensions and sites that work ways around this. SafeShare.TV is one of my favorites. It is an easy and clean site that strips the screen of any videos other than the one you want to share. Here is all you need to do:


Get a Clean Video Link:
  1. Search for the YouTube video you want to show and copy the URL.
         
  2. Go to safeshare.tv.
  3. Paste in the link to the video and click the yellow arrow.
        

      
      
  4. If you do not already have an account you will be prompted to create one.
        

        
        
  5. You will be directed to a screen with the “safe” video link created. There are a number of ways to share the video.
       
    You can copy the URL at the top
    You can share a QR Code
    You can choose any other options by clicking the “Share” button icon.
  6. You can also edit when the video starts and ends by clicking “Edit”.
  7. Now your video will play without all those videos waiting to be clicked on the side! All you will see is the video you want to show (like below)!
        



If you want these directions in a document, click Here!

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Using Flipgrid with Non-Readers

We all know that Flipgrid is just AWESOME! It can be used in SO many ways in the classroom. It is easy, quick, and gives students a tool to share their voice. With all the new updates, Flipgrid is now very easy for non-readers to use. Follow the steps below to allow your non-readers (or youngest learners) to use Flipgrid! It is as easy as scanning a code and recording!


Setting Up your Grid:


  1. Log into your Flipgrid account and click on “New Grid”.


  1. Choose “Student ID List” as your Community.


  1. Name your Grid. I suggest you also name the URL as well (keep in mind that someone may have already chosen the one you want and you may have to get creative). Set the header as well (you can edit any of this later at any time as well).


  1. Enter in your students )or upload a csv file). No worries, they will not have to type any of this in. They will have QR Codes to scan.


  1. After entering in all students print their QR Code Cards.


  1. Click “All Set” and create your Topic!






Creating your Topic:
  1. Click the “New Topic” button and set up your topic.


  1. Once the topic is created, share it with your students. The easiest way is to open the topic on your screen and push using “Share to Classroom” Chrome Extension. (How-To here.)


  1. Have them use their QR Code Card to scan in and sign in.


  1. Click the Green Plus button to start recording!

Congrats! You just gave your students a VOICE!

If you want these directions in a document, Click HERE!


Saturday, October 6, 2018

Google Assistant Fun

We are all living in a world on the edge of Artificial Intelligence. Now is the time to explore and be a little shocked (or creeped out depending on how you feel about robotic learning). If you are like me, I use Google Assistant all the time. Most of the time it is to search for information or create calendar events, phone calls, or texts. This is a very useful tool for those daily needs, but Google Assistant does so much more! You can play games, hear stories, play trivia, learn facts, and so much more! Below are some awesome activities to do with your students or own children with a Google Assistant. Grab your phone (or Google Home), say “Hey Google” and start the fun!




Before starting, you will need the Google Assistant App on your phone. Most Android phones will come with it pre-installed, but you will have to install it on your iOS device or older Android.

     



  • Hands-Free Calling/Texting
  • Fun Tricks
  • Roll a Die
  • Listen to Music/Relaxation Sounds
  • Flight/Reservation Info
  • Create Calendar Events
  • Units of Measure Conversion
  • Listen to Your News Feed
  • Movie Showtimes
  • Search Google Photos
  • Set and Manage Alarms and Timers
  • Create/Manage Shopping List
  • SO much MORE! (Click Here for More)






  • Listen to Stories
  • Solve Riddles
  • Answer fun This or That Questions
  • Raise a Virtual Pet
  • Practice Math Facts
  • Play Leveled Trivia Games
  • Learn Numbers
  • Physics Games
  • Measurement Conversions
  • Famous People Facts
  • Language Translation
  • Learn a Language
  • Dictionary Assistant
  • International Space Station Updates
  • Listen to Jokes
  • SO much MORE! (Go Here & Here for More!)



  • Fun Tricks
  • Trivia
  • Riddles
  • Jokes
  • Question of the day
  • Quizzes
  • Virtual Fortune Cookies
  • Flip a Coin/Roll a Die
  • Board Games
  • Play Music
  • Chat with a Bot
  • Magic 8 Ball
  • SO much MORE! (Click Here for More)

Head Here to see all Google Assistant has to offer!

Plus, there is SO Much More that Google Assistant can do! All you have to do is say, “Hey Google…” and let the fun and learning begin!


If you want this in a document, click Here!


Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Add Voice in Google Classroom

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many words is your voice worth? If you use Google Classroom you know that it is easy for kiddos to access assignments, links and resources. It works well with all grades, but reading is tough for our littles. How can we make Classroom work better for our struggling readers and kindergarteners? Add our voice as directions (and assignment comments) where text would be. This is super easy to do with the Talk and Comment Chrome Extension.






Add Voice in Google Classroom:

1. Install the Talk and Comment Chrome Extension.

2. Make sure it is enabled on the right side of your screen.





3. Open up your Google Classroom.

4. Add an assignment or announcement.

5. Include title, description, and any documents you need.

6. Click the icon on the right side of your screen.





7. Record your verbal directions.



8. Copy the link. Add this as a link in your Classroom assignment, but delete the text (Voice Comment) off of the link.





9. Done!





Now your kiddos can hear the things they need to know!

For a great “How-To” video from Joe Marquez click Here!



For these directions in a document click Here!