Introducing Google Workspace
Enterprise update Once our contract is finalized, and IT has done their work on the back-end, we look forward to having Enterprise in the next week or two! To prepare, here is a document that explains the feature differences between Education and Enterprise for Education. new features available now
Translated Closed Captions inside of a Google Meet. We all love Google Meet for its quick, CC, capabilities. Captions, in any language, help reinforce messages that might otherwise be lost. Now CC in Meet are even better! CCs in a Meet can now be instantaneously translated into a student's native language. This tool will support English Language Learners and can be used to better facilitate conversations between staff and families who speak a language other than English. 
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IMPORTANT: TRANSITIONING FROM HANGOUTS TO MEET & CHAT Recently, Google announced that they will be retiring Classic Google Hangouts. In August, Jeffco will officially transition from Classic Hangouts to Meet and Chat. This means that Classic Hangouts will no longer be available. Meet and Chat are currently available on the web for those that are interested in trying out the communication tools (see document below for setup directions). Here is the Official Communication Here is a Tech Tip to support the transition Updates To Google Meet Grid View is now part of Meet! Click on the three dots in the lower right-hand corner and then click on "Change Layout". Choose from 3 different layouts: Sidebar, Spotlight, and Tiled. When using Tiled, you can see up to 16 participants at a time. You will want to delete the Grid View extension from Chrome if you previously added that.  You can now find Google Meet in your Google Calendar! When you create a meeting, you can add a Google Meet to the calendar invite. You can take it one step further and create appointment slots. This would be a great way to set-up specific office hours for students. For support, contact the Ed Tech team. What is Coming to G-Suite Google Meet (Late 2020) Google will be releasing many new and exciting functionalities to G-Suite for Education Meet in late 2020!
Cast for EducationInnovating with Google keep in the math classroomLEARN MORE G Suite Learning Center: Google Keep - goo.gl/AMAbXb EquatIO for Google- goo.gl/NYrzj2 Convert PDF and Photo Files to Text - goo.gl/L8UQN9 Staff Personal Accounts on ChromeBooks Staff members have the rights to switch to personal accounts on district Chromebooks. They must log into the Chromebook with their district account but can then add a personal account to access certain resources. This process looks different on Chrome 78 than it has in the past. Please see this document for support. History Settings on accountsAlthough it appears that students can toggle off the ability to save their browing history in their individual Chrome settings, this is not the case. You will notice that the individual check boxes cannot be selected for our domain. The district is able to override these settings in Jeffco's Google Admin Console, which stores student browsing history in Vault.  Less Secure Apps Many people connect 3rd party apps through Google, giving those apps permission to the user's G Suite Data. Google is beginning to limit the ability for less secure apps (LSAs) to access that data, so that the user's account is less susceptible to hijacking. As this change is occurring, we are finding that some vendors are not choosing to make the necessary security updates and are choosing to discontinue their products. If you are experiencing difficulty using Google to log into 3rd party tools, outside Jeffco's 8 Digital tools, please reach out to the vendor for support. Chromebook Tips & TricksCheck out some of the neat features available on Chromebooks! Bite-Sized Video Learning Google has developed an email subscription to a series of bite-sized videos that support educators in learning how to use the G Suite for Education. For those that subscribe, you will receive 8 weeks of short videos, delivered to your inbox. These video-based tutorials cover Drive, Docs, Classroom, Forms, Sheets, Slides, Drawings, and Gmail and should take less than 15 minutes to complete each week. To sign up for these videos, please visit the Google Teacher Center. EDu in 90 YouTube Playlist Would you like access to bite-sized videos without having to sign up for the 8-week email subscription? Three times a month, the Google for Education YouTube Channel publishes a 90-second video to their Edu in 90 playlist. If you choose to subscribe to the playlist, you will get an email notification when a new video is created. Each episode will focus on an important topic for educators, administrators, and school leaders - things like product updates, new programs, and helpful resources for the classroom. Pro Tip: Quick launch Google Apps
Changes in Add-On Access Google has made changes to how users install G Suite Add-Ons. Beginning 1/2/20, all add-ons will be managed by Jeffco through a whitelist; only vetted and approved add-ons will be available to #TeamJeffco. To request an add-on be vetted, use the standard district vetting process. District vetting occurs over winter/summer break. Submit your request by 12/6. Hangouts Meet Updates Last year, Classic Hangouts broke apart into two new products: Hangouts Chat and Hangouts Meet. Hangouts Meet is a video conferencing tool that allows participants to create virtual meeting spaces. Although Hangouts Meet is not available for Jeffco students, it is available for all Jeffco staff. This product has had a few changes over the past month that might support your work!
The Google Infused Classroom Book Study REmoving Pinned Apps A few people have requested the ability to remove the Read and Write extensions from their pinned app bar at the bottom of Chromebooks. We have removed forced pinning of these extensions, but you will need to physically remove them from your app launcher. To un-pin, right-click in the tab and select "Unpin tab." There is no keyboard shortcut for pinning or unpinning a tab.
What's a Chrome App? Generally speaking, Chrome Apps are bookmarked websites. Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides, Hangouts etc. are all native G Suite Chrome apps. These apps can be found by clicking on the app icon (the "waffle") in the top of your chrome browser. You can also install third-party Chrome apps from the Chrome Webstore; however, fewer companies are continuing to manage and develop Chrome apps, as many people just choose to bookmark the website for easy access. Pro Tip: When bookmarking a website, delete the words to create a simple favicon. This allows you to add many more bookmarks to the top of your browser.
What's an Add-On? Google add-ons live within G Suite for Education Chrome apps: GMail, Docs, Sheets, Forms and Slides. Add-ons are often created by third-party developers, and they enhance how the app functions.
Pear Deck, one of Jeffco's digital tools, is an Add-on that functions within Google Slides and is available for all staff and students. It allows for interactive slides that provide opportunities to formatively assess students while delivering direct instruction! Jeffco Ed Tech's G Suite Add-on Webpage What's an Extension? Extensions boost the functionality of your Chrome browser. They customize the experience you have while browsing the internet, and are often created by third-party companies. Extensions can, and should, be managed regularly to ensure your browser is functioning efficiently. If your browser is acting slow or inefficient, clean out the extensions you are no longer using on a regular basis. Also, consider only adding extensions that provide a strong value to your daily browsing experience. Read and Write for Google and EquatIO, two of Jeffco's digital tools, are extensions that alter how the Chrome browser works.
The Power Up Pear Deck extension can also be added to increase the functionality of Pear Deck Slides. This extension ensures that videos, animations, and GIFs embedded in your Pear Deck slides play at full resolution. Jeffco Ed Tech's Extensions Webpage What's an Android App? Android Apps are new in Jeffco and are available on TechforEd 5th and 9th grade Chromebooks; they can be installed through the Google Play Store. Android Apps were built for mobile, touch-screen devices and are similar to iPad apps. Although many of the Android apps also exist on the web (or as Chrome apps) the functionality between both versions may be different. For example, the Google Classroom Android app contains an annotation feature not available on the Chrome App (web) version of Google Classroom. All apps available in the Jeffco Android App store are free to download and have been vetted for student privacy and security. You may request Jeffco add additional Android Apps through the standard district-vetting process. There is currently an Android App for several Jeffco digital tools: Soundtrap, WeVideo, Schoology and many of the G Suite for Education tools. *Currently the Seesaw Android app does not function on student Chromebooks Jeffco Ed Tech Android Apps Webpage Do These tools need to be approved?All Chrome Apps, Extensions, Add-ons and Android Apps used in the classroom should be vetted for student privacy and security. You can find out which have been approved thus far by searching Jeffco's Digital Tools website! To request that additional tools be vetted and added to the site, please complete the district's vetting process. District tool vetting occurs twice a year, during summer and winter break. If you would like to submit tools for second semester, be sure to submit them for vetting by December 1st.
Hangouts Chats: Tips and Tricks Google has delayed their full transition to Google Hangouts Chat. For now, both Hangouts and Hangouts Chat are available in Jeffco. Below are a few helpful tips and tricks to help you navigate the change. Hangouts Chats vs. Classic Hangouts
Hangouts Chat: Chat Rooms vs. Direct Messages (DM's)
YouTube Brand Accounts YouTube has suspended Brand Accounts for educational environments. Brand Accounts allowed users to use certain Google services, like YouTube, with a separate, potentially anonymous identity. Staff brand accounts can be temporarily un-suspended so that videos may be downloaded and saved. Student brand accounts cannot be reactivated. For more information on how to preserve brand account data, and for support on what do do if your account is suspended, please see this support document. Action regarding brand accounts must be taken by October 31st. YouTube Live to YouTube Webcam Record Many schools used YouTube Live streaming through Google Hangouts to stream their news broadcasts and other learning opportunities. This functionality has been changed by Google and is no longer available in Jeffco. The current solution is to use YouTube's Webcam Live Stream. You can quickly go live using your computer or Chromebook's built-in webcam. YouTube Webcam also allows the user to schedule future live stream events. Unfortunately, the ability to share your screen, or allow participants to speak in the recording, is no longer an option. But there is a text chat feature. Coming to Jeffco: G Suite for Education Summit The Colorado EdTechTeam Summit featuring G Suite for Education is coming to Jeffco November 2nd & 3rd at Arvada West High School! See schedule here. "With two action-packed days featuring keynote speakers, a mix of 90 and 60-minute sessions, a playground, and a demo slam, you'll have a chance to create and explore new ideas and topics while connecting with other teachers, school, leaders, and world-class speakers. " - EdTechTeam Inc. Because Jeffco is hosting the event, we receive special pricing of $249, which includes breakfast and lunch (standard registration is $349)! If registering with a Jeffco accounting string, please use this form. If registering using personal funds, please use this form and connect with your school's 1:1 lead for the promotional code. Google Level 2 Bootcamp For those considering their Google Certified Educator Level 2 Certificate, the EdTechTeam Inc. is bringing the Level 2 boot camp to Jeffco on Nov. 1st. "Google’s Certified Educator Level 2 focuses on meaningful and creative ways to integrate the 4Cs in the classroom. Level 2 teaches the advanced features of G Suite including HyperDocs using Google Docs, Maps and MyMaps for geo-instruction and virtual field trips; digital portfolios with Google Sites; and using screen-casting techniques for developing learning libraries in YouTube and more. Level 2 is the perfect place for teachers who are ready to try something new and engaging in their classrooms all while preparing them for Google’s Certified Educator Level 2 exam." - EdTechTeam Inc. This one-day event will be held at 581 Conference Place (cost $199, includes lunch). If registering with a Jeffco accounting string, please use this form. If registering using personal funds, please use this form. Google Certified Educator Clock-Hour Credit Considering getting your Google Level 1, 2 or Trainer certificate? We offer ESS clock-hour credit for these certifications!
To get your credit, follow these instructions:
When I was asked to write a post for Jeffco Ed Tech blog, I was stymied. Education technology is a huge topic. It’s complicated, demonized, canonized, hotly debated, and full of strife & potential. Finally, after six or seven digital wads of paper, I’ve settled on discussing how I rolled out 1:web Chromebooks for my freshman classes this year. It’s timely, and I hope it proves helpful. First of all, mad props to Pomona’s administration and our campus IT staff. It all starts there. Without a clear and shared vision of what technology will look like and a commitment to goals we set out to achieve by using it, the results would be confusing to everyone involved. Our tech gurus, Matt Daniels and Judy Sims, have been great at keeping our campus focused and practical about everything from how to track each device to which apps make the most sense for teachers to use. They are absolutely central to the success of the roll-out of over 700 (!) Chromebooks (and chargers and cords and screen protectors and id tags and Velcro strips and screen cleaner cloths and styluses and...et al) for our 9th & 10th grade Panthers. I shudder to think how absolutely chaotic this initiative could have turned out, and I’m so appreciative of their strong leadership from the beginning. So that’s the Big Picture. As for incorporating this technology into our daily classroom environment, I am still a novice. I still ask the Annoying Question of the Day to Matt and Judy and have impractical requests that are met with “You really don’t want to do that, Clint”. “Why not?” And then he patiently explains the Why Not. I’m moving in the right direction, though, and zealously embracing the feel-good-It’s-OK cliche of our times: failing forward. A LOT. My students laugh at me when my “app-tempts” explode. We all laugh together, though, because I’ve found that true humility and vulnerability sometimes creates powerful community. It’s better than the option of playing the immutable sage on the stage, a role that would last, at most, a few measly seconds, and quickly scuttle any vestige of ethos I do have. They teach me more than I could ever figure out myself, and at 1/10 of the time, and they feel powerful when they teach the teacher. I like that. Empowering kids is fun. It’s a rush. Often, when you give That One Troublemaker a Chromebook and a purpose, they are transformed...just like the task they’re working on.  One last thing. At the end of the year, Nick Steinmetz, who I’m sure you know or, if you don’t, you should, challenged us to write a letter about how it went--the inaugural mass Chromebooking. I did that, then ended up writing an alternate version addressed to this year’s students. The letter is friendly yet informative, and includes memes, hyperlinks, footnotes, and other elements that they will run into on digital platforms. Joining our Google Classroom and reading and responding to that letter was their first assignment of the year. Once they join the Classroom, they also have access to the GDoc that I use everyday in class. Even if they’re absent, they get a good idea of what went on during their absence. Here’s a screenshot of (a portion of) that document:  Regarding technology, it’s going well. The kids are excited and potentially a bit intimidated. They see the potential inherent in the system. Even if they are not used to seeing it that way, they recognize their tech as a catalyst to learning and maybe even prosperity. The responsibility they have with that makes them feel like an adult.  Twenty-six years ago, when I first started teaching, “technology” meant the new-fangled electric pencil sharpener that was bolted to a desk. It’s safe to say a few things have changed since then. Heck, we don’t even really need pencil sharpeners. But I still have one. My students still use it. If you need it, it’s right over there by the door, next to the Chromebook cart and the Cell Hotel phone holder. Happy teaching, everyone! Clint Locks Teacher, Pomona High School Important: Transitioning from Hangouts to Hangouts Meet & Chat In 2017 Google announced that they will be replacing Classic Google Hangouts with 2 new products, Hangouts Meet and Hangouts Chat. In August, Jeffco will officially transition from Classic Hangouts to Hangouts Meet and Chat. Hangouts Meet and Chat are currently available on the web for those that are interested in trying out the communication tools (see document below for setup directions). Please know, that in this transition period, some features of Classic Hangouts are not operable in Meet and Chat. Until August, it is important that those who have relied on Classic Hangouts continue to keep that tool available to avoid missing essential communication. More detailed communication will be available in August. Tech Tip: Hangouts Chat Support Document Fix: Chrome Cast for Education We have noticed that some schools are having trouble with Chrome Cast for Education connecting to student and staff Chromebooks. In this scenario, staff and students see the message "no device found." IT has created a Tech Tip document to help you troubleshoot this error. This error is caused when cloud services has been disabled on the Chrombook. This error is likely caused when a staff or student member added an extension that turned off the cloud service. Because extensions change how your browser functions, it's important to be thoughtful and selective with the extensions you and your students choose to add. Tech Tip: Chrome Cast for Education Issue What are Extensions Goo.gl Shortener End-of-life As announced last spring the goo.gl URL shortener reached its end-of-life on March 30th, 2019. No new shortened links can be created with this tool. Our contact at Google has suggested, as a best practice, that we begin to change out old goo.gl shortened addresses. Google does not plan to remove or delete these shortened URLs but it’s never a good idea to rely on outdated technology for important documentation. We have seen some instances where links are receiving errors. If a shortened link is needed, please consider using bit.ly or tinyurl.com. Also, before shortening, consider when you would need to use a shortened URL:
If users are accessing a link from a digital document (ex: lesson plan, HyperDoc, playlist etc.), you do not need to use shortened URL; simply hyperlink the text or copy paste the actual URL. Reminder: Sharing Permissions When sharing documents, it is important to be thoughtful about how you permission the document. When sharing a file in Google you have several choices:
Google Drive Help: Sharing Files from Google Drive Docs Editors Help: Make Google Docs, Sheets, Slides &Forms Public What's new in Google Classroom? Classroom is one of Google's fastest-changing apps and April brought a few new features to make using the tool a bit easier.
Google Educator Certification: Level 1 This fall, Jeffco 5th and 9th grade students will be receiving a personalized learning device. When each student has their own device, the learning (and teaching) experience should change. One way teachers can prepare for this change is to become a Google Certified Educator! The Certified Educator program teaches you the fundamentals for using the G Suite for Education in the classroom. Once you've completed the training, you can elect to take the exam ($10) and receive your official certification. Additionally, you can submit your certificate to Jeffco to receive clock hour credit to support credential re certification (ESS: ETGCER). The Level 1: fundamentals course covers the following content:
New Feature: Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop (CRD) is a remote control software that allows a user to access one device remotely from another. CRD is now approved and available for use by all educators across Jeffco. With CRD you can control a desktop, laptop, or Chromebook from across the classroom without a wired connection. For example, a teacher can use an iPad or Chromebook to control a desktop or laptop that might be connected to a projector, SMART board, television, or other display solution. The power of this tool opens up un-tethered instructional opportunities for educators as they can move around their classroom in complete control of what's on the display without being connected by cables.
CRD install requires administrator access on the device being controlled. To get set up, begin by submitting a work ticket in ESS with your request to use CRD in your classroom. A support tech will contact you to install CRD. Once the install is complete, you'll be able to install the CRD app on an iPad, Chromebook, or other device to begin remote controlling your desktop or laptop. CRD works on Windows, Mac, and Chrome devices on both district devices and BYOD's More information and support can be found in Tech Tips or by contacting your Ed Tech Specialist.
Google + Shut Down
Google + has acted as Google's social media platform for the past several years. Due to low engagement, some Google+ communities will be shutting down in April. Google has been notifying, via email, members of G+ communities that are being shut down. Currently, Google plans to keep the product available for educational groups who use it to facilitate conversations among co-workers. If you are a member of Google + communities created outside of Jeffco, you will want to connect with that group to make plans for how to continue communications in another manner.
Classic Google SItes Shut Down
Google has updated their timeline for the depreciation of Classic Sites. The final date to transition from a Classic Google Site to a new Google Site is the end of 2021. Google has recognized that the Classic Sites tool still offers some unique features that are not yet built into the New Google Sites product. Some of the features that will be coming to New Sites are as follows:
NEW Feature: GOOGLE GRAMMAR SUGGESTIONS
When a possible grammar error is detected in Google Docs, it will be underlined in blue. Similar to the spell-check functionality, users can right-click to see possible suggestions, or users can choose to dismiss the suggestions.
This new feature has the ability for students to receive real-time feedback on their grammar and to contextualize ideas for how to improve their writing. Additionally, teachers can focus the feedback they provide to students around context and content, rather than on grammar. New Features: Google Classroom
GOOGLE FORMS: LOCK-DOWN MODE
GOOGLE CLASSROOM: CREATE A QUIZ IN CLASSROOM You can now create a quiz assignment directly in Google Classroom. With a quiz assignment you can lock a quiz, import grades, see student answers and return grades. To add a quiz assignment, click your Classwork tab, click the "+ Create" button, and click "Quiz Assignment." As with all assignments in Classroom, you can decide when the assignment will be posted, make edits, reuse the quiz in another class, and add class comments.
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