JEFFCO ED TECH

Google goodness: what's new in 2020

10/28/2020

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Introducing Google Workspace

Google is rebranding GSuite to now be called Google Workspace. 
Be on the look out for a change in the look of app icons on your Chrome browser and on the Ed Tech website and documents. 
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Enterprise update​

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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!
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To prepare, here is a document that explains the feature differences between Education and Enterprise for Education.


new features available now

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Citations and bibliographies are now seamlessly integrated into Google Docs. 
To add citations and a bibliography: 
  1. Open a document in Google Docs and click Tools  Citations. 
  2. In the sidebar, select your formatting style from MLA, APA, or Chicago (author-date).
You can now also, insert and in-text citation and insert a bibliography.
Learn more here



​Show file location in Google Drive.
​Have you ever wondered where a file in your Drive Quick Access lives?
​Now you can find and open the file's location without opening the file itself.  Simply right click the file and choose "show file location".  This will guide you to the folder in which the file is located. 
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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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Google GOODNESS: Back to School Edition

6/23/2020

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IMPORTANT: TRANSITIONING FROM HANGOUTS TO MEET & CHAT

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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 i
s the Official Communication 
Here is a Tech Tip to support the transition

Updates To Google Meet

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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.



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​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.

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What is Coming to G-Suite Google Meet (Late 2020) 

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Google will be releasing many new and exciting functionalities to G-Suite for Education Meet in late 2020!
  • Hand-raising
  • Whiteboard (integration with Jamboard)
  • Closed captioning in four different languages
  • Students/attendees will not be able to join prior to the-moderator(teacher)
  • Moderators(teachers) can disable chat
  • Once a session participant has been removed, they can't return
More information about all of these exciting updates will be available in the next edition of the Jeffco Ed Tech Google Goodness


                             Cast for Education


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Google Goodness: January

1/15/2020

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Innovating with Google keep in the math classroom

LEARN 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

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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 accounts

Although 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.  
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Less Secure Apps

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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 & Tricks

Check out some of the neat features available on Chromebooks! 
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Google Goodness: November

11/6/2019

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Bite-Sized Video Learning

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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

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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

Did you know you can quickly create new Google files directly from your browser? Simply type one of the shortcuts below into the URL bar to get started! 
  • docs.new
  • sheets.new
  • slides.new
  • forms.new
  • cal.new
  • keep.new
  • sites.new 

Changes in Add-On Access

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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

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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! 
  1. You can now invite up to 150 people to participate in your Hangout Meet! These participants will all have screen sharing and speaking capabilities. 
  2. Hangouts Meet now supports a closed-captioning feature. This is excellent for those needing additional hearing support or for those that need to  listen into a meeting with the sound turned off or down.

The Google Infused Classroom Book Study​

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REmoving Pinned Apps

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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.

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Chrome Apps, Extensions, Add-ons and Android Apps... What are they?

10/30/2019

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What's a Chrome App?

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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. 

Favicons:
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Jeffco Ed Tech's Google Chrome App Webpage

What's an Add-On?

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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.  
  • Add-ons in Sheets, Slides, and Docs can be found in the Add-on tab in the top menu. 
  • Add-ons in Forms can be found in the 'More' (three dots) menu. 
  • Add-ons in Gmail can be found in the 'settings' cogwheel. 
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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?​

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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.
  • Read and Write for Google has two extensions (Read & Write and PDF Reader) that are automatically installed for all staff and students on Chromebooks (they must be manually installed on a laptop).
  • EquatIO has a single extension that must be manually installed from the Chrome Web Store by staff and students on both Chromebooks and laptops. *EquatIO is purchased for grades 6-12 in Jeffco. 

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?

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 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. 
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Google Goodness: September

9/30/2019

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Hangouts Chats: Tips and Tricks

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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
  • If you currently send a message to a single person in Classic Hangouts, it will appear in your Hangouts Chat (and vice versa).
  • If you send a group message in Classic Hangouts (multiple people) it will not appear in Hangouts Chat (and vice versa). Chat room message from Hangouts Chat will also not transfer to Classic Hangouts. So, if you are running off of Classic Hangouts or Hangouts Chat alone, you might be missing some of your group messages.
  • Classic Hangouts used to function as an extension. That means that if you had your web browser open, you would automatically receive Classic Hangout notifications (unless you had the extension muted). With Hangouts Chat, you have to install the desktop app and keep it open. If you close it, you will not receive your notifications.​

​Hangouts Chat: Chat Rooms vs. Direct Messages (DM's)
  • There is a difference between direct messages (one or more people) and chat rooms 
  • In a chat room, you can thread your messages, similar to Schoology or an actual chat room. New topic = start a new thread.
  • Your default notification rules are not set to 'ping' you for all messages. By default, you only get notifications for direct messages and when a new thread is started in a chat room (similar to Schoology). If someone continues to reply to a chat room thread, you will not get the notification, unless you change your settings. To do this, go to settings (cogwheel in top right-hand corner), and change Web/Desktop and Mobile (if using Chat on your phone) to "All Messages. You will now receive notifications for all messages, as long as you have the Hangouts Chat app open.

YouTube Brand Accounts

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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:
  1. Visit the Google Certified Educator Level 1 website. 
  2. ​Compete the free Fundamentals Training course.
  3. Register and take the Level 1 exam ($10). 
  4. Once you have passed the exam and received your certificate, sign up in ESS using code  ETGCER.
  5. Email your certificate to amie.adams@jeffco.k12.co.us. 
  6. ​Your  clock-hour credit will appear on your ESS report in June.

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Spotlight with Mr. Locks at Pomona HS

8/27/2019

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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.
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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:
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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. ​
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​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
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​Teacher, Pomona High School

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Google Goodness: April

4/29/2019

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Important: Transitioning from Hangouts to Hangouts Meet & Chat

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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

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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

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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:
  • you need to get people directed to a URL quickly (ex: on a presentation for a large group)
  • you are limited by the amount of text (ex: posting a link to a blog or website on Twitter)
  • you need a memorable URL for marketing and branding purposes (ex: you are creating a flyer or logo)

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

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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:
  • On - Public on the web: This type of file is globally accessible. Anybody with internet access can search and open your file. If you need to publish a document to the world, this is the share setting you would use; do not use this share setting for sensitive files or files that are only intended for a select group or person.​

  • On - Anyone with the link: These types of files would only be accessible to anyone (in or out of Jeffco) who has the direct link; however, if the link is shared beyond the intended audience (via email or another means), all recipients would be able to access the document. Do not use this share setting for sensitive files or files that are only intended for a select group or person.
  • On - Jeffco Public Schools: Files with this permission would be searchable and accessible to anyone (staff or students) with an @jeffcoschools.us account. This is similar to public on the web, but restricted to just our district. Think of it as public to Jeffco. Do not use this share setting for sensitive files or files that are only intended for a select group or person. Remember that students (and parents who have access to their student's log-in information ) would be able to find and access.
  • On - Anyone at Jeffco with the link: This permission setting is similar to anyone with the link, but is restricted to only those (staff, students, and parents who have access to their student's log-in information) with an @jeffcoschools.us account. If you tried to access this document with a personal account, Google will notify you that you would need to request access. Similarly, if the link is accidentally shared in an email, unintended Jeffco recipients may have access to this type of file. Do not use this share setting for sensitive files or files that are only intended for a select group or person. 
  • Off - Specific People: This sharing permission is the most selective way to share files with other users. Only users that you directly add by name will be able to access the document. If the URL to the document is shared with outside users, they would need to request permission to view the file. 
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Google Drive Help: Sharing Files from Google Drive
Docs Editors Help: Make Google Docs, Sheets, Slides &Forms Public

What's new in Google Classroom?

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Classroom is one of Google's fastest-changing apps and April brought a few new features to make using the tool a bit easier. 
  • New work posts to the top: Previously, when you posted an assignment, it would add your assignment to the bottom of the classwork feed. Now, when you post a new assignment it will appear at the top, making it easier for students to find the work, without having to rearrange the tasks. 
  • Filtering by topic: As you probably know, you can assign your assignments to a topic. This groups them together and makes organization easier. You will now notice a table of contents on the left-hand side to which makes navigation easier. Additionally, you can click on a topic and show only those assignments for that topic. 
  • Remove a co-teacher:  Co-teachers can now remove themselves from a classroom using the "people" tab. 

Google Educator Certification: Level 1

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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:
  • Engaging in Professional Growth and Leadership 
    • Get ready to use tech in the classroom 
    • Expand your access to help and learning 
  • Increase Efficiency and Save Time
    • Have a mostly paperless classroom
    • Save time communicating 
    • Organize activities for yourself and others 
    • Bring meetings online 
    • Bring student work online 
    • Measure, understand and share student growth
  • Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity 
    • Teach students online skills
    • Build interactive lessons 
    • Captivate your class with video
    • Facilitate group work 
    • Promote digital citizenship and positive online behavior 

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Google Goodness: February

2/22/2019

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New Feature: Chrome Remote Desktop 

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​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

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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

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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 site themes 
  • Improved text controls with greater choices of fonts, colors, styles, etc...
  • Standard & custom templates 
  • Better integration with other G Suite products
  • New page elements like a table of contents and image carousels (image slideshow).
  • Version history

​​NEW Feature: ​GOOGLE GRAMMAR SUGGESTIONS

A new beta program in Google has arrived in Jeffco!  Google uses machine technology to recognize and help correct potential grammar errors in real time! Previously, Google Docs checked text for spelling, offering suggestions when appropriate; however, now it will highlight possible grammar errors in your text and help you correct them. 
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

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  • Stream notifications: you can now choose to expand or collapse the view for classwork notifications on the Stream tab of Google Classroom. There is also the option to hide classwork notifications completely from the stream. 
  • Stream organization: you can now drag and drop the order of posts in the stream tab. 
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Google Goodness: January (2.0)

1/23/2019

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​GOOGLE FORMS: LOCK-DOWN MODE 

Need help with Google Forms?
​Visit the Google Forms Learning Center
Jeffco has entered the beta program for the new lock-down feature in Google Forms! Locked mode prevents students from navigating away from the quiz in their Chrome browser until they submit their answers. 

To enable locked-quiz mode, click the settings wheel at the top of your opened Google Form. Select the Quizzes tab, make the form a quiz, and then check the box to turn on locked mode. ​

GOOGLE CLASSROOM: CREATE A QUIZ IN CLASSROOM

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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. 
  • ​Classroom Help: Create a Quiz Assignment​

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