Monday, July 31, 2017

Xtramath - makes it easy to adjust levels for your students or children

Xtramath is a great website for practicing basic facts. I created a blog post last year about it - click here for a review of the site.

What I am pointing out in today's blog is how easy it is to adjust the level of the user using the site. Anywhere from going from Advanced 1.5 seconds (gives user 1.5 seconds to answer +, -, x, & /) to working on adding up to 10 within 6 seconds (example 5+4 = 9 to be answered within 6 seconds).

This is very helpful to adjust to the user's ability.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute and 4 second YouTube tutorial I created.





Take care,
Brad

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Want to convert an image of text into an editable Google Doc?

The other day a friend shared with me the fact that you can convert an image of text into a Google Doc that could be edited (video here).

If you upload a PDF or JPEG that has text on it - you know that it is a picture and you can not edit it. However, there is a little trick that allows you to take that file and Google finds the text and creates it into an editable Google Doc.

Here is a quick way to do it.
Upload file > right click on file (or select three dots) > select Open with > select Google Docs

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 58 second YouTube tutorial.





Enjoy!
Brad

Saturday, July 29, 2017

How to show or hide your bookmarks bar in Google Chrome

If you would like to show or hide your bookmarks in Chrome you can select the three dots in the upper right hand corner, bookmarks, and then select bookmarks bar.

Or - the much easier way is to use Ctrl Shift B.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 24 second YouTube tutorial I created.






Take care,
Brad

Friday, July 28, 2017

Nice site to practice vocabulary in 8 foreign languages

Imendi is a site for practicing foreign language using flashcards. 8 languages, each with 12 lessons. Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute and 4 second YouTube tutorial I created.

Thank you to Richard Byrne for his post regarding this site.




Hasta la vista!
Brad

Thursday, July 27, 2017

How to create your own selfie sticker for free!

If you would like to be creative with your selfies and make them into a sticker - try the app Sticky AI to send as a text, Facebook messenger, Snapchat, Instagram, or save to your photos.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 51 second YouTube tutorial.





Thank you to Tony Vincent for posting about this app the other day. Enjoy!
Brad

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

How to grant access to all or specific photos in your Google Photos library

If you would like to grant access to all or specific photos in your Google Photos library please check out the embedded GIF or 1 minute 26 second YouTube video below.

This can be done on a desktop / laptop as well as a mobile device.





Take care,
Brad

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Search messages by keyword on an iPhone

While many know that you can search by name for old text messages, did you know that you can search by keyword as well?

In the example below deals with searching for the keyword "baseball".





Take care,
Brad

Monday, July 24, 2017

Want a screen and webcam recorder? Try Soapbox

Richard Byrne the other week shared a great Google Chrome extension Soapbox that allows you to record your screen and webcam together for free.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute 59 second (not 2 minutes - ha) YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad

Sunday, July 23, 2017

15 days of darkness in November confirmed by NASA? Before you share or retweet a story check out the site Snopes.com

We all have seen stories posted on social media that look shocking yet believable. Well, before you like or share the story with all of your friends - check out the site Snopes.com.

Snopes has been around since 1995 and is an awesome resource to check the validity of those stories you are reading.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute 19 second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Frustrated when videos automatically play in Facebook and or Twitter on your phone?

If you are frustrated when videos automatically play in Facebook and or Twitter - embedded below the directions is a GIF followed by a 1 minute 38 second YouTube video I created.

Facebook

  1. Bottom right select the three lines
  2. Scroll to settings gear and then select account settings
  3. Select Videos and Photos
  4. Select Autoplay and make your selection
Twitter
  1. Select your profile picture (upper left)
  2. Select Settings and privacy
  3. Under General select Data Usage
  4. Select Video Autoplay and make your selection



Take care,
Brad





Friday, July 21, 2017

Easy to use free online dictation tool

If you would like a free and simple to use online dictation tool, try Dictation.io.

When ready, select start dictation and when finished select stop dictation. You can then edit the text and save to your computer or copy the text to be placed in a file of your choosing.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 37 second YouTube tutorial.





Take care,
Brad
Brad

Thursday, July 20, 2017

How to quickly include video directions in Google Classroom

If you post an assignment in Google Classroom and would like to quickly include video directions in your assignment, try using the Google Classroom App (I am using an iPhone) and then follow the following directions on your phone or tablet. This could help get across something that is easier said in words than in written form.
  1. In the assignment select the paperclip
  2. Scroll down to Use camera
  3. Scroll to Video and switch the camera around to include your face 
  4. Record your directions
  5. Select Use Video and you will see the video included in your post
  6. Send the assignment using the arrow
Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 46 second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Is the website you are trying to access down or is it you?

I think we have all come across that frustration when you are not sure if a website is down for everyone, or is it just you. Kind of like the whole, "It's not you it's me" routine.

Well thankfully the site Downforeveryoneorjustme can answer that question for you.

On the site type in the address of the website and it will let you know if it is completely down - or if it is indeed you.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 26 second YouTube tutorial I created.




Take care,
Brad

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Easy and quick way to create a search engine in your address bar

If you remember a topic in a certain website and would like to find it quickly, try this little trick.

In the Chrome address bar (or Omnibox as Google calls it)

  1. At the top right click the three dots More and then settings
  2. Under "Search engine," click manage search engines
  3. Select the triangle where it says "Other search engines."
  4. Select add "on same line as "Other search engines."
  5. Name the search engine - example Facebook
  6. Enter in a keyword - For Facebook - maybe just Face
  7. Under where it has URL make sure to do the following
    1. Enter in the website address with this after it (search?q=%s)
      1. Example - https://www.facebook.com/search?q=%s
  8. Select add
  9. When in your Omnibox / address bar type in your keyword and then Tab you can now search the site
Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute 24 second YouTube tutorial I created.





Happy searching,
Brad

Monday, July 17, 2017

In a Google search - a very interesting and educational feature.

If you need a break - or simply just want to learn something new simply type in "Fun Facts" or"I'm feeling curious" and some very informative information will be presented to you. If you would like to learn more just click on the blue Ask Another Question.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 26 second YouTube tutorial.





Take care,
Brad

Sunday, July 16, 2017

How to create a question in Google Classroom - remember to include a topic

Here is a quick post on how to ask a question in Google Classroom. When asking a question you hav the choices below:
  1. Ability to send to all students or select ones
  2. Option to include instructions
  3. Assign a due date (optional)
  4. Topic - great for ease of returning to the post in the future
  5. What type of question (short answer or multiple choice)
  6. Ability for students to reply to each other (can be turned off)
  7. Ability for students to be able to edit answer (can be turned on)
  8. Ability to include a file from computer or Drive
  9. Ability to embed a YouTube video or a link from the web
Embedded below is a GIF, a 1 minute and 14 second YouTube video I created, and a screenshot for what asking a question looks like.






Take care,
Brad

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Creating a Google Classroom is easy - remember anyone can create a classroom!

If you would like to communicate with a group of people for any reason, maybe you are a teacher, maybe you are starting a club, maybe something completely different - try Google Classroom.

Embedded below is a GIF and a 1 minute and 11 second YouTube tutorial embedded below.




Take care,
Brad

Friday, July 14, 2017

In Google Photos type in a name and place you visited

Yesterday's post I showed you how to apply a name to a face in Google Photos for easy searching. Today's post I will show you a cool feature in Photos where all you need to do is type in the name of the person you are searching for and a place.

Example - we went to Florida a few weeks ago - so I typed in my daughter's name (Sydney) and then Florida.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 30 second YouTube tutorial I created.






Take care,
Brad

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Name a face in Google Photos for easy searching

Google Photos makes it easy to search by a name, all you need to do is make sure you name the face.

In order to name the person simply enter into

  1. Albums
  2. People
  3. Select face
  4. Name the face
There you have it!

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 40 second YouTube video.






Take care,
Brad

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

See the lyrics to a song on YouTube

If you want to see the lyrics to millions of songs on YouTube try adding the extension Musixmatch.

One you add the extension be sure to select CC in the bottom right of the YouTube video and the lyrics will come up for you.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 43 second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Share or start a YouTube video at a specific spot/time

If you have ever found a YouTube video and want to show a friend or a class, but you don't need them to see prior parts of the video, here is a simple trick.

Once you find the spot / time you would like the video to start playing,

  1. simply right click on the video 
  2. select copy video URL at current time
  3. a link has been created and you may share as you desire
Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 36 second YouTube tutorial I created.






Take care,
Brad

Monday, July 10, 2017

Want to listen to your favorite artist or band's particular album? Try YouTube - it's free

If you would like to listen to a particular artist or band's album - use YouTube and follow these steps.


  1. Type in the name of the band (Coldplay) and either hit enter or the magnifying glass.
  2. Select filter (and channel)
  3. Enter in to the artist or band's channel
  4. Scroll down a bit and select albums
  5. Choose your favorite album

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 53 second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Play the guitar on Google

Back in 2011 Google created an awesome guitar Google Doodle to celebrate Les Paul's 96th birthday.

You can play the guitar with your mouse or with your keyboard. You can even easily record your song right in the Doodle itself.

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 5 second YouTube tutorial I created to show you what it looks like.

This site is great to spark that creativity.

I was goofing around and came up with what you hear by clicking here in honor of Game of Thrones season 7 starting next weekend. I am in no means a gifted musician - but loved it!



Found this helpful guide from the site Tech Review Pro

Understanding The Google Guitar Doodle’s Musical Notes

The Google Guitar has ten notes that go from a low G, and that goes as high as a high B. If you are familiar with the musical notes, keep in mind that each number has its note.

The strings on the left side of the doodle are the C, E, and G notes. The strings in the middle are the B, G, B notes and the strings on the right side are the A, D, F# and A notes.

Don’t forget that if you want to use your keyboard to play, each key will play a different note. For example, Q, 1, A, Z will play the same string that is the G note in the center of the Google Guitar Doodle.

The number on your keyboard play the following notes:

1 is G
2 is A
3 is B
4 is C
5 is D
6 is E
7 is F#
8 is G
9 is A
0 is B
If you hit various keys at the same time to play some basic chords. For example, G major would be 1, 3 and 5. C Major would be 4, 6, and 8. Finally, D7 Major would be 4, 5, 7, 9.


Here are a few other songs to try:

  1. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – 1155665 4433221 5544 332 5544332 1155665 4433221
  2. Harry Potter – 36 876 09 7 36 876 73
  3. Star Wars – 1543 2854 3285 4342
  4. The God Father – 368768676453
  5. Imperial Darth Vader March – 333 1 53 1 53 7 7 7 8 531 53
  6. Titanic – 4444 344 3456 54 4443 441
  7. Happy Birthday – 112143 112154 1186432 443121
  8. Can’t Get No Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones – 22 234 44332 22 234
  9. Nothing Else Matters by Metallica – DGJPJG DGJPJG JJJ JKJ HJHDDD
  10. Come as You Are by Nirvana – Q Q Q W E W E W EW Q E Q W Q
  11. Star Spangle Banner – T W Q E T I – POIEQT – TTPOIU – YUOOTEQ – EWQERT – TTPOIU – YUIITEQ – IIIOPP – OIUIOO – IUYTR – ERTQWE – TTIIIUYYYPOIUYT – WWTYUIO – TYUIYT
  12. Typical Doorbell – 7 5 6 2 2 6 7 5
  13. Hey Jude by The Beatles – 533562 234887756554 5666987865 1236554321 18765546 86545 6543321 18665 5468684 86545654321
  14. Jingle Bells – 333 333 35123 44444 33333 55421
  15. Duelling Banjos – 7 8 9 7 8 6 7 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 6 7 5 6 2 5 5 6 7 5 7 6 5 5 5 8 5

Take care!
Brad



Saturday, July 8, 2017

Have a GIF that is too large to post on Twitter? Try this solution

If you have ever worked really hard to make a GIF and post it on to Twitter but it is too large of a file - it can be really frustrating.

Well, here is one solution I have come up with.

  1. Upload your GIF to Giphy.
  2. When prompted choose Copy Link
  3. Copy the GIF link
  4. Enter the URL in a new tab and hit enter
  5. Right click on the GIF and select save image as...
  6. Save your GIF and place into Twitter
Embedded below is a GIF (I better have made on for this post huh?) and a 1 minute and 20 second YouTube tutorial I created.

Remember to try to keep those GIFs to 20 seconds or less when you can!




Take care,
Brad

Friday, July 7, 2017

Change the background color of a Google Doc for a flyer, poster, or just for fun

It’s really easy to change the background color of a Google Doc possibly to create a flyer or poster and need it to stand out!

Below are the steps and then a GIF followed by a 21 second YouTube tutorial.
  1. Select File
  2. Select Page setup
  3. Click the color box next to Page color
  4. Select the color you’d like from the color chooser
  5. Click OK




As always if you have any questions please let me know!
Brad

Thursday, July 6, 2017

How to record your iPhone/iPad on a Windows or Mac device

In the past when I would want to record my iPhone or iPad I either had to use my Mac with QuickTime or Air Play my device to my computer and then record with Camtasia or other recording sites.

From now on I will use the site Apowersoft.
Here is a GIF I created to show you.



  1. Once you select Download Desktop
  2. Select Launch Online
  3. You will then see the application launch
  4. Make sure you AirPlay your iPhone or iPad and select Apowersoft
  5. In the upper left corner select record and begin recording
  6. Once completed, the file will be stored on your computer 
  7. In the upper right corner you will see the settings icon (three dots and three lines) 
  8. Select options and then you can adjust video format (including GIF), video quality, audio input I had to adjust mine to microphone, as well as output display (where you would like your files stored)

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute and 49 second YouTube tutorial I created.






Pretty excited about this one!
Brad

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Is that a big number?

If you have ever been asked the question, "Is that a big number?" - you now have a website at your disposal. Isthatabignumber.com provides the user with more or less than type statements as well as equivalent to.

Thank you to Tony Vincent for posting this the other day (great follow on Twitter).
Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 52 second YouTube tutorial.





Take care,
Brad

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Interactive Declaration of Independence

Richard Byrne the other day shared this amazing resource on the Declaration of Independence. The site provides you with a high resolution scan of an 1823 facsimile of the text, annotated version of John Trumball's 1819 painting of the signing, and an interactive map that shows the signers' hometown.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute and 37 second YouTube video I created.





Happy Independence Day!
Brad

Monday, July 3, 2017

Add a GIF to Gmail with this extension

GIPHY has created a simple to use extension to spruce up that email with a GIF. Simply add the extension, select the insert from GIPHY to the right of the blue send button, and find the GIF to add on that GIF!

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 51 second YouTube tutorial I created.





Take care,
Brad

Sunday, July 2, 2017

Scan QR code with Google's Chrome Browser on iPhone or iPad

If you download the Google Chrome Browser (iTunes) all you need to do is scroll from the top and type in qr and the qr reader will be available for you.

An embedded GIF and 32 second YouTube video is below.






Take care,
Brad

Saturday, July 1, 2017

Want to start a YouTube video at a specific point?

If you want to start a YouTube video at a specific point try this.


  • You want to jump to the point where Brad Lidge strikes out Eric Hinskie (2 hour 54 minutes & 11 seconds).
  • Take the url and add in #t= 
    • #t=2h54m11s
  • The url would look like this -
    •  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKX9rmeMgUU#t=2h54m11s

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 58 second YouTube tutorial I created.




Take care,
Brad