Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Team Drives is being renamed to Shared Drives (early June)

Starting on June 3, 2019 (1-3 day rollout) the name Team Drives will be renamed to Shared Drives. The reason Google stated was because Team Drives are used for a lot more than sharing within teams, so “shared drives” makes it easier to understand how you could use them.

For information regarding this update click here - Team Drives is being renamed to shared drives.

FYI - On mobile, Android users will see this change beginning on May 28, 2019. iOS users will see this change beginning on May 21, 2019.

Take care,
Brad

Monday, April 29, 2019

Popular Tech Myths in US You can charge your phone overnight - won't hurt the battery. 📱🌃🔋👌 + most Googled tech question by state. Apparently "Phone in rice" is a big one! 📱🍚😃

PC Mag recently shared popular tech myths in 2019 and it is an interesting read. You can see one chart embedded below. Basically, a bigger sensor helps you take better pictures with your phone (not megapixels), you don't harm the battery on your phone by charging overnight, Macs do get viruses, a computer does not need to be shut down every night, etc.

You can also view on the site the most Googled tech question by state. Apparently phone in rice is big in a number of states!


Enjoy!
Brad

Sunday, April 28, 2019

Quizlet App Feature (Beta) Swipe to the right to set aside terms you know and to the left to study again.

Quizlet has a Beta Feature available in their app (Smart Swipe) Swipe to the right to set aside terms you know and to the left to study again.

If you do not see this feature available, you can delete the app and add the app , or make sure to update the app.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute and 12 second YouTube tutorial.



Take care,
Brad

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Where do MLB and NFL fans live?

Seatgeek has provided a map showing all 50 states and what counties root for what team for MLB and NFL.

Click here for Where do MLB fans live.



Team with the most U.S. counties: Atlanta Braves

Team with the most out-of-state counties: Atlanta Braves

Team that covers the greatest land area: Seattle Mariners

Team with the most California counties: San Francisco Giants

State with the most teams : Pennsylvania - 7


Click here for Where do NFL Fans live.


Team with the most U.S. counties: Dallas Cowboys

Team that covers the greatest land area: Seattle Seahawks

Team with the most out-of-state counties: Kansas City Chiefs

Team with the most California counties: San Francisco 49ers

This would be great for comparing and contrasting for students!

Go Eagles!
Brad

Friday, April 26, 2019

Google's Avengers Easter Egg

Google has added an Easter Egg into their search. If you search for Thanos and then select the "glove" items will disappear. If you want items to reappear, simply re-select the glove. This works on mobile devices as well as on a notebook.

Embedded below is a 38 second YouTube tutorial.


Take care,
Brad


Thursday, April 25, 2019

Moment AR - help engage a child in talking about emotions.

Moment AR is an augmented reality app that helps to engage a child in talking about their emotions. Please note you will need a smartphone or tablet as well as a merge cube - https://www.MergeCube.com.

When you launch the app you will see the options you see below. Once you select the option the camera will open and you will need to place the merge cube in front of the device to see the augmentation.

When you use the emotions option you will see the characters. Make sure to tap on one of them and then you will see the character acting out scenes on the cube. This is great to discuss with the child about how the character is feeling and the discussion can begin. To go back to the other emotions make sure to tap the character and it will return to the original screen.

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 39 second YouTube tutorial.



Take care,
Brad

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Create an app using Google Sheets. You read that correctly! No coding necessary.

Many view creating an app as something that is reserved for those who know coding inside and out. If you can create a spreadsheet in Google Sheets, you can create a working app. While this will create an app - it will not be a published app in the app store or Google Play; however, you can pursue that.

What you will need to do is create the information you want in your app in a Google Spreadsheet and then open up the website Glide - https://www.glideapps.com/

Once you open the site there are plenty of sample apps (with available spreadsheets) and sample videos.

When you select create app you will then need to choose your spreadsheet and make adjustments once built. One item that I would suggest you look at is the screen icon (left side and looks like a screen of a phone). You can then choose the layout (if using pictures make sure to select list - but check the others as well.

You can then choose to open the app (left side) as well as share (left side). You will see some options available for sharing as well as the settings option that allows you to change the image, name , description, as well as if you would like it public or with a password.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 2 minute and 32 second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Add audio to GIFs / memes/ photos

If you would like to add audio to  GIFs/ memes / photos try using the GIFnote app. One item to point out the music that is suggested sometimes has language that is not appropriate - so while this is fun, it is something I wanted to point out.

When you log on you will see trending GIFs as well as categories above to search. If you would like to see one, simply select it and then you will see it play and you can hear the music by selecting the audio icon. You can share it by selecting the share icon in the bottom right. You can also save this as afavorite (upper right heart) as long as you are logged in with an account (you can use Facebook).

If you would like to make your own just select the photo/meme/GIF you would like to use and then search for the music that you would like to accompany it.

Embedded below is a 1 minute and second YouTube tutorial.

Take care,
Brad

Monday, April 22, 2019

Want to create a word search/scramble, hangman, bingo, matching game, tournament bracket or random name picker without a spreadsheet? Try Flippity's quick creation.

Flippity's quick creation allows you to create the options you see below with their quick creation solution.

Random Name Picker
Fun With Words
Word Search
Word Scramble
Hangman
Bingo
Matching Game
Tournament Bracket

In the example below, I show my son (Jack who is 6) and how he wanted to create a tournament of the first 64 Pokemon. Of course Pikachu ⚡ won! 

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 41 second YouTube tutorial.





Gotta catch em all😃!!
Brad

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Take your VR Tour to the next level by adding audio

Earlier this month I shared how to create a virtual tour from your computer and share it  - today I am sharing how you can take your tour to the next level - add audio!

To add audio (you will need to have it be an MP3) you can use a website such as 123apps'  online voice recorder. What is great about online voice recorder is the fact that it allows you to trim your audio, save it, and the fact it is free.

You can also use audio from your phone (and upload it to a site such as Google Drive) and then convert it to MP3 using 123apps' online audio converter.

You can then add the audio recordings directly in your tour by clicking on the area (or scene) you would like to add audio and click on what you see below (looks like a person with audio). The other option is to add ambient noise.
Once you upload your audio, publish your tour, and share it - please remind your viewers to select the gear (upper right) and make sure they click on the gear and turn narration on.

Embedded below is a 2 minute and 25 second YouTube tutorial I created.



Take care,
Brad

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Test your knowledge - Quizzes built into Google Earth

You can access the quizzes by selecting Voyager and then games - or you can click here.

  • Where on Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego - The Crown Jewels Caper
      • The world’s greatest super thief has struck again. Can you track her around the globe to recover the stolen loot?
    • Coming Soon: The Tutankhamun's Mask Caper
      • Check back soon to help Carmen Sandiego track VILE operative Paper Star as she seeks the keys to the Kremlin.
    • Coming Soon:The Keys to the Kremlin Caper
      • Check back soon to help Carmen Sandiego track VILE operative Paper Star as she seeks the keys to the Kremlin.
  • Animals of the World
    • Test your knowledge about the creatures large and small that share our planet.
  • Natural Wonders
    • Test your knowledge of places near and far. Take this multiple-choice quiz and explore some unbelievable natural wonders.
  • Ocean Safari
    • How well do you know the ocean’s biggest creatures? Test your knowledge while taking a virtual dive around the world.
  • Summer Travel
    • Test your knowledge of nine of the most popular travel destinations on Google Earth.
  • Beaches Around the World
    • Test your knowledge of the world’s sandy stretches, from beachcomber’s favorites to idyllic spots caught on the silver screen.
  • Spooky Spots
    • Test your knowledge of some of the world’s eeriest environs, from haunted hotels to macabre mountains.
  • Football (soccer) Trivia
    • Whether you call it football or soccer, test your knowledge of championship matches and world records.
  • Castles & Palaces
    • Think you know your royal residences? Test your knowledge of these castles and palaces around the world.
  • Holiday Traditions
    • Test your knowledge of holiday celebrations across the globe.
  • World War 1
    • Test your knowledge of the battles and events that took place during WWI, the first truly global conflict.
Below are snapshots of what the quizzes look like.



Take care,
Brad

Friday, April 19, 2019

Create a GIF right from your iPhone - use the Gboard keyboard

If you would like to send a quick GIF right from your iPhone quickly and easily, try adding the GBoard - Google's Keyboard 

Once added, select what looks like the infinity symbol over a camera (right side) and then you will see your options.

For a little something extra select the options on the right side to add a few effects.

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute and 28 second YouTube tutorial.





Take care,
Brad

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Flippity's Scavenger Hunt. Fun way to create a challenge for your students!

Flippity  has a scavenger hunt template ready for you to use to challenge your students, or better yet - have them create some to challenge one-another.

You could use the template in the site; however, for ease of use I would recommend you use their Add-on . You could add it directly from their website, or click here. The Add-on is great as the templates are built directly into your spreadsheet as well as the already published URL.

Please note in the spreadsheet there is a link to adjust options - you will see in the video below.

Two items I would like to point out to possibly make it easier for you / your students.

  1. Create the questions and place somewhere easy to access. In the example below I used Google Keep.
  2. If you have a lot of items to use I would use an extension such as Tab-Resize

Embedded below is a GIF showing a published version as well as a 2 minute and 39 second YouTube tutorial.




Take care,
Brad

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Flippity has a new Add-on and it is awesome! Plus - how to change Flippity's Hangman to a different game.

Awesome news! Flippity has a brand new Add-on for Google Sheets that is outstanding and easy to use.

If you are new to Flippity, Flippity is a site that turns Google Spreadsheets into a random name picker, games, flashcards, etc.

Below you will see an embedded  GIF followed by a 2 minute and 5 second YouTube tutorial showing how to use the Add-on plus how to change Hangman to a different game (snowman). This is a nice solution to this popular game.




Take care,
Brad

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Flipgrid how to have your class access your grid on shared devices (hint - use Classroomscreen as well)

If you would like to have your Grid easily available for your students on shared devices try the following.

  • Create your grid and make sure to select Student ID as the Grid Community Type
    • Name your Grid
    • Create your Flip Code
  • When asked to create your student list you can type in just one name
    • Student and then 1 for last name
  • That is all the names you will need as students can later edit the name when they access the grid
  • You can then print the QR code (along with the Flip Code and Student ID) 
    • I recommend copying the QR code and Flip Code and Student ID and pasting in Classroomscreen.com
      • This allows for students to be able to scan the QR code on a shared device 
  • Students can now scan the code, access te Grid, alter their name, and create their video.
Embedded below is a 2 minute and 21 second YouTube tutorial showing the above as well as what it looks like from a student's point of view using a mobile deice.


Take care,
Brad

Monday, April 15, 2019

You can now add audio to your Google Slides

In Google Slides you can now add audio (MP3 and WAV files from Drive). If you see this feature is not available to you, it will be rolled out over the next couple of weeks (information below was posted on Google's Blog).



  • Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on April 2, 2019. 
  • Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on April 18, 2019. 

  • In order to insert audio you will need to have the file available in your Google Drive (remember this is an MP3 or WAV file). If recording on an iOS device the voice memos are in an MPEG 4 so you will need to use an audio converter such as Online Voice Recorder.

    To insert an audio file follow these steps:

    • Select Insert Audio
    • Select your file in Drive
    • Once audio is inserted you can adjust audio settings by clicking on Format Options in the toolbar and you will see the options you see below.



    Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute and 9 second YouTube tutorial.






    Take care,
    Brad



    Sunday, April 14, 2019

    Wheeldecide is a fun and simple to use random name picker that is in the form of a spinner

    Wheeldecide is a fun and simple to use random name picker that is in the form of a spinner. A few weeks ago I posted about Wheel of Names.

    Wheeldecide is very similar (can post 100 names individually or pasting) and save it with a Facebook log-in. What makes it different are the dynamic wheels where you can have a spinner made of restaurants and events around you, box office movies, as well as movie rentals.


    Embedded below is a 1 minute and 38 second YouTube tutorial.



    Take care,
    Brad

    Saturday, April 13, 2019

    Tired of seeing sports score notifications on your iPhone?

    If you have received sports score notifications on your iPhone and don't want them - there is a simple solution.


    • Enter into your settings
    • Scroll down to TV
    • Toggle off Show Sports Scores
    • It really is that easy!
    Embedded below is a 24 second YouTube tutorial.


    Take care,
    Brad

    Friday, April 12, 2019

    Use the Chwazi App to choose who pays the bill, who goes first, or who is in what group.

    This app is outstanding and will make choices for you. All you need to do is download the Chwazi app and place fingers on the screen and the app will make the choice for you.

    You can adjust the number of fingers chosen as well as have it create groups for the user (check the upper left of the screen for those options).

    Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute and 9 second YouTube tutorial.





    Thanks to Tony Vincent for Tweeting about this. See Tweet below

    Take care,
    Brad

    Thursday, April 11, 2019

    Tour Builder Blog Post update - open tour directly in Earth

    The other day I shared how to view and save Tour Builder tours - click on this link: How to view and save your tours you created using Tour Builder in Google Earth

    In the post I describe how to download the Tour in a file known as a KML file and then upload to Google Earth. While you can do that - it is much easier select options (upper right three lines) and then selecting Open in Earth (see picture and GIF below).




    Take care,
    Brad

    Wednesday, April 10, 2019

    Share distraction free YouTube videos using Wakelet

    If you have ever found a YouTube video that you would like to share with your students or with the families of your students, but are frustrated because of the ads or that YouTube automatically will play the next video - I have solution.

    Try loading the videos into a Wakelet collection and share with your students / families - ad and auto videos are removed.

    Embedded below is a 1 minute and 44 second YouTube tutorial.


    Take care,
    Brad

    Tuesday, April 9, 2019

    Looking to learn about a Google tool? Try Google's Teacher Center!

    The other day a colleague asked me if there were some sites that would allow her to learn on her own about certain Google tools. Well there is - the Google Teacher Center. From Classroom to Gmail to Chromebooks and Tablets - the teacher center has you covered.


    Take care,
    Brad

    Monday, April 8, 2019

    Curve/arch your text, download as a PNG image, and import to Slides, Docs, etc.

    Tony Vincent the other day Tweeted about the ability to arch text and import into Google Slides - see embedded Tweet below.


     This is a great and simple way to add a little creativity to your Slide, Doc, Drawing, etc.

    Embedded below is a 1:59 second YouTube tutorial.


    Take care,
    Brad

    Sunday, April 7, 2019

    Use the Select to Speak extension to have any text read aloud to you in 27 languages and 21 different speeds.

    The Select to Speak extension allows you to have any text read aloud to you in 27 languages and 21 different speeds.

    Once added, make sure to select the text you would like read aloud and then simply click on the extension and the text will be read aloud. If you would like to make adjustments (speed, male/female and language) right click on the extension.

    Embedded below will show you what the free and paid version offer as well as a 1:17 YouTube tutorial.



    Take care,
    Brad


    Saturday, April 6, 2019

    Twitter Dark Mode, Dim, Lights Out, and adjust text size

    Twitter's newest update allows you to scroll with 2 options - dim and lights out which you can adjust automatically in the mornings and evenings.

    On your device

    • select your profile picture
    • Settings and privacy
    • Display and sound
      • Dark Mode
        • Dim and Lights Out
      • Automatic Dark Mode
    Embedded below is a 54 second YouTube tutorial.



    Take care,
    Brad

    Friday, April 5, 2019

    Paste text into 'SMMRY' and you will see a summary at the length you designate.

    SMMRY allows the user to paste a URL, file, text, essay, or story in the box and a shortened summary will be supplied to you. SMMRY allows you to adjust the length of the summary as well.

    Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 52 second YouTube tutorial as well as information revolving around SMMRY.





    Below is more information that is available in the "About" section:


    SMMRY (pronounced SUMMARY) was created to summarize articles and text.

    SMMRY's mission is to provide an efficient manner of understanding text, which is done primarily by reducing the text to only the most important sentences. SMMRY accomplishes its mission by:

    • Ranking sentences by importance using the core algorithm.
    • Reorganizing the summary to focus on a topic; by selection of a keyword.
    • Removing transition phrases.
    • Removing unnecessary clauses.
    • Removing excessive examples.

    The core algorithm summarizes in 7 simple steps:

    1) Associate words with their grammatical counterparts. (e.g. "city" and "cities")
    2) Calculate the occurrence of each word in the text.
    3) Assign each word with points depending on their popularity.
    4) Detect which periods represent the end of a sentence. (e.g "Mr." does not).
    5) Split up the text into individual sentences.
    6) Rank sentences by the sum of their words' points.
    7) Return X of the most highly ranked sentences in chronological order.

    Take care,
    Brad

    Thursday, April 4, 2019

    Google Drive integration now available in Wakelet!

    Wakelet and Google Drive users can now officially rejoice - Google Drive integration is now available in Wakelet.

    • Simply enter into your collection
    • select the + 
    •  find Google Drive on the right-hand side. 
    • Once you sign into your account you will be able to search and find the file you would like to add.
    • If sharing your collection with others, remember to adjust your sharing settings of that file in Google
    Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 53 second YouTube tutorial.






    Take care,
    Brad

    Wednesday, April 3, 2019

    Find your VR tours in Google Expeditions

    In yesterday's post I shared how you can Create a virtual tour right from your computer and share it. Today I am sharing how easy it is to find it Google Expeditions to view, guide, or view in a VR set.

    A few points:

    • Open Google Expeditions
    • Upper left make sure you select the 3 lines and sign-in
    • Select Library (bottom of screen)
    • You will see your downloads
      • Select My Tours (right side)
    • Find your tour
    • Download to view or guide
    • You will then have options to View, View in VR, or be a guide
    • If you choose Guide a pop-up box will come up with a four digit code to share with your audience
    Embedded below is a 2 minute and 14 second YouTube tutorial.



    Take care and enjoy!
    Brad

    Tuesday, April 2, 2019

    How to create a virtual tour right from your computer and share it.

    Google's Tour Creator enable's you to create your own virtual tour of anywhere in the world right from the comfort of your own computer. You can even share the tour and enjoy in Expeditions.

    A few hints before you (or your students/children) create one:

    • make sure a script is ready so you can copy and paste the information
    • you will probably not find the exact image you would like right away so move Pegman (yellow guy) around the area you are interested in
      • you will see a snapshot of what is there so be patient and drag around until you see what you want
    • make sure to select a starting point for your image
    • create some points of interest
      • only have a 300 character limit
    • publish your creation 
    • if open in Expeditions you will find the newly created tour in My Tours
      • you can download the tour when you see it in My Tours
    • you can go back and alter and adjust the tour even after you create it
    • when published you will see a direct link that you can be copied to the clipboard
    • to see the tour I created for the purpose of this blog post - click on the link below:
      • https://poly.google.com/view/aPL1p3XGerD
    Embedded below is a 9 minute and 35 second YouTube tutorial.


    Take care,
    Brad

    Monday, April 1, 2019

    How to view and save your tours you created using Tour Builder in Google Earth

    The past few days I have shared items revolving around Google Earth and Tour Builder. In this post you will see how to find your tours in Tourbuilder, Download the tour to your computer as a KML file, and then how to upload and view in Google Earth.

    In Tourbuilder make sure you are signed in and select

    • My Tours
    • Choose your tour and select Export
    • In this example I chose Download KML
    • Open Google Earth in Chrome
    • Select My Places (looks like a bookmark - left side second from the bottom)
    • Import KML file
    • Select Save
    Embedded below is  a 1 minute and 38 second YouTube tutorial.



    Take care,
    Brad