3 Ways to take a picture/screenshot on your Windows 10 device Windows Key Shift S is the quickest

 If you want to take a screenshot on your Windows 10 device, I have three ways below.

1. You can select Alt + Print Screen - this will create a full screenshot where you can place the image in Paint or anywhere you would like your screenshot.
2. Snipping tool
1. Has a number of options under the mode that allows you to Snip as a Free-Form, Rectangular, Window, or Full-Screen.
1. You can also delay the Snip from No delay to 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 seconds

     3. The quickest and easiest way is to hold down The Windows Key, Shift, and S. You can then place 

          the image in something like Paint or a Google Doc, etc.

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 7 second YouTube tutorial.

Take care,

Brad

How to change the font size and font style quickly in Microsoft Outlook

 If you would like to change the font size and font style in Microsoft Outlook try the following:

• Select View
• Change view
• Manage view
• Modify
• Other settings
• Change column and row font

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 4 second YouTube tutorial.

Take care,

Brad

Turn Your iPhone or iPad Into a Document Camera in Zoom using the Overviewer app

The ability to have a document camera by your side during remote learning has been extremely beneficial. However, a number of teachers still come up asking if they know where I can find a cheap one or if I know anyone who has one "lying around".

Well, if you have an iPhone or iPad and use Zoom - the Overviewer app is a great and free alternative. What I really like about this app is the ability to rotate your screen easily to landscape and zoom in and out. 

Click here for the app.

Once you start Zoom and screen share you then have options at the bottom of the screen (see embedded picture below). 

    

select the three dots for settings (see picture below)

flashlight

orientation

depending on type of iPhone the far right deals with different lenses

Embedded below is a followed by a 2 minute and 7 second YouTube tutorial followed by a tutorial that the creator made (very informative and easy to follow).

Good follow as well on Twitter to stay up-to-date - https://twitter.com/OverviewerApp.

Take care,

Brad

How to make the most of Tab Groups in Google Chrome

The ability to add a tab to a new group is finally available for all users in Google Chrome. This is a nice feature (has been an experiment) and allows users to group tabs together.

If you would like to take those tabs to the next level try adding a few "Tab Group" experiments in Chrome's chrome://flags/.

• When in experiments type in Tab Groups and enable the experiments you see in the screenshot below and relaunch Chrome when prompted.

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 47 second YouTube tutorial.

If you would like your Tabs to come up the next time be sure to select the three dots (upper right in Chrome) and either choose history>recently closed or.... settings> scroll down to on startup> continue where you left off.

Take care,

Brad

How to change the default font style, size, and line spacing in Google Docs

 If you would like to adjust the default font style, size, and line spacing in Google Docs here are the steps:

• Make sure to highlight the text you have typed
• Select the font style drop down menu and choose your desired font (Times New Roman is what is in the example video below.
• Select the font size drop down menu and choose your desired font size (in the video I chose 12)
• Select the line spacing drop down menu and choose your desired line spacing (in the video I chose Double
• Select the Normal Text drop down menu
• Choose the arrow next to Normal Text and select update Normal Text to match
• Select the Normal Text drop down menu
• Choose the options menu
• Choose Save as my default styles.

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 7 second YouTube tutorial.

Take care,

Brad

Google now has a native screen recorder on your Chromebook - try it out now in Experiments

Google developers have created a native solution to your Chromebook's Chrome operating system. In order to try out this feature enter into Chrome's Experiments by clicking chrome://flags/  and then typing in screen capture and enable the experiment. You will then need to relaunch Chrome.

In order to bring up the ability to screen record you can either click on the "Screen capture" button on the shelf quick settings or press the Ctrl, Shift, and Overview keys. You will then see floating bar at the bottom of your Chromebook's screen.

You will then see the ability to take a screen shot, either full or partial. You can then find the screenshot in the files of your Chromebook and choose images.

But for the fun part is the new screen recorder. Once you select the screen recorder you have the same option to record either a certain section of your screen or the whole screen. 

There is a 3 second countdown and then the recording starts. To end the recording you simple need to select the option to stop recording at the bottom right of the toolbar. The video is now stored in the video section of your files.

Embedded below is a 3 minute and 9 second YouTube tutorial.

Take care,

Brad

QR code generator automatically built into search bar in newest version of Chrome.

 Nice new feature in Google Chrome's desktop browser - the ability to automatically create a QR code of the particular site you are using.

Simply update your browser to the newest version. As of the date of this post (2/6/21) it is Version 88.0.4324.150.

• To update your browser select the three dots in the upper right of Chrome
• Select settings
• Select About Chrome
• Chrome will now update

Embedded below is a GIF followed by a 1 minute video on how to update to newest version and what the QR code generator looks like.

Take care,

Brad

How to change the default font size or style in Microsoft Word

 If you would like to customize the default font size or character options you can simply select (Ctrl + D) - or choose the icon in the bottom right under font.

Embedded below is a 46 second YouTube tutorial.

Take care,

Brad

How to take a quick screenshot on your Windows based device - Windows Key + Shift + s

 Today I was working with a teacher who mentioned how she would love if there was a shortcut to take a snip of an image on her screen (other than using the Snipping Tool). 

Well, there is. Simply use the (Windows Key) + (Shift) + (S).

Embedded below is a 37 second YouTube tutorial.

Take care,

Brad  

ChromeVox - Chromebook's screen reader - how to toggle on or off

 Ever have your Chromebook reading a page for you? It is possible that you (or someone) has enabled ChromeVox. ChromeVox is Google's screen reader.

There are a few ways to enable or disable this feature.

You can turn ChromeVox on or off from any page by pressing Ctrl + Alt + z. On tablets: Press and hold the Volume down + Volume up buttons for 5 seconds. While holding the buttons, you’ll hear a sound to indicate it’s working. Keep holding the buttons, then ChromeVox will start speaking.

It is possible that it was turned on by selecting the system menu (bottom right corner where you see volume) and then choosing accessibility and turn off ChromeVox.

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

Take care,

Brad

Wakelet Spaces - Amazing Organization and Collaboration feature built directly into Wakelet

 Wakelet's Spaces is an amazing organizational and collaboration feature that allows you to create a “space” for adding collections, organizing your current collections and inviting others to join and collaborate.

In the YouTube tutorial below I show an example of what a Space looks like. My wife and I were just talking about possible future snow storms and how the districts in which we both work are making "snow days" asynchronous days. 

For more ideas on how you can use Wakelet Spaces click on one of the links below:

• The Merrils - 12 Ways to Use Wakelet Spaces!
• Jake Miller - 19 Ways to use Wakelet Spaces in Your School or Class!
• How to use Wakelet Spaces! (Wakelet Webinar)

Take care,

Brad

Headspace - Headspace Guide to Meditation is now streaming on Netflix + How to sign up for Headspace for Educators

Headspace and Headspace now offer a new series called Guide to Meditation. In this animated series you will learn more about the tools to build a meditation practice as well as the science behind it.

Personally, Andy Puddicombe's (co-founder) work with the Headspace app as well as his work with Chris Bennett on the Nike+ Running App has been a revelation. I handle situations differently than I did in the past, think differently, and feel much more grounded. 

Last night, my family and I watched the first episode together and really enjoyed it. We will watch the 2nd episode tonight!

A reminder for teachers - you can start your free subscription to Headspace by clicking on this link https://www.headspace.com/educators and filling in the necessary information. 

• I also created a blog post about it in August of 2019.

Click below for the Official Netflix Trailer.

The new year is here...which means Headspace Guide to Meditation is now streaming on @netflix. Be kind to your mind in 2021! #HappyNewYear pic.twitter.com/S2W1zXGy7O

— Andy Puddicombe (@andypuddicombe) January 1, 2021

Take care,

Brad

 

How to grab text from a photo and upload just the text directly to your computer.

 I am in the process of converting a hardbound family cookbook to an E-Book using Google Slides. It is a project that will take some time, but in the long run I hope people will enjoy it and add on to it.

The biggest issue of course is time and typing all the information from the original cookbook to the Slide. Well, Google Photos can help out a ton. 

Here are the steps:

• Take your photo(s) and upload to Google Photos
• Using Google Photos on your mobile device, open the image and select Copy text from image
• Your device will then search for any text in the image
• Choose Select  all
• Choose Copy text or Copy to computer
• If you select Copy text this allows you to copy the text on your device and use it as you like
• We want to choose Copy to computer
• You will then see your choices of what computer to copy the text to
• Make sure you are signed in on your computer's Chrome browser under the same sign in as your Google Photos
• Choose the computer you wish to use
• You can now paste the text where you would like to 
• Pretty cool huh?

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 35 second YouTube tutorial I created showing the process.

Take care,

Brad

Flipgrid update Import your Google Classroom Roster

 Happy New Year everyone!

Flipgrid recently announced an update that allows educators to import their Google Classroom roster to their Flipgrid discussions.

This is amazing because users will have the option to log in via Google and those are the only ones that will have access.

To enable this feature simply choose Google Classroom when setting (or changing Group permissions).

Click here for Flipgrid's blog about Google Classroom.

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 46 second YouTube tutorial.

Take care,

Brad

Flipgrid update Mic only mode. Amazing for podcasts, camera shy, sending positive audio messages, directions and much more.

Hello everyone and Happy 2021!

In case you missed it, Flipgrid now has Mic only mode. This mic only mode includes all the other effects such as emojis, inking, styles, etc - just no video.

Of course the impact this has on those that are camera shy (like I would have been in elementary school) is huge. 

Other ideas include:

• Podcasting
• Audio messages to students in Google Classroom or your LMS
• Audio messages to cheer up students
• Audio messages for instructions on a QR code throughout your classroom
• Positive audio messages to display around the school (again QR code)
• Orchestra, band, and chorus audio files for students and others to listen to
• Mixtapes of multiple audio files to share with others

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 47 second YouTube tutorial I created. as well as Flipgrid's Tweet.

Introducing Mic Only mode 🎙

Whether learners are podcasting or simply a bit camera shy, they can now record using only audio while still accessing the full @Flipgrid creative suite of boards, live inking, styles and emojis!#FlipgridForAll 💚 pic.twitter.com/1ZCX1ZjM0P

— Flipgrid (@Flipgrid) December 8, 2020

Take care,

Brad 

How to take a picture (or video) on a Chromebook and upload to Drive

 If you want to take a picture or video using your Chromebook here are the steps:

• in the bottom left of your screen look for what looks like a circle (called the Launcher)
• select the option to either  type in camera or select the carrot above the search bar
• choose the camera
• see options and then take your picture or video
• to find the picture
• go back to launcher and look for files
• look for downloads
• you can rename if you like
• you can select the file and drag over to Google Drive

Embedded below is a 2 minute and 47 second YouTube tutorial.

Take care,

Brad

Go beyond the Hour of Code 💻 with studio code org - teacher👨‍🏫 and student 👩‍🎓point of view. Amazing for asynchronous learning as well.

If you would like to participate in the Hour of Code (December 7-13, 2020) I created a blog post that you can visit.

If you are interested in continuing to have your students code and have the information save, then make sure to log on to studio.code.org/courses (this is also the link to place in a site such as Google Classroom where students can log on throughout the year).

• In the upper right select sign in and then create an account (if in a Google District I would recommend choosing Continue with Google).

• You are then in "My Dashboard"
• On this screen you can scroll down a bit and create a new classroom section

• When you select Create a section you can then choose picture, word, or personal logins. If you work in a Google District be sure to scroll down just a bit and choose Google Classroom.

• You can now add your particular classroom and choose what course you would like them to start
• For elementary levels click here (make sure to scroll down a bit to see levels)
• For middle school levels click here
• For high school levels click here

• Your students can now go continue with their coding and continue to use it throughout the year (they can pick up where they left off)

You can also see a 2 minute and 15 second YouTube tutorial I created showing the above as well.

Take care,

Brad

 

Hour of Code 2020 💻 - December 7-13th - remember to create certificates for your students 😃

Hour of Code is upcoming (Dec 7-13th). If you click here you will be taken directly to the site that includes "How To", "Activities", "How to Promote",  as well as "FAQ".

• Please note that you do not need to sign up your class for accounts if you do not wish to (if you do - click here for a short video - Going beyond the Hour of Code). 

• If your class completes an hour of activities you can then print out batch certificates to give to your students. Click here for the link to create the certificates.

I hope you and your students enjoy this time for students to be creative, show some grit, laugh, and have fun creating!

Embedded below is a 2 minute and 30 second YouTube tutorial I created followed by information from Hadi Patovi (founder of Code.org).

Hello,

The Hour of Code is a month away, happening this year from Dec. 7-13, 2020, and we’re excited to announce 115 brand-new tutorials and lesson plans! Many activities were created with remote learning in mind to support the various classroom models taking place during this time.

Introducing CodeBytes: New mini-lessons for virtual classrooms
We hope everyone can join us this year for CodeBytes, our brand new series of easy-to-digest, 20 minute interactive lessons that will stream twice daily during Computer Science Education Week, Monday through Friday, December 7-11. If you’re planning for a classroom that’s gone fully virtual, CodeBytes are designed to fit smoothly into a distance learning plan. Episodes are tailored to different grade levels.

Whether students have a computer or a smartphone, they can interact with and tune-in to every episode. Each lesson is hosted by Code.org staff and blends computer science with real-world topics, including artificial intelligence and #CSforGood. Take a look at our planned activities, and add your favorites to your calendar so you don’t miss out.

Explore endless computer science topics with brand-new tutorials
This year’s activities dive into tons of different CS topics like AI, data processing, and app & game design, as well as programming concepts like events, loops, and variables!

Students can explore the oceans with SciGirls, learn to code and meditate with CodeSpeak Labs, build a climate clock with Vidcode, or try out another of the 30+ new #CSforGood themed activities and lesson plans! See them all at hourofcode.com/learn.

No computer? No problem. Unplugged resources for students
Every student deserves to learn computer science regardless of what technology they have at home. A number of engaging new unplugged options from our partners at Google, Kodable, iRobot, and elsewhere are available to learners with low or no connectivity or limited device access.

We’ve also created a printable Hour of Code Unplugged Activity Packet for ages 4-18. Please include these resources in your next communication to parents and caretakers so that your students can still join this global event.

Find a remote volunteer for your Hour of Code
To make this year’s event even more engaging for students, try inviting a volunteer to speak to your classroom! Many volunteers* are eager to help in-person or virtually and are also CS professionals who can speak about their career path.

Whether your students are learning in-person, at home, or a hybrid of both, we hope that these resources can make it simpler than ever to bring an Hour of Code to students of all ages. However you choose to participate, we can’t thank you enough for your effort and support.

Hadi Partovi
Founder, Code.org

*Please note that Code.org is not responsible for individuals who sign-up to volunteer 

How to get a class list of students in your Google Classroom

 If you would like to have a complete list of students in a particular Google Classroom there are a few quick steps to make it happen (Google currently does not have this readily available).

Below are the steps:

• Access the classwork section of your classroom
• Choose an assignment and select view assignment
• Select the settings gear (upper right of page)
• Copy all grades to Google Sheets
• I like to remove the first 5 rows to clear out the excess data
• I also like clearing column C
• Since all cells are frozen you have to unfreeze the columns
• view>freeze>no columns
• Since Classroom has last names in column A simply highlight column A and drag to column B
• In the example I highlight 1 A - hold down Shift and then select the last name in Column B (in this case it is 8 B) 
• Right click (or Ctrl C) Select copy and now you can paste where you would like to place the names
• Make sure to rename your Sheet as well for future reference

Embedded below is  a second YouTube tutorial.

Take care,

Brad

How to change your audio, video, and microphone while in Zoom

 If you are in a Zoom meeting and would like to change your video output to another video, i.e. IPEVO, BRIO, etc, try the following:

•  Select the carrot next to the Video Icon and choose your camera

If you are in a Zoom meeting and would like to change your microphone or speaker try the following:

• Select the carrot next to the Microphone and choose your microphone as well as speaker.

If you would like to adjust your Microphone and Speaker on your Windows device make sure to enter into your settings and then choose system>sound

Embedded below is a 1 minute and 18 second YouTube tutorial.

Take care,

Brad