Aaron.kr

Easiest

#1 Search

The most ubiquitous Google Service is also the most powerful, and the most under-utilized Google service. Here are some tips to get the most of it. I've also linked to Google's full Tips & Tricks page below.

Find stuff for class:

• filetype:PDF = ONLY search for this filetype
• site:koreatesol.org = ONLY search within this site
• -youtube.com (or -keyword) = DON'T search for this
• 78534614836=english = get the full English equivalent of large numbers

Use in class:

• set a timer
• flip a coin
• roll a die

All Google Search Tricks →

#2 Gmail

Personally, the greatest 2 tricks to using Gmail are:

• Productivity = keyboard shortcuts
  • Shift + ?
• Organization = filters/folders/colors

25 Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts that save me 60 hours per year →

#3 Translate

I know many people don't think Google Translate is a really efficient tool, but there have been some really great updates to it recently that make it a much better tool.

• Handwriting
• Audio input (speak in English, HEAR and SEE the Korean response)
• Camera input (for signs, etc)
• Tap to Translate is the BEST thing I've recently discovered - it allows me to use Translate within ANY app, without switching
• Translate dictionaries are also available OFFLINE

Tap to Translate video

Normal

#4 Drive

Drive acts like a hard drive in the cloud, but has some pretty unique features that you may not know about.

• Sharing & simultaneous collaborative editing
• Preview files you don't have programs for (.AI, .PSD)
• Review Drive activity ( Info)
• Review File Revision history
• Add-Ons (DriveTunes)

#5 Docs

Google Docs acts as an online Word document editor - but it has some unique features that are only available through a cloud service like this.

• Revision History = great for restoring changes (particularly in Shared documents)
  • File > Version history
• Google Fonts are FREE to use in Docs, or also download to your computer
• Add legal Stock images
  • Insert > Image > Stock

#6 Slides

One of the most powerful features in Google Slides is the ability to crop and edit images directly within the Slides window itself.

• Templates & Master Slides View > Master
• Image manipulation
  • Crop into shapes Format > Crop image
  • Recolor Format > Format options

I've previously created a complex PPT using the cropping images feature. I've included a link to this PPT below.

I've also linked to some really great Slides Templates and an alternate to PPT (slides.com) - that this presentation is based on.

• Example PPT with cropped images in Slides
• Slidescarnival.com Slides Templates
• Slides.com - different slide program

Harder

#7 Forms

Google Forms allows you to create self-grading assignments and quizzes.

I've personally used Forms for Homework, surveys, quizzes, and chapter tests. It allows you to specify

• Multiple Choice answers
• Checkbox answers
• Dropdown answers
• Short answers

And if you need more flexibility and grading features, check out Flubaroo as a Google Sheets Add-on which can also analyze your student data and help you to see which questions were the most troublesome for a class.

#8 Drawings

Google Drawings allows you to create complex vector shapes (like logos). They can even be embedded into Docs.

But one of the most useful features I recently discovered was the "yellow handle" (shaped like a diamond) on some shapes that allows you to change its dimensions. I was able to recreate the KOTESOL logo in Google Drawings using this feature:

#9 Classroom

I've previously presented on Google Classroom at the KOTESOL 2017 International Conference. One exciting new feature that I've discovered since then is that it's now possible (since January 2017) to assign work to INDIVIDUAL students as well as the whole class. This allows me to personalize assignments for students.

• Google Classroom updates
• Digital Differentiation with Google Classroom
• Individual Assignments & Small Group Work

Expert

#10 Photos

Google claims you can have UNLIMITED storage of photos and videos on their service - at a reduced quality (their uploader converts it automatically) - I haven't run out of space yet.

You can also create Shared albums that people with the link can "Add" themselves to and add their own photos. This is great for schools, families, and groups that want to easily encourage participants to upload and share their individual photos.

Read more about this on the article Google Photos adds smarter sharing, suggestions and shared libraries.

• Unlimited storage with file reduction
• Share album to allow uploaders

#11 Sheets

Sheets is a VERY powerful program once you start getting beneath the surface of things. It includes at least TWO useful features I'll introduce here: Data Validation and Pivot Tables.

• Data Validation = allows you to control the input in a Sheet (limiting it to only certain values)
• Pivot Tables
  • Pivot Table Tutorial - how to create & examples
  • Pivot Tables in Google Sheets (Ultimate Guide)
  • Pivot Tables Tutorial

I've previously presented at the JNJ KOTESOL 2012 Conference about this topic - to create a Gradebook that only accepts certain values.

BONUS!

You can get Google Certified too!

There are two levels of Google Educator, tests are $10 each (online, and require a web cam).