Google Updates

Google pushes out updates every month or so. The most recent update included these gems:

• Sheets gets loads of updates including macros, grouping rows and columns, checkboxes, page breaks, and more - Resource Link, Resource Link
• New option to insert Google Slides into a Google Doc - Resource Link
• Google Slides gets guides and rulers - Resource Link
• Google Sheets gets updates for more options for chart data labels - Resource Link
• Google Earth adds quiz format to Voyager content with Natural Wonder quiz - Resource Link

Enjoy!

Google Lit Trips on Chromebooks

If you are not familiar with them, a Google Lit Trip plots locations from a novel on Google Earth to create a 3D geographic tour of the story. At each location the Lit Trip can also include annotations, web links, images, videos, activities, and more, all related to that part of the story. This is a great way to put students in the story, helping them see where the events took place, and bring the story to life.

Google Lit Trips are now available on Chromebooks! Check out this article with screenshots and directions. 

55 Google Tips to make this school year yours

Check out these 55 Google Tips to make this school year yours.

Going Google Earth

Google Earth, because it's been around for a while, may not be as exciting as other Google tools, but it's still a powerhouse for the classroom. Here are a few tips and tricks to get the most out it.

One of Earth's newest features is the ability to view images of the world at different times. When looking at a particular location, check to see if there's a date at the bottom left of the screen. If you click on the date, you can drag a slider between the historical date and the present day. This can be great for looking at deforestation, effects of World War II on cities, and more.

Make sure you're taking advantage of all of the different layers available. See city lights from NASA, view live weather systems, discover shipwrecks, and much more by selecting different layers. If you haven't looked in a while, Google continually adds new layers for you to discover.

Remember that Google Earth isn't just about land features; you can also use it to explore underwater. You can travel the oceans by zooming in and then use various layers to find new things like expeditions, dead zones, and National Geographic facts.

If funds have been cut for field trips, travel the world virtually with Earth. Explore landmarks, parks, museums, and important world cultural spots with your students. With over 5 million miles of road in over 40 countries with 360-degree, street-level photos, your students can explore the world without leaving the classroom.

Tutorials
Gallery

Explore:
3D Buildings
Mars
Moon
Sky

From the 10/07/2014 edition of TCEA TechNotes newsletter.