Skip to main content

Google Docs and Slides Enhancements

Google introduced a lot of updates over the summer.  As a Google for Education School, we work in the Google Suite all the time.  We create for our classroom or assess work students create.

Below are some highlighted changes for Google Docs and Slides.

Google Slides Present Mode:

If you use Google Slides in your classroom, Google has added these capabilities while in Present mode:

Resize speaker notes and slide thumbnails in the presenter view 

Navigate to a specific slide with a keyboard shortcut  -  For example, 7 followed by Enter sends you to slide 7.

    Control video playback with keyboard shortcuts:



    View all available Present mode keyboard shortcuts by clicking the new “tips” button in the presentation control bar. 



    Read the full Google post here.

    New Customization Features for Google Docs Headers and Footers:

    Previously, Headers and Footers in Google Docs had to remain the same on every page except for page 1.  Google introduced the ability to allow different headers or footers for each section of your document, or for odd or even pages:




    To use different headers or footers per page, click here and expand the part you are interested in for directions.

    Just a few improvements to make your life easier!

    Comments

    Popular posts from this blog

    Draftback Replays a Google Document's Changes in Video Format!

    Student plagiarism can be a problem.  The world we live in makes it easy for students to copy/paste,  using works not their own. Identifying plagiarism and addressing it is a big part of students learning to be good digital citizens.  My last post outlined the new Originality Reports in Google Classroom, which check student submissions for plagiarism and incorrect or missing citations.    Occasionally, you will have a situation that needs a thorough investigation.  The Google Chrome extension Draftback is your superhero in this situation!  (Shout out to the Science Department, who discovered this gem!) Can't I see a document's version history? You may be aware that you can look at the revision history for any Google Doc or Slide.  Click File>Version History>See version history.   You are provided a right sidebar.  You can click on any revision to review the document at that time.  Changes from the pr...

    To Copy or Not To Copy a Google Classroom? That is the Question!

    I was so excited last year when I noticed that Google Classroom provided the ability to copy the classroom for the next year. Good News: I tested this process out at the end of last year, and my results were great!  Every assignment saved as a draft with all related documents and support links placed under the topics I had created.  I knew teachers who had used Moodle in the past would appreciate the new feature.   Bad News: That's good news.  But, there was something that I didn't consider last year.  When you copy a Google Classroom, it makes a copy of everything in the Classroom.   Every document, every video, including your directions, course syllabus, and other 'view only' documents you provided to your students in their assignments.  Let's consider how that might look: You have a Course Expectations document.   You taught two sections last year.  You added this document to each course.  If you...

    HyperQuests Support Independent Inquiry Learning

    HyperQuests (also known as Hyperdocs) have been receiving a lot of teacher attention lately.  HyperQuests support differentiated student independent inquiry learning.  They leverage the use of technology (though not all activities are digital), embed collaboration, and build in student critical thinking and problem-solving! The concept works because it begins with strong lesson design, curates quality instructional content, and packages learning experiences in ways which engage learners.  (1) Note:  While the rest of the world calls them HyperDocs, the CCHS Tech Leaders prefer the term HyperQuest .  HyperQuests are based on the old WebQuests, and the name HyperQuest eliminates confusion with an older application actually called Hyperdocs! What are they? HyperQuests can be any digital tool and are often built in Google Slides.  They provide a visually engaging digital framework leading students through a lesson or unit of carefull...