7 Helpful Hacks

There are loads of great resources available but let's face it, time is not always on the side of educators. So, we have collected 7 timely and helpful tech hacks worth sharing. If you are looking for something specific, let us know and we may be able to help.

When you want to share Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc. with others while retaining ownership and edit rights, you have options. You can create a Make a Copy link or create a Template link by changing the Share rights and editing the URL.  

https://docs.google.com/change/edit > https://docs.google.com/change/copy
https://docs.google.com/change/edit > https://docs.google.com/change/template/preview

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Creating editable PDFs has been a hot topic lately and again you have options. Daniel Rivera shares his preferred method in his Tech Tip #108 Convert PDF into Editable Google Slides (new method) video from Georgia Southern ISRC.  Other options include PDF Candy and  ZamZar

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Need a break? The Mindful Break Chrome Extension gives you a mindfulness tip and guides you through a short breathing exercise. Set reminders to help you remember. Go full-screen to help you stay focused. Set up a Mindful Break for remote and F2F lessons. 

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The Chat Box in virtual conferencing platforms can be a powerful tool for teachers and students. Embrace some of the ways the chat box can help engage students throughout virtual lessons. Be sure to review your set chat box guidelines regularly!

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Collaborate in real time using Google's digital whiteboard, Jamboard. With Jamboard you and your students can write, draw, insert images, search Google, insert Webpages, and more. Jamboard supports up to 50 people collaborating on a single jam. 

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​View a version history timeline in Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drawings using the Classwork Zoom extension. (not affiliated with Zoom video conferencing). With Classwork Zoom, it is possible to view version history of not only one student - but the whole class at once if assigned in Google Classroom.

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​Google Docs lets you dictate using your computers built-in microphone and the Voice Typing tool. This feature is available directly within a Google Doc and in Google Slides (notes) so no need to search for an extension.  Students struggling with typing? Looking for content knowledge- not typing skills? Suffering from too much screen time? Enjoy talking?  Google's Voice Typing tool can help both students and teachers. 

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If you have a favorite hack, let us know in the comments below!