💥 Tech tools - is Google going to charge $, Audio feedback in docs, Google slide tips, and more!

Hey - I just heard a rumor that Google is going to start charging schools for Gsuite! Is this true? Say it's not so! 

Google is adding a new enterprise edition to its GSuite tools that will have a subscription price.  I do not see very many schools moving to this edition because most of these features are really not needed by most schools.  (There may be a few schools that do a lot of video conferencing that may decide to purchase this edition for a few staff members.)

My thoughts???  Nothing to worry about!  Google has added a few features to it's business GSuite product line the last 12 months and are now offering those to schools if they want them.  I believe Google will always keep it's core suite free to schools. 

If you are interested here are the new features in the Enterprise edition.  

Note - The Google tools for Gmails users will always be free.  (Everyone has Google docs, sheets, slides, etc... with your personal Gmail accounts as well.) 

Misc websites and tech tools:

Cool new tool. Free and integrates with Google Classroom!  Recap is question-led chat tool augmented by the power of video that makes it easier to start deeper, more empowering discussions with students and teachers.

81% of @TheEIU survey respondents agree: Teachers need to consider future skills to better prepare students for the modern workplace. Some top teaching strategies to achieve this: active learning &  personalized learning top the list. Learn more: Fostering exploration

and excellence in 21st-century schools research report.    Nice overview with graphs here. 

3 Incredible Science Field Trips That Don’t Require Permission Slips. Perfect for grades 3–8; watch them in your classroom, anytime!

This How Computers Work series by @codeorg is EXCELLENT!  - Check out the video playlist here. 

Create Your Own Google Expeditions!  Nice article here.  Apply here. 

A Free Teleprompter - Nice site for use with any of your video projects!  (As our very own Andrew Carlson states, "I've used this one before and it works well.") 

6 Google Translate tips you need to start using - Google Translate is so overflowing with features, you might not even realize everything it can do.

Add audio feedback to a Google Doc - 

With the new Kaizena Google Doc add-on you can!

Kaizena as a Google Docs Add-on means: 

Fewer steps for you to provide feedback and a more integrated workflow

Students will be able to edit their work immediately after receiving your feedback, instead of referring to a separate copy on Kaizena

Easier for peers to provide feedback - any Google Doc collaborator can provide feedback!

In addition to voice comments, you can also save time providing high-quality feedback with:

Lessons: re-use common feedback and embed youtube videos to explain common concepts

Skills: track evidence of skills students demonstrate in their work

Note - I have not tried this one, but based on the comments, guessing this new add-on was developed to address the prior shortcomings.  (Let me know how you like it if you use it.)  Nice article by Richard Bryne here. 

Google Classroom:

Google Classroom Tips 

Did you know? The Google Classroom iOS and Android apps have the ability to markup assignments. A teacher can use a finger or a stylus to add colorful annotations, handwriting, and highlighting. (Staff - remember your personal Chromebooks run Andriod apps, so the Android classroom app runs on your device!) 

Google Slides:

Ten Overlooked Google Slides Features

Google Slides: Animate Items Together - NOTE - As it says in this short tutorial -- Use animation very very sparingly.!

COOL - Create a talking head animation with Google Slides + Screencastify. Brilliant idea from @joshchoward. Check it out here. 

How to Add Audio to Google Slides. 

Free Music to Use In Google Slides Presentations. 

How to Add Q&A to Your Google Slides Presentations, 

Google Docs:

Ten Overlooked Google Docs Features - Great list. 

Be More Productive with Google Drive in 2018 

Google Sites:

Publish Sites to a Specific Audience in the New Google Sites - Via G Suite Updates 

Some sites aren’t for everyone. That’s why Google is making it possible to specify exactly who can view your content in the new Google Sites.

Thanks Norris Staff!

I do not always get a chance to say this... but thanks for everything you do!  We have such a great district and it's because of people like you!  Teachers, support staff, administrators, custodians, transportation, kitchen staff... the list goes on!  We are blessed to have you serving a great student population.  There is a reason Norris is a special place to be.  Thanks again. 

Summer Technology Grad Classes and tech opportunities will be offered again at Norris!

I am starting to get emails about these, so I figured I would let everyone know the schedule for the 2018 Summer.  Here are the classes that will be offered.  (Normally I offer 4 classes, but I will not be offering one for the week after Memorial Day since there is a pretty good chance staff members will still be in school.) 

More information will be coming out on these, but we will still be offering the following summer opportunities:

• Google Summit
• Google Certification for staff. 
• Tech boot camp (Prior to the start of the 2018-19 school year.