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Google Docs update will allow users to fix images to a certain location on a page

One of the best features of G Suite is that the apps are constantly being updated and improved. These updates show up automatically, without any involvement from the end user or tech staff. Some updates are small, and others are pretty significant. This latest update falls into the second category as it will bring Google Docs one step closer to the functionality of Apple's Pages app. Google has announced that Docs will soon allow users to position an image in a fixed place, ensuring it stays in a certain spot on the page and is not disrupted by text and other elements. They've also added a new sidebar where user can quickly access other image formatting options such as size, rotation, and brightness and contrast settings. The ability to fix an image in place and have text naturally flow around it will be a welcomed improvement. More info can be found in this G Suite Update article .
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'10 links' from John R. Sowash is a great list of teacher resources

The following is an excerpt from John R. Sowash's popular Google EDU Update newsletter. Click here  for more info or to subscribe. ​ Get Crafty with your Chromebook - Android apps make your Chromebook better! This is the story of how I turned my Chromebook into a crafting machine!​ My Teacher Can’t Speel - teach your students how to revise and proofread using Google Docs. ​ Reboot the Noggin Activities - Two great activities by Steve Wick to help-reengage your students after Christmas break. ​ The Chromebook Penalty Box - this blog post for Chromebook administrators explains how to set up a restricted Chromebook profile. ​ 51 Chrome Tips and Tricks - this is a fun blog post from Chrome Story with some productivity tips for Chromebooks and the Chrome browser. ​ GIANT (printable) Chromebook Keyboard - this is a neat resource from Erin Flannagan. She also has a list of games and activities you that go along with the keyboard. ​ Immersive Reader Chrome Extension

'Future of the Classroom' Global Report shines light on upcoming EdTech trends

If you're someone who likes to know about the next big thing even before it's here, Google's 'Future of the Classroom' Global Report may be of interest to you. In an effort to pinpoint what's on the horizon for K-12 education, Google recently partnered with a global team of researchers to explore emerging areas like student-led learning, life skills, and collaborative classrooms. Click the link above to check out the Global Report for all the research findings.

Google's 'Teaching Resources' site offers a wealth of new ideas

Looking to add something new to your repertoire when it comes to using Chromebooks in your classroom? Google has teachers covered with an incredibly robust Teaching Resources site. With everything from lesson plans to collections of apps designed specifically to work with Google Classroom, the site covers a wide range of topics including coding and computer science, creativity tools, digital literacy, and more. Check it out here:  https://edu.google.com/teaching-resources/

4 ways to make your Google Docs more accessible

4 ways to make your Google Docs more accessible is a recent article from eSchool News that talks about the importance of designing accessibility into your Google documents. The article provides four examples of how you can ensure that your documents can be easily understood and navigated by all users. This is an important concept to embrace, as more and more emphasis is given to online accessibility.

Google for Education Training Center provides FREE PD opportunities!

Did you know that Google offers free professional development through the Google for Education Training Center ? In an effort to help staff understand and get comfortable with Chromebooks and other Chrome OS devices in the classroom, Google provides the following: Interactive lessons based around the classroom use case Tips and ideas from other teachers Differentiated pathways for different experience levels You can take a single lesson to help with an immediate challenge, or complete an entire course and earn certifications online. You will not only develop professionally, you’ll also learn how to use technology to make life easier and improve student learning. A couple of courses to highlight: Chromebook Training  |  Fundamentals Training - G Suite for Education We encourage all staff to check out these resources today. Enjoy!

'5 classroom examples to spark your creativity' from John R. Sowash

Check out the info below for five great examples from John R. Sowash for getting creative with Chrome OS devices in the classroom. John is a former HS biology teacher and principal who helps teachers use technology to improve instruction, with an emphasis on Chrome OS. He offers training opportunities, and literally wrote the book* on using Chromebooks in the classroom. Hope this helps! 5 classroom examples to spark your creativity There is absolutely nothing wrong with using paper and pencil in the classroom. Sometimes paper IS the best option! However, we don't need to restrict our classroom activities to the limitations of paper and pencil! Digital tools like Google Docs, Slides, Drawing, Sheets, Classroom, etc have capabilities that go BEYOND what you can do with paper and pencil! The following 5 activities illustrate this idea of going beyond paper and pencil. I hope they will inspire your next lesson! 1. Wanna build a snowman? This activity was created and shared