#TechTipTuesday - Before you update your iPhone to iOS 12

It's that perfect time of the year to get ready for the latest

and greatest from apple, because they just released a new update to their iPhone: iOS 12.

But before you update to the new OS make sure you've backed up to iCloud or to your computer.

Quick tutorial-on backing up to to iCloud

Step 1. Go to settings
Step 2. Tap on your name (located at the top of settings)
Step 3.Tap iCloud
Step 4. Scroll down to iCloud Backup
Step 5. Tap on on iCloud Backup
Step 6. Tap Backup now

Now that you have that out of the way you are ready to go and and download iOS 12

Step 1. Go to settings
Step 2. Scroll down to General and tap General
Step 3. Tap on Software update
Step 4. Scroll down to Download and install and tap Download and install

Your iOS device will need to have at  least 50% charge our be plugged in in order to get the update.
in about 5- 10 minutes your iOS 12 download should be downloaded and ready to install.

Some of my favorite new features from the latest update:

• Notification management - Notifications from single sources will cluster together on your lock screen instead of filling up your entire screen with notifications. With a single tap you can see all of them and then cluster them back together by tapping "show less"
• Turn off your "Do not disturb" setting right from the lock screen
• Messages feels a bit more snappier as do the built in Apple keyboards
• Voice memos app for iPad and eventually Mac

For those of you with iPhone X you will have more access to:

• Memoji - Create a digital likeness and use it as everywhere
• Animoji updated with tongue detection...that's right

#TechTipTuesday - Your Camera can do more than just take pictures

Did you know...

That the camera app built right into your iPhone can also be used to scan QR codes?

Give it a try today.

Find a QR code, open up your camera app and point the lens at it. After a second on the QR code a message will pop up on the top of the screen "QR CODE DETECTED" to follow the QR code to wherever it may be taking you simply tap on the message and be directed right to the page in your web browser.

I have a podcast you can check out too if you'd like.

Give it a listen here: https://anchor.fm/techontheside/episodes/Tech-On-the-Side-Tech-Tip-e257v6

If you like it, consider subscribing and/or telling a friend about it.

#TechTipTuesday - Google Maps. Plan your next out of this world trip, today.

In an recent update to Google Maps you can now explore planets and many other amazing things floating out in space.

Simply direct your web browser to the following link: https://www.google.com/maps/@40.187064,-87.4912982,23011087m/data=!3m1!1e3

And being exploring the space beyond our atmosphere.

You can also just direct yourself to maps.google.com and then choose the "Satellite" view and then begin zooming out.

When you get our outside of Earth zoom just a bit further to check out all of the other options of things to see in outer space.

#TechTipTuesday - Makin' copies

This week's Tech tip is one I learned just recently from @MsKraushaar and it is brilliant.

Sometimes you want to share your work inside Google, but then sometimes you want to share it so that a colleague can make it their own.

This past week I learned that by changing a simple word in the share link from a Google document (slide show, spreadsheet, etc) you can send a link which will force the clicker of said link to make a copy of the item you are sharing.

It is as easy as grabbing the url from a file you have in Google:

And then change this portion of the URL

to read like this

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HE9p36SSgjgBCzx3wSE7DZzp70kunWL9rv0uV3r7w-M/copy?

When you share the above link with someone they will be prompted to Make a copy of the document after they click it (see picture below)

Happy sharing.

#TechTipTuesday - When is the last time you shut that phone all the way down?

When was the last time you turned your phone off...like all the way off?

It is important to do this at least once a week. 

I know, it's not cool to have to do it, but you are carrying around a computer in your pocket. It is doing more processing than you think and honestly...it needs a break every once and awhile.

So take a moment each week to power your phone all the way down, let it be off for a minute, then boot it back up. You may find that it helps fix those minor "glitches" you've noticed and just pushed aside, it may help speed up it's performance. But what it will do for your phone is invaluable.

#TechTipTuesday - Instagram

Continuing our exploration of communication tools, this week we will look at Instagram.

If you are just starting out and looking to share more, then Insagram may just be the tool for you. This Facebook owned application is one of the fastest growing social media services out there, and is is excessively simple to use, while still remaining a very powerful tool.

Once you have created your account you can either follow others or chose not to. You can also connect multiple social media accounts to Instagram so that when you post a picture with a caption you can opt to have it also share directly in these other social media apps ALL FROM ONE PLACE.

This is probably one of the top sought after features when it comes to sharing. With a few clicks you are able to send the single picture to multiple places rather then having to post the same things 3 or 4 times.

I often encourage first time bloggers to start by just posting a picture a day. Capture a moment in your learning space and  tell the story of the deep learning taking place in a few short words. Instagram is designed for this and would be a great way to share with your families. 

Families can either follow you, if they have their own Instagram account, or they can just go directly to your page by entering in the unique url. For instance mine would be https://www.instagram.com/thetechspec/

For those of you wanting to share multiple pictures of the learning going on each day, you can post multiple pics in a single post. Doing this will not over run your followers streams with pictures. To do this, click the plus button to add a photo then click the button on the bottom right hand of the screen which looks like this

Then you will be able to choose multiple pictures for a single post.

For those of you interested in sharing more each day, you may want to check out the Instagram Stories Feature. 

By swiping to the right when inside instagram you will be taken to a "camera view" where you can take a picture inside of the app and then post to a story. (You can also load a picture previously taken by swiping down inside the camera mode)

The story is a place where photos you post there will go away 24 hours later. It is a quick and easy way to share loads of learning without having to feel like you must craft the perfect picture. You can also "go live" within the stories feature and stream the learning live.

Pro Tip: Photo's posted in Stories are best in portrait mode. 

I could spend two more posts writing about all the potential greatness you could do with Instagram, instead I am going to encourage you to go check it out today.

As always,

Stay tuned and stay connected

#TechTipTuesday - Blogger vs Google Sites

Continuing my series on communication tools,  as we get ever closer to the first day of school,  let's will explore just two of the offerings from the surplus that Google grants one. 

Blogger vs New Google Sites

While both are unique and awesome in their own ways, when you have a Google account you have access to both of these fantastic tools, and each of them is worth exploring. My hope for the future is that Blogger is integrated into the New Google Sites so that you can have all of the great googliness in one spot.

Blogger

For the novice, Blogger has a quick and easy feel and setup time. One can simply go to Blogger.com sign in with their Google account and click the button "+ New Blog" and then choose from several pre made designs, which can be adjusted with a few clicks.

Once you've created the blog you can now start posting.  I always suggest keeping your blog simple in the beginning.

Do a post a day with a picture and a few words. I like to encourage Bloggers to share what they see in the picture. In our learning environments sometimes something that may look like a simple task may be filled with rich thought provoking learning and this tool allows us to show our viewers a glimpse into each day with a different perspective than their own.

One might also use a Blog as an active learning tool. Have one or multiple of your learners write up a daily or weekly summary of the learning which took place in your class. Allow families the opportunity to hear from the learners in the class and encourage your learners to reflect back on the day or weeks worth of learning.

Another fantastic option inside of Blogger are the built in widgets. A widget allows you to show case blog posts, show archived blog posts, and more. My favorite is "subscribe" which allows viewers to enter in their email address and get updates to their email when there is a new post.

New Google Sites

Back in November, Google launched a redesigned Google Sites dubbed New Google Sites. With this update came simple setup, mobile automation (instantly adjusts to mobile and tablet viewing) and more. 

Why might you use this tool?

• It's a great way to setup a page with all the information your may want to share with your learners or families.
• It integrates with Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Maps, and YouTube

This integration of the Google suite is a pretty enticing feature. With a click you can add your Google calendar, upload an entire Google Drive folder, embed a YouTube video, add a whole document to your page, and more.

With some clever folder placement or embedding a Google slideshow on the page you can easily share photos from your learning environments, share learner work, or allow others to easily see what is coming up in the future within your Google calendar.

For anyone with a Google account and looking for a starting place for building their own website, check out the new Google Sites by visiting sites.google.com/new

So which tool should you use?

Check them both out, ask yourself what your intended purpose or goal is, and think about your audience. Each has the potential to be a powerful tool for sharing the learning which happens each and everyday in your learning spaces.

In the future I plan to do a video walk through of each of these tools.

As always Stay tuned and stay connected.

Looking for a new podcast? 
Check out 
Tech on the Side 
My new podcast for all learners and technology enthusiasts.

Search for Tech on the Side in your favorite podcasting app and subscribe!

#TechTipTuesday - The magic of Shift + Z in Google Drive

 If you have not yet used the function Shift + Z while inside Google drive, then I would like to formally introduce you to it.

This key combination will allow you to create a single document (slide show, drawing, spreadsheet, etc) inside multiple folders within Google Drive. This beats the old school method of creating a copy of the same work in multiple folders which you would need to make changes to individually should a change be necessary.

Here's how you go about trying this function out:

Start by loading Google drive, create or locate a file you'd like to show up in multiple folders within Google drive then single click on it, then press the shift key and z key together to get the following menu:

Next click into the folder you would like this document to appear in as well (again this is not a copy of the document it is the same document, if you need to make a change to it you can in either place and the changes will appear ) Then click Add.

The document, slideshow, drawing, spreadsheet, etc will now appear in both places.

Pro tip: If you have multiple documents you want to appear in multiple  locations start by moving them all to a single place then go through the above steps, but use shift click to select all of the documents you want to appear in the other location then press Shift +Z to add them to the new locations.

As Always,

Stay tuned and stay connected

#TechTipTuesday - Multiple stops on Google Maps

If you are doing any traveling this summer then make sure you know this little tip with Google Maps. 

Learn how to add multiple stops while traveling using a single map.

Start by entering in your location and destination just like normal within the Google Maps app (iOS Android)

Then click the three dots on the right hand side of the menu

Next click "Add a stop"

Last thing to do is enter in a stop along the way. Adjust where you start and where you go to next by dragging the  destinations up or down 

Enjoy your travels, and remember it's all about the journey not the destination. 

#TechTipTuesday - Nuzzel

The absolute easiest and handiest way to keep track of links, news articles, medium posts, etc that your twitter friends are sharing. 

Nuzzel is a free app (Apple and Android) and website that allows you to see just the links that your twitter pals are sharing. Download the app, sign in with your twitter account and enjoy the streamlined view of just stories/articles/links your twitter world is sharing. Keep up to date on the info that is being shared minus all the tweets. 

I've been using this service for over a month now and love how easy it is to check out the articles and news that is being shared from all the people I follow on twitter. 

#TechTipTuesday - Google Takeout

 As the school year comes to an end you may find yourself moving to a new place, or perhaps you just want a nice clean backup of everything you created within Google this year. Lucky for us, Google has created a handy little tool called Take Out

Google Take Out allows you to quickly and easily archive/export all of your files, blogs, photos, etc from Google into zipped file.

If you are wanting to transfer your account to a new Google account then you can use the 
Take Out Transfer tool

Using the Transfer tool will allow you to move all of you Google created items directly to your new Google Account. Please note: this process will require you to have your new google account setup before you can transfer.

I would recommend you make the zipped backup before you do the transfer.

#TechTipTuesday - Google Keep

I have blogged about it before, and I must admit, Google Keep has only gotten even more amazing since then.

Google Keep (formerly Google's Best kept little secret) is an amazing tool for everyone.

Initially designed as a simple Note taking app, Google Keep has developed into quite the robust  utility app for note taking/to-do lists/reminders and more.

Since 2014 the web tool has added a plethora of new features including the ability to share notes with others. (Very useful when you need to help remind someone step by step what needs to be done) iOS and Android Apps. A direct web link (keep.google.com). Pinned notes, reminders...this list goes on and on.

How can I use this tool today?

• Use it to keep notes about your day for later blog posts (you can also add pictures to notes)
• Make and share to-do lists with learners/peers/colleagues to ensure that everyone is on the same page and knows when items have been completed. 
• Create a Reminder which can notify you of when something needs to be done (set it to repeat when you need daily/weekly/or even monthly reminders) 
• Document the learning each day in your learning space with pictures, text and even drawings.

The possibilities are endless and one of the best parts is that is accessible on your laptop/desktop/chromebook/tablet, and since it is all part of the Google Suite services it syncs across all platforms. Never leave home without your lists/reminders/notes/etc.

Stay tuned and stay connected

#TechTipTuesday - Google Team Drive

I was recently introduced to Google Team Drive via @AveryHoneyBees and @Cmcgee200 

The concept is brilliant, instead of one person owning the Google Drive files and sharing them, the files own themselves and you grant access to those who need the files.

Ways to think about how you might benefit from this brilliant tool:

• Create a Grade level Team Drive and relocate you shared files to that folder. IN this way if you ever change to a new grade level as an educator you can simply be added to a new tema drive with all your digital resources at your fingertips. No need to ask for a person to share all their documents with them and vice versa.
• Department Team Drive - Have shared documents that you all use on a regular basis, add them to a team drive and grant access to all members who need to be able to view make copies and edit the documents. If they ever shift to a new department you can remove their access and grant access to whomever steps into their new role in your department.
• Admin Teams - Tired of always having to ask that other admin to share a file with you? Just create a single Admin team drive and upload the files. Give access to whomever needs them and revoke access should they ever move up/out/or into a new position. 
• The possibilities are endless (be sure to share how you are using Team drives in the comments of the blog or tweet me @TheTechSpec

If you are wondering where to create one of these new Google Team Drives look no further than your Goolge Drive.

 If you do not see this feature within your Google Drive reach out to your nearest Technology Support person and ask them to activate it for your school today.

As always, 
Stay tuned and stay connected.

#TechTipTuesday - The NEW Google Earth

Google Earth is back and in 3D.

That's right, one of my Social Studies teacher's favorite tools is back and it's got a some awesome new features. 

Quick run down of new features:

1.Orbit in 3D: Start with a view of the world from outer space then zoom in to any location in the world and view the space in a new 3D model.
2. Knowledge Cards: While visiting new locations around the globe check out the built in 'knowledge cards" about the area. Information about the area will pop as you explore.
3. Voyager: Not sure where to start? Check out Voyager, curated spaces and adventures from the many places around our world. Check out built in cards, pictures and more
4. Feeling Lucky: Not sure what to check out? Click on the Feeling lucky link and let Google take you to a random location in the world and discover something new.

This great new tool is accessible to anyone with a web browser, no application needed. Just load Google Chrome and visit https://www.google.com/earth/

#TechTipTuesday - Creating a Bookmark in a Google Doc

Today I thought I would share with you how to create a Bookmark inside of a Google Doc.

This function allows you to link to a particular spot in the document. 

Watch the video below to watch the process from start to finish.

As always,

Stay tuned and Stay connected.

#TechTipTuesday - Google Drive advanced Search functions

If you've ever tried searching for a file shared with you inside of Google Drive, then this helpful tip may be just what you need to ease your file hunt.

While you are in Google Drive, and have clicked on the Shared with me tab click the "triangle/arrow" within the search function

This will bring up a menu of options to help refine your search.

Pro tips:

• Search by the owner
• Change the "type" to the specific file type
• Can't remember the owner, search by shared with, it will bring up the owners files aswell (so long as it is shared with you)

Try it out, and share your successes in the comments.

As always,

Stay tuned and stay connected.

#TechTipTuesday - The NEW Google Sites

Google has just released their latest version Sites to all users.

sites.google.com/new

This tool seems like it was a long time in the making, and at launch it has a plethora of amazing Google integration tools, collaboration tools, all wrapped up in a simple to use package.



First up, let's share how you can create a new site.

1. If you are in Google Drive, just click on the create button and scroll over to see "Google Sites" OR
2. Visit sites.google.com/new

Once you've created a new site, add some content to it using the wide variety of tools available to you on the right hand side.

1. Insert a whole Google folder
2. A single document/slideshow/spreadsheet/image
3. Add a URL (some sites will create a view into the page similar to iframe, others will just create a link to the page)
4. Try adding a Google calendar

What to collaborate on the site with someone, add a collaborator, much in the same way you would on a Google doc. You and your collaborators can edit the site at the same time.

When you are ready, click the publish button to see the variety of options you have available to you to publish your site. (Have no fear, you can always unpublish a site after publishing which will make in unavailable for viewing)

Check out the NEW Google sites today!

As always

Stay tuned, and stay connected.

#TechTipTuesday: Canva

This week I thought I would share with you the wonderful desgin/creation tool that is Canva.com

Canva is a web based tool that lets you make stunning designs and documents that are super easy to create.

They have a load of pre made designs that you can use as a template or you can start with a blank canva and make your own design.


To start off create an account with them and then choose from which type of design you want to create. The menu of options helps you to choose which type of creation you want based on where you will be sharing/using it.

The pre made designs are great and highly modifiable so you can make your design unique.

Possible uses
Create an infographic and share it via twitter
Create a custom Twitter/Facebook header
Create and share your learner's "what if..." statements
Create a Classroom newspaper and share it

After you have created your CANVA you can download it as a png to be uploaded anywhere you'd like. 

You can access your canva designs once you have created them from the website or the app. You can modify any canva creation and reuse them over and over. You can also add collaborators so that more than one person can work on creating it at a time!

Whatever your idea, Canva is a great tool to use for creating designs and documents.

Stay tuned and stay connected.

#NaBloPoMo #TechTipTuesday Hashtags

What is a Hashtag?
a word or phrase preceded by a hash or pound sign (#) and used to identify messages on a specific topic.





#WhyShouldiUseOne 

1. For fun #thisISfun
2. Tagging and connecting conversations in a unique manner
3. Reference purposes
4. and more

 For the purpose of this post I will be discussing 2 and 3 and how to use it effectively.

Hashtags are a great way to connect an idea/concept/event/etc. You can use them in most social media venues, by simply typing # followed by a word or series of words (without spaces or punctuation) While you can hashtag in most social media venues the posts are not connected across social media tools (ie a Hashtagged post in Twitter will not appear in facebook even if you use the same hashtag)

Some ideas for using hashtags: 

• Use a district wide hashtag in order to share the great things happening across the district
• USe  single hashtag to use when you share what is happening in your learning spaces unique to your building so a person could quickly see and read about all the amazing things happening in a school
• Use a unique hashtag for a conference or shared PD opportunity, so people can follow along and see all the interesting learning that is taking place

When you hashtag these events using a single hashtag you can easily go back and see all of the posts which have these hashtags. Meaning you and anyone else who has posted using the same hashtag can see all of the posts in one place, which is a great method for referring back to an event.

If your school does not have a hashtag, develop one today and begin sharing using that hashtag. 

(Protip: search for your purposed hashtag before you commit to it in order to make sure that it is not already being used beforehand)

Have fun hashtagging.




#hashtag 

Stay tuned and stay connected.

#TechTipTuesday: Preparing for National Blog Post Month #NaBloPoMo

It's almost that time of the year: #NaBloPoMo and #NanoWriMo starts November 1st.

If you don't recall what these things are, here is the short version:

Write a Blog post every day...I mean EVERYDAY, for one whole month.

(#NanoWriMo:Write a novel in a month)





I took on the NaBloPoMO challenge last year and I am here to tell you, it was an awesome experience that I look forward to again this year.

You may be wondering: Why was it so awesome?

Here is why:

1. It felt good to have a daily challenge that was genuinely challenging.
2. The community support is phenomenal.
3. It helped me to stretch my imagination and creativity daily.
4. It helped me improve my writing/blogging practices


So I am back again this year to encourage everyone one of my educator friends to take this challenge on and here are a few easy ideas to get you started on what to put on that blog of yours everyday for the entire Month:

Keep it simple

• If you are just getting started, try sharing a picture a day with a few words explaining or identifying the learning happening in your space

It does not just have to be you

• Guest blog posts are great! Invite others to write something for your blog, then the next day you can write a reflection piece on their writing.

• Share the great work happening in your learning spaces. 
• Publish student work, have another student write up a reflection on it, and then you can write up a reflection on the reflection! (too meta?)

When in doubt...re-share

• Some days you will not know what to write, try looking back through on your older posts, and re-share them along with a refreshed refection or update to what once was
• Brand new to blogging and have nothing to re-share and reflect on? Search the #nablopomo and read a few posts, find inspiration from others. 

Lastly, keep a small journal

• I decided last year I need a simple and quick place to jot down ideas when they came to me. I found this to be very useful so that when inspiration was lacking, I could flip through through my notes, (and sometimes write about how I had nothing to write about) 

No matter how you look at it, it is time to prepare to write/share, the key is to find enjoyment in the challenge and share your words with a bigger audience.

I can not wait to start this challenge again and I look forward to reading about your experiences as well!