Chrome browser extension that turns on a "grid" view for Meet

There is a Chrome browser extension that turns on a "grid" view, allowing you to see many more faces at once in your Google Meet. You can install the extension from here in your Chrome browser:

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/google-meet-grid-view/bjkegbgpfgpikgkfidhcihhiflbjgfic/


Restart Chrome, then in your next Meet, you'll have a grid button to toggle it on and off:

How to embed video into FinalSite

1. Click to add a Resource, the window that opens up has many options.
2. Choose content, then one of those icons says Embed.
3. Choose that and then embed the source code.
4. To get source code from One Drive…right click on video and chose ‘View Online.’
5. A window opens in your browser.
6. Across the top, it has the option to Embed. When you click it, it gives you a window on the right to Generate HTML code.
7. Copy and paste it into the window on FinalSite.

How to install File Stream

1. Download the File Stream installer from here (scroll down to step 5 where you choose Windows or Mac): https://support.google.com/a/answer/7491144?hl=en

2. Run the installer by double clicking it, or running it from downloads.

3. The installer will walk you through a few steps, then ask for your Sayre Google login.

4. When complete, you should have a folder on your computer that shows your Google Drive and gives you access to My Drive and Shared Drives.

How to upate my operating system without upgrading to Catalina

As some of you know from experience there are applications that will not run on the current operating system that Apple released in the Fall, Catalina.  If you are prompted, please do not upgrade at this time.  You may do your updates for Mojave but do not upgrade your operating system to Catalina.

Organizing your Gmail account

 Begin by creating a label, then move an email into it

1.  On your computer, go to Gmail
2. On the left, scroll down, then click More
3. Click Create new label
4. Name your label ( I created one called test)
5. Click Create
6.  See the video below to see how I moved the email onto the label

How to use Google Calendar to attend a Google Meet

Your Google Calendar is the easiest way to access a Google Meet.  Every Google Meet you are invited to will show up in your calendar at the assigned time and you simply need to just click on the link to join, check out the screencast below for a video.

How to check your microphone and camera settings for Google meet

If your classmates are not able to see you during the Google Meet, check your settings to make sure that they are correct.

Google for education distance learning

Here is the link that Courtland shared about distance learning and Google for Education

9 Ways to Survive and Thrive While Teaching and Learning Remotely

1. Keep track of your passwords

2. Find the right place to work

3. Use a good headset

4. Time management is paramount

5. Have a backup internet plan    

6. Ensure you have access to every resource you need

7. Understand your home wireless capacity

8. Ask for tutorials and other support

9. Communicate regularly    


For the full article click here 

Settings for Chrome microphone and camera

If you are having trouble with your speakers and camera while using Google meet try these steps:

1.  Use Chrome as your browser

2. Make sure the settings allow the microphone and camera to be turned on (see video below)

Free on line resources for parents and teachers during this time

 There are many businesses making their resources free during this time.  I will continue to post and update this list as I find resources.

Ken Burns in the classroom

Free subscriptions for Kids Activities 

Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours

The Metropolitan Opera Will Stream Operas for Free in Wake of Coronavirus

Digital Learning Opportunities 

Tech and Learning's Free Online Learning Resources For Schools Affected by Coronavirus/COVID-19

Free books on Audible 

Free Shakespeare at the Globe!

Webinars related to Covid-19 and education

Strategies for eLearning Days in the Wake of COVID-19

Tips for remote instruction

As me move closer to the likelihood of some remote instruction here are a few tips I thought were worthwhile. 

• The simplest way to go online is a video conference platform
• Think shorter- harder to hold student attention on-line
• You can record online sessions for those who can’t tune in live. Screen cast -o-matic is a screen recorder installed on your laptop.
• Lighting is key, and think about virtual eye contact
• Use may want to use polls to keep students engaged and less distracted

Trying to keep order in a Google Hangout

So, as I mentioned in our meeting yesterday, it is hard to keep order during a Google Hangout with all your students and you may want to set up some parameters if you have a large class, you may even want to divide the class in two sessions.  Just a few tips, the main screen is focused on the loudest person in the room.  So, this can be very distracting.  If you want to create some order you can choose to mute students so they are not all talking at once.  To select a student and put them in the big window you can pin them.

Tips to prevent cheating on Google Forms

If you decide to use some online tools for quizzes, there are some choices that may help curb cheaters.  There are kids who are going to cheat and find a way but you may be able to discourage others from being tempted.  Here is a great piece on some tips, https://www.techlearning.com/news/5-ways-to-prevent-cheating-on-your-google-form-quiz. If you want help using Google Forms let me know and we can set it up.

Google Hangout/Meet

We may need to use Google Meet soon enough, take a look, Google has an excellent help page for Google Meets.

 If we need to do some online learning, here is a quick tutorial.

https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9300131?hl=en

Jason's video tutorial