Chrome Web Store: Apps & Extensions

Over the past several weeks, there has been an increased number of instances where buggy Chrome apps and extensions have been installed on user accounts.  As a result, some users have experienced computer slowness, strange popups and adds, and other performance issues stemming from the bad Chrome app or extension being installed.  

Some of you may be wondering what Chrome extensions are. Extensions are small software programs
that customize the browsing experience. They enable users to tailor Chrome functionality and behavior
to individual needs or preferences. They live next to the omnibox (Chrome search bar) in your browser.

As a safety and security measure, going forward, staff will now need to request a Chrome app or
extension become allowed using the Unblock Request Form.  This form has been made available
on the Intranet under Forms & Portals.

Once an app or extension has been allowed, any staff member or student can install it from the
hudson.k12.oh.us section of the Chrome Web Store.  

If you would like additional information about accessing the Chrome Web Store to install an app or extension, please click here to view a short video.

Check It: A New Feature in Read & Write for Google Chrome

Check It is the newest feature on the Read&Write for Google Chrome toolbar that will check spelling and grammar in Google Docs. 

If you find an issue with Check It not finding an error or flagging text as incorrect that you feel is correct, click the dropdown arrow at the right end of the Read&Write for Google Chrome toolbar and go to Options > Check It

From there click the link at the bottom of the screen to report any issues.

Hiding Check It

If you’d like to hide Check It, click the dropdown arrow at the right end of the Read&Write for Google Chrome toolbar and go to Options > Features

From there, you can toggle the switch to the right of any feature to the left and that will hide that feature.

Source: https://support.texthelp.com/help/check-it

Fun, Free Google Slides & PowerPoint Templates

Looking to jazz up your Google Slides or PowerPoint presentations and make them more visually appealing?  Check out Slides Carnival, a website that has free, catchy, colorful Google Slides & PowerPoint templates you can install. 

Removing the Securly Certificate From Your BYOD Phone

If you no longer want to be on the Staff BYOD WiFi network and would like to remove the Securly certificate from your BYOD phone, please follow the steps below.

iPhone

• Launch Settings. 
• Tap on General. 
• Tap on Profile. 
• Tap on the Securly configuration profile. 
• Tap Remove Profile. 
• Enter your passcode if prompted. 
• Press Delete to confirm.

Android

• Launch Settings 
• Security & location 
• Advanced 
• Encryption & credentials 
• Trusted credentials 
• Tap user tab at top
• Tap Securly, Inc. certificate and tap remove at the bottom. 
• Tap ok to permanently remove the certificate.

Embedding Google Docs into Your Website

Website How-To: Embed a Google Doc

Whether you do a weekly newsletter or often link to various guides and tutorials on your website, this screencast can help walk you through the steps on how to embed it into your site. 

It also shows you how to create a HyperDoc using headings within Google Docs so that you can jump to different points in the Doc via a link at the top. 

Beware...it's 10 minutes 🙉, but hopefully, it helps answer some of the common questions on embedding within Schoolwires and helps save you time in the long run when updating weekly or monthly posts to your site. 

Some helpful Docs referenced in this video are below:

Teacher Website Resources

Newsletter Template

WVIZ/PBS ideastream Updates

September 2018

Ashland University is now a Graduate Credit Provider

for PBS Teacherline

ideastream is pleased to announce a collaboration with Ashland University to offer graduate credit for PBS Teacherline courses!

Cost: $170 per credit.

And, there is more good news! 

PBS Teacherline has established a professional learning course calendar for all of 2018-2019.  This means you can include these outstanding professional learning options in your own education learning plan.  

Each class is facilitated, and you can review its syllabus on the PBS Teacherline website before enrolling.

Here's a list of courses narrowed by instructional technology.

Courses are also offered in the following subjects:

• Instructional Strategy

• Leadership

• Math

• Reading/Language Arts

• Science

• Social Studies/History

__________________________________________

Take a Sneak Peek.  Shhhh . . . .

If you click and watch, you will be one of the first teachers in Ohio to see our first episode of the new season!

Okay.  You can share it with your students if you'd like. (We'd actually love that.)

There will be 30 episodes created for the 2018-2019 school year.  You can download or stream NewsDepth in your classroom.  

NewsDepth is an outstanding multimedia instructional package that introduces students to events and issues that impact Ohio and our world.

 If you are a parent, we invite you to share with your child!

Check out the 2018-2019 schedule.    

__________________________________________

Have you visited PBS LearningMedia from @PBSTeachers recently? This educational resource offers free, standards-aligned resources to support your instruction this school year!
Sign in and try it!
If you haven't created a FREE account on the 100% FREE PBSLearningMedia, give it a try! 

Developed in partnership with the WGBH Educational Foundation and supported by ideastream and public media stations nationwide, PBSLearningMedia engages educators and learners at all levels with content from America’s #1 Educational Media Brand!

Check out some back-to-school resources:

Why Can't Teens Wake Up Early For School?  Waking up early for school can be difficult, especially for teenagers who are actually "wired" to sleep later. @AbovetheNoisePBS breaks down the science behind why students love to sleep late. (Grades 6-12) 

Separation | Daniel Tiger: Life's Little Lesson  Teachers, are students in your classroom still struggling with leaving their parents in the morning? @DanielTigerTV is here to help with strategy songs, teaching tips, and more! (Grades PreK-1)

__________________________________________

Click here to see the schedule for the live forums and have students fill out the form to ask Ohio's next Governor about jobs as future graduates. 

Reach out if you want to set up an event to watch this live in the auditorium or media center. 

Adjust PDF Settings in Chrome

If you are having difficulty printing PDFs or Google files, try adjusting these settings in Chrome.

Copier Refresher

Below are a few refreshers about the Xerox copiers. 

Stickers: If your ID badge sticker for Follow You Printing no longer works, please email Jen Moloney in the Business Office for a replacement.  Remember that you will need to register any new sticker.  How to register a copier sticker.

Issues: Please report all copier issues to building secretaries (who will, in turn, notify ComDoc) except "Follow You Printing" issues which should get entered in SchoolDude.  Please make sure you are printing to Hudson_Copiers on HCSD-PS3.

Steps to Change Paper Size or Print in Color:

*Please note these steps may vary slightly depending on whether you are on a Windows 7

Look for this Xerox menu.  This is the menu you need
to alter in order to change paper size or print in color.

or Windows 10 computer and depending on whether you're working in a software application or an internet browser. 

• File > Print 
• Click on "Preferences" or "Printer Properties" or “Print using system dialog.”
• The Xerox menu will appear. 
• Under the Printing Options tab, you can change the paper size.
• Under Xerox Black and White, change to Off (Use Document Color). 
• Under the Image Options tab, make sure black and white is unchecked. 
• Either click "Ok" or "Apply" then "Print."

Google Classroom End-of-the-Year Cleanup

Google Classroom End-of-the-Year Cleanup

Here are the recommended steps to cleaning up your Google Classroom and preparing for next year. Watch the following video or follow the five steps below.

5 Steps

1. From Classroom Dashboard/Homepage, click the three vertical dots in the upper right of each Classroom and choose Archive.

2. Go to Google Drive and find your Classroom folder
1. Create a folder called Archived Classes
2. Drag any Google Classroom folders into it that you archived in Google Classroom

3. From Google Calendar, hide or delete any Google Classroom calendars associated with last year’s classes. Hover over the three vertical dots to hide from list. Or, click on the x to unsubscribe and completely remove the calendar.

4. Create new classes in Google Classroom
5. Feel free to hide any of these Classroom calendars as well if you only use a general assignment calendar for classroom events and assignments.

**This will significantly clean up your list under My Calendars within Google Calendar.

Back up Your Google Account Using Google Takeout

Our district Google accounts provide staff and students with safe, secure, and unlimited cloud storage of your data and files. That said, it never hurts to back up your files that are stored in the cloud from time to time.  Using Google Takeout, you can back up files and data stored in Gmail, Drive, Calendar, etc.

Here’s a screencast walking you through the process. Click here for more information on using Google Takeout.

The All New Gmail is Here!

The all new Gmail is here!  Learn how to enable it, and discover the new features that have arrived in Gmail. 

To get started, click on the gear and select "Try the new Hudson City Schools Mail."  If you're not seeing this, refresh Gmail.

Here's an overview of the new features in the new Gmail:

1. Organize emails from your inbox.  When you point to messages in your inbox, you can quickly take action without opening them.

2. Snooze emails until later.  Postpone emails to a future date or time that's more convenient for you.  If you are a Boomerang fan, you will enjoy this new feature!

3.  Use suggested replies & follow-ups. Quickly reply to emails using phrases that'll show up based on the message you've received.

4. Expand or shrink your inbox. Change how spacious or compact you want your inbox view. In the top right, click Settings  Display density.

5. Show or hide the menu. To make room for previewing your email, you can expand or shrink your inbox view by clicking Menu .

6. View Calendar, Tasks, Keep & Add-ons. You can now use Google Calendar, Keep, Tasks, and Add-ons while in Gmail.

To learn more about the new features, please click here to visit Google Support.  Here's a Gmail Cheat Sheet with helpful information as well. 

New Video Editing Feature in Screencastify Premium

Back in early March, Screencastify generously offered us premium subscriptions for all staff and students since we are among the top 1% of most active users! 

Since then, a new feature has been added! The Screencastify Video Editor is a brand new premium feature that allows you to quickly edit any video in your Google Drive.  Videos can be cut, cropped, and merged - even if you didn't create them in Screencastify! Watch the video below to learn more about how this new feature works. 

Happy video editing!

Online PD Through PBS TeacherLine

Let PBS TeacherLine help you reach your professional development goals while studying online.

Earn graduate credits or CEUs.

Classes are offered year round.

Here are some of the courses with start dates of April 18th and June 13th:

• Teaching Animal Adaptions in the K-2 Inquiry-Based Classroom

• Teaching Energy and Motion in the Inquiry-Based Classroom 

• Differentiating Math Lessons for a Range of Learners 

• Teaching with Primary Sources from the Library of Congress (3-12)

• Graphic Organizers for 21st Century Learning (K-12)

• Teaching Reading in Content Areas (3-12)

• Developing Passionate Readers in a Digital Age

Use the code LEARNWITHPBS to receive a 20% discount if you take an April course.

Use the code IDEASTREAM to receive a 10% discount if you enroll before May 31st.

Explore all of the available PBS TeacherLine courses and enroll.

Screencastify: Premium Version is Available for Hudson Schools!

Last week, Screencastify emailed saying that 1,578 teachers and students at Hudson City Schools have created 19,819 videos using Screencastify! This makes us one of 2017's top 1% most active domains! 

 
As a thank you, Screencastify is giving Hudson City Schools access to the Premium Screencastify software for 5,000 users, which includes both students and staff, through June 30, 2018.

Every time a user with an @hudson.k12.oh.us or @hudson.edu email logs into the Screencastify extension, they'll automatically be upgraded to the Premium version. Premium features include:

• Unlimited screencasting (vs 10-minute video limit and 50 videos/month on free version)
• No watermark
• Export as .mp4 and animated GIF
• Basic video editing (crop, trim, cut, and merge videos)

Happy video creating!!!

Additional resources:
‣ Screencastify user guide to help users get more familiar
‣ A collection of classroom video ideas for teacher inspiration

Use the amazing paint tool to format text in Docs, Sheets, and Slides quickly and easily!

The paint tool, available in Google Doc, Sheets,  and Slides is a convenient feature that provides a quick and easy way to format text. You're invited to watch the video below for an overview of how the paintbrush tool works and receive tips to assist with getting started!

Favorite Chromebook Shortcuts

Looking to be quicker and more efficient on your Chromebook?  Check out these top Chromebook shortcuts!

Ctrl + N                Open a new window
Alt + F4                Close a window
Ctrl + F                 Search within a document for a particular word or phrase
Ctrl + F5               Take a full screenshot
Ctrl + Shift + F5   Take a partial screenshot (drag area you need to capture)
Ctrl + Alt + ?         Find out more shortcuts! 

Email Members of a Team Drive

Email members of a Team Drive

Team Drives make it easier for teams to store, search, and access important files, especially as team members change over time. To improve collaboration in Team Drives, we’re adding the ability to email all the members of a Team Drive.

There are two ways to email members of a Team Drive:

• From the Team Drive: Navigate to the Team Drive, click the drop-down menu next to the Team Drive name, and click “Email members.” 
• From within a file that is in the Team Drive: While editing or viewing the document, open the File menu, and click “Email Collaborators.” 

When you select to email members, you can easily customize who your email is sent to. Use checkboxes to include or exclude “Members” who have access to the full Team Drive, “Guests” who only have access to that specific document within the Team Drive, and users with different Team Drive access levels, such as “Full,” “Edit,” “Comment,” and “View.”

YouTube Restricted Dates During AIR Testing

It’s hard to believe that AIR testing is right around the corner.  We want to give you plenty of advance notice to plan ahead instructionally to accommodate for YouTube services being unavailable to students on the days AIR exams are being administered in grades 3-12.  On District AIR testing days, student access to YouTube will be restricted to preserve bandwidth for testing and inhibit higher volume traffic, like video streaming, that places higher stress on the network.  Teachers' YouTube access will not be interrupted during AIR testing.

Student access to YouTube will be restricted from 7:30 am - 3:30 pm on the following District AIR testing days.  

April 9th

April 10th

April 11th

April 12th

April 13th

April 16th

April 17th

April 18th

April 19th

April 20th

April 25th

April 26th

April 30th

May 1st

May 2nd

May 3rd

May 4th

New Tech Tools to Try in the New Year

New Tech Tools to Try in the New Year

Learn with INFOhio Webinar

Presenter: Michael Roush 

Technology Integration Specialist for area K-12 and Adjunct Professor of Education at Wilmington College
@mdroush


Here's the breakdown of the ten tools he goes over within the hour-long webinar and the timestamp of each in case you just want to get to what you're interested in. He only spends about five to ten minutes on each, so jump to the tool you want and save time or watch the entire webinar and earn a fancy certificate of completion. 👍

Tech Tool Webinar Breakdown

1. Flipgrid (go to 5:38) — Video social learning tool

2. Seesaw (go to 11:52) —  Online portfolio platform

3. Read&Write (go to 21:24) — Assistive toolbar for all, updates and new features

4. Edublogs (go to 26:44) — Writing for an authentic audience

5. Feedbro (go to 30:30) — RSS feed manager

6. Canva (go to 35:00) — Design program

7. Iorad (go to 37:28) — Tutorial Builder

8. Recap (go to 41:46) — Question-led chat tool with video for discussion and reflection

9. BookCreator (go to 49:10) — Create. Read. Publish. Digital notebook for the 21st Century Classroom

10. iCivics (go to 53:25) — Lesson plans, activities, games, and more

**Click the image below to view the webinar. You should not need our INFOhio login now thanks to geolocation (woot!), but let me know if you experience any issues.**

Link to the INFOhio Webinar page. 

Roush made a great point at the end of this webinar. We shouldn't blame the tech tool when it doesn't work out.

We need to look at our implementation and the way we teach (audience, purpose, strategies) and rethink it. 

Click the slide below to access Roush's PowerPoint.