I Want My MPG! by Lucas Reilly

The 21st Century Hack

ReillySHS — 2015-02-07 03:07:29 UTC

A quick and easily implemented shortcut that can help improve organization and efficiency.

1. Folders, Folders, Folders

ReillySHS — 2015-02-07 03:19:01 UTC

Organization is the key to Drive efficiency. You may spend a lot of time opening up folders, but in the long run it is well worth the extra clicking to know where any document is at any given moment. It also "cleans up" Drive if you are as OCD as me...

2. Placing a Doc in Multiple folders

ReillySHS — 2015-02-07 03:22:01 UTC

Make a shared folder with your PLC for resources, place your docs for colleagues to see, and borrow resources.*

*Just remember it's a shared doc so avoid editing your coworkers docs!

~open desired file > organize > command (Mac) + select folders

3. Don't be Sisyphus - Make a Calendar on a Google Doc

ReillySHS — 2015-02-07 03:37:05 UTC

Sure, Google has a great calendar app, but all your work and planning will be gone when you want to teach the same unit the following year. It is also much easier to hyperlink to other docs!

~ create doc (I use a Google Drawing) > insert and format a table > add dates > share with your class / place on website

Credit: Reuben Hoffman

4. Master Copies

ReillySHS — 2015-02-07 03:44:44 UTC

Don't start from scratch if you have a series of docs you find yourself making a lot. Make the template and make copies as needed! This works for calendars, forms, and graphic organizers

~make a "Master Copies" folder > store your templates > make a copy > move to desired folder > edit as needed

5. Drawings make perfect templates for Graphic Organizers

ReillySHS — 2015-02-07 04:11:22 UTC

The freeform template makes it possible for taylor-made graphic organizers that can be printed or shared:

~ create drawing > File → Page Setup... > Custom 8.5x11 (portrait) or 11x8.5 (landscape) > insert shapes and text as desired.

6. Drawings make for very 'clean' embedding on Google Sites

ReillySHS — 2015-02-07 04:26:54 UTC

Google docs embed well, but can occasionally look a little bulky and glitch when trying to click on hyperlinks. Google Drawing embed without borders and first time clicks on hyperlinks.

7. Downloading Class Rosters from Infinite Campus

ReillySHS — 2015-02-07 04:31:14 UTC

Use them for seating charts and other clerical needs in google spreadsheets.*

*Microsoft Excel needed for this funcion

Credit: Todd Benrund

8. Make a class seating chart using Google Sheets

ReillySHS — 2015-02-07 04:35:23 UTC

Using your newly downloaded class list, create and format a seating chart in a spreadsheet then just simply cut & paste to move students around.

~ Create Spreadsheet > format cells to resemble seating chart > copy and paste class list into a column > format student cells > cut & paste to populate seats

9. Quickly view student work submitted in Google Classroom through Drive

ReillySHS — 2015-02-07 04:48:19 UTC

You can use the preview mode in drive to quickly browse all student documents without needing to open and close each individual document.

11. Control your computer using a Chromebook

ReillySHS — 2015-02-07 04:57:38 UTC

You can now liberate yourself from your desk when demonstrating "how-to's"!

~ Chrome Apps > Remote Desktop > set a unique pin > log into a spare class Chromebook > enter pin > control your computer from anywhere in the class!

*There is an iOS / Android Remote Desktop app for that!

Credit: Mike Falkoner

9.5 Share Google Classroom folders with co-teacher / support providers

ReillySHS — 2015-02-07 05:05:46 UTC

This serves as a work around for not being able to add teachers to google classroom (yet.)

10. Add Images to Google Slides as a custom 'theme'

ReillySHS — 2015-02-07 05:10:51 UTC

While google greatly improved the efficiency of powerpoint presentations, but not necessarily the layout. Adding images to the background can make up for the less-than-abundant theme options in Google Slides.

~ create slides > find image > crop to fit > right click > send to back

~ You can also adjust the transparency of background images so writing will stand out. Credit: Reuben Hoffman

Collect ongoing assignments in a Google Form

ReillySHS — 2016-01-27 19:52:27 UTC