Category: Google/Chrome

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Can Learning Be Transparent?

How many times have you used an image on a webpage, publication, presentation, or a paper and the background of that image messed up your format and appealing display?  Numerous times most likely.

Here are a few tips for finding and obtaining transparent images.

  • Google Image Search with Advanced Features – after browsing for an image, click on TOOLS underneath the search field, select COLOR, then TRANSPARENT. Save the image and use in your file.
  • Google Drawing – background is already transparent, create your image/drawing, then save and download.
  • NoBacks.com – isolated free stock png photos
  • Lunapic – photo editing web app – upload photo, edit/magic wand, click on background, save and download.

For educational purposes, transparent images could be used in PPT’s, Google Slides, student created flip books/videos, PBA’s, interactives, comics, and websites to name a few.

Transparent images are more appealing that’s a fact but it also gives the impression of a skilled user of technology at hand.

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Google’s Word Cloud Generator

google word cloudUse Google Doc’s add-on to quickly assess what your emerging theme is, how to best categorize your document, or find out the theme of document without reading it.  Word Clouds can be created manually and be specific or they can be created from a document and be full page images.  Options include choice of palettes, colors, sizes, and even a word count table feature.

Download Word Cloud generator from the Chrome Web Store.  It’s free!

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Create New Google Files in a Snap

Did you know you can create a new Google Doc, Sheet, Slide, or Form in one simple step?

If you notice when you are working on a Google Docs file, the web address leads with:  docs.google.com

By adding /create to the end of the web address, you are instantly taken to a blank document of that file type. See image below.

google docs create

This quick start also works with Slides, Forms, Sheets, and Drive. Give it a try! Click on the image above or the following Slides link:  slides.google.com/create

Note:  You must be logged in to the your Google account, otherwise, you will be prompted to log in prior to accessing the new file type. 

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Split Screen Layouts/Tab Layouts for Chrome

Have you ever had a need to view more than one screen on your display?

With the extension Split Screen Layouts/Tab Layouts for Chrome, you can easily split the browser screen into separate tabs and work simultaneously in multiple windows.  Who says you need dual monitors?  Customize layouts to suit your needs and create your own keyboard shortcuts for layouts you prefer and use most often.

Go to the Chrome Webstore and search Split Screen to add the extension to your web browser.
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Holiday Writing Activity

Are you interested in something different that will add a little life to your student’s writing?

Whether your students are writing a story,  a poem or lyrics to a song have them jazz it up by making the text twinkle like Christmas lights. This activity is suited for students (and teachers) familiar with Google Docs and Google Slides.  It’s sure to capture their attention all the while encouraging students to write.  Check out my example of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Students begin by writing their story or poem in a Google Doc and add the Rainbow Maker add-on for changing the text color.  They’ll use Google Slides for creating the animated story.

Interested?
Scroll to Activity #6 from the link titled
Template and Activity courtesy of Eric Curts, Google Expert
Other activities include Emoji Rebus Stories, Pixel Art Ornaments, Holiday Greeting Cards, Magnetic Poetry, and Build a Snowman.