Google Apps Update: More Languages Supported

Support for more formats, languages, and filtering functionality in the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps for Android Posted: 27 Jan 2016 01:19 PM PST Updated versions of the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides Android apps are now available on Google Play. These versions include the following new features: Import and export additional file formats in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides - As long as you’re online, you can now import and export the following file formats in and from the Docs, Sheets, and Slides Android apps: Import - .txt, .rtf, and .html (in Docs) Export - .docx, .rtf, .pdf, .txt., and .html (from Docs), .xlsx, .pdf, .html, .csv, and .tsv (from Sheets), and .pptx, .pdf, and .txt (from Slides) Open CSV and TSV files in Google Sheets - In the latest version of the Android app for Sheets, you can open, view, and edit spreadsheets that are formatted as .csv or .tsv files. Read from right to left in Google Sheets - If you use a right-to-left language (e.g. Hebrew) in Sheets, you’ll now see an option in the Android app to format your spreadsheet in that same direction. Once enabled, your columns will progress from right to left (starting with “A”), and your row numbers will appear on the right-hand side of your screen. Filter data in Google Sheets - You can now apply new filters to spreadsheets in the Sheets Android app, as well as view and change existing ones. (NOTE: This feature became available in the app’s previous release.) Check out the Help Center articles below for more information. Launch Details Release track: Launching to both Rapid release and Scheduled release Rollout pace: Gradual rollout (potentially longer than 3 days for feature visibility) Impact: All end users Action: Change management suggested/FYI More Information Help Center: Get started with the Sheets app for Android Help Center: Edit and view text from right to left Help Center: Sort and filter data on Android Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted Launch release calendar Launch detail categories Get these product update alerts by email Subscribe to the RSS feed of these updates

Google Apps Update: Google Drive File Sharing

Increased control over Google Drive file sharing Posted: 25 Jan 2016 01:30 PM PST When you share Google Drive files using Google Apps, we try our best to ensure that your recipients can actually access them. For instance, if you link to a Google Slides presentation in Gmail and that presentation hasn’t been shared with your recipient, we show you an option to share it before sending the email. We also do this if you “+” someone into a comment in Docs, Sheets, or Slides, if you add someone to a protected range in Sheets, or if you attach a Google file to a Calendar invite (provided the person on the other end doesn’t already have access). We’ve heard from many Apps admins, however, that they want greater control over the sharing options their employees have in these scenarios. In response to that feedback, today we’re introducing new Access Checker settings in the Admin console (Admin console >Apps > Google Apps > Settings for Drive > Sharing settings). If an admin allows external, public file sharing (i.e. they’ve checked the box next to Allow users in XYZ domain to publish files on the web or make them visible to the world as public or unlisted files), that admin will now be able to say which of the following three options their users will have when sharing files in the scenarios described above: Option 1: Recipients only, their domain, or public (no Google account required) Option 2: Recipients only or their domain Option 3: Recipients only For example, if an admin chooses option 1 and an employee in their domain attaches a Google Sheets spreadsheet to an event in Calendar, that employee will be asked if they want to share that spreadsheet with guests of the event only or one of two additional options: (1) anyone in their domain with the link (if all guests are in their domain), or (2) anyone with the link (if any guests are in different domains). At launch, for admins who allow external, public file sharing, “recipients only, their domain, or public” will be the option selected by default. Alternatively, if an admin prohibits external, public file sharing, that admin will be able to choose which of the following two options their users see when sharing files in the scenarios described above: Option 1: Recipients only or their domain Option 2: Recipients only For these admins, “recipients only or their domain” will be the option selected by default. It’s important to note that the sharing options shown to users will be determined based on the settings in the document owner’s domain, which may not be the same as the settings in the domain of the person sharing the file. If someone tries to share multiple files and different policies apply to each (e.g. because the document owners are in different domains), we'll abide by the least permissive policy when showing options to users. Consider this example: a user tries to send an email with three files attached—one file allows public sharing, and two allow sharing with recipients only. In that case, we’ll only offer the option to share with recipients, as that option abides by the least permissive policy associated with the files being shared. Launch Details Release track: Launching to both Rapid release and Scheduled release Rollout pace: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) Impact: Admins and end users Action: Admin action required More Information Help Center Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted Launch release calendar Launch detail categories Get these product update alerts by email Subscribe to the RSS feed of these updates

A Day at Tween Tech!

An introduction of Malika Green:

My name is Malika Green and I am a STEM teacher at the William Davies Middle School in Mays Landing, NJ.  Currently,I am implementing year two of the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Gateway curriculum which includes Design & Modeling, Automation & Robotics, as well as Energy & the Environment.  I work closely with Kim Mattina to ensure that our students are engaged in high quality, relevant, and current technological experiences.

This blog post is our reflection from Tween Tech at Stockton University on January 8, 2016.

On Friday, January 8th, 2016, a selected 15 girls from the William Davies Middle School attended Tween Tech, a conference at Stockton University that offers girls  an opportunity to acquire more knowledge about STEM opportunities.  Stockton and the American Association of University of Women (AAUW), hosted the event and it included many interactive, hands-on activities, and women presenters who work in the STEM field.   

The conference offered hands-on workshops for middle school girls. Due to anticipated demand of the event, we were limited in selecting 15 students.  Sample workshop titles included Mystery Diagnosis, Solve a Murder with Forensics, Chemistry of Modern Cuisine, Science of Clay, and What’s the Chance of That?  All of the workshops were engaging, hands-on STEM focused.  The workshops that the students from the William Davies Middle School enjoyed the most were  Brain Games, Little Bits, Lissajous Figures, The Chemistry of Modern Cuisine and Build a Robotic Hand.

The day started with the students creating their own name badges, and using a sticker to symbolize the session of their choice.  All of the students, were split up into their workshop, forcing them to collaborate with other students from different schools.  Once in their session, they were paired up to complete the task at hand.  The workshops lasted for an hour, and the students attended two workshops.  They were offered lunch and the opportunity to hear motivational women speakers who work in the STEM field.  They were truly amazed, engaged and excited to hear their stories and experiences.    

While the students were in workshops, the teachers attended a presentation on Solving the Equation: The Variable for Women’s Success in Engineering and Computing from the AAUW as well as discussion on STEM majors.  The presentation was about empowering women to pursue STEM careers.  According to report, women declined in computer and mathematical occupations by 9% in 13 years.  As well as, by the end of high school, fewer girls planned to pursue STEM in college.  

When the presentation was over, we went into the Little Bites workshop, where students use electronic building blocks to invent large and small automated devices.  

Another workshop that we attended was Build a Robotic Hand, which demonstrated hand function by using simple supplies such as, string, cardboard, straw, and glue.  

In conclusion, all of our students had a great experience attending Tween Teck.  It was a very successful and rewarding day for us.  The students enjoyed the field trip the minute we stepped onto the bus to go to Stockton University.  It made them realize the importance of an education, and the opportunities that are offered in STEM careers.  

Here are a few quotes from our students:

“I am very happy I got the opportunity to participate in Tween Tech! This program has opened my eyes and exposed me to the different jobs and careers in STEM.” ~Alexa

“Today, I learned a lot!” ~Nina

“I had a fun learning experience.  All of the volunteers were really helpful and the food was good!”  ~Nathalia

“I had a lot of fun!” ~Hannah

“I learned a lot about Engineering and Technology.  My favorite activity was building a robotic hand.” ~Megan

Google Apps Update Alert - File Management in Google Drive

Organize your folders and files in Google Drive more easily

We know how important it is to stay organized at work, so we’re making it easier to move and arrange your files and folders in Google Drive. When looking at Search results or items in the Shared with me, Recent, or Starred views in Drive, you’ll now see one of two options in the toolbar at the top of the screen. If the item you’ve selected is not already located in My Drive, you’ll continue to see the option to Add to My Drive. Clicking on that option will add the item to My Drive and then allow you to move it to various folders.

Alternatively, if the item you’ve selected is already in My Drive, you’ll now see an option to Move to, which will make it easy to move that item to a new or different folder via a simpler, clearer workflow.

As an added bonus, you will also be able to drag and drop items from your search results to your folders.  In addition, to these improvements, we are making it simpler to organize Drive files when you are previewing them.  For example, if you are previewing a document that is not already in My Drive, you will now see an option to Add to My Drive in the toolbar at the top of the screen.  If you add that item to My Drive, you will now be able to quickly and easily move that file to different folders directly from the preview screen.

Launch Details 
Release track: 
Launching to Rapid release, with Scheduled release coming in two weeks

Rollout pace:
Gradual rollout (potentially longer than 3 days for feature visibility)

Impact:
All end users

Action:
Change management suggested/FYI

More Information
Help Center: Keyboard shortcuts for Google Drive on the web

Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted

Launch release calendar
Launch detail categories
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Google Apps Update Alert - File Search is Quicker

Search quickly and easily across Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides Posted: 11 Jan 2016 01:55 PM PST We know that when you’re working in Google Docs, you’re often working in Google Sheets and Google Slides at the same time. With that in mind, we’re making it easier to find and switch between your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Starting today, when you search from the Docs, Sheets, and Slides home screens on the web, your results will contain files from all three Apps. At the top of the results screen, you’ll see Top results, which will contain a mix of files, if relevant. Just below that you’ll see Recent documents (or Recent spreadsheets, or Recent presentations, whichever is applicable), which will only contain files from the App you’re working in. Launch Details Release track: Launching to Rapid release, with Scheduled release coming in two weeks Rollout pace: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) Impact: All end users Action: Change management suggested/FYI Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted Launch release calendar Launch detail categories Get these product update alerts by email Subscribe to the RSS feed of these updates

Internet Safety for Seniors - YES!

I was recently invited to speak to the senior citizens of the Sunrise Bay Adult Community in Little Egg Harbor, NJ.  Of course, I accepted! I thought I would have had a hard time thinking of a topic to speak about, but then I thought of my clients and how some of them were scammed, so I decided to present on Internet Safety.

First, I introduced myself and told them my roles, responsibilities, and credentials as a Technology Consultant, a Technology Integration Coach, and my experience as a Google Certified Trainer.  I wanted them to realize that I deal with many people of all ages, and that I was a person who they can trust and connect with.   

I opened up with two quotes:

1. "Many scammers target older Americans via emails and websites for charitable donations, dating   services, auctions, health care and prescription medications."
2. "Baby boomers embrace new technologies 20 times faster than members of Gen Y, including social sites, podcasts, and blogs."

Both of these quotes opened up a conversation about trustworthiness, the generation gap, and work ethnic.  It was a great ice breaker and conversation to engage the audience.

I went over many Internet safety topics such as:

• Safety measures for computers, laptops and action steps recommended
• Safety measures for emails, personal accounts, and action steps recommended
• Protection of  private information 
• Action steps to take if you become a victim

Most of the seniors in the audience had computers or laptops, so they were aware of many references I made, such as Norton, McAfee, MalwareBytes, email, passwords, browser, sign out, exiting the Internet and more.   Many of them asked me questions about handling spam mail.  

It was important to go over all of these topics, but I focused on scams, which includes phishing, phone scams, detections and action steps. Plus, I spoke about remote logins, and how I strongly discourage it.  I encouraged them to ask a lot of questions, and to contact a trusted person to confirm any issue.

The classic example, if someone contacts you via phone, or email and you don't think it sounds legit, chances are you are right!  Having common sense and knowledge is the best shield of defense.  The "IRS" or "Microsoft" will NEVER call you!  Just hang up the phone or delete the email!  Remember, criminals want your money!  

Although, it may be difficult to spot a phishing scam or the person who contact you may sound convincing, it always comes down to having common sense.  My motto for the session was "Knowledge is Power!"  Having knowledge and an awareness of pop-ups, malware, viruses, suspicious emails, phone calls and computer behavior will help protect your computer, information, and keep you safe on the Internet.  

If you do become a victim of a scam, you should contact:

• the financial institution 
• the Social Security Administration, 1-800-269-0271
• the Internal Revenue Service, 1-800-829-0433
• the Federal Trade Commission, 1-877-438-4338, or www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov
• a professional to inspect your computer

In spite of the fact that it is important to educate our children in K-12 schools about digital citizenship and privacy, we must also educate older Americans as well.  They need to be aware of the latest trends and/or scams in technology because many of them use it to communicate with their family via email or social media.  

It was a great pleasure to speak with the senior citizens of the Sunrise Bay Adult Community in Little Egg Harbor, NJ.  My goal for the day was to bring awareness and my hope was to help at least one person in the audience.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speaking with you and welcoming me today!   

1  Homeland Security https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Cybersecurity%20for%20Older%20Americans_0.pdf
2 Accenture

Tech Tip Tuesday: Chatting in Google Docs

Google Apps for Education is a great tool to use with students, teachers, and peers. Teachers need professional development on these tools so they can implement them successfully. Students also need instruction on them.  However, students adjust much quicker to change than most adults do, and, they embrace technology.  It is perfectly fine for teachers to ask students for technology assistance in class.  Chances are, the students may know the answer!  So, what that said, I cannot stress enough professional development for teachers!  

To meet the needs of staff at the +William Davies Middle School, I create many screen casts, animations using .gifs, provide professional development every week Tuesday, and create many resources for staff to reference.  For example, I use Google Classroom as a PD class, and I post many resources in there. I also update my webpage with resources and provide support through email and phone conversations.  

I recently created two screen casts that I would like to share.  They are focused on using Google document chatting features for appropriate and educational purposes.  Please keep in mind that with any collaboration tool, classroom management must be enforced by the teacher.  Meaning, the classroom teacher needs to monitor students online activity. Teachers must go over student expectations and hold students accountable.  Teachers need to model good citizenship by using technology correctly, especially the chatting tools.

Although it may be difficult for teachers to "keep up" with student's who are tech savvy, they need to be aware these "side conversations" may occur.  They may distract students from the educational task at hand.  

However, when these features are used appropriately, the tools will have a tremendous impact on student achievement.  This is why I feel it is important to share these videos with you.  I hope you find them helpful.

Appropriate Use of GAFE Document Chatting

Inappropriate Use of GAFE Document Chatting