Ready, Set, Go The New 2018 Google Classroom - Part 2

The New 2018 Google Classroom is in BETA and has released a few more features to the interface. Here are a few new features that came out recently.

• The Create button is available on the Classwork page.
• A Comment Bank is available to provide more efficient feedback.
• Add, edit, delete, and copy to the clipboard for the comments in the comment bank area.
• When adding a comment to a document, type ‘#’ to open up your comment bank list.
• You can use this in the comment tool in the Google Doc too.
• A new interface on the assignment that will allow you to return, grade, provide feedback, go to the next or previous student, open the student document in a new tab.  This interface is new and will allow the teacher to be more efficient when accessing the student’s work.  

Request BETA Access for Google Classroom

bit.ly/RequestBETAGC

Watch the Ready, Set, Go! The New 2018 Google Classroom - Part 2 episode on The Suite Talk.

Watch the Ready, Set, Go! The New 2018 Google Classroom - Part 1 episode on The Suite Talk.

The Suite Talk Podcast is Available!

I started The Suite Talk show in January 2018 simply because I felt stagnant at my job and I felt like I needed something more.   Since then, I found a new job, which I am extremely excited about and The Suite Talk has allowed me to expand my PLN, meet, learn and share from other people from the US and around the world.  I am truly thankful for all of my guests, viewers and subscribers.  This experience has been amazing and a lot of fun! :)

To add to this journey of learning, I started a podcast for The Suite Talk.  Now, you can watch my show on The Suite Talk YouTube channel or simply subscribe to my podcast, The Suite Talk.  This is truly a learning curve for me and so far, I am learning a lot about podcasting.   My motto is, "the no stress show", and I want to keep it that way.  I am human and I make mistakes, but I am not ashamed of them because that is how I learn and improve.  

Right now, my podcast is available on the PodBean hosting service.  You can download the Podbean app at the Apple Store or Google Play store and search for The Suite Talk and follow me.  

As I become familiar with podcasting, I will make my podcast available on iTunes and Google Play, but for now, I am taking it one step at a time.  

I am getting many suggestions from my audience and supporters, so please keep it coming.  I will do my best to accommodate your requests and suggestions.   This experience is truly amazing and I am grateful. 

If you are interested in being on my show, please visit the website and click on the Guest page.  Fill out the form and I will contact you as soon as I can.

If you want to watch older episodes of The Suite Talk, please visit the website and click on the Episodes page.

New Formatting Features of Google Forms

The Google Forms team recently released a few new updates that will enhance the look and feel of your Google Forms. It will allow you to customize the theme and background color, font style, and header image.  Have fun customizing your Forms and enjoy!  I hope you find this information helpful.

Here is a brief overview of the features:

1.  Pick a theme and background color

This option will allow you to pick a theme and select the theme color including the background color of the form.  If you do not see the theme color in the selection, you can simply add a new color by selecting it from the color wheel or by entering the hex number of the color.  If you are looking for a specific color from a website, a great Chrome extension to install is ColorZilla

2.  Upload an image for the header area

This option will allow you to upload an image to the header area.  As in the past, you can select a pre-existing header from the library or you can upload your own image. Once you upload or select an image for the header area, Google will display default background and theme colors to coordinate with the image.

3.  Customize the font style

This new feature will give you options to display different fonts for your Form title, and form questions.  Currently, there are four fonts to choose from, the Basic, Decorative, Formal, and Playful.  A sample of these fonts can be seen below.

If the screen cast below does not automatically play, click here to start it.