At the end of the year, many teachers are looking for ideas for a student project. If you want a project that is timely, how about checking out Google Trends. Google Trends showcases what Google searches are trending around the world. It is a very interesting way to see what people are talking about.

To start, go to trends.google.com. Once you’re there, you can jump right in by entering a keyword or a topic in the Explore bar, or see some examples:

Here I searched for COVID-19 vaccine. These are the results: read more

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Looking for a free whiteboard option? Check out Google Jamboard…you can get to it right from your apps launcher! It is also integrated into Google Meet. 

Google Jamboard is a great tool to use for demonstrating a skill, flow chart, diagram, or any concept. Click on the plus sign tostart a new jam and name it.

Change your background and start drawing on your whiteboard. Note that you can even upload your own custom background. 

Jamboard even has sticky notes that you can use for text, and you can bring in your own images. The last tool is a laser which you can use to circle information, and then it disappears.   read more

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There are several ways to create a new Google file. You can do it using the plus sign in Google Drive… or start a new document from a current one using the File menu… or go to docs.google.com/create.

Now there is a super easy way to start a new Google file… and it’s (dot) new!

Want to make a new Google Doc? Open a new tab and enter doc.newdocs.new or document.new in the address bar.


How about a Google Sheet? Try sheet.new, sheets.new, or spreadsheet.new.

Need a quick Google Form? That’s form.new and forms.new. read more

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Previously, I wrote about a great Google feature – the goo.gl URL shortener. Well, I have some bad news… this tool is going away.

Visiting the goo.gl site now shows this message:

The message links to a Google blog post. In it, the developers state:

To refocus our efforts, we’re turning down support for goo.gl over the coming weeks and replacing it with Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL). FDLs are smart URLs that allow you to send existing and potential users to any location within an iOS, Android or web app. We’re excited to grow and improve the product going forward. While most features of goo.gl will eventually sunset, all existing links will continue to redirect to the intended destination. read more

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Google has continued their innovation in the education space with a new offering for teachers, students and adult learners that teaches computer literacy using the Google tools. The best news about this program is that it is free!

You start by going to g.co/applieddigitalskills. You will need to sign-in using your school Google account.

Applied Digital Skills

Choose if you are a Learner or an Instructor

Learner or instructor?

Once logged in you will find the interface is similar to Google Classroom. There are three sections My Classes, Curriculum and Help. read more

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