Author: Mark Salzer

Google Doc edit notifications

In Google Docs, starting later this month, you will be able to choose to receive email notifications for document changes (comments and/or edits) on a per file basis. Edit notification emails will detail what changes were made, when the changes were made, and who made them. (Google Sheets already has this notification feature.)

You will be able to configure these notifications in multiple places:

Gmail
In Docs via the Notification settings drop down (bell icon) or Tools > Notification settings.

Why you’d use it

Staying on top of relevant changes and comments across multiple documents can be difficult. By giving you the option to specify which comments and changes to be notified about, you can more easily stay on top of what needs your attention most and keep track of collaboration. You will be able to configure these settings from Gmail using the new “Notification settings” drop down:

They will also be accessible within Docs in the “Notification settings” drop down (bell icon). This will open a dialogue box with the notification settings options, which you can adjust as needed. Please note that edit notifications will be off by default and can be enabled on a per-document basis. When enabled, you will be notified when anyone adds or removes content from the document.

You can also access these settings in Tools > Notification settings.

Edit notifications will be OFF by default and can be enabled on a per document basis. Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning edit notifications on or off for your account.

Gmail has a new integrated view

Google announced last January that a new integrated view for Gmail was coming and while it had been delayed, starting this month, users who have not opted-in will begin seeing the new experience by default, but can revert to classic Gmail via Quick settings (gear in top right). Within the next two months, this will become the default experience with no option to revert back.

See this support article for more background – https://support.google.com/mail/answer/11555490

Mega update and new name for FlipGrid…now FLIP!

FlipGrid, I mean Flip, is cranking out some new features in the coming weeks that Flipgrid users are bound to really like! Just a few: Custom Group Links, Edit Captions, Group Templates, Sign Language Lens (Sounds awesome!), Camera upgrades and lots more. Here’s their latest blog with all the updates.

To see some of the new features, check out the video below.

Metamorphosis – Free training for teachers and office staff in MISTAR-Q

The MISTAR consortium offers two self-paced training courses introducing new users to the tools commonly used by teachers and secretaries. Offered at no cost to MISTAR districts via the Alludo learning platform, the Monarch “game” is a great fit for teachers new to our district. Players complete a series of online lessons and submit evidence / screenshots in the Alludo app, tracking their progress. They can select from a variety of modules to best meet their learning needs with the MISTAR teacher tools. Staff can get started on this training at any time, and there are SCECH hours available to those who complete the training.

New this year is the Skipper “game” for those in office roles. There are several modules including Building Blocks, Enrollment and Scheduling as well as more modules coming during the school year.

To get started with either Monarch or Skipper, please submit a service request asking for the specific training course(s) desired so that we can set you up and send you a customized link.

Next Fall, 2-Step verification expected for Google account access

By early next fall our district will begin to require staff users to use 2-Step verification in order to access their district Google accounts. A bit of background on what that is and an invitation to enable it prior to enforcement is the gist of this blog post.

[Note, the “2-Step verification” process may be known by other names like, “two-factor authentication” (2FA), or “multi-factor authentication (MFA)”.]

**What is 2-Step verification?**

2-Step verification adds a second layer of protection during the login process. Currently, your Google login is tied to “something you know” (your password). 2-Step verification adds a second layer of “something you have”, i.e., a mobile device, a phone number where you can be reached, a physical security key.

**Why will we be implementing 2-Step verification?**

Times are changing and hackers are finding new and creative ways to acquire user passwords: cyber hackers are buying lists of usernames and passwords on the dark web, they are using social engineering and email phishing tactics to steal passwords, they are also using something called “dictionary attacks” as a brute force method to guess weak passwords. Adding a second form of verification dramatically decreases the likelihood of your password, and consequently your account, being compromised. Additionally, school districts purchase cyber insurance which requires a regular review of security-related best practices/continuous improvement, and requiring an additional authentication method for account access is the next big push for districts to be compliant with cybersecurity risks/best practice.

**How often will I need to use 2-Step verification?**

Once you authenticate and complete the 2-step verification process and make sure to “remember this device” (their verbiage is Don’t ask again on this computer), Google will not require 2-step verification every time you log in. From that point on, Google will not prompt you to perform 2-Step verification on that device unless you clear your browser’s cache, change your password, it’s been around 30 days since your last verification and/or if Google suspects that your account has been breached.

**How do I enable 2-Step verification?**

For guidance on how to enable 2-Step verification for your district account, visit http://links.pccsk12.com/2stepdirections

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To make more secure other accounts you have (banking, Apple, Amazon, any other online retailers, especially ones with your credit card info, personal email, etc.), consider also enabling 2-Step verification if it isn’t already in place. Basically any account that would be a real bummer to have someone else you don’t sanction gain access to.

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Expect more details in future blog posts around this topic.

Wayne RESA’s Summer Learning Blitz

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WayneRESASummerLearning
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REMC June free PD opportunities

June REMC Courses are a great way to kick-off your summer learning

June courses are a great way to build new skills and get a jump on your summer learning. Interested in a new technology tool? Need to earn SCECHs? Look no further than a June REMC Course!

Registration deadline is Friday, June 3rd, each course begins on Monday, June 6th. Through the support of REMC SAVE’s vendor partners, all courses are FREE and there are no SCECH fees. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn, connect, collaborate and grow from the convenience of your home.

Check out June 2022 courses here:

Register by Friday, June 3rd. You will receive a welcome email with the course login and other information prior to the course start date. If you have questions or need further assistance with your course registration, please contact Erin Rommeck, REMC Event Coordinator.

A couple of noteworthy Google updates this month

New Dropdown Menus
A fun way for students to create Mad Libs, Track Project Progress, Choose Your Own Adventure Stories, and more. Also perfect for Rubrics. INSERT–>Dropdown There are also some new building block templates that make it easy to get started with drop-down menus. (animated GIF below from Brian Buffington, who offers a weekly edtech newsletter) (You might also want to check out Richard Byrne’s post on this and 4 other new Google doc features)

New Chrome webstore badges

Google is making it easier to identify reputable app developers by adding badges that will help you avoid installing “copycat” chrome extensions.

Create more with Canva using these Template Shortcuts!

The EDU team at Canva wanted to save you some time and give you quick access to the most popular classroom templates. Categories include: Creating Positive Classroom Communities, Design Teaching Resources, and Design Student Activities. Each specific template is hyperlinked to blank templates. Click graphic below.

Digital Breakouts Teach Important Tech Skills Through Digital “ESCAPE” Rooms

Digital Breakouts are a great way to engage students in important tech skills through an action-packed digital scavenger hunt. Students are so engrossed in solving puzzles and competing with classmates, they actually don’t even realize they are being taught important content!

The REMC Association 21Things4Students has added four new digital breakouts to support technology proficiency and to keep students safe and secure online. Using clues to solve and open a lock, Digital Breakouts promote collaboration and teamwork while enhancing curriculum content. Interactive activities can include mazes, matching vocabulary, word searches, directional grids and more.

Check out the four new 21Things4Students Digital Breakouts:

21Things4Students has ready-made classroom activities and curriculum to help all educators integrate technology skills into their classroom learning. All materials are FREE and licensed under Creative Commons for use and duplication.