Google Drive: Set Date/Time to Auto Expire for Shared File/Folder

One of the best features of Google Drive is the ability to communicate and collaborate with other people. When you share files and folders with other people, you must manually take those permissions away. Sometimes you want to be able to share with other people for just a short period of time. The auto expire script keeps you on top of things and does the work for you. 

Steps to activate the script:

Step 1: Click on this link to access the script (it will automatically make a copy for you).

Step 2: In line #3, replace the existing URL with the URL of your shared Drive file or folder.

Step 3: In line #7, replace the existing date and time with the date and time you want the file/folder to automatically remove permissions. Note, the time must be according to the 24 hour clock, i.e. 3:00pm would be 15:00.

Step 4: Click on File, select 'Project Properties,' and choose your time zone.

Step 5: Click on Run, select start, and authorize to run. 

Close the script editor window, sit back, and relax because the script will do all the work for you. 

15 Integration Ideas for Teaching with Maps

Last Tuesday's #gafechat discussion I posed various scenario questions. One of the questions pertained to students learning about various locations in the world via maps. 

Here are the technology integration ideas that stemmed from our discussion. 

Have the students...

1. use Periscope to see the world through the eyes of someone else. (@AlexaSchlechter)
2. use My Maps to build collaborative maps with placemarks, video and images. (@alicebarr, @THLibrariZen, ShakeUpLearning, LISDTechie)
3. show the different locations with streets, buildings, etc. via Google Earth.(@MLunoff)
4. take a screenshot of the map using Awesome Screenshot Minus and annotate/add text. (@SPFTech_Treglia)
5. build a tour around the world using Google's TourBuilder, so they can add text, images, videos and more. (@jcalvert4, @LISDTechie)
6. add maps to a Google Drawing or Google Slides and collaboratively add information about the location. (@MLunoff)
7. build a map using Google Maps and a Fusion Table. (@VCSataylor)
8. explore the locations via Google Maps/Earth street level. (kilgoretech)
9. find locations via a scavenger hunt on Google Maps that ties to political and cultural geography. (@MattHarrisEdD)
10. use Screencastify to record a video explaining how they used websites to identify the locations. (@MLunoff)
11. identify locations via GeoGuessr, a game that requires you to guess a particular location based on street view. (@bluebutterflysm, @MathDenisNJ )
12. create an interactive map using batchgeo.com and Google Forms. (@kilgoretech)
13. label a map using Thinglink - a tool that allows you to add text, videos, images and more. (@curryhj2000, @AlexaSchlechter) 
14. use Google Cardboard to experience locations around the world. (@LISDTechie)
15. use Scribble Maps to build an interactive map. (@LISDTechie)

Here are some addition resources to help with your integration:

Around the World in 60 Minutes by Michelle Armstrong

Example using Fusion Table (shared by @VCSataylor)

Golden Treasure Series on Geography by Kasey Bell

Batchgeo.com and Google Forms tutorial

Tour Builder Information/Tutorial

Google Maps Information/Tutorial

Photos to Slideshow in No Time Flat!

Here is a tutorial on how you can take photos from your phone/tablet and quickly turn them into a YouTube slideshow. 

There are also some advanced features you can use to make your slide show more personal. Here is how to add text to your slideshow:

Mash-Up: Google Slides + Photos to Create Master Slides

As the end of the year approaches there are more and more research projects being done in the classrooms. Here is a quick tutorial to show you how you can manipulate the master slides in order to create beautiful presentations. 

Click out my Stock Photos page to find additional websites with copyright friendly photos. 

Favorite Chrome Extensions - Week of May 11th

Here are my Chrome extension picks for the week. Hope you find a new one.

#1: Google+ Notifications
Type: Social Networking
Summary:  This extensions shows you your Google+ Notification alerts on the browser bar. Never miss another notification. 

#2: Care Your Eyes
Type: Accessibility
Summary: If you are like me then you spend a lot of time staring at a computer. This extension has helped the strain on my eyes. You have the ability to change the color and limit the color change to certain parts of the webpage. 

Reseda Mode

#3: Similar Sites Pro
Type: Search Tools
Summary:  This extension is great for helping to find sites that are similar to the one you are viewing. Click the extension when you are on a site and other sites will appear. It even gives you a global and US rating of the similar sites. 

#4: YoWeather Window
Type: News & Weather
Summary: Instantly get the current weather. Nothing fancy about this, but a great way to quickly check the weather before heading outside. 

Enter

Favorite Chrome Extensions - Week of May 4th

Here are my picks for the week. Hope you find a Chrome extension you will come to love. 

#1: Search+ for Google Chrome
Type: Productivity
Summary: Instantly search Google+ from the omnibar. 

#2: Chrontabs
Type: Productivity 
Summary: This tab can help you stay on top of tasks that you need to complete on a daily or weekly basis. Set websites to open (and close) at specific times of the day. 

#3: Tab-Snap
Type: Productivity
Summary: Create a list of all the open tabs. While you can restore a list of URLs you have to come across that list to open all of the tabs at once. I see this more for teachers being able to copy a list of all of the URLs to share with students. Or the students can then copy that list and paste it into the restore to have all of the tabs opened up at once. 

#4: Search Preview
Type: Search Tools
Summary: Enhances your search pages by inserting preview images and related links to the sites that appear. This feature is supported in Google, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo and Bing.

Favorite Chrome Extensions - Week of April 13th

Here are my Chrome extensions for the week. 

#1: One Click Google Hangout
Type: Social & Communication
Summary: I love this extension. You can instantly create a Google Hangout simply by clicking the extension icon. The Google Hangout window pops up, while instantly copying the link to the hangout on your clipboard, so you can quickly share. Keep in mind it this works for a regular Hangout, not a Hangout on Air.

#2: Quickmarks
Type: Productivity
Summary: If you are someone who bookmarks a lot of sites on your bookmark bar then this is a must have. Once installed, type 'b + tab' in the omnibar, type in the name of your bookmark, hit enter and it will immediately open. 

#3: TimeStats
Type: Productivity
Summary: This extension gives you a breakdown of the sites you visit daily, monthly, and more visited. It gives you the amount of time spent at each site, complete list of the domains from most to least visited, the days you spend the largest amount of time, and more. You can place the sites into categories to help you track the type of sites you spend most of your time. 

#4: Calculator
Type: Productivity
Summary: This is a scientific calculator that will open up in the tab/window you are in. Sure you can open the calculator in Google, but this takes you away from the page that you are on. There is nothing magical about this extension, it won't do the math steps for you, but it will allow you to quickly compute the answer. Some people think that calculators should be kept from students. I disagree. I think that students should use calculators when they are practicing problems to help them see if their answer is correct. It won't do the steps for the student and in no way should it replace the students working through the problem. It is just a way for students compare their answer to the calculators answer. 

Did you learn any new extensions that you are looking forward to using? 

Favorite Chrome Extensions - Week of April 6th

Here are my Chrome Extensions for the week.

#1: Tab Packager
Type: Productivity
Summary: This extension is amazing when you want to share multiple links with people. Click on the extension and it will turn all of your open tabs into one shortened link. Share that one link with people. When someone opens your link a page will appear with all of the links you had copied. You also have the ability to share the link directly with several social networking sites and email. 

#2: Synergyse
Type: Productivity
Summary: This is a must have extension for anyone who is a Google user. It will give you interactive, in application training for the Google tool. When enabled it will give show the Synergyse icon, simply click on the icon and it will show you all the video tutorials for the tool. 

#3: AdGuard Adblocker
Type: Productivity
Summary: Unmatched adblock extension against advertising and pop-ups. Blocks ads on Facebook, Youtube and all other websites. It has a 5 star rating from 7,300 ratings. With this extension those annoying ads disappear. I am especially happy to see those video ads that play prior to the video disappear. 

#4: Picture in Picture Viewer
Type: Productivity
Summary: This allows you to have a tab open inside another tab. This is great for watching a video and taking notes, having your Google Hangouts window open while working, and more. You must enable panels for this extension to work. To do this follow these steps:

1. Go to chrome://flags/
2. Search for 'enable flags' using Control/Command + F
3. Click enable under 'Enable Panels'

Favorite Chrome Extensions - Week of March 30th

Here are my Chrome extensions favorites for the week. 

#1: Wolfram Alpha
Type: Productivity
Summary: This extension allows you to query Wolfram Alpha from any webpage. Wolfram Alpha isn't a search engine, it is referred to as a computational knowledge engine. When you conduct a query via a search engine you often have to put each entry in separately to get accurate data. With Wolfram Alpha you can put all of it in as once. For example, if you are searching for data on different planets, Wolfram Alpha might be a better solution. If you want to find the answer to a complex mathematical equation, Wolfram Alpha would also be a better solution. If you subscribe to the pro version it will show you all the steps to reach that solution.

#2: Bit.ly URL Shortener
Type: Productivity
Summary: It allows you to shorten the current URL, gives you the same shortened URL every time you use the extension on the same page. I usually use goo.gl for my shortened URLs, but sometime I get an error message when using that extension, so this one my fall back. 

#3: Shareaholic for Google Chrome
Type: Productivity
Summary: An easy way to share & bookmark great content from anywhere on the web with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & 200+ other services. You can also get a shortened URL for the webpage as well as access your sharing history.

#4: To Do List
Type: Productivity
Summary: Create a simple to do list from any open tab/window. Drag and drop the items to order the list. There is not advanced about this extension. If you are looking for a simple way to stay on top of tasks this extension might be what you need. The number of tasks to complete show up on the extension as a daily reminder. 

Favorite Chrome Extensions - Week of March 23rd

My favorite extension this week are all centered around my favorite topic, Google. Many of you might already be aware of these extensions, but I felt it important to share for those who might not know. 

#1: Google Voice
Type: Productivity
Summary: Make calls, send SMS, preview Inbox, and get notified of new Google Voice messages on your computer. This extension is only available for United States numbers.

#2: Google Mail Checker
Type: Productivity
Summary: Displays the number of unread messages in your Google Mail inbox. You can also click the button to open your inbox.

#3: Google Cast
Type: Productivity
Summary: Send content to your Chromecast and other devices that support Google Cast. I use this one personally to stream to my TV, but I know teachers out there are using it in their classrooms as well.

#4: Block Sender (for GMail)
Type: Productivity
Summary: Block annoying emails in Gmail. Say goodbye to unwanted newsletters, individuals, and other uninvited email senders. Note: free version allows a couple blocks, but there is a paid subscription available.

Favorite Chrome Extensions - Week of March 2, 2015

Here are my top picks for the week. Hope you find at least one new extension to fall in love with.

#1: Google Calendar (by Google)
Type: Productivity
Summary: If you use Google Calendar, then this is a must have extension. It allows you to quickly see your calendar from any open window/tab. You also have the ability to add a new event from the extension.

#2: TabJump
Type: Productivity
Summary: This extension is for all of you tab hoarders out there. You know the ones that have so many tabs open that they have a hard time finding the one they want. With TabJump you can quickly open a pop-up window that shows you the tabs you have open, so you can choose the right one in an instant. It also shows you recently closed tabs and open tabs that are related to the one you have currently on.

#3: Hangouts
Type: Social & Communication
Summary: This extension will keep Google Hangouts running on your computer, so you are always available. I always have this extension running so that people know when I am online and can contact me with questions or just want to chat. 

#4: Start.Me
Type: Productivity
Summary: Finding the perfect browser start up page has been a battle for me. I find ones that I like for a while, but there is always something that seems to be missing. I have been using this extension for over a month now and am pretty pleased. There are a bunch of different widgets that you can add the page, so you tailor it to your likes and needs. This is definitely an extension that is worth a try if you are like me and want a customized homepage.

Want to learn more about Chrome? Check out my tutorial here. 

Favorite Chrome Extensions - Week of February 9th

This is another one of my weeks with no set theme. I actually like my random extension weeks because it gives you a little bit of everything. 

Yellow highlighter is my personal favorite from the four because I am one of those people who needs to highlight text when reading. Which one do you like the best?

#1: Yellow Highlighter
Type: Productivity
Summary: This extension is great for people who like to highlight text while reading. When you activate this extension is allows you to highlight text from articles you are reading online. The highlight article automatically creates a shortened URL so you can save the highlights or share with others. You can even share the highlighted article quickly from the Twitter and Facebook buttons. 

#2: Google Input Tools
Type: Productivity
Summary: This extension is so cool. It allows you to quickly switch to typing in another language (90+ to choose from) on a Google document. This is great for students in a foreign language class or teachers who need to compose text in another language. 

#3: Incredible StartPage
Type: Productivity
Summary: This extension allows you to customize your start (home) page. You can easily find your bookmarks, create notes, locate closed tabs, see your apps, most frequently visited websites, and more. 

#4: Google+ Button
Type: Productivity
Summary: This extension allows you to quickly share a website on Google+. Click on the extension when the website is open and the Google+ post appears.

Want to learn more about Chrome? Check out my other resources here. 

Why Every District Should Adopt Google Apps for Education (GAfE)

Google rocks! Such a simple, yet powerful statement. 

I love a company that devotes so much time and energy to provide the educational community with amazing tools all for FREE. I personally think that a law should be passed that requires every district to adopt (and use) Google Apps for Education (GAfE). Okay, so maybe a law is a bit extreme, but I do feel strongly about it. If districts truly understood the power of GAfE I really believe they would run, not walk, to sign up. Oh and did I mention it is free?

Here are some awesome features available only to GAfE districts. 

• District issued domain
• Access to Google Classroom (not available with personal account)
• Every member of a GAfE district has unlimited storage in Drive with the ability to upload a file 5TB in size (personal accounts only get 15GB of storage space)
• Ability to create appointment slots in Google calendar (not available on personal accounts)
• Free web-based district email for staff and students with the ability to turn on/off based on grade-levels
• FERPA compliant (personal account is not FERPA compliant)

I know there are many more reasons, but for the sake of not losing you with too long of a blog, I will stop there. If I can't sell you on Google Apps with those six bullets, well seven if you take free into account, then I am afraid I have no hope. 

If you want more information than I provided, please visit the Google Apps website. 

Also, there are over 1,000 Authorized Google Education Trainers around the world. The group I am a part of has 1,125 members (trainers) to date and more are getting added everyday. Districts can hire trainers to come help get their systems up and running, train staff, train students, and so much more. Here is a link to the Google Education Directory to help you find a trainer near you. 

Oh and no Google is not paying me to write this blog. I really feel strongly about Google Apps and I had to give a shout out. Not that I would turn down a check from Google...;-)

Google Apps is the way to go. You should get on the bus now because you don't want to get left behind. 

Favorite Chrome Extensions for the Week - November 24th

Here are my favorite Chrome extensions for the week. This week focuses on saving time while trying to get work done.

#1: Closed Tabs
Type: Accessibility
Summary: This extension is great when you need to access closed tabs quickly. Every time you close a tab it is added to the Closed Tab extension for easy retrieval. You have the ability to clear all tabs when the list gets too long. 

#2: Autocopy
Type: Productivity
Summary: This extension allows you to automatically copy text or links when they are selected saving the number times a day you click Ctrl/Cmd + C

#3: Timer
Type: Productivity
Summary: Set a timer for allotted time you would like to be on the web.

#4: Strict Workflow
Type: Productivity
Summary: Enforces 25 minutes of distraction-free work by blocking those distracting websites. Then gives you a 5 minute break.

If you are new to Chrome or want to learn more, click here to see some of the great things Chrome allows you to do.

My Favorite Chrome Extensions for the Week of November 10th

I have been on a search for some new Chrome extensions. This week I am showcasing extensions that I have just recently found. 

#1 Too Many Tabs
Type: Productivity
Summary: This extension is for the tab hoarders out there. It allows you to see a visual of all of your open tabs. It also allows you to easily suspend the tabs that you are not currently using so you can improve your computer's memory. When you need to access the suspended tab, simply open the extension and move the suspended tab back over.

#2 Notifier for Twitter
Type: Social & Communication
Summary: This extension displays tweets, mentions and/or direct messages as pop-ups on your computer screen. It will also pull up your Twitter feed in a pop-up window so you can quickly check tweets from any open tab/window. I personally choose to just be notified when there are mentions or direct messages because I would never get anything done if my twitter feed was popping up all day.

#3 English Dictionary Translate Pronunciation 
Type: Social & Communication (but I consider it more productivity)
Summary: Use this extension to have a word pronounced for you. Also shows the definition of the word and gives you the ability to translate the English word into another language. Great extension for the English language learners. 

#4 Explain and Send Screenshots
Type: Productivity
Summary: I take a lot of screenshots to send to people in order to explain something. This extension is great because I can quickly take a screenshot and then annotate on it. I can download the image or share the link to the annotated screenshot. 

My Favorite Chrome Extensions for the Week - October 13th

I am just amazed at how many awesome Chrome extensions there are out there. I could spend all day finding new ones to use! This week I picked ones that focus on productivity.

#1 PowerSwitch
Type: Productivity
Summary: If you are a tab hoarder like me then you are going to LOVE this extension. No longer do you have to waste time trying to remember which tab is what. Simply hit Control (PC) / Command (Mac) + K and it will give you a list of all the open tabs. Click on the tab you want and it instantly takes you there. Amazing!!

#2 Window Tiler
Type: Productivity
Summary: So maybe you aren't a tab hoarder and instead a window hoarder. If that is the case, then this is the extension for you. It will take all of your open windows and tile them so you can see them all at once. This is an awesome extension for taking notes while reviewing something.

#3 Announcify
Type: Productivity
Summary: Last week I recommended Speak It. This is another great for the struggling readers or those who simply want to listen to an article. The extension converts web articles into speech, opens them in a new tab, and reads without having to select any text. The key feature is that it blurs out the text that is not being read, making it easy to track while listening. Options for the extension include adjusting speech volume, pitch, and rate.

#4 Stay Focusd
Type: Productivity
Summary: It will help you stay focused on your work by blocking sites that you find yourself "wasting time" on. You set which sites you want to be blocked and the amount of time you are allowed on the site per day. Once you reach the time allotted it will block that site for you the rest of the day. This could be a parents dream! 

If you are new to Chrome or want to learn more, click here to see some of the great things Chrome allows you to do. Missed out on my other recommendations, click here and you can see all 44 that I have promoted to date. Happy Chroming (yeah, I just made up that word)!