There were some changes to the way tools called Add-ons (that are used with Docs, Slides, Forms, and Sheets) are accessed this year. The change basically made it so that you can't use any of them when you try the normal way of adding them.

These add-ons can bring some great functionality to Google, so if you'd like to use them there is a workaround for installing add-ons that isn't bad at all. You need to search for the add-on using Google Search and find it in the Chrome Web Store. 

Don't know what add-ons are or what they can do for you - look here!

Google Slides is an excellent tool - not just for creating presentations, but for making eBooks, stop-motion animation, Choose Your Own Adventure stories, comic strips, and much more. However, they can lack a bit when it comes to template choices. 

This website contains online resources that provide over 600 design theme templates (as of last count) for you and your students to use in your creations. In most cases you will simply need to click on the templates provided and then make a copy for your own use. Once you have your copy, you can edit the slideshow however you want and add your own content.

SignUp.com is a way for you to work less when scheduling all sorts of events. The basic plan is free and allows you to login using district credentials.

West Canyon and Birch elementaries are using it for parent/teacher conference appointments.

The yearbook staff at SVMS is going to use it to allow photographers to select which school events they want to cover.

It is a great way for people to sign up to bring items for a potluck or staff event.

If you'd like to see if this is something that would fit your needs, please contact me.

Mystery Reveal Slides is a way for you to allow students to solve questions from various content areas while the answer remains hidden on the board in front of them.

Once students have had time to solve the problem or answer the question, pick a volunteer to come up and slide the magnifying glass over to reveal the answer. 

This could be a fun twist on your typical classroom activities. Here is a template for you to copy and try if you'd like.

It can be used to:

• reveal answers from math problems solved with partners

• uncover answers after completing a reading comprehension with a small group

• Learn new vocabulary through repetitive practice

• Review important facts

• Complete math fact practice

Jeran Ott, Ed.D., has come up with a tool that could prove helpful if you have a meeting with a parent, student, or other family member and need an interpreter. 

Ott-o-Matic tools are a number of Google based items that Dr. Ott created for educators. 

The Parent/Teacher Conference Translator is a Google Sheet that has code added to it that allows users to type in what they want to say (with dozens of languages for you to choose from), and the sheet translates it so all parties can see the conversation. 

We've mentioned Flippity.net tools before, but some things are worth reminding about. The site has 20 different templates that take information you've entered into Google Sheets and makes useful tools or games out of them.

They've got:

• flashcards

• random name picker wheel

• typing tests

• a timeline creator

• wordsearch, crossword, hangman

• AND MORE!

I like Flippity tools because they take very little work to create and they produce things that can help kids engage with your content.

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