As always, Google is always getting better. Google Sites is no exception. Sites is an easy way to create a website that integrates Google Drive documents. Simply double click and choose Drive files to embed. Use Google Sites to create tutorials for students. Have students create a portfolio of their best work along with a reflection to showcase their learning holistically.
Caution: Documents added to Google Sites do NOT change sharing permissions.
Before diving into Google Sites, be aware that when you insert Google Apps documents the sharing permissions remain in tact. In other words, if the document is private, it will still be private. As the creator of the site you obviously always have permissions to your own documents so the documents are always visible to you. However, outside persons will not be able to see the documents unless you set the sharing permissions on the document to allow that.
3 Google Sites Features
Collapsable Text
Scrolling through a long page of text can be less than fun. Google Sites allows you to create collapsable text from the insert sidebar.
Type a few words to tease what will be revealed by clicking on the arrow. Type text below the headline.
2. Change Fill on Buttons
While buttons themselves are relatively new, even newer is the ability to change the fill of the button. Choose “Button” from the insert sidebar and notice the tiny triangle on the button options. The default is “Filled.” Instead choose “Outlined” or just “Text.”
3. Image Carousels
For projects have students take pictures of the progress of their project. Either with mobile devices or screenshots. Using the insert sidebar, have students create an image carousel of their project. This allows them to insert multiple images into one spot on the site.
Be sure to click the carousel settings cog…. twice. There is a cog on the carousel to add pictures and a second one on the edit carousel screen.
This allows for having the image carousel automatically advance the images. This default is off, click “Auto start” checkbox to give the site viewer less clicking.
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Slides Timer Add-on
Need a countdown timer in your Slides? Use Sildes Timer and Slides Timer Add-on to easily keep your lesson on pace.
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Match Names in Two Lists
How to match names in two lists comes up surprisingly often. Who on the sign up list is also on the eligibility list? Use the MATCH formula to find out.
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5 Myths About DOK (Critical Thinking)
DOK is about critical thinking. However, many myths surround the levels of DOK. Here are 5 things to look out for.
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How to Convert Your Slides to Spanish
Need to convert your Google Slides to Spanish or another language? Try this free Add-on to quickly copy slides into another language.
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Google Docs TABS – Organize Your Document
Google Docs tabs allow you to create pages like a notebook within your Google Doc™. Create multiple tabs to organize content.
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Google Classroom Tutorial: How Students Turn in Work
Help students know how to turn work in Google Classroom. Use the flyer as a handout with students to talk about turning in work.
