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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Ditch Magic School – Use Gems Instead
My opinion, ditch Magic School. Use Google Gemini Gems instead. They are free , integrated into your Google Workspace, safer with your data.
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What Are Google Gemini Gems?
What is the difference between Gemini and Gems? How do I make a Gem? How do I use a Gem?
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Try Out Gemini Canvas Tool
When using AI, Google Gemini, try out the Gemini Canvas tool to make cool things.
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Let Gemini Help You Write Your Prompt
The key to Google Gemini or ChatGPT is having a good prompt, but they are hard to write. Let Gemini help you with that.
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Ask NotebookLM to Do This
NotebookLM is one of the best AI tools an educator can use, and it’s free. However, you want to make sure you also vet the sources.
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Create a Custom Infographic
App Smash NotebookLM and Canva to create custom Infographics.
