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.
Create Badges in Google Sheets
Wanting to gamify your class with badges? One option is to create badges in Google Sheets. Create a list of achievements and add a badge for each one.
Classroom Jeopardy Template in FigJam
Check out this flexible use Classroom Jeopardy Template in FigJam. Make a copy and customize for your classroom content. Add tutorials and support resources for students to get extra help.
Online Workshop: Get Your Add-on Published
How can you make Google Workspace (Docs/Sheets/Slides) even better? You can create custom Add-ons with Google Apps Script. Wondering How to Get Your Google Workspace Add-on Published? Join Alice Keeler, Google Developer Expert, to learn the steps to get your Add-on officially published.
Using Pixel Art with TemplateTab
Looking for a fun activity to do with your students? Look no further than Pixel Art! Harness the power of TemplateTab by Alice Keeler to
Convert Your Jamboard Jams to FigJam
Convert Your Jamboard Jams to FigJam. It is very easy. FigJam has all the capability of Jamboard but better! Join Alice Keeler and Lauren (McCann) Ryan to show off the FigJam converter tool to easily change all of your Google Jamboard files.
The Importance of Word Wrap in Google Sheets
A key skill to know when using Google Sheets is how to wrap the text within a cell. You want to be able to view all of the text that is in your spreadsheet and not have any of cut off. Setting word wrap can be a bit tricky until you know where to look.