Prep for Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam: Jamboard

 

The Google Certified Educator Level 2 Exam has gone through some changes recently. In the past, it was 20 questions multiple choice and 11 performance tasks. The current iteration is 35 multiple choice questions based off of scenarios. Questions will ask you to choose between 1-5 correct answers. These questions require you to be familiar with the features and functionality of each Google Workspace for Education App. 

For Jamboard, you need to be familiar with the following features and functionality.

- Know how to add frames

- Add sticky notes to a frame and change the colors

- Know how to use the different annotation tools such as marker, brush and eraser

Click here to go through some Jamboard Practice Scenarios on Quizizz Lessons. These scenarios are NOT the same as the test, but similar. If you understand the skills demonstrated in the videos and can answer my checking for understanding questions, you will be prepared for the Jamboard portions of the Level 2 Exam.

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Chat at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com. 

New Jamboard Integration with Google Meet

Just last week, I wrote a blog post about a bunch of new features recently added to Google Meet. Those features included background blur, ability to view 49 participants and more presenter controls. One feature that had not come yet was Jamboard integration. But a long last, Jamboard integration in Google Meet is here. If it hasn't rolled out to your domain yet, it will any day. 

I am very excited for this feature. One easy way to take advantage of this is if you have a touchscreen device with stylus. I envision math teachers using this for guided practice, ELA teachers demonstrating text marking, and history & science teachers annotating maps and diagrams. The possibilities are exciting. 

Take a look at the screenshots below to see how to get started using Jamboard integration in Google Meet.

Step 1: Click the "three dots" in the bottom right corner. At the top of the menu that appears, you will see "Whiteboard" as an option. Click it.

Step 2: Once you click "Whiteboard", this will pop up giving you the option to start a new Jam from scratch or choose one you've already pre-made in Google Drive. 

Step 3: If you've invited people to your Google Meet video call, this will appear asking you to give access to the file. You don't have to give them access if you're going to use it just for a guided practice or demonstration. For that, click the "Don't give access" box in bottom left of the pop up. Whether you give access or not, you have to click send. A link to the Jam will appear in the chat regardless if you gave access or not.

Step 4: When the Jam opens in another tab, it will be titled the same name as the Google Meet with the code in parentheses. 

Step 5: To share the Jam with students for guided practice, click "Present now" and select "A Chrome tab".

Step 6: After selecting "A Chrome tab", you will be given a choice of tabs to share. Choose the one that has the Jam.

Step 7: After sharing the Jam's tab, click over to that tab. You will see an alert saying that you are sharing that tab and a button to stop sharing right above the title of the Jam.

I love Jamboard, but I am not an expert. For some great resources on Jamboard, follow my friend Tom Mullaney on Twitter and check out this YouTube playlist he created showing you how to use all the cool Jamboard features.

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Hangouts at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com. If you would like to unsubscribe from this blog, go to bit.ly/tcjinbox.

My book, The Complete EdTech Coach: An Organic Approach to Digital Learning, co-authored with my wife Katherine Goyette is due out in October/November of 2020. It will be published by Dave Burgess Publishing. Keep an eye out on this blog and on social media. Be sure to follow the hashtag #OrganicEdTech and #CVTechTalk for updates.

Make a Force Copy of a Digital File in GSuite

As educators, we create resources all the time. When we collaborate with colleagues, we share these resources, but issues arise with editing and viewing permissions as well having to make copies of digital files. If you are using GSuite, there is a simple trick for creating a "Force Copy" link. A "Force Copy" link forces anyone who clicks on it to make a copy of your file without having open a View Only version and make the copy on their own. It removes a few steps from that process. With many colleagues, removing those extra steps can be very helpful. 

This isn't a brand new idea, and you could Google it and find many articles on how to do this, but take a look at the steps and screenshots below to learn how to make a "Force Copy" of a file in GSuite.

Step 1: Open your file and click Share. Set permissions for Anyone with the link is a Viewer.

Step 2: After setting the permissions, look at the Omnibox (address bar)

Step 3: In the Omnibox (address bar), find where is says edit near the end of the address. Delete the word edit and replace it with copy.

Step 4: After changing edit to copy, push Return (on a Mac) or Enter (on a PC or Chromebook) and you'll be taken to this page. Copy the new URL, the entire address, and send it anyone you like or post it somewhere for people to make a "Force Copy" of your file. When they click Make a copy, their copy will automatically be saved in My Drive of their Google Drive. This trick can be done with Slides, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Jamboard, and Drawings.

If you have any questions and would like a follow up, contact me via Gmail or Hangouts at ajuarez@techcoachjuarez.com. If you would like to unsubscribe from this blog, go to bit.ly/tcjinbox.

My book, The Complete EdTech Coach: An Organic Approach to Digital Learning, co-authored with my wife Katherine Goyette is due out in October/November of 2020. It will be published by Dave Burgess Publishing. Keep an eye out on this blog and on social media. Be sure to follow the hashtag #OrganicEdTech and #CVTechTalk for updates.