Post your GDrawings on the web easily - and use the link to upload elsewhere!

In my last blog post I talked about the Publish to Web feature in Google.  I recently discovered another great use for this...the ability to insert your own GDrawings images into GSuite apps (and Blogger!) easily - without having to download them...this is a great option for Chromebooks.  (Note: I have a feeling I am late to the party on this one but I think it is really cool and wanted to share with other who might not know.)

I love to create my own images when I create tutorials, blog posts, etc.  I usually create in Google Drawings, download the .png, then use the upload image from computer.  The problem is my Mac (for goodness knows what reason) constantly gets the dreaded: 

So here is what I do. 

1. Create a drawing in Google Drawing
2. Go to File --> Publish to Web
3. Click the Publish button
4. Indicate you are sure
5. Copy the link provided.

Now that I have the link, I can insert the Drawing (image) anywhere I want!

Sharing outside your domain

Many EDU domains only allow sharing of Google Files within their domains.  This is great for privacy but can be a problem if you are trying to share with parent communities and other such stakeholders.

Loophole Alert!

Turns out there is a loophole - The "Publish to Web" feature in GSuite Apps. At first I thought it still would not share if the sharing permissions were not set to public, but after giving it a try...seems I can access with my gmail as could some  colleagues from their gmail account.

In all GSuite apps you have the ability to Publish to the Web in the File Menu.  Here is how to do it:

Go to File --> Publish to Web

Click Publish

Click OK

Share the link created in the Link box. 

To Stop Publishing, click the Published Content & Setting drop down, then click the Stop Publishing button

Please use this feature responsibly.  Think before you post student information and images online and be sure you seek proper permissions - even if it is with a select group of safe people...remember they can share the link you give.

Note:  So I have the ability to share outside the domain.  I tried this and gave the permission for only those inside my domain to view.  I looked on my gmail account and it was fine.  Another colleague of mine, who does not have the ability to share beyond the domain, tried and it didn't work for her...so it may not work for all....sorry!

Google Hangouts - your FREE (portable) document camera!

A very blurry picture of Matt & me
@ ISTE 2017

This morning, on my commute to work, I was listening to the Google Teacher Tribe (#GTTribe)...it is a weekly tradition.  I love the podcast because it has great ideas for new and veteran Google users alike.  This morning, one tip that Matt Miller (aka Jimmy Matt) shared really wowed me -
How to use Google Hangouts as a (free!!!) document camera.

Here is what he shared.
                                     
Hook your computer up to a projector and start a Google Hangout.  On your mobile device join the hangout.  Select the box for the mobile device so it is the one projecting.  Put a document in front of the camera and it is shared!  You can also do this as you walk around the class with the device, or pass the device to have students share their work where they are seated.

Such an easy and extremely useful hack.  Thanks Jimmy Matt! 

Note: This also works if you want to show how to do something on a mobile device.  Generally, I use airplay on my Mac but it doesn't always work and this is a great way to have devices on different platforms talk to one another (e.g., PC desktop and iOS device).