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This is FONTastic! - Google Fonts

For the average user, most applications provide enough default fonts to choose from when preparing documents and presentations. As a graphic designer, though, I appreciate an extensive collection of fonts to choose from when I'm designing for print or online media. I've always had my 'go to' sources for online font collections, but you can imagine my excitement when one of my university students introduced me to Google's font repository . Google's font collection contains nearly one thousand font families to choose from. These fonts may be added for use in your Google documents, slides, sites, etc. In addition, the font families may be downloaded and installed for use on your own computer. Included with each font are examples of the styles, or variations, included in the family, glyphs, information about the font, and information about the font's designer. Cool stuff!
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We be jammin'!

As teachers, we're always looking for new and innovative ways to engage our students. This is much easier said than done as our students are so easily distracted. We often lose them in just a matter of minutes, and it's so difficult to reign them back. Google's cool little app, Jamboard , may be just the tool you need to enhance student engagement while ditching pencil and paper for a whiteboard-type experience that can be shared with the entire class. Jamboard can be used in so many ways...as an activator, to check for understanding, or as an exit ticket. Jamboard allows you to add virtual sticky notes, write and highlight, add images, and participate in team collaboration. Check it out! And, while you're at it, check out this sample Jamboard  and add your own ideas for using the app.
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Screencastify Extension for Google Chrome

Interested in a quick and easy way to create videos for your students? Screencastify is the answer! Screencastify is an easy-to-use Google Chrome Extension that works entirely in your browser window, while automatically saving your videos to a Screencastify folder in your Google Drive. Videos may be made using your computer's web cam, or by capturing your screen for step-by-step demonstrations. Its built-in editor streamlines the video editing process, allowing you to share completed videos to Google Classroom or publish to YouTube. Check out this Master the Screencast course from Screencastify!
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Google Classroom Cheat Sheets

Under the current circumstances, many teachers who had not previously used Google Classroom have been asked to use this method of delivery for their course content. Although I've used Classroom in the past, I don't currently use it as I believe Google Sites is more suited for delivering instruction to my students remotely. Last month, I was provided access to two Google Classroom publications provided by Shake Up Learning® . Here are links to two Google Classroom Cheat Sheets... Google Classroom Cheat Sheet for Students Google Classroom Cheat Sheet for Teachers Both of these guides are outstanding resources for those of you who may be navigating uncharted territory.
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Personalize Your Docs and Presentations with Bitmoji

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Many of you probably already use Bitmoji with texting and messaging. My wife and I love this feature and use it often. As a graphic artist and graphic arts teacher, I enjoy creating my own custom handouts and presentations for my students. You can imagine my excitement when I discovered there is a Bitmoji extension for Google Chrome which allows you to add your personalized emojis to documents, presentations, and even Gmail! And in most applications, adding the Bitmoji is as simple as drag-and-drop! Check it out!
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