2021 Google Resource Roundup

Every year, I gather all the fabulous Google resources from our blog. This year, we have had so many amazing posts on topics ranging from Chrome Extensions to Google Jamboard.  Check out this incredible list of Google blog posts from this past year categorized by topic/tool.

Arts and Culture

• Coloring Book Resources to Benefit Children and Adults – Did you know the benefits of coloring include anxiety reduction, improved focus, and more? Check out coloring books from Google Arts and Culture.
• Exploring STEAM Topics with Google Arts & Culture – Using art to explore science — and vice versa — is easy with Google Arts & Culture. Find inventive tools for STEAM education in this post.

Calendar

• Google Calendar: A Powerful Tool for Back to School – Use Google Calendar with a new update and the Meetric add-on to increase efficiency.

Chrome Extensions

• Eight Chrome Extensions and Sites You May Not Know (March 2021) – Add to your tool belt with these eight great Chrome add-ons, extensions, and sites. At least one of them will be new to you!
• Eight Chrome Extensions and Sites You May Not Know (April 2021) – Try these Chrome extensions and sites you may not know. From transferring grades to tracking sharks, there is at least one new idea to explore.
• Eight Chrome Extensions and Sites You May Not Know (May 2021) – Learn a new language, highlight just the important stuff, and expand your bank of random facts with these Chrome extensions and must-visit websites.
• Eight Chrome Extensions and Sites You May Not Know (June 2021) – Discover new, fun, and functional Google Chrome extensions, along with some playful websites to try out simply for enjoyment.
• Eight Chrome Extensions and Sites You May Not Know (July 2021) – There are some real gems in this month’s collection of Chrome extensions and fun websites to try out.
• Eight Chrome Extensions and Sites You May Not Know (August 2021) – Check out these must-have Chrome Extensions and must-see sites, sure to prove useful, bring you joy, and enhance your day.
• Eight Chrome Extensions and Sites You May Not Know (September 2021) – We’re back for more Chrome extensions and must-visit websites! You’ll find everything from organizational tools to web tacos.
• Eight Chrome Extensions and Sites You May Not Know (October 2021) – Interested in useful Chrome extensions? Looking for sites to brighten you and your students’ day? Check out October’s fun finds!
• Eight Chrome Extensions and Sites You May Not Know (November 2021) – Discover eight new extensions and websites with everything from cows and cursors to quotes and pianos.
• Enhance the Canvas LMS with Chrome Add-Ons – Need to smooth over the rough edges in the Canvas LMS? You may want dark mode or quick access to student view. These Chrome browser extensions get it done.
• Free Green Screen Solution for Chromebooks – Green screen is a powerful tool for students and adult learners alike. Previously, there’s been a cost to it. But now, there is Kapwing.
• Use Chrome Extensions to Take Brain Breaks – Re-energize your day and be more productive with these Chrome extensions. They can help with movement, eye strain, and better brain function.

Drawings

• Five Google-ly Mapping Tools for Thought Cartography –  Find and use concept mapping tools that work well with Google Workspace, like Google Drawings and more.

Drive

• Google Drive for Desktop Arrives –  This blog entry will walk you through the new Drive for Desktop and how to make the most of it.
• Google Drive Gets a New Name –  Need a way to access Google Drive files, but don’t want to save gigabytes of data to your device? Use the re-branded Google Drive for desktop.

Earth

• Explore the World and Catch Carmen Sandiego Using Google Earth –  Solve mysteries and explore the world using Google Earth. Will your students be able to catch Carmen Sandiego and her V.I.L.E. operatives?

Jamboard

• Free Jamboard Templates for Elementary Students –  Jamboard is one of the best free tools available to use with elementary students. Grab some great templates and get started today!
• Free Jamboard Templates for Secondary Students –  Engage your secondary students in collaborative or individual learning with these free Google Jamboard templates.
• Fun Icebreaker Jamboard Templates for Back to School – Try these fun back-to-school icebreaker Jamboard templates with your students. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll get to know them.
• How to Make Interactive Maps with Google Slides and Jamboard – Learn how to have students create engaging interactive maps using online resources, Google Slides, and Google Jamboard.
• Social Emotional Learning Activity Templates for Google Jamboard – Have you been looking for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) activities for your classroom? If so, check out these Google Jamboard templates.

Meet

• Twitter Takeaways: Google Meet Breakouts Plus –  Dig into Google Meet breakout ideas and other Twitter takeaways that will better engage your students and increase achievement.

Sites

• New Features for Google Sites –  Check out the new functions and features added for Google Sites. There are several that will make your site even more user-friendly.

Sheets

• Seven Google Sheets Tips to Save You Time – Discover seven time-saving tricks for Google Sheets covering everything from QR codes and drop-down menus to shortcuts and filling cells.

Slides

• Don’t Miss These Amazing Google Slide Add-Ons –  While Google Slides is amazing by itself, putting Slide add-ons to work will take your teaching and learning to a whole new level.
• Free Google Slides Templates for Your Classroom –  Check out these great Google Slide templates to keep your classroom organized, whether virtual or face to face.
• How to Make Interactive Maps with Google Slides and Jamboard –  Learn how to have students create engaging interactive maps using online resources, Google Slides, and Google Jamboard.

Various Google Topics and Tools

• Dynamic Lesson Plan Templates to Save You Time and Energy –  If you’re looking for lesson plan templates to save you time and energy, look no further. This post is packed full of ideas and tips!
• Five Tools for Leaving Audio Notes in Google –  Learn all about these exciting tools to leave useful voice notes in the Google realm and do much, much more.
• Google’s New Storage Policy: Avoid the Terror – Are you aware of Google’s new storage policy? Worried about losing files and valuable storage space? Decide if you need an exit strategy.
• Google’s Note-Taking Tool: Cursive – Wish Google had a competing product to put up against Microsoft OneNote? Then take a look at Cursive. It has potential for notetaking.
• Seasonal Fonts for Google Workspace –  Don’t get caught spending hours searching for that perfect font. Save time with these curated, seasonal font lists for Google workspace.

In addition, don’t forget to check out our google resource roundups from previous years. Here’s to wishing you a happy holiday and a new year full of exploring more tools, tips, tricks, and resources that will work for you. Have a wonderful Winter Break!

• 2020 Google Resource Roundup
• 2019 Google Resource Roundup
• 2018 Google Resource Roundup
• 2017 Google Resource Roundup
• 2016 Google Resource Roundup