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The Google Omnibox displayed on a magical themed background.
Google Tips and Tricks

Save Time with These Nine Chrome Omnibox Tricks

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

Pop Quiz Time!

What do you call that box at the top of your Chrome browser?

A. Search Portal Supreme
B. Magic Type Oval
C. Google Search Bar
D. The Omnibox

If you picked D – The Omnibox, gold star for you!
But hold on—what about that search box on the Google homepage? Let’s break it down.

Chrome Omnibox vs. Google Search Bar: What’s the Difference?

  • Chrome Omnibox: This is Chrome’s combined address bar and search bar at the top of the browser. You can type in URLs, search terms, and even perform tasks like calculations, conversions, definitions, or chatting with Gemini—all from one place.
  • Google Search Bar: This appears on the Google homepage or in new browser tabs set to Google. It connects to Google Search but doesn’t offer all the extra features the omnibox does.

Omnibox Magic: 9 Things You Didn’t Know It Could Do

The omnibox is more than just a search tool. It’s a multitasking powerhouse. Try these features and see for yourself:

1. Quick Calculations

Type: 45 * 3 + 18
→ Instantly see the result without opening a calculator.

2. Unit Conversions

Type: 5 miles to km or 32 F to C
→ Converts units automatically and displays the answer.

3. Timer & Stopwatch

Type: timer 2 minutes or start stopwatch
→ Starts a countdown or stopwatch right in your browser.

4. Check the Weather

Type: weather austin tx
→ See current weather conditions instantly.

5. Define a Word

Type: define serendipity
→ View the definition and pronunciation without clicking a link.

6. Currency Conversions

Type: 50 USD to Euros
→ Instantly see the latest exchange rate.

7. Track Flights

Type: UA201 (or any airline and flight number)
→ Check the real-time flight status, gate, and departure/arrival info.

8. Search a Specific Website

Type: site:tcea.org breakout games
→ Limits your search to results from just that website.

9. Search with Keywords

Type: images of solar eclipse or videos about volcanoes
→ Pulls up targeted results based on what you’re looking for.

Try It Out!

The omnibox isn’t just a place to type a web address—it’s a powerful tool built to boost your efficiency. Test out a few of these features and level up your browser skills. You just might find your new favorite shortcut. And don’t forget if you have an omnibox magic trick, please share in the comments below.

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A title slide.
Online Tools and AppsSummer Ideas

Five Techie Things Teachers Should Try Over the Summer (2025 Edition)

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

First things first: summer break is for teachers to rest, recharge, and relax. So kick back, put your feet up, and dive into that series you’ve been saving. At my house, we follow the “watch two, do one” rule when it comes to streaming shows. After two episodes, it’s time for something productive (yes, laundry, sweeping a room, and checking out a techie thing totally counts).

Back in 2023, I shared my personal CTO list. That’s short for “Check This Out,” a collection of fun, techie things I’d saved during the school year but hadn’t had time to explore. So welcome to the 2025 edition! Whether you’re in the mood for something useful, something fun, or just a spark of curiosity, these five ideas are a great place to start your summer.

1. Yuka – My Top Find for Smarter Food Choices

Want to know what’s really in that snack bar or the giant bag of granola calling your name at Costco? Yuka is a free app that lets you scan barcodes on food products and instantly see how healthy (or not-so-healthy) they are. Each item gets a simple score out of 100, based on nutritional value, additives, and other health considerations. With more than five million items in its database and no ads or brand influence, it’s like having a nutrition label translator right in your pocket.

This app earned the number one spot on my CTO list for a reason. It helped me discover a delicious Pumpkin Seed + Flax Granola at Costco that scored high, and it has saved me from grabbing a few not-so-great options during snack emergencies at Walgreens. Bonus: Yuka also works on personal care products like shampoo and lotion, giving ingredient safety scores so you can make informed choices there too. Available on iOS and Android.

2. Suno – Song Creation

Suno is an AI-powered music generator that turns your words into original songs: lyrics, vocals, and all. Just type in a prompt, and Suno creates a complete track in seconds. Whether you’re capturing a summer memory, making a silly tune with your kids, or just playing around with creative ideas, it’s a fun and surprisingly impressive way to explore music. No instruments or experience required but you will need a free account. Check out my country acoustic song on my rescues, Boo and Tuff. Just for the record, Boo and Tuff are dogs, but with the free Suno account, you get what you get, and apparently, I got cats.

3. Google’s “Year in Search” (Zeitgeist)

Every December, Google releases its Year in Search, a powerful recap of the most searched topics, questions, people, and defining moments from around the world. It’s like a digital scrapbook of what captured our attention, made us curious, or brought us together. The project started back in 2001, originally called Google Zeitgeist, and you can still go back and view past years. (Just scroll to the bottom of the web page to access the other years.)

I like to revisit a few of the older ones now and then. It’s a mix of nostalgia, surprise, and “oh wow, I forgot about that!” Some years hit especially hard, and after watching, you might want to have a Kleenex nearby. Whether you’re looking for reflection or just want to remember what shaped the year, it’s well worth a scroll.

4. Which Character Are You, Really?

Looking to add a little fun to your summer scroll sessions? Try the Fun Personality Quizzes for Educators GPT, created by my colleague, Miguel Guhlin. This lighthearted tool dishes out playful quizzes to reveal which classic character you’re most like—whether it’s a Looney Tunes character, one of Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs, a Smurf, or someone from the world of Winnie the Pooh. Each quiz includes five multiple-choice questions that really made me pause and think. By the way, I’m Piglet! Give it a try and see who you get!

5. Tony Vincent’s Gramograms – Text Speak with a Twist

Gramograms are a clever type of rebus where letters and numbers form phrases when read aloud. For example, “RUOK” becomes “Are you OK?” Tony Vincent created a fun, interactive form where you can try decoding Gramograms yourself, and you can’t submit the form until every answer is correct.

If you’d like to know how he set that up, visit Tony’s newsletter for the full instructions. He uses Google Forms’ response validation to ensure only correct answers are accepted. This is also how I build answer forms for my own digital breakouts. It’s a simple but powerful strategy.

And if you follow my writing at all, you know I think very highly of Tony Vincent. He gets an A++ in the department of creating material and giving out sage advice for educators.

Whether you’re scanning cereal boxes, creating your own summer soundtrack, exploring what the world searched for, or finding your inner Looney Tune, I hope this year’s CTO list brings you a spark of fun and curiosity. Take what you need, enjoy what you try, and if you discover something new worth sharing, send it my way. I’m always adding to my list.

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Google Smarter, not Harder: Unlocking Hidden Google Drive Features
Google Tips and TricksProductivity

Google Smarter, Not Harder: Unlocking Hidden Drive Features

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

Google Drive might be your daily go-to, but if you’ve only been using it to store and share files, you’re missing out on some seriously slick features. From organizing your digital life to finding files faster, collaborating smarter, and avoiding unnecessary clicks, Drive has a whole toolbox of tricks hidden just beneath the surface. So, let’s take a look at some hidden Drive features to help you make sense of your Google Drive.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher with a tab problem (guilty), an instructional coach juggling shared folders, or a campus leader trying to find that one doc someone swears they shared last week—there’s a tip in here for you.

Let’s start with one of Drive’s most underrated superpowers: Google Workspace.

Take Control of Your Google Life with Google Drive Workspace

Google Drive can feel like a digital junk drawer, complete with hidden Drive features galore. You know that one file is in there somewhere, but first you have to open three folders, scroll past seventeen untitled documents, and maybe offer a small sacrifice to the search bar gods. But what if you could skip the scavenger hunt entirely?

Enter: Google Workspaces within your Google Drive.

Also, can we take a moment to question Google’s naming choices? They called the whole suite Google Workspace… and then tucked a feature inside Drive also called Workspaces. I mean, what are we doing here, Google? But I digress. (Also thank you, truly, for your magical productivity tools. I just like things a little less confusing. IDK maybe it’s just me.)

Okay, let’s get back on track. Google Drive’s Workspace feature is one of the most low-key powerful tools in your Google ecosystem—and it’s just sitting there waiting to make your life easier. Whether you’re lesson planning, prepping for PD, or tracking student progress, Workspace lets you keep your most important files front and center without creating more folders (or chaos).

What Is a Workspace, Anyway?

A Workspace in Google Drive is like a custom dashboard. It lets you pull together up to 25 files—from anywhere in Drive into a tidy little list that lives at the top of your Google Drive homepage. It doesn’t move or duplicate the files. It just gives you fast access, like creating a shortcut playlist for your most-used docs.

Think:

Not another folder. 

Not another shared drive.

Just your VIP files, front and center.

Why Educators Should Be Using Workspaces

Whether you’re in the classroom, coaching, or leading a district team, here’s why this feature is your new BFF:

  • No more tab overload.
    If you’re anything like me, you’ve got at least 18 tabs open at any given time—including that random article you swear you’re going to read. Workspace lets you keep all your current project files in one spot so you can close the tabs and still stay on track. It’s like digital deep breathing.
  • Skip the scavenger hunt.
    Don’t remember where you saved that file? Me either. It doesn’t matter. If it’s in your Workspace, it’s two clicks away.
  • Perfect for projects.
    Keep everything for that lesson plan, PD session, or school event in one view—regardless of which folder (or account) it lives in.
  • Better than starring.
    Stars are great, but once you’ve starred 50 files, it’s just another pile. Workspace lets you group by context, not just favorites.

How to Create a Workspace

  1. Go to drive.google.com
  2. In the left-hand menu, click “Home”
    (If you still see “Priority,” it may still be rolling out the new view—hang tight!)
  3. Scroll to the “Workspace” section and click “Create Workspace”
  4. Give it a name (like “Spring Semester Planning” or “Tech Coach Files”)
  5. Click “Add files” and select from your Drive—up to 25 files
  6. Boom. Instant sanity.

Add Files to Workspace from Anywhere in Drive

Scrolling through Google Drive and see a file you want to add to your Workspace?

Click three dots (⋮) > Organize > Add to Workspace.

No need to dig around in your Workspace settings. This is the shortcut for getting that file where you need it right now.

Sidenote: While you’re in that three-dot menu, you may notice another option: Add shortcut. Get familiar with that one too—it’s your best friend for keeping files accessible without cluttering your Drive. (More on that next.)

Google Workspace Quick Tips

  • Make Workspace your morning home base.
    Instead of diving straight into “My Drive” or “Shared with me,” get in the habit of clicking into your Workspace when you start your day.
  • Create a Workspace for meetings.
    Add your meeting agendas, notes, slide decks, and action item checklists so you’re never flipping between tabs during a call.
  • Don’t overthink it.
    This isn’t about organizing everything—it’s about giving yourself a daily “launchpad” with the files that matter right now.

Add Shortcut Might Be a Game-Changer

Gone are the days of dragging the same file into five different folders like you’re playing Drive Jenga (please tell me I am not the only one who did that). In today’s Google Drive world, files live in one place—and shortcuts are how you make them show up elsewhere.

Here’s how it works: 

Click the three dots (⋮) > Organize > Add Shortcut.

Now you can pick another folder (or three) where you want that file to appear—without moving it or duplicating anything.

Okay, so you might be thinking, So what, Sara? Well, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably made a duplicate file before just so someone else could have their own copy while you held on to the original. But guess what? You don’t have to do that anymore.

Shortcuts let you access the same file from multiple folders. No versions to juggle. No confusion.

Let’s say you’re planning a cross-curricular project with the ELA and Science teams. You’ve got your unit folder with lesson plans, rubrics, and student docs. But your principal also wants the rubrics in a shared “Assessment Templates” folder.

Instead of uploading copies or dragging files back and forth, just right-click the rubric file and choose Add Shortcut to the shared folder.

Voilà! Now it lives in both places—without duplication, confusion, or someone accidentally editing the wrong version. Everyone wins.

Color-Code Your Folders (Yes, It’s Still Worth It)

Listen, is color-coding going to solve all your problems? No. But will it make your Drive feel a little less like digital spaghetti? Absolutely.

Click the three dots (⋮) next to a folder > Organize > Choose the color from options.

It’s a quick visual trick that helps you spot what you need faster and it is surprisingly satisfying.

Use Advanced Search to Find That One File

Sure, Google Drive has a search bar. And sure, you’ve probably used it to type in “lesson plan” or “rubric” and hoped for the best. But if your Drive is overflowing with docs that have similar names (been there), it’s time to level up with Advanced Search.

Click the little icon in the search bar that looks like three horizontal sliders. You’ll unlock a panel of filters that lets you search with precision.

You can filter by:

  • File type 
  • Owne
  • Words in the file name vs. anywhere in the content
  • Folder or location
  • Starred files
  • Last modified date
  • Shared with specific people
  • Trash status, encryption, or approval status

You don’t even need to enter a keyword—just use the filters to surface what you’re looking for. It’s perfect for when you’re staring at your Drive and your mind goes blank.

Rewind Time with File Versions (Not to Be Confused with Version History)

Google Drive has your back when it comes to accidental edits or Wait, who changed that? moments. When you upload a file like a PDF, Word doc, or other non-Google format, Drive keeps past versions quietly tucked away.

(Because of course they do—they’re Google. All-knowing, always watching, quietly tracking our every digital move. Bless them.)

Google stores up to 100 versions for 30 days, and you can even make a version permanent if you want to keep it around for the long haul. To access it:

Click the three dots (⋮) > File information > Manage Versions. 

You’ll see a list of previous versions and can even resolve version conflicts if multiple people upload changes.

Heads up: This is not the same as the Version History you’ll find inside a Google Doc, Sheet, or Slide (that one tracks who typed what, and when, inside the file). Think of Manage Versions as tracking file uploads, while Version History is for tracking in-file edits.
Don’t Sleep on the Details Panel

When you’re collaborating with a team—or even just juggling multiple versions of similarly named files—it can get confusing really fast. Is Event_Flyer_Final_Version_4.pdf the final version? The work in progress? The one with or without the updates? Who knows.

Here’s the fix: Add a description using the Details panel in Google Drive.

Click the three dots (⋮) > File information > Details > Scroll to the bottom

You’ll find a handy little description box just waiting to save your sanity. It’s simple, searchable, and visible to anyone who has access to the file. So instead of sending five clarification emails, you can just tag your file with:

 “This is the final version with feedback from the science department.” or “Use this for Friday’s PD—don’t touch the slides!” You get up to 25,000 characters in that description field. That’s… a lot. Like, write-a-short-novel-if-you-want a lot. Not saying you should but you could.

And yes—you can throw in hashtags.
#FinalVersion #UseThisOneNotTheOtherOne #SeriouslyThisOne

Descriptions are searchable in Drive, so it’s just another way to make your digital life a little easier.

Save to Google Drive Without the Download-Upload Circus

If you ever find yourself downloading a file just to re-upload it into Google Drive… there’s a better way. Add this to your digital toolbox: the Save to Google Drive browser extension.

With this free little tool, you can save documents, images, videos, and even full web pages directly to your Drive. No desktop detour required.

Need a New File Fast? There’s a Shortcut for That

And just in case you’ve been living under a rock (I mean that in the nicest, most supportive way possible), here’s a little trick: you can create a brand-new Google file just by typing a URL into your browser.

No Drive menu. No waffle. No clicking around. Just go straight to work. Honestly, it feels a little like cheating. But the good kind. Speaking of waffles…just in case you didn’t know this next one, I would be remiss not mentioning this oldie but goodie.

No Drive menu. No waffle. No clicking around. Just go straight to work. Honestly, it feels a little like cheating. But the good kind. Speaking of waffles…just in case you didn’t know this next one, I would be remiss not mentioning this oldie but goodie.

Give Your Google Waffle a Makeover

Organize your Google WAffle

If your Google waffle (a.k.a. the app launcher grid) looks like total chaos, you can drag and drop your most-used tools to the top. Just click the waffle, then rearrange the icons to fit your workflow. Put Drive, Docs, Calendar, and Classroom right where you want them—no more scrolling past random apps you haven’t touched since 2017.

It’s quick, it’s easy, and it might just make you waffle a little less in the morning.

Final Thoughts

Google Drive isn’t just for storing stuff—it’s packed with hidden gems that can make your day smoother, faster, and far less chaotic. Whether you’re deep into curriculum writing or just trying to stay afloat in a sea of shared docs, these Google Workspace tips and Google Drive tricks are here to help. Pick one or two to try out this week—and hey, if something saves you even five minutes, that’s a win in educator time.

More Google Greatness

Google Smarter, Not Harder: 10 Google Doc Hacks

Google Smarter, Not Harder: Building Blocks for Project Management

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Image that states Google's Easter Eggs.
Google Tips and Tricks

Discover Google’s Easter Eggs

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

Google is more than just a search engine. It’s packed with hidden surprises called Easter Eggs! These fun, interactive tricks can engage students, spark curiosity, and add excitement to learning. Let’s explore some of Google’s best Easter Eggs and how you can use them in your K-12 classroom.

What Are Google Easter Eggs?

Google Easter Eggs are hidden features, animations, or mini-games embedded in Google Search, Google Assistant, and other Google products. They provide a fun way to explore technology while encouraging students to experiment with different search functions.

Engaging Google Easter Eggs for the Classroom

Here are some of the best Google Easter Eggs and how they can be integrated into your lessons:

1. “Do a Barrel Roll”

  • Try it: Type “do a barrel roll” into Google Search. This will cause the entire search results page to rotate 360 degrees, mimicking a barrel roll maneuver.
  • Classroom Connection: Use it as a quick brain break or to discuss motion and rotation in physics class.

2. “Askew”

  • Try it: Type “askew” into Google Search. The search engine will tilt the screen for you.
  • Classroom Connection: A fun way to introduce students to optical illusions and angles in math.
Image of Google's page askewed.
Screenshot by Author

3. Google Gravity

  • Try it: Visit Google Gravity.  The Google logo and buttons fall to the bottom of the page. Click and drag the logo or buttons to move them around the screen.
  • Classroom Connection: Explore gravity and physics principles by watching search elements fall to the bottom of the screen.

4. “Pac-Man” Doodle Game

  • Try it: Search “Pac-Man” and click on the game.
  • Classroom Connection: Introduce students to early video games and discuss game design elements in STEM lessons.
Image of Google's Pac-man game.
Screenshot by Author

5. “Google in 1998”

  • Try it: Search “Google in 1998.” The website will transform into the design Google had 15 years ago when the company first launched. 
  • Classroom Connection: Use this to discuss the evolution of technology and how search engines have changed over time.

6. “Flip a Coin” and “Roll a Die”

  • Try it: Type “flip a coin” or “roll a die” into Google Search.
  • Classroom Connection: Use for probability lessons in math or decision-making activities.
Image of Google's flip a coin.
Screenshot by Author

7. Google Assistant Fun

  • Try it: Ask Google Assistant “Tell me a joke” or “Sing me a song.” Say “OK Google” or “Hey Google” to activate Google Assistant
  • Classroom Connection: Use these interactions to introduce AI and voice recognition technology to students.

8. Animal Sounds

  • Try it: Search “animal sounds.”
  • Classroom Connection: Great for younger students learning about different animals and their habitats.
Image of Google's animal sounds.
Screenshot by Author

9. Snake Game

  • Try it: Search “Snake” and play the classic game. In the game, you guide a snake around a screen to eat apples without hitting walls.
  • Classroom Connection: Discuss the history of early video games and let students experience a simple, engaging game from the past.
Image of Google's snake game.
Screenshot by Author

10. Block Breaker

  • Try it: Search “Block Breaker.”  Tap “Play” to load the game. This is Google’s most recent easter egg.
  • Classroom Connection: Introduce students to the history of arcade games and discuss how physics plays a role in game mechanics.
Image of Google's block breaker game.
Screenshot by Author

Final Thoughts

Google Easter Eggs are a fun and engaging way to integrate technology into your classroom. Whether you use them as interactive learning tools, conversation starters, or just for a bit of fun, they can make lessons more dynamic and engaging for students. . In addition, be sure to check out these Google experiments.

Have you tried any Google Easter Eggs in your classroom? Share your favorites in the comments!

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A futuristic classroom filled with students using advanced digital tablets, with holographic displays on the walls showcasing AI-powered visuals, data charts, and interactive elements.
Artificial IntelligenceGoogle Tips and Tricks

Whisk Your Way to Engaging Lessons with Google’s AI Tool

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

Google Whisk is a new AI-powered image generation too. Whisk enables users to create AI-generated images based on uploaded images instead of text-based prompts. It is an exciting resource that teachers can integrate into their lesson plans. Let’s explore how educators can use Google Whisk to create engaging lessons that enhance learning experiences and foster creativity in their students.

What is Google Whisk?

Google Whisk is an experimental AI tool that allows users to generate images using visual images rather than written prompts. Whisk analyzes uploaded images and then transforms the images into AI-generated visuals. Unlike traditional AI image tools that require text prompts, Whisk simplifies the creative process.

How Google Whisk Works

Using Google Whisk in the classroom is simple and intuitive. Here’s how to can get started:

  1. Access Google Whisk and login with your Google credentials.
  2. Select whether you want to create a Sticker, Enamel Pin, or Plushie.
  3. Drag and drop an image or upload it.
  4. Whisk will automatically generate the image for you.
  5. Next click on Open in Tool.
  6. You can now type in additional information to add to your photo or you can add a scene.
  7. Once you are satisfied with the image, it can then be saved and used in lessons.

In the image below, I added a picture of some of the members of the TCEA Professional Development team taken at the TCEA Convention and Exposition. I selected the Plushie style.

A digital interface showing a plushie customization tool, where a selected plush style and a subject photo combine to create a personalized plush doll.
Turn your favorite subjects into adorable plushies! Screenshot by Author.

Below are the results I was given.

Three custom plush dolls with embroidered facial features, dressed in different outfits, each wearing a name tag.
Personalized plush dolls bring your favorite people to life in an adorable, huggable form! Screenshot by Author.

I continued to customize my image by adding a scene of a Mexican Restaurant named Javi’s and adding details of what each person was eating. Below are the results.

Three custom plush dolls seated at an outdoor restaurant table, each with a plate of Tex-Mex food, in front of a window displaying the restaurant's name, "Javi's Tex-Mex."
These adorable plushies are enjoying a delicious Tex-Mex feast at Javi’s! Screenshot by Author.

Creative Ways Teachers Can Use Google Whisk in the Classroom

1. Storytelling & Creative Writing

Google Whisk can help bring student stories to life by generating visuals based on their descriptions. Whether students are writing short stories, fables, or poetry, they can upload sketches or concept art and have Whisk generate fully developed visuals. This encourages creativity, improves descriptive writing skills, and enhances engagement.

2. Art & Design Projects

Teachers can use Whisk in art classes to help students explore different styles, create digital art, or enhance traditional drawings. Whisk allows students to experiment with historical art styles, concept art, and mixed-media designs without requiring advanced digital skills.

3. STEM & Science Visualization

With Whisk, students can generate AI-assisted illustrations of cells, atoms, space colonies, or ecosystems, making complex topics more accessible. Teachers can also create AI-generated diagrams for lessons, improving student comprehension in STEM subjects.

4. History & Geography Lessons

Instead of relying on traditional textbooks, students can use Google Whisk to visualize different historical periods and civilizations. Imagine recreating the Renaissance, ancient Mayan cities, or futuristic utopias using AI-generated imagery. This makes history and geography lessons more interactive and engaging.

5. Interactive Classroom Displays & Learning Aids

Teachers can use Whisk to generate classroom visuals such as posters, infographics, and learning aids that cater to different learning styles. Whether illustrating language concepts, math problems, or social studies topics, Whisk enhances visual learning by making educational materials more dynamic and appealing.

Potential Considerations

While Google Whisk offers exciting possibilities, teachers should consider a few items. A Gmail account will be needed to access Whisk. In addition, teachers should always review the images to ensure they are age appropriate and within the school’s guidelines. Whisk has a privacy policy you can review and share with your administrators.

Try It!

Google Whisk represents a powerful step forward in integrating AI into education. By enabling visual ideation and creativity, this tool provides teachers with new ways to engage students, enhance lesson plans, and inspire creative thinking. As AI tools like Whisk continue to evolve, the possibilities for interactive and immersive learning experiences will only expand. Educators should explore how Whisk can transform their teaching approach, making lessons more visual, engaging, and dynamic for students. More Google experiments can be found at Seven Google Experiments to Explore.

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Google Smarter Not Harder: 10 Google Hacks
Google Tips and TricksProductivity

Google Smarter, Not Harder: 10 Google Doc Hacks

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

If you’re an educator, you likely live in Google Docs. Lesson plans? Google Docs. Collaboration with colleagues? Google Docs. Student feedback? Yep, Google Docs. It’s practically your digital classroom whiteboard, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve spent far too much time clicking through menus trying to find that one formatting option. But what if you had a helpful list of Google Doc hacks designed to help you tackle your day?

Good news: Now you do!

With a few hidden tricks, you can spend less time clicking around and more time focusing on what really matters—engaging students, managing assignments, and keeping your sanity intact.

Let’s jump right into 10 Google Doc hacks designed to simplify your task load.

Use voice typing in Google Docs.

1. Voice Typing – Hands-Free Note Taking!

If you’ve ever wished you could just speak your lesson plan into existence, you can!

Go to Tools > Voice typing > Click the mic and start speaking.

No more frantic typing or struggling to get your thoughts down before they disappear! Whether you’re brainstorming, drafting a lesson, or giving feedback, just talk and let Google Docs do the work—hands-free and hassle-free.

Use the @ symbol to access smart chips and building blocks.

2. Use @ to Insert Smart Chips and Building Blocks

Typing @ in a document lets you quickly insert:

  • People
  • Calendar Events
  • Files
  • Checklists
  • Meeting Notes
  • Decision Logs
  • Road Maps
  • Trackers

And that’s just a handful of what pops up. Just type “@” and skip the menus—everything you need is right at your fingertips!

3. Instantly Create a Google Doc from Your Browser

Instead of going through Google Drive or your waffle, just type: doc.new into your address bar.

Boom. New document. Less clicking.

4. Create & Customize Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts

Want hw to magically turn into Homework Assignment? You can set that up!

Go to Tools > Preferences > Substitutions

This is super handy for grading comments, frequently used phrases, or even inserting your digital signature.

5. Automatically Create a Table of Contents

For long lesson plans or syllabi, this is a must!

Go to Insert > Table of contents

Google Docs generates a clickable TOC so you (and your students) can quickly jump between sections.

6. Compare Two Documents Side-by-Side

Want to see exactly what changed in a student’s revised draft?

Go to Tools > Compare Documents.

Chose the documents you want to compare and Google will highlight the differences, making grading and feedback so much easier.

7. Translate a Document in Seconds

Need to provide class materials in another language?

Go to Tools > Translate document

Google will create a copy of your doc in your chosen language. It’s not perfect, but it’s a great starting point!

8. Make Any Google Doc Available Offline

Because school Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable…

Go to File > Make available offline

Now you can work even without an internet connection—great for travel, remote learning, or just those oops-the-Wi-Fi-is-down days.

9. Emoji Reactions: Quick & Easy Feedback

Sometimes, an emoji says it all! Skip the comments and react with emojis in Google Docs for quick feedback and collaboration.

To add emoji reactions, Select Text > Go to Insert > Emoji Reaction

If no text is selected, it’ll highlight the word where your cursor is. It’s a fun, fast way to get your point across! 

10.eSignatures: No More Printing & Scanning!

Tired of printing, signing, scanning, and emailing documents? Google Docs now has built-in eSignatures! You can request and collect digital signatures without leaving your document—no third-party tools needed.

Go to Tools > eSignature 

Just place your cursor where you want to add signature fields and follow the prompts. Once signed, a non-editable PDF is automatically saved in your Google Drive. No more lost permission slips or endless paperwork—just click, sign, and done! 

*eSignature in Workspace will be available at no cost for users on the following plans: Business Standard and Plus, Enterprise Starter, Standard and Plus, Enterprise Essentials and Enterprise Essentials Plus, and Education Plus.

Google Doc Hacks Help Streamline Your Work Day

Google Docs is packed with hidden tools and shortcuts designed to save you time and keep you organized. Whether you’re using voice typing, smart chips, or eSignatures, these features help you teach, collaborate, and work more efficiently.

So go ahead — try out one of these Google Doc hacks, a new shortcut, react with an emoji, or finally make your docs available offline. The less time spent clicking around, the more time you have for what really matters—your students!

Did we miss your favorite Google Docs hack? Share it in the comments!

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Image that states 2024 Google Resource Roundup
Google Tips and Tricks

2024 Google Resource Roundup

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

Every year, I gather all the fabulous Google resources from our blog. This year, we have had some amazing posts on topics ranging from AI-Powered Google AI tools to Google experiments. Check out this fantastic list of Google blog posts from this past year categorized by topic/tool.

AI

Image of the Revolutionize Your Lessons with Google NotebookLM's Audio Overview blog header.
Screenshot by Author

Docs

Experiments

Forms

Image of Make Choose Your Own Adventure Stories with Google Forms and AI blog header.
Screenshot by Author

Sheets

Slides

Image of Five Imaginative Ways to Use Google Slides blog header.
Screenshot by Author

Various Google Topics and Tools

In addition, don’t forget to check out our google resource roundups from previous years.

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Google Tips and Tricks

Sneaky Surprises: Google Features You Might Have Missed

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

I’m not sure whether I’m just not paying attention or Google likes being sneaky and rolling out features on their productivity tools under the radar. Here are some Google features I missed; maybe you missed them too!

1. Google App – Identify Song Icon

One of the most fun Google features I missed is the new “Identify Song” button on the Google app! On my phone’s Google app, I now have a pink button with a reddish musical note. This button is located right below the Search box. Once you tap the button, a sphere of colored dots starts bubbling. The words say, “play, sing, or hum a song,” and before you know it, you’ve got results. This was the best part of my job – humming tunes and testing the feature for a couple of months before writing about it. It provides the song’s name, artist’s name, and lyrics lickety-split. Compared to my first song recognition app, so much better! In all my test drives and humming, the “Identify Song” button has only left me hanging once.

*NOTE: As of the publication of this blog, Google’s song identification feature is only available via their mobile app. It is not available on PC.

2. Google Docs – Document Tabs

Exciting news! You can finally create and manage tabs in Google Docs. No more creating separate documents to organize your writing! From the left panel, you can easily add a tab by finding the + sign next to Document tabs. Click + and automatically you have Tab 2. Click on the Skinny Snowman (three vertical dots), and right away you have SO many options. You even have a hierarchical navigation structure, and you can replace the standard page icon with an EMOJI! Talk about a handy Google feature!

3. Google Sites – Spacers

The spacer is plain white but you can use the section colors.

I always wanted the ability to put a spacer between the sections in my Google Sites. I could use the oh-so-faint gray divider or use my own hack: add a text box and change the text to small. But now, you can go to the insert menu and add the Spacer!

4. Chrome – Linking Directly to Specific Content on a Webpage

I’m sure there have been many times you needed to send somebody to a website, so you just sent them the link. But let’s say you want to send this person to specific content on a webpage. Can it be done? Yep, you can do this by using “Copy link to highlight,” with this new Google feature!

Here are the steps:

  • 1. Navigate to the webpage
  • 2. Highlight the desired text
  • 3. Right-click on the selected text
  • 4. Choose “Copy Link to Highlight”
  • 5. Paste the link in your document, email, etc.

5. Google Forms – Rating Question Type

Another Google feature that I missed is the newest question type in Google Forms: Rating. After adding a question, click the dropdown menu and select rating. You can choose from three symbols: gold star, red heart, and blue thumbs up. For each question, you can add anywhere from three to ten symbols.

And you get a new Google feature! And you! And you!

Google continues to surprise us with these sneaky updates to enhance our digital experience. Whether you’re a casual user or a productivity enthusiast, these updates offer new ways to streamline your work and add a touch of fun to your daily tasks. If you have a hidden gem that caught your eye, please drop a comment. We can’t get enough of the googliciousness!

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7 Google Experiments to Explore
Google Tips and Tricks

Seven Google Experiments to Explore

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

In case you missed it, Google Experiments got a fresh new home in 2024. After 14 years of showcasing groundbreaking projects, the original site will now be an archive of past experiments. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Head over to labs.google for the latest and greatest in tech tools and playful innovations. Now let’s dive in and keep experimenting with the future of technology with some new experiments for you to give a go!

Check Out These Google Experiments!

Infinite Wonderland
Infinite Wonderland is a captivating online experience by Google that invites you to explore a magical, ever-evolving digital world. Through stunning visuals and interactive elements, users can journey through imaginative landscapes, discover hidden secrets, and interact with a range of whimsical characters and environments. It’s a dynamic and immersive adventure that blends creativity with technology, offering a unique exploration of a fantastical universe.


GenType
Jump into GenType where you can make an alphabet out of anything. It’s powered by Google’s Imagen 2 model. It creates custom letters and fonts through advanced generative image techniques, allowing users to explore and design unique typographic styles. Perfect for the creative type. 

Illuminate
Illuminate transforms academic papers into engaging, AI-generated audio discussions, allowing you to absorb complex content in a dynamic and accessible format. By converting text into spoken dialogue, it offers a personalized and immersive learning experience. Illuminate brings academic insights to life through the power of voice.

MusicFX
MusicFX lets you bring your musical ideas to life with ease. Simply describe your concept, and watch as it transforms into a full-fledged composition. No need to be a musician—just let your imagination run wild and see your creative visions turn into vibrant, real-time music!

Say What You See
Say What You See is a fun way to level up your image-reading skills. It helps you get better at interpreting visuals by guiding you through the art of prompting and analyzing images. If you’re looking to sharpen your eye for detail and enjoy some engaging visuals along the way, this is a great tool to explore!

Pocket Gallery
Google Arts & Culture’s Pocket Gallery offers a virtual experience that brings world-class art exhibits directly to your device. With this immersive tool, you can explore curated collections in stunning detail, all from the comfort of your own space. It’s like having a miniature museum in your pocket! Take a virtual museum day out!

Food Poems
Food Poems is your go-to for culinary inspiration! With a dash of Google AI magic, you can blend influences from two different cuisines to create exciting new recipes. It’s a fun way to spark your creativity and cook up something delicious and unique for your next meal!

As you wrap up your exploration into these cool Google Experiments, let me know which one you had the most fun with?

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Using AI in Google Workspace for Education
Artificial IntelligenceChromebooksGoogle Tips and Tricks

An AI-Powered Google Workspace

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

If you’re following the top education technology trends, then you know that Artificial Intelligence is what is on everyone’s lips. The big question for a lot of educators is “How is Google, your favorite solution partner, using AI to impact the classroom?” While skeptical about yet another technology, Google’s latest updates have me intrigued. Let’s dive into how these innovations change the game for teachers and students alike. At the end, you will also find a table organizing updates to Google Workspace for Education.

Gemini AI in Google Docs side panel via Google Workspace Updates
Gemini AI in Google Docs side panel via Google Workspace Updates

What Are Google’s New AI Tools for Education?

You may already know about Google’s AI offering, Gemini. One question is how this AI tool fits into the Google Workspace for Education ecosystem. Some may see it as a new digital teaching assistant. In this way, it lessens the workload that keeps you from working with students.

Let’s take a look at some of the ideas shared in recent weeks.

Image via Google
Image source: Google

Streamlining Teaching Tasks

These are some of the AI assistants in Google Docs (source). Remember that you can always turn these features off to skip using them.

  • Write in Docs. Get Gemini to generate an outline for a lesson plan or activities for learning.
  • Organize in Sheets. A tough aspect of working with numbers is sorting and organizing data. Google has made that pretty easy (source).
  • Visualize in Slides. You can use Gemini in Google Slides to do quite a bit including creating images, generating new slides, and writing/rewriting content. You can also summarize a presentation. What’s more, your new slides get a nice design assist from Gemini.
  • Create videos in Google Vids. Create AI-enhanced videos using Google Vids. Watch this video for an overview.

But that’s not all. Google is also rolling out AI-powered classroom management tools.

AI-Powered Google Classroom

Google Classroom has a lot of power for a simple, easy-to-understand tool. But with the addition of AI, it now allows the generation of practice sets and tailored learning experiences.

  • In-the-Moment Assistance. Gemini checks if content is inappropriate for learners. It also fact checks responses to fact-based questions students may pose.
  • Practice Sets. Need to craft some retrieval practice questions (entry/exit tickets, anyone)? Google makes it easy to generate practice questions and gives students real-time feedback. And you can now “import images, like graphs, charts or photos, into practice sets using files from Google Drive or directly from [your] computer” (source).
  • Adaptive learning experiences. Classroom and AI bring learners one step closer to personalized learning paths. It involves giving students customized resources and activities that work to address their specific needs when learning (source).

Tools to help do the following via Chromebooks are also available:

  • Text to speech
  • Using customizable fonts
  • Summarizing and translating content

Although not all new, Reading Mode and Smart Select make Chromebooks a bit more usable (source).

Ways to Use These AI Tools

These features open up a world of possibilities:

  • Plan lessons faster.
  • Grade quicker.
  • Make lively slideshows.
  • Help struggling students directly.
  • Adapt content for all learners.
  • Create time for individual talks.

Note: Administrators have control over these AI features. Student data won’t train AI models or feed advertising bots.

Try these tools to save time, boost creativity, and take back time you can spend on students.

AI-Powered Google Workspace for Education: New Features

Here is a table organizing some of the new features announced recently. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, please do not hesitate to leave corrections/additions in the comments below. The data is current as of June 24, 2024.

Accessibility and Fonts

FeatureAvailabilityEdition/Add-on Required
New handwriting fontsLater this yearGoogle Workspace for Education

Admin Console and Security

FeatureAvailabilityEdition/Add-on Required
Context-aware access for mobile devicesNow availableAdmin console
Multi-party approval in Admin consoleNow availableAdmin console

AI and Gemini

FeatureAvailabilityEdition/Add-on Required
Gemini for teen studentsComing soonFree, but requires admin activation

Chromebook Features

FeatureAvailabilityEdition/Add-on Required
Gemini in Chromebook PlusComing soonChromebook Plus devices
Google Task and Calendar integrationsRolling out in coming weeksNot specified
New accessibility features for ChromebooksVarious timelinesChromebook devices

Google Classroom

FeatureAvailabilityEdition/Add-on Required
AI-suggested questions for science videosAvailable now (English)Not specified
Gemini in Classroom (pilot)Coming soonNot specified
New Classroom add-onsLaunchingNot specified
Read Along in ClassroomAvailable globallyNot specified
SIS integration with Google ClassroomComing soonFor select SIS partners

Google Meet and Chat

FeatureAvailabilityEdition/Add-on Required
Google Meet LTIComing weeksFor Canvas and PowerSchool Schoology Learning users
New Chat settings for studentsComing monthsAdmin console

Google Vids

FeatureAvailabilityEdition/Add-on Required
Google Vids (with generative AI)Not specifiedGemini for Google Workspace add-on
Google Vids (without generative AI)Later this yearGoogle Workspace for Education Plus

Other Integrations

FeatureAvailabilityEdition/Add-on Required
Assignments LTI 1.3Coming weeksFor PowerSchool Schoology Learning
Expanded app licensing programComing soonNot specified

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