Welcome back - Gmail attacks

Welcome back to the 2016-2017 School year!

By Neurolysis
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We've experienced a disruption in gmail with some "bad" emails circulating with links to gather your username and password. This happens more and more frequently. Google is very concerned about security and your identity. The tech dept. at ESU 4 is as well.

With that, Google has implemented some new features on your account. I encourage you to click the link below and read the security warnings that google has implemented. You do not need to know the technical terms (SPF, DKIM) as we have implemented those on our esu4.net domain. 

The big part is the notification of a question mark (?) instead of the user's profile as well as a possible warning message.

Please take these warnings seriously if you notice them as it will help you with identifying suspicious emails.
Here is the article for your review:

http://googleappsupdates.blogspot.com/2016/08/making-email-safer-with-new-security-warnings-in-gmail.html

Enjoy,
Gregg

Google Apps Update

Google recently announced a Question/Answer feature that will be available when presenting in Google Slides. You can see the announcement by following this link.

You can also watch the embedded video below to see this new feature in action. I am very excited about having the ability to interact with your audience as you present to them. I think this can definitely change how teachers interact with their students.

And...finally, if you are not aware, there are several summer opportunities for you to get some additional training. The Google Summit is now open and will be held in Lincoln on July 14-15, 2016. For more information, check out the Google Summit website.

Enjoy,

Gregg

Apple Announcements Tech Tip

Apple made a few announcements yesterday that may have an impact on the devices you use on a daily basis. Those are listed below as well as some other announcements on devices. Feel free to follow the links for more information.

• iOS 9.3 update - For newer iPhones and iPads
• OS X 10.11.4 update - comes down through Apple Update on a laptop or desktop

Feel free to apply the update to your device when you feel comfortable. They are pretty big updates and it will take some time to download and install.

Other news from Apple

• Apple introduces iPhone SE with a 4" display
• Apple introduces iPad Pro with a 9.7" display
• Apple introduces CareKit and RearchKit - medical apps to help keep track of your health

There were other announcements as well, but just wanted to let you know about the updates. Again, there is no reason to update unless you feel compelled to do so. 

Enjoy,

Gregg

More templates come to Google Docs, Sheets, Slides

Google announced new and improved templates to its online suite of applications. You can now launch Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides and you will see their templates listed. You can click on the "More" button in the upper-right hand corner and you will see all the templates offered. If you like to use templates and you like to use Google Apps, you might give these a try.

Here is the Google Blog article on this release:
http://googleappsupdates.blogspot.com/2016/03/new-templates-in-google-docs-designed.html

Please note: You have to navigate to each google app separately. You cannot access the templates right now through google drive (as far as I know.) If you do, you can select "New", then "Document." From there, you can select "File" - "New" - "From template"

Enjoy,
Gregg

Over 30 Youtube channels for teachers

I came across this article today and just wanted to share. In chart form, you can preview a list of over 30 Youtube channels for teachers. If you are reading this, please share this link with your fellow educators.

http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2016/01/over-30-great-youtube-channels-for-teachers.html

Thanks, Gregg

Google Templates comes to mobile devices

Google Docs templates comes to mobile devices. Not only can you access templates on Google Docs, this update comes to Sheets and Slides as well. What this means is that you can create a rich document, sheet, or slide on your computer or laptop and then easily open and edit that same document on your mobile device. Or, if you prefer, you can start a template on your mobile device and then open and edit it on your computer or laptop.

Please note that you may need to update the iOS apps or Android apps before you notice the new feature.

Here are the release notes from Google:
http://googleappsupdates.blogspot.com/2015/12/use-templates-to-create-files-in-google.html

Here is a short slide show introducing you to this new feature:

Enjoy,
Gregg

Google Reminders

Google just released a pretty cool update to Google Calendar. You can now add reminders directly from your calendar. The reminders then show up on the date you select right inside the calendar app.

So, if you're like me, and like to keep track of things needed to get done via reminders, then you'll find this pretty handy.

Give it a try...check out the video below to see how it works.

Happy Goog'ling,
Gregg