🥇Registration for the fall Google Trainer Academy is open! 🏅

Hi Reader!

As I write this I am on a train headed toward Chicago to attend the Google Champion Symposium at Google Chicago. I’m really excited to meet with and learn from other Google Certified Trainers, Innovators, and Coaches. Collectively, these three programs are known as the “Google Champions.”

Google has been hosting multi-day events like this for the past few years. Fun events like this are one of the reasons that you should consider becoming a Google champion! ​

Visiting a Google office is a fun and special experience. They take great care of us, feed us lots of really good food, and facilitate a fun agenda of learning and exploration. If you’d like to follow my journey and adventures in Chicago, head over to my Instagram or Facebook profile. Google takes GREAT care of us while we are on-site. I’m excited to share the experience with you!

Now on to the July updates!

1. Insert appointment calendars into an email - I love the integration between Gmail and Calendar. I’m super excited that I can now insert a link to my appointment calendar directly from Gmail!

2. New subscription tab in Gmail - You can now easily manage all of your email subscriptions in one place. This is a great way to cut back on emails that you don’t actually read.

3. Gemini can now create and move files in Drive - Having trouble staying organized? Gemini can help you...just ask it to move a file into a folder! This feature requires a premium Gemini subscription.

4. Quickstart guide to using Gems - A “gem” is a customized version of Gemini tailored to your unique needs and situation. Gems are now free for all EDU customers and are coming to Google classroom this fall! Here’s my experience using Gems to create lesson plans.

5. Connect Gemini to Drive, Gmail, Calendar and more - type the @ symbol in Gemini to ask about emails, documents, and more! This is a quick way to find and summarize information.

6. Turn photos into videos- this AI feature can animate your still photos. Currently this feature is only available to Gemini PRO subscribers, but will be expanded to more users in the future. Here’s my first attempt at using this feature...cool and a bit creepy!

7. Three simple TikTok lesson ideas - challenge your students to create a “Tiktok” style video this year. Check these three ideas and lots of examples!

8. Five reasons you will use NotebookLM - Alice Keeler shares her thoughts and ideas on integrating this unique AI tool into your teaching practice.

9. Google GEG for Tech Coaches - my friend Jeff Bradbury started a new Google Educator Group (GEG) to connect tech coaches from around the world. Join this new community created just for tech coaches!

10. Chrome extension: process feedback - this free extension was developed by a college professor who wanted more insight into HOW his students were writing. It’s like a more detailed version of Brisk Teaching.

John R. Sowash

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