I stumbled upon a new feature for Google Docs Spreadsheets, the Gadget. The chart button now has a new look and provides access to a menu to choose a Chart or a Gadget. Wow! There are some fun things here. First I tried the Map Gadget, to add an interactive map to my spreadsheet.

1. Enter the addresses in Column A.
2. Enter the name of the building in Column B.
3. Select the data with a click and drag.
4. Click the Insert button and choose Gadget.
5. In the Add a Gadget window on the right, click the Maps link.
6. Under Map, click the Add to spreadsheet button.
7. Enter a Title if desired. Check the box for “Last column as tooltips.” This displays the name of the building when the tack is clicked or hovered over.
8. Click the Save & Close button.
9. When I added another building to the spreadsheet, is was automatically displayed on the map.
10. Click the Gadget menu button and choose Publish.
11. Copy and paste the provided code to publish the gadget in a webpage.

As you can see below, the code works well in an Edublog’s post.

The Organizational Chart could be used to generate a calling tree, change of command, etc. The Gauges look fun. I’ll try that next.

I was surprised to find Pivot Tables, a more advanced feature that I use in Excel to track Federal Programs’ Budgets. And, of course, there is are search gadgets. (We are talking Google here.) Just enter a few search terms in a cell, select the cell, and insert a Web Search or Image Search gadget. There are many other gadgets available.

There are a few other upgrades. The new “Set Notification Rules” allows you to choose to receive an email when changes are made to the spreadsheet. Three formulas for sorting and filtering data have been added. The color palette has been expanded. The Delete menu features a Clear Comments option.
tag: edtech K12 Google Docs Spreadsheets Gadget

[slideshare id=33834&doc=shift-happens-23665&w=425]

Willard Staff: If you are not able to participate in one of the SlideShare workshops last month, or would rather learn on your own timetable, you are in luck. The Fusion: SlideShare webpage offers a handout and short video tutorials (screencasts) to lead you through using SlideShare.

And, there’s more! If you want to earn 1 Salary Advancement Workshop hour while you work, you can enroll in the free, online professional development, Moodle course: SlideShare. This course uses the handout and screencasts on the Fusion webpage to lead you through the steps. Work at your own pace, when it fits in your schedule, from any computer with Internet access. Just in time learning, at your convenience!

Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or suggestions. I’m happy to provide you with additional assistance.
tag: k12 edtech SlideShare tutorial screencast slideshows

A couple of my favorite tools just made some upgrades.

Picnik, the online image editor, is now offering all their features for free, on an ad-supported version. Previously some of the cool features were disabled on free accounts, requiring a $24.95 annual subscription for full access. As long as the new ads in the footer can be ignored or don’t feature provocative content, this is great news. Premium users now have the benefits of an ad-free experience, and a few other features.

Google Docs: Documents now has a new edit toolbar. The changes are cosmetic and office-like. I’m glad the “Check Spelling” has been moved to the toolbar.

New Toolbar:

Old Toolbar:

tag: Picnik Google Docs K12 edtech photos documents

Willard Staff: If you are not able to participate in one of the Google Docs workshops this month, or would rather learn on your own timetable, you are in luck. The Fusion: Google Docs webpage offers a handout and short video tutorials (screencasts) to lead you through using Goggle Docs in your classroom.

And, there’s more! If you want to earn 3 Salary Advancement Workshop hours while you work, you can enroll in the free, online professional development, Moodle course: Google Docs. This course uses the handout and screencasts on the Fusion webpage to lead you through the steps. Work at your own pace, when it fits in your schedule, from any computer with Internet access. Just in time learning, at your convenience!
tag: collaboration communication arts Google docs Moodle presentations productivity professional development publish screencasts spreadsheets tutorials web publishing word processor