Thinking about using the new Google Sites?

Sadly, the period to request to try the new Google Sites is over. However, if you applied for it for your domain and are on the fence of whether or not to use it, you should definitely take the plunge. Over the past four months, I've tested it out by building over ten Sites for a variety of purposes. Though the new Google Sites needs very little hand-holding, I made an updated presentation to outline the features and make it even that much simpler!

Check it out and check out fennovation.org for all things Google Sites!

Finally...the new Google Sites!

Thanks to my co-worker, Brian Gray, we have the new Google Sites on our school domain. Over the past month, I've had the opportunity to test it out and rebuild some of my old sites in the new version.

While the new version still lacks some necessary features like being able to hide pages from the navigation bar (but still have them visible), remove header slots, control width of site, and control some of the font colors (limited options), the simplistic design is ideal for teachers. In fact, I would not want too many options. The more options, the more room for "ugly" Sites and...who wants that?

With the new Google Sites, you are guaranteed to have a more professional looking site.

I plan on updating my fennovation.org Google Sites resources as I find more ways to customize your Sites (beyond the how-tos out there currently).

In the meantime, check out the new version or our digital citizenship site as compared to the traditional Google Sites version.

I used Canva to create a header (public version so you can make a copy and edit it). I also used Canva to create circle icons on some of the pages (public version so you can make a copy and edit it).

And, because the Awesome table folks are so awesome, they have made Awesome tables accessible on the New Google Sites!

To use it, you can still create an existing Awesome Table (see my previous blog).

Once you have created one, you can see your creations from Awesome Tables. Since I already had them in my existing site, I was able to go to the old site and go to editing mode.

Then, I clicked on the Awesome Table & the gear.

From that menu, I clicked on the table name.

Then, I changed the URL from "edit" to "view."

Next, I copied that URL.

Then, I went to the New Google Sites and, under "insert," I clicked on "embed URL." I pasted the link in the box and pressed "Apply."

Finally, I resized the table to fit my Site. And, that's it!

You can click on the preview button at any time to view the preview version of your site.

When you are ready to go, just press "Publish." FYI - if you go back and edit your Site, you will need to press "Publish" for your changes to be live.

Stay tuned for more detailed presentations to come. In the meantime, try playing with the New Google Sites!

Get your Google Sites ready for the summer

It's better late than never to start work on your online presence. Google Sites, though not perfect, are a tool of choice because of their integration within other Google Apps. That said, they can be use for far more than a teacher Website. Use them for digital portfolios, newsletters, events, directories, and much more!

And, if you're using them for teacher Websites, why not structure your courses on your site so that they look like touchscreen apps? Many times, I see courses in a traditional drop-down list with a lot of text. While this was common in the early 2000s, most students use a touchscreen device when accessing online content. And...that is not the most effective way of reaching that audience. I've started making my site full of pictorial boxes so they are not only easier to see, but easier to access.

Try out this idea:
Make your page with all of your courses look similar to Google Classroom.

You can make these boxes in Google Drawings and then, just hyperlink each box (see my image map tutorial below) to the correct page. OR...you can take a screenshot of your Google Classroom and insert it in Google Drawings. Then, just draw invisible boxes (see my image map tutorial below) over the squares and hyperlink them to the correct pages. This will make your courses page more visually pleasing while also being more accessible.

Check out my beginner and advanced Google Sites tutorials for more ideas. Thinking of doing portfolios next year with your students? Why not start now?!

Check out fennovation.org for more Googleness!

Yes, Sites can be beautiful

Last week, I presented at #tcea16 about revisions and hacks I have done to Google Sites to make them, well, respectable.

So, until Google Sites gets the makeover it's long since needed, check out these steps to give your Site the facelift it needs. No more ducking from others when your Website is mentioned. Stand proud about that Site now!

Check out my Set Your Sights on Sites: Advanced and check out fennovation.org for all of my resources, including beginner tutorials, on Google Sites.

Enjoy! Let's make some beautiful Sites!

Getting fancy with Google Sites - your holiday treat!

Just what everyone wants to do over a break - edit Google Sites. But, did you know that the notoriously clunky Google Sites can also be snazzy?

Need some inspiration? Check out this one! Pretty snazzy, right?

And, the good news is that you can create clean and efficient Google Sites without being a Web designer or Web developer.

Check out Set your sights on Sites (beginner) and Set your sights on Sites (advanced) for step-by-step instructions on how to snazzify your Google Sites.

Today's update includes how to create a custom message on your Google Site when viewers visit it.

Check out more Googlicious tips and tricks on fennovation.org.

A makeover to Google Sites...

Wishful thinking, right? Well, while we wait for Google Sites to get a makeover, I gave my own Google Sites - Volume 1 presentation a makeover. Check on fennovation.org for the advanced edition as well as other Sites resources.

Despite the rumors, you really can make a beautiful Site. Check it out!

Can Google Sites become beautiful? Why, yes, they can!

After finding a tutorial on how to use OverDRIVE.io to turn a Google Doc into a Website (courtesy of the Google Gooru), I decided I had to try it. And, though, it is only a free trial, but available for Apps Domains through the Marketplace, its simplicity has a huge benefit! You can always adjust the page settings of a Google Doc or publish to the Web if you would like the Website appearance and don't want to use a third party program.

Check out fennovation.org for updates to Google Sites 1 and Google Sites 2 presentations! Enjoy!

How my #googlesite just got more awesome: Awesome Tables tutorial

A few months ago, I discovered Awesome Tables, an add-on/gadget for Google Sites and I was immediately obsessed. However, after initially trying to tinker with it, I realized I needed some guidance on how to customize it.

Last week, I helped organize GooCamp, an event our our GEG CENTX members. And, +Christopher Evans showed up, prepared to teach Awesome Tables. After 45 minutes and multiple questions and idea swaps later, I was ready to start! This time, I started immediately that night and finished a 110 app/extension directory by the next day. I say this only to show that it is not a time-consuming process. And, it's important - like anything - to "tinker" with it right after you learn about it. If not, you will lose it.

So, are you ready for the tutorial yet?!

Awesome Tables Tutorial (cards view) with text & video:

Before I begin, you need to review the Awesome Tables Website. Figure out which view/style you want. This tutorial is for the Cards View Awesome Tables. Once you know your style, you need to figure out your purpose. I settled on using the Cards View to display the over 100 apps and extensions I have in my current Let's Get Chromified presentation. This layout allows me to assign categories & focus. And, it allows for text searching as well. This is its best asset in my opinion. After you have found a style and a purpose you can begin.

• Go to the Awesome Tables Website. Click on Demos to see the various formats/styles available with this add-on. 
• Search through the various formats/styles and click on the one you want (remember: this tutorial is for the Cards View only). For this tutorial, click on Cards View.

• On the Cards View page, you will find four links: Live Demo, View Spreadsheet, View Awesome Table Settings, CEVA Apps Store. The Live Demo just shows you what it will look like on your Site. The only two links I used were the View Spreadsheet and the View Awesome Table Settings. 

• Click on the View Spreadsheet link. It will open up the Spreadsheet. Choose File --> Make a Copy. Then, give it a name that will indicate this is the data for your Awesome Tables. I called mine: Chrome Apps & Extensions Awesome Table. You can also close the original spreadsheet now.

• Now, it's time to look at your spreadsheet. You will see columns for:
• Title: This is where I entered the title of the App/Extension.
• Description: This is where I entered the information about the app/extension and/or my own review.
• IMG: I went to the Chrome Web Store and opened up the product. Then, I right-clicked on the product image and choose: copy URL. I pasted that URL here.
• Link: I went to the Chrome Web Store and opened up the product. I copied the URL in the address bar and pasted that URL here.
• Domain: I changed this heading name to Category. This is where I chose a category for the app/extension like screenshot, note-taking, Chrome management, etc.
• Vendor: I changed this heading name to App/Ext. I simply wrote App or Extension depending on its classification.
• Compatible Device: I changed this to Classroom Focus. For classroom specific apps/extensions, I wrote the subject it best fit. For others, I wrote: all subjects.
• View: I left this empty and alone.
• Text Search: I left this empty and alone.

Original view:

My view:

• If you look across the bottom of your spreadsheet, you will see that you have two tabs. You have been working on the Apps tab. You will also see that there is a Template tab. Click on it. 
• I left this part completely alone. However, this is what makes everything work. Note that if you tamper with this, be sure you take a screenshot of it before so, if anything does not work, you can put it back together again.
• Now, open up your Google Site. Go to the page where you want this to appear. 
• When you are on that page, click on your edit pencil button in the top right. 

• Then, go to the Toolbar and choose Insert -->More Gadgets.

• Do a search for "Awesome Table" and then, click on it to select it when it appears.

• Then, when the app view appears, click on the blue select box.

• Now, it's time to enter in your settings. If you recall the Awesome Tables Website, there was the blue link that said "View Awesome Table Settings." Return to that page to get the settings to duplicate into your Google Site. You will simply follow what they say. 
• You should have both your Google Site (the gadget preferences screen) and the Awesome Table Settings tabs open right now. The first screen to set up your gadget is on the "sheet" link. Again, follow their settings and paste them into the boxes. For the spreadsheet URL, you will need to return to your Google Sheet you made (make sure it is shared how you want it), copy the URL, and paste it in the box. Then, click on the check box next to public spreadsheet. The other items you can duplicate exactly as they have it. On your set up, you will notice the display area. You can leave the width at 100% and the height at 600. I changed my width to 80%. Whatever you do - do NOT use pixels for width. ONLY use PERCENTAGE! Here's a screenshot of my settings:

• From Sheet in your settings, click on View. Also, click on View on their Awesome Table Settings so you can duplicate their settings. Duplicate exactly as they have done. I changed the minimum pixel width to 100px because I am only working with 80% of my width. Here is a screenshot of my settings:

• From View in your settings, click on Format. Again, duplicate exactly as they have done. For this particular setting, I did not have to do anything. Just leave it alone unless you feel the need to get technical.
• From Format in your settings, click on Advanced Parameters. Again, duplicate exactly as they have done. The only thing you should have to do is enter the templates range. Be sure you copy & paste this from their settings. I did not and I kept getting errors because I had typed it wrong. Learn from me. Here is a screenshot of my settings:

• You are on the homestretch now. MAKE SURE YOU CLICK ON THE GREEN SAVE BUTTON IN THE TOP RIGHT. IF YOU DON'T, YOUR AWESOME TABLE WILL NOT BE SO AWESOME!!!!
• Just click the OK button. Then, click on the Save button on your Google Site. 
• You should now see your items appear in your Website. 

Some extra tips:

• I chose to finish entering all of my data in my spreadsheet before I set up the gadget on my Site.
• This was done on a personal site - not an Apps EDU domain site. It should work the same, but there is always the chance it won't. 
• Don't choose large images. 
• Don't enter a long description.
• Have fun! 

Video tutorial:

Here is a brief tutorial of how I complete this (only showing it for one App/Ext.