Kick off the year with secrets of a Google ninja

What better way to kick off your year than with some of Google's lesser known tools. Over the summer, I accumulated more tools that can broaden your classroom's horizons.

New updates include:

• Google Spaces
• Google Arts and Culture
• Google Science Journal
• Science Journal
• Google Performing Arts
• Global Forest Change Explorer

Check out fennovation.org for more secrets of a Google Ninja plus write-ups on the new "lesser known" tools. And, see the full Secrets of a Google Ninja presentation here. 

More secrets of a Google Ninja

Today's blog post brings you two new secrets of a Google Ninja!

• Google Save: I had noticed this for a bit, but hadn't paid much attention to it until I read Eric Curts' blog post on the tool. This will allow you to save images and websites virtually without downloading!
• Chrome Music Lab: This is for music-lovers of all ages!  You can now explore the way music works and, since it is open to all developers, develop your own music experiment. 

Explore these handy tools and more at the full Secrets of a Google Ninja presentation or on fennovation.org (where there is an Awesome Table directory).

I will be sharing all of these tools - yes, all - at the Techs4Tex Texas Summit on Saturday, May 14 in Frisco, Texas. Tickets are still available if you're near the area!  

Secrets of a Google Ninja

I love finding Google's "hidden" products. Most of these do not require a GAFE account (but I'd always recommend one) and are completely free.

Over the past few years, I've compiled my favorite of Google's hidden treasures into the Secrets of a Google Ninja (now a searchable database, too). And, today I was going to add Kiddle to it. However, in doing some reading, it appears it is not supported by Google. While powered by Google results, it is not supported. For products like such, I turn to Common Sense Media who does an awesome job of rating and reviewing similar sites.

For a complete directory of Google's other products, check out fennvoation.org.

New secrets of a Google Ninja!

In preparation for #tcea16 next week, I have added some additional secrets to my secrets of a Google ninja presentation.

Today's featured addition:

• Hype my hangouts - with the help of this tool, you can promote future hangouts. How fun?!

Can't get enough secrets? Check out fennovation.org for more as well as an interactive directory of Google-sponsored free tools for your classroom!

If you are attending TCEA next week, check out my Secrets of a Google Ninja session at 3-3:50PM in the Google Academy (room 13ab).

Enjoy!

Secrets of a #google ninja updates!

I love sharing the things you didn't know Google sponsors. Some call these Google's lesser known tools. I call them the secrets of a Google ninja. All of these are free and most do not require Google accounts to get started. I challenge you to try out at least one of these projects before the new year! You will be amazed!

Today's updates:

• Santa Tracker - just in time for the holidays!
• Awaken the Force - just in time for Star Wars. Give a starwarsian look to all of the Google products!
• The Great Thanksgiving Listen - a little late, but you can still listen to the oral histories from around the globe
• KQED Art School - learn art through YouTube

You can find more secrets on the Secrets of a Google Ninja presentation. And, you can find more Google goodness on fennovation.org.

Enjoy!

Secrets of a Google Ninja...minions?

This is my favorite presentation along with "Let's Get Chromified." There are so many awesome projects associated with Google that aren't advertised enough. Over Halloween, the Google Data experts shared Frightgeist, an interactive site that showcases the top searched Halloween costumes. Now, it would be great to compare those searched with those actual bought and worn.

You can view more awesome Google "projects" on the Secrets of a Google Ninja presentation and at Fennovation.org. Check back each month for the latest and greatest!

The Secrets of a #Google Ninja Continued...shhh

There are so many awesome projects that are free, require no account, and are sponsored by Google. If you haven't checked out these "secrets," also know as the lesser known tools, you should!

Today, I added the following to my Secrets of a Google Ninja presentation.

• The SciShow and The SciShow Kids: Learn and explore all the science you can imagine from the comfort of your own home and computer. These two YouTube channels are stellar. 
• CrashCourse and CrashCourse Kids: Learn and explore any subject you want in one intellectual spot.
• Technolochicas: An organization dedicated to young Latinas and their families and committed to raising awareness in technology and tech-related careers
• The Connectory: Your one-stop shop for all things STEAM in your neighborhood

You can find more All about that Google at fennovation.org.

New #google secrets!

I can't seem to stop finding more awesome - free - Google tools that are great for the classroom! Check out the latest additions to the Secrets of a Google Ninja. More updates to come on the Secrets...Directory.

Know of others? Do share!

You can check out the full directory on fennovation.org.

More secrets of a Google Ninja #gafechat

After Google's recent announcements, I had to update my secrets of a Google Ninja presentation. There were too many AWESOME projects to keep a secret. You can catch all of the secrets I have been collecting on the newly updated Secrets of a Google Ninja presentation or on Fennovation.org.

Check out these updates!

• Expeditions: Use Google Cardboard to bring virtual reality one step closer to reality
• Disabilities Impact Challenge: Google's challenge to bring equity to disabilities
• Smarty Pins: Another fun geography challenge
• The Evolution of the Web: Check out this interactive timeline to see how the Web has evolved over time

Enjoy!

Introducing a Global Lesson Plan in Sept. 2015! #gafechat #googleedu #googleeduonair

Though I just added some updates to my Secrets of a Google Ninja presentation, I found out another one during Day 1 of Google's Education On Air conference. It's sponsored by the United Nations and TES. And, it's goals are to build lessons that create a set of goals for the world that aim to make our planet fair, healthy and sustainable by 2030. The concept is noble and the ideas are grand - more the reason you should register to be part of this new experience.

Check out more secrets of a Google Ninja on Fennovation.org.

Sharing #google secrets for #R10Tech

Tomorrow, I will share my love for Google's projects or, as some call them, the lesser known tools. I refrain from calling them that as it makes me think of tools that aren't as useful. But, that's far from the truth. Instead, I call them secrets. And, who doesn't want to know a secret?!

If you are curious about more COOL Google tools or you are unable to attend tomorrow's conference, check out Fennovation.org or Secrets of a Google Ninja.

8 New Secrets from a Google Ninja

Some of my favorite things Google-related have nothing to do with having a Google account. Some call these the lesser-known tools of Google, but I call them Google’s secrets. These are just the tip of Google’s other projects. Check out Fennovation.org or the Secrets of a Google Ninja for more fun!

Enjoy!

Google’s Secrets

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Google Transparency Report
	Email encryption is a serious thing. Not all providers encrypt their messages. Google’s Transparency Report allows consumers to view data on this topic.
2. Google One Today
	Through the Google One Today, you can give to causes that mean something to you. This is a great resource for finding service project ideas as well. Find associated organizations and more material about the causes.
3. Solar Impulse
	Google sponsors Solar Impulse, a site dedicated to exploring these solar flights launching around the world. Review a pilot’s vital signs and track these planes LIVE. The data is impressive and instantaneous.
4. Tiger Challenge
	With Tiger Tracker, you can measure your own distance walking/traveling each day against the tigers. Your participation goes to help save tigers. Join the project & help save tigers!
5. Teach For Google
	Choose from a variety of free and at-cost courses to help you learn how Google can facilitate you as a classroom teacher.
6. Happy Party
	Join Pharrell Williams and make your own Happy Gif to celebrate Happiness awareness. A great exercise in social collaboration. What movement can you start?
7. Ping Pong Hangout
	New to Google Hangouts? Try Ping Pong Hangouts as a Hangout App to get you familiar with all of Hangouts’ wonderful features.
8. Sound Search for Google Play
	Sound Search for Google Play - simply click on the app, hold up your phone to music and it will find the song on Google Play. I use this one all the time to find songs on the radio that I like!