Google will include at least 12 new updates within their workspace package (docs, sheets, slides, etc.) by the end of the year. They have done this in hopes to make collaborating with others easier and more efficient. Some of these updates will include:
- “@” to mention people, files, and meetings.
Already available to Google Workspace is the @ feature. Type @ and a person’s name, and a smart chip will show you the person’s location, job title, and contact information. You can also use this feature to recommend other files and meetings. Collaborators can then quickly scan through associated meetings, people, or even preview linked documents. When working with this feature in a classroom, it will be easier for the students to see everything at once. Rather than using multiple different documents, it will be easier for the students to preview other related works within one Doc, Sheet, or Slide.
- Pageless Docs
This feature means that creatures and collaborators will be able to remove the boundaries of a page, creating a surface that expands to any device. This means it will be easier to include wide tables or pdf images within your Google Doc. Working with this feature in your classroom makes it easy for busy students. If they are out and about, but would like to view a new assignment on their mobile device, it will be easier for them to view and communicate through Google Docs on a smaller screen.
- Inclusive Language Recommendations
The assisted writing feature will offer more inclusive language recommendations–for example “mail carrier” rather than “mailman”. This will teach students how easy it is to use inclusive language in their everyday lives.
- Connected Checklists in Docs
Checklists are now available for Google Docs. This makes it easier to work on group projects with one another. Soon, people will be capable of assigning tasks for one another in Google Tasks, making it easier to see what everyone has completed.
- Working in Meet Directly from Google Docs, Sheets, or Slide
It is now possible to present the content from your Doc, Sheet, or Slide directly to your Google Meet. In the Fall, Google is bringing Meet directly into the other Google Workspace apps, making collaborating with one another (almost) in person, seamless. This helps students be less distracted when sharing their content with one another when being in person is not possible. It also gives the other collaborators a more realistic feel of what everyone is working on.
- Live Captions and Translations in Google Meet
Meet currently offers closed captions in five different languages, with many more to come as the year goes on. Google will also introduce live translations later in the year, starting with English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, or German, with many more to come. This will help students who are learning English as a second language understand the content at hand. It also lets us globally collaborate and communicate with people around the world if they do not speak English.
These are only a few of the 12 fantastic new updates included within the new Google Workspace. All of these updates are useful within all classrooms across the globe. I challenge you to use at least one of them with your class this year.
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