New in Google Sheets: A Simplified Version History

An update to Google Sheets makes version history even more efficient with a new condensed view.

How the New Condensed View Works

Instead of showing the entire spreadsheet, the new default view for version history will only display the rows that have a change in the selected version. This makes it much faster to pinpoint the exact edits you're looking for. 

Switching Back to the Original View

While the condensed view is a great new default, sometimes you might want to see the full context of the entire sheet. If you prefer the original version history experience, where the whole sheet is displayed with changes highlighted, simply select the checkbox for "Show unmodified rows". This will bring back the familiar full-sheet view.

Gemini in Google Classroom

Gemini is now integrated into Google Classroom!

You'll find a new, dedicated "Gemini" tab specifically for teachers right inside Google Classroom. 

This tab provides access to over 30 AI-powered tools integrated into your existing workflow, eliminating the need to switch platforms for some of the most common AI tasks.

Gemini can streamline your tasks, boost your creativity, and save you valuable hours.

1. Create Engaging Content and Resources

• Generate Lesson Plans: Simply click the "lesson plan" option, input the target grade and topic (e.g., "grade seven," "science lesson plan on ecosystem with activities and an assessment"). You can even upload material from your Google Drive for additional context. Gemini will suggest learning objectives, and you can further describe your class in detail (e.g., "28 students with diverse learning needs, including ELLs and students with learning disabilities," "access to Chromebooks," "enjoy hands-on tech-based learning"). Gemini will draft a comprehensive plan, including overviews, required materials, common misconceptions, and various activities. You can then refine the plan by adding teacher facilitation instructions, finding relevant video sources, or generating quizzes based on the plan. Finally, export the lesson plan to Google Docs for further editing and assignment in Google Classroom.
• Craft Compelling Hooks: Need a creative lesson opener? Ask Gemini to brainstorm ideas tailored to student interests.
• Brainstorm Real World Examples and Project Ideas: Get suggestions for innovative and differentiated real world examples and project ideas.

2. Differentiate Instruction 

• Re-level Text: Select the "re-level text" option, paste your desired text, and set the target grade level or choose to simplify it. You can also specify keywords you want to retain in the adjusted text. Gemini will generate the re-leveled text, highlighting adjusted words in green while keeping your specified keywords. You can then export the simplified text to Google Docs or add it directly to a class, with the option to assign it to specific students.
• Generate Varied Examples: Gemini can provide a range of examples to explain complex concepts in multiple ways, effectively meeting the needs of diverse learners, including English Language Learners (ELLs) and students with disabilities.
• Custom Stories in Read Along: Utilize AI to create your own stories or upload existing texts for interactive reading activities, complete with features like phonics dashboards, silent reading mode, and listening mode, and support for multilingual learners.

3. Assessment and Feedback

• Generate Quizzes: Quickly create quizzes by clicking "Generate a quiz," specifying the number of questions and desired question types (e.g., multiple choice, short answer, true or false). Gemini will generate the questions, which you can then export directly to Google Forms.
• Create Rubrics: Select "create a rubric," provide the grade level and desired performance levels (e.g., four levels), and upload the assignment or describe the knowledge and skills you want to assess. Gemini will generate the criteria and the full rubric, which you can export to Google Docs or add to a class.

4. Communication and Organization

• Draft Emails to Guardians: Select "support students" and choose "Draft an email to guardians." This will typically take you to the Gemini interface outside of Google Classroom where you can provide specific information about the student and the email's purpose. Gemini will draft the email, which you can then edit and export to Google Docs for sending.

The integration of Gemini into Google Classroom makes using AI easier than ever! By leveraging these intelligent tools, teachers can reduce administrative burden, personalize learning experiences, and ultimately dedicate more time and energy to what matters most: connecting with and inspiring their students. 

Google Vids: Even Easier Ways to Start and Share Your Video Creation

If you’re looking for a quick and flexible way to create videos for your classroom, professional development, or school community, Google Vids just made your job a whole lot easier.

 
Whether you're creating flipped lessons, student instructions, parent communications, or staff presentations, the newly enhanced intro menu in Google Vids gives you four easy ways to begin.

Here’s how each option can support your work:

🎥 Record and Share

This option opens the built-in recording studio, where you can:

• Record just your voice for a narration-style video,
• Capture your screen to walk through a website or document,
• Record yourself on camera to add a personal touch,
• Or do a combo—record yourself and your screen at the same time, perfect for tutorials or presentations.

📤 Upload and Create

Already have photos or video clips? Choose this option to:

• Upload files from your computer,
• Pull images and videos directly from your Google Drive or Google Photos.

 Once uploaded, you can arrange your clips, add text overlays, background music, and even narration, making it easy to turn raw footage into a polished video.

🎬 Start with a Template

Not sure where to begin? Let Google Vids guide you. Select from a library of professionally designed templates to help structure your content. Templates include:

• Pre-designed layouts
• Placeholder text and media
• Recommended pacing and visual rhythm

Great for beginners or anyone who wants a polished look with minimal effort.

NEW! 🖼️ Import Slides

Have a slideshow you've already created in Google Slides? Now you can import those slides directly into Google Vids! Once imported, you can:

• Add voiceover narration
• Incorporate background music
• Animate transitions and scene timing

This is ideal for transforming static presentations into engaging video content—perfect for flipped classrooms or professional development.

📚 Once your video is ready, sharing it with students is just as easy.

With built-in Google Classroom integration, you can:

• Post your video directly as an assignment, question, or material,
• Add instructions, due dates, and grading criteria,
• Track student engagement and responses—all within the Classroom platform.

For more information on how to create templates for students and assign videos in Google Classroom (including the student perspective), visit: Easy video creation for teaching and learning with Google Vids

Want to learn just the basics to get started? Visit Google Vids Quick Start

Save Time in the Morning with This Chrome Startup Tip

Opening the same websites each morning can be repetitive and time-consuming. Fortunately, Google Chrome offers a simple setting that allows users to streamline their startup process.

By adjusting Chrome’s startup settings, you can configure it to automatically open the websites you use most, such as your email, calendar, Google Drive, Google Classroom, PowerSchool, and other frequently used tools, each time you launch the browser.

How to Set Chrome to Open Specific Pages on Startup

1. Open Google Chrome on your computer.
2. In the top-right corner, click the three dots (⋮) and select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the “On startup” section.
4. Select “Open a specific page or set of pages.”
5. You have two options:
   • Click “Add a new page”, enter the web address (URL), and click Add.
   • Or, if you already have the desired tabs open, click “Use current pages.”

To make changes later, click the three dots next to a listed page to Edit or Delete it.

Note: Your startup page is what opens when you launch Chrome. This is different from your homepage, which appears when you click the Home button in your toolbar—unless you choose to set them the same.

Implementing this small change can help you save time and begin your day with your most-used tools already in place.

Thank you Amber for this great tip!