FIRST THING: More Macbook shortcuts
Week 2: Level Up Keyboard Shortcuts, Maybe new territory for some of you. Next time we’ll reach the Boss Level! Bonus Tip: When you are trying to incorporate new things into your daily digital routine, add a post it note (digital or analog, whichever you prefer) with three easy to learn things on it (like these shortcuts). Force yourself to start using the new tool or shortcut. Once they are part of your routine, tear up that post it and add a new one with three more things. Lather, rinse, repeat.
| Key Combination | What it Does |
| These work on all selected items or the entire page if none selected. | |
| ⌘ + Shift + e | Center align |
| ⌘ + Shift + l | Left align |
| ⌘ + Shift + r | Right align |
| ⌘ + T | Opens new tab in a web browser |
| ⌘ + W | Closes the active tab in a web browser |
| ⌘ + R | Reloads/refreshes the current tab in your browser |
| ⌘ + L | Jumps to and highlights the URL in your browser’s address bar |
| ⌘ + , (comma) | I use this one a lot. It takes you directly to the Preferences page in any Mac program. For Chrome, it launches the Settings in a new tab |
⌘ + Any Arrow | Navigating Websites & DocsBrings you to the top or bottom of the page or the far left or right of the line you are on |
| Selecting text and objects (when selecting text to copy, format, etc., your keyboard is more precise than the touchpad. These work very well in Google Docs, but be aware that many websites are coded so you can only select text with your touchpad or mouse) | |
| Shift + ⌘ + Any Arrow | Selects all text and objects from your current cursor position in whatever direction arrow you hit |
| Shift + Option + Left/Right Arrow | Selects text one word at a time in whatever direction from your current cursor position |
| Shift + Option + Up/Down Arrow | Selects text one paragraph at a time in whatever direction from your current cursor position |
| Using Lists in Docs, Slides, Email, etc. | |
| ⌘ + Shift + 7 | Insert Numbered List |
| ⌘ + Shift + 8 | Insert Bulleted List |
| ⌘ + ] | Increase indent for the current line or selection (moves to the next level down in a numbered or bulleted list) |
| ⌘ + [ | Decrease indent for the current line or selection (moves to the next level up in a numbered or bulleted list) |
SECOND THING: Slide Deck Template for TV Displays –
This is a general template for creating slides to display on the TV screens located around the building (front desk, TGH, conference rooms). The slides are already formatted in 16:9 widescreen which matches the TVs. When you have an event to promote or a key announcement that you’d like the whole school to know about, create a slide here and send it to me for display.
This slide deck is view only, so to use it you need to make a copy first. I have included a few samples to give you some ideas. We’re also thinking about adding some shoutouts and media from student activities and events. We’d love some help with those elements as well. Thanks to Jordan for creating the first master slide!
THIRD THING: Typing with Voice in Google Docs & Google Slides
Macs do not easily let you use OK Google or Google Assistant. They kind of want you to use that whole Siri thing, but Docs has Voice to Text built right in on any device as long as you are using the Chrome web browser. To access this feature in Docs, go to Tools, then Voice Typing and click the microphone or use the keyboard shortcut ⌘ + Shift + S. For Slides, go to Tools, and then Voice type speaker notes.
You can simply dictate the text of your document or you can use one of dozens of voice commands available within Docs, such as “Select All”, “Copy”, and “Insert Comment”. For a full explanation of this feature and a LOT more commands, check out this MakeUseOf article.