U-M Google Updates

The new Jamboard service combines the same real-time, collaborative benefits of other G Suite applications like Google Docs but with a whiteboard interface that allows ideas and projects to come to life. The service is part of the Google Core offering available to the university.

Jamboard App

With the Jamboard app, you can use the Jamboard service with your tablet, phone or the web to connect to a “Jam session” (or Jamboard file) from anywhere. Once connected, several people at a time can collaboratively whiteboard and pull in content from Google Drive and other sources. You can view Jam sessions from any device with a web browser. The G Suite support site has more information on the phone app and the tablet app.

Jamboard files save automatically. The ones that you own appear in your Drive folder. This means you can open, copy, and share jam files from My Drive and Team Drives, and save Jamboard files to My Drive. With this launch you can:

• Share Jamboard files directly from Drive.
• Open Jamboard files from Drive in the Jamboard web and mobile applications.
• Search for Jamboard files in Drive (by entering “type:jam” in the Drive search bar.)

For more information on using Jamboard, check out the Help Center.

Jamboard Kiosk

The Jamboard service can also be used with the Jamboard kiosk - a 55-inch, digital, collaborative whiteboard that works in the cloud. You can create notes, text, and images on the board. And, whatever you put on the board can be shared with the rest of your team, whether they are using another Jamboard in a remote location or on a mobile device, using the Jamboard app. The Jamboard kiosk comes with a passive stylus and an eraser (no batteries needed.) It can be wall–mounted or mounted on a movable stand.

The Collaboration Services team is gauging the interest for Jamboard hardware on campus. Before making any arrangements with a reseller,  please contact ITS if you are interested in purchasing Jamboard kiosk hardware. We will be working to ensure they can be acquired, installed and configured in the best way possible at the University of Michigan.

In February 2016, Google announced the new Google Forms, which had reduced functionality from Classic Forms. Since then, Google has been adding functionality while Classic Forms remain available. We recently noticed when going in to edit a Classic Form, a pop-up window appears, prompting to upgrade the Form to New Forms. Eventually, Classic Forms will be retired. Now may be a good time to begin upgrading any Classic Forms still being used and testing their functionality in New Forms. At this time, New Forms can be reverted to Classic Forms if the new offering does not meet your needs. However, as with other Google service improvements, the ability to continue to use older versions of the service will eventually go away.

If you have any questions or run into any issues upgrading, contact the ITS Service Center.

The monthly U-M Google Summaries inform campus of Google releases for core apps as well as the non-core apps (those that are not part of the G Suite for Education agreement.) We communicate important information on core apps throughout the month. Core and non-core apps are listed on the G Suite website.

Core Apps

• Changing The Menus in Google Docs Editors
• Emailing Members of a Team Drive

Previously Communicated

• Reminder - New Google Calendar
• Google Drive File Stream Update
• New Ways to Comment on Microsoft Files
• Google Marketplace and Third-Party Apps

Google has released an update that allows you to choose exactly who can view your content in the new Google Sites. To publish your site for a specific audience, select Share with others and change Published settings to Specific people can view when published. Next, add the individuals you want in the Invite people box and select Can view published.

The new feature is now on the web. Google Drive Android and iOS apps will have it rolled out in the coming weeks. For more info on publishing in the new Google Sites, visit the Help Center.

The ITS Collaboration Services team is happy to offer a spring series of instructor-led training sessions to U-M faculty and staff. They are offered at no-charge and open for registration via My LINC.

Working with U-M Box – ITS_BOXC100

• April 13, 1-3 p.m., Arbor Lakes, Building 3, Dome Conference Room
• May 11, 1-3 p.m., Shapiro Library PC Lab (2054)

Working With Google and Box – ITS_GOOC200

• March 21, 1-2 p.m., Shapiro Library PC Lab (2054)
• April 25, 1-2 p.m., Shapiro Library PC Lab (2054)

Introduction to G-Suite – ITS_GOOC100

May 14, 10-11 a.m., Wolverine Tower Training Room 1 (G010)

G-Suite using Mail and Calendar – ITS_GOOC101

March 20, 2-3 p.m., Wolverine Tower Training Room 1 (G010)

Working With Google Drive – ITS_GOOC102

April 11, 10 a.m.-noon, Shapiro Library PC Lab (2054)

Working with Google Forms– ITS_GOOC103

April 3, 2-3 p.m., Wolverine Tower Training Room 1 (G010)

Working with the New and Improved Google Sites – ITS_GOOC104

March 9, 2-3 p.m., Wolverine Tower, G228

Does your department or unit have a more specific need? Submit a Learning Request to the Collaboration Services team.