Even More Great Google Tools

For this week's blog I wanted to introduce you to Google Story Builder, Google+ Hangouts, Build with Chrome, and TubeSnack.  

Google Story Builder

What does it do?  Google Story Builder allows you to write a short script with characters and turn it into an animated conversation.  You can add background music and share your story.  

How do you use it?  Go to https://docsstorybuilder.appspot.com/ and click get started.  You type in the characters that will be part of your story and then begin writing your script.  I would recommend writing out your story ahead of time on word processing software.  If you want to edit a previous portion of the script in Story Builder, any content after that point will be deleted.  Once the story is finished, you can add background music and get a shareable link.  Click here to access my story "A Duck Named Cuddles".  

Want more information?  Watch the following video tutorial.

Google+ Hangouts

What does it do?  Google+ Hangouts is similar to Facetime by Apple.  Hangouts has the added bonus of working with Android, Apple, and/or Windows.  Hangouts allows you to make video calls, a regular phone calls, or you can simply message a person.  These conversations can include up to 10 people, counting you.  

How do you use it?  You log-in to Hangouts using your Gmail account.  Hangouts can be found under your Google apps in your email or by going to this website https://hangouts.google.com/ .  This is what it should look like once you are logged in.  

From this page you will be able to make video calls, phone calls and messages.  

Want more information?  For more information click here.

Build with Chrome

What does it do?  Build with Chrome incorporates building with Legos into Google Maps.  You can select a location anywhere on the map.  Then you are given a Lego square to build on.  Once your build is completed it can be seen on the Build with Chrome map along with other builds from around the world. 

How do you use it?  Go to https://www.buildwithchrome.com/, sign in using your Gmail account, and click start building.  Pick a location off the map and start building.   Here is what it looks like when you are building.  

Want more information?  Here is a video tutorial.  

TubeSnack

What does it do?  TubeSnack is not actually a Google tool.  It is a tool to be used primarily with YouTube videos.  TubeSnack allows you to create video playlists.  You are then able to share these playlists with a URL.  You are able to embed the playlist but this option does cost money.  

How do you use it?  You will want to begin by logging in to TubeSnack.  You can create a new account or log-in using Facebook, Gmail, or Twitter.  Once you are logged in you create a new playlists, add videos to the playlists by searching or copying & pasting the video's URL.  You can change the order of the videos and change the template for the playlist.  After you have completed the playlist, you have the option to share the URL.  Click here for my TubeSnack on different methods for factoring quadratic polynomials.  

Want more information?  Watch this video tutorial.  

Thanks for visiting my blog this week.  I hope you learned something new!.  Stop by next week for my blog on Google Earth and Google Tour Builder.