Google Add-Ons

Google has done it again.  They have made awesome products even better! Add-ons provide increased functionality from right within Google Docs and Google Sheets (the new Google Spreadsheets) with a growing number of applications.  Some of these may be familiar to those of you who used Google Scripts like Doctopus and Flubaroo to many that have been used for research like EasyBib and Lucidchart.  To get started, simply click on Add-ons and then choose Get Add-ons.

If your tool you installed doesn't automatically load, then select your tool from the under the Add-on tab and follow the directions for each.  Most open in a side bar just like your research tool and have simple step by step instructions.  Here are a few of my favorites:

EasyBib Bibliography Creator

Easybib has been a favorite tool for creating bibliographies for papers and now it is even easier.  When you select manage Bibliography from the Add-on menu, Easybib opens to the right.  Select whether you would like to cite a book, journal or a website, then insert the Title, ISBN number, etc... and SEARCH.  You will have a list of possible matches listed below.  SELECT the one that matches your source and it will be added to your bibliography.  

Once you have added all of your sources, you simply click on ADD BIBLIOGRAPHY TO DOC to plug in your WORKS CITED list at the bottom of your document.  I recommend inserting a Page Break right before so that it will be on its own page.  

Doctopus

Don't be scared by the name, Doctopus is not from Spider Man or James Bond, but rather a fun group from the NewVisions for Public Schools that have really pushed the limits of what Google Apps can do for Schools by writing scripts that work with the Google API.  Doctopus manages assignments using google docs by creating copies and automatically sharing them with students or groups of students, managing sharing, grades and feedback all from a single spreadsheet.  This used to be a Google Script that required a bit more savvy to install and run, but it is now a Google Add-on for Sheets making things much easier for all of us.  Read more about Doctopus and how it works here.

There are many more Add-ons and they are being added weekly.  What is your favorite Google Add-on?