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5 Tips for Using Google Apps on the iPad

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5 Tips for Using Google Apps on the iPad | Shake Up Learning | www.shakeuplearning.com | #gafe #google #edtechGoogle and Apple CAN PLAY NICE!

Google and Apple are two very different ecosystems. Both provide great technology and digital tools for use inside the classroom and beyond. When these two worlds collide, they offer a powerful toolbox for educators giving you the best of both worlds.

When iPads were first introduced, they did not play nicely with Google Apps. We have come a long way, and the two CAN play nicely with each other if you know a few tricks! Here are five tips for using Google Apps on the iPad.

1. Google works best with Google.

Go figure! Google Apps work best with other Google Apps. So be sure you install all of the featured apps on this page: Google Apps for iOS. All of Google’s mobile apps were designed to work as a team. Links will open in Chrome instead of Safari, tap on an email address and it will open the Gmail app instead of Mail, etc. If you leverage this team of apps, using Google on the iPad will be a much better user experience.

2. The Google Search App deserves a second look.

If you are like me, I downloaded the Google Search app ages ago and forgot about it. Why do I need a separate search app when searching is built into the browser? Here’s why I challenge you to give this app a second look.The Google Search App integrates with Google Now cards. Google Now gives you timely, convenient, and customized information like weather, traffic patterns to work, tracks packages, travel information.

The second reason you should give this app another go: “Okay, Google!” If you haven’t heard this phrase yet, you will! “Okay, Google,” is a hands-free, voice search trigger for the app. (You must enable the feature on your device.) Then simply say, “Okay, Google,” the device will beep, and start “listening” for your search query. Bonus: If your search is in the form of a question, Google will read the answer back to you! Think of how much this little gem can help students.

Note:

  • “Okay, Google,” can also be enabled in Google Chrome on the desktop.
  • Chrome on the iPad can also do voice search, but not “Okay, Google.”

3. Forget the native Mail app on the iPad!
Native iPad apps may not be the best app for the job. Just because it came on the iPad, doesn’t mean it is the best app for task at hand. If you use Gmail, and you should, stop using the native Mail app on your iPad. There is a better way. The Gmail app is better, faster, and is cloud-based. The Mail app takes up precious storage space on your device because it is downloading your messages to the device. Have you ever tried to search for an old email in the Mail app? It can be frustrating and time-consuming as you continue to download more messages to search. The Gmail app will also let you connect multiple gmail accounts. Try the Gmail app for a better, faster solution.4. Forget the native Calendar app!
Google Calendar plays nicely with most other calendar applications out there, but if you want to mimic the gcal functionality you have on the desktop, you must let go of the native calendar app on the iPad. Google does not offer an official Google Calendar app for the iPad, but there are many out there with gcal functionality. I recommend Sunrise (free) or Calendars 5 by Readdle ($6.99).

5. Auto-Backup Photos and Videos to Google+
Google+ is currently the fastest growing social network. Even if you have no interest in adding another social network to your repertoire, you will want the Google+ app on your iOS device for one simple reason: auto-backup your photos and videos to Google! The number one storage hog on iPads is photos and videos. Let Google+ do the work for you and back up to your Google+ account.Google+ is also a great way to expand your personal learning network and collaborate with like-minded educators. Here are 5 Reasons Educators Should Use Google Plus.

Using Google Apps on the iPad is possible, and if you just know a few simple tips, you can have the best of both worlds. These tips only scratch the surface of what’s possible. For even more tips, attend my session, “Ooey, Gooey, Google! Google Apps for the iPad,” at the Teaching and Learning with the iPad Conference this November.

This post originally appeared on Emerging EdTech on Sept. 16, 2014.

*Be sure to get your FREE COPY of the Google Drive for iOS Cheat Sheet, and the Guide to Google Apps for the iPad [infographic].

What are your favorite tips for using Google Apps on the iPad? Please share in the comments below.

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Comments

  1. These are some great tips for those of us unfamiliar with how the worlds of Google and Apple merge. This post will come in handy in the classroom and in my own life! Thanks for posting!