Office files Converted with New Google Drive

There are times when you may want to upload and convert one of your current Office files so that you can share or work with colleagues on the document.  You can upload and convert Office files directly into Google format so that you can share and collaborate or even publish.  Below is a tutorial on how you can upload those files in the New version of Google Drive.  Here is a link to a version for the Old Google Drive.

Google will upload and convert Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.




Google will also convert so that you can download files back out of Google into other formats.  That way you can send to people who need a specific format or don't have a Google Account (Boo!)

Give this a try!

Dublin Tech Talks

We are currently running the Dublin Tech Talks two-day workshop for teachers in Dublin.  The attendees will spend time listening to Dublin teachers share their experiences with technology in their classrooms.  They will also get to hear from the district technology support teachers, who will share tools that are useful in creating digital learning objects which can be used in classrooms and online.  Part of their day will also be spend creating digital learning objects that can be used for instruction.

I was fortunate enough to present today on how you can work with video resources to optimize them for use in class.  Below are my slides that were shared.  There is also a link to a wiki with my shared resources and some tutorials.  Take a look...


It was an outstanding day today and we are looking forward to more conversations and sharing tomorrow.

Cometdocs - Conversion, Storage, and Sharing

Recently, I learned about a website called Cometdocs.  It is an online document management system that allows you store, convert, and share documents.  You get 1 GB of free storage for documents and files.  You can create an account or you can just use the site to share or convert files.  With an account, you can create folders, edit the metadata, convert to PDF or from PDF as well as other formats, and share with others.

My first attempt was with a PDF that I uploaded to the site.  I wondered if I could convert from PDF to Word and if it would really be easy and useable.  I clicked the convert button and the file easily converted to word.  I was amazed at how easily the conversion occurred.  I was able to edit the text and move pictures around.  It supports the change to Excel, Word, Powerpoint, as well as many other formats.

Sharing of a file can easily be completed by sharing the link to email addresses.  The file can also be hosted so that the link can be shared through social media using Facebook, Twitter, or Google links.

I was very pleased with the ease of use and the flexibility of the site.  Upload some files, share some files, convert some files and see how it works for you.  I think it's great.

Miro Video Converter

Ever need to change the format of a video?  Ever need to compress a video?  I have found a free and powerful piece of software.  Miro Video Converter does an outstanding job converting videos.  I have used it frequently to convert movies to .mp4 format and also to convert audio files to .mp3 format.

Open Miro Video Converter and drag your movie file or audio file into the middle section.  Choose the format for the conversion.  Click convert.  It will convert the file for you and put it back in the folder next to the original.  Easy.  Download a copy and give it a shot.