10 Time-Saving Technology Tips for Teachers: Keyboard Shortcuts, Calendar Subscriptions, QR Creator, and More!
As a teacher, time is of the essence. Between lesson planning, grading, meetings, and other responsibilities, there never seems to be enough time in the day. Fortunately, there are various technology tips and tricks that can save teachers time and increase efficiency.
In this article, we will explore 10 time-saving technology tips for teachers, including keyboard shortcuts, calendar subscriptions, QR creators, free presentation templates, the bookmark bar, Apple Classroom, removing image backgrounds, Canva, Chat GPT, and PDF signatures. Read on to learn how to simplify your teaching life and maximize your time!
**Note many of these shortcuts are available for PC, but I am an Apple gal, so instructions will be for Apple products!**
1. Keyboard Shortcuts
Using Command and numbers and letters can help you achieve quick moves while editing or creating.
Command + Z = Undo
Command + C = Copy
Command + V = Paste
Command + Shift + 4 = Screenshot
2. Calendar subscriptions
Calendar subscriptions can save you time entering dates. For example, our district has a calendar link that you click on and it will add all dates off to your phone/or Apple Calendar! Bonus - many sports teams have it too!
Select the RSS feed (looks like a wifi symbol) and follow the prompts.
3. QR Creator
QR Creator inside Google Chrome is a fast way to share websites with students. Simply select the “Sharrow” (Share + Arrow) in the web address bar, then select create QR code.
4. Presentation Slides Templates
Need an eye catching presentation? Try one of these sites for free templates!
5. Bookmark bar
Edit the bar, so you only see the image, then you can fit more bookmarks! I bookmark my morning meeting slides and my Do Now math routine, so it is 1 click easy access! To bookmark, simply drag the lock image to the bookmark bar, or press the star, then you will be given the option to edit the name.
6. Apple Classroom
Apple Classroom will allow you to view your students screens, lock them, and direct them to a certain webpage with one click. Be sure that the website is part of your favorites on Safari. Check out all the features here: Classroom on the Mac App Store
7. Remove Background In An Image
This feature is new on iPhones, hold down the image and it will remove the background! You can also use https://www.remove.bg/ for free!
8. Canva
Canva aka the best design app ever! Get a free teacher account and have access to graphics, worksheets, invitations, certificates, Canvas buttons, the ideas are endless! Bonus- they have a fantastic print shop you can print directly from there for personal invitations!
9. Chat GPT
Chat GPT is taking the world by storm! Use it to help you write a lesson plan, newsletter, or SMART goals! It is not perfect, but a great start. https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
10. PDF signature
Inside the preview application, you can create a signature to sign PDFs. Click the markup tool, then select the signature line and create your signature. To sign documents, simply select your signature and drag to the line!
About the Teacher
April Cremer is a 5th grade teacher in Kansas. She served as an online teacher during the 2020-2021 school year and is currently teaching in person. She operates the Facebook page “Ask April.” Through Connected Classroom, she teaches Creating With Canvas and Teaching With Jamboard. When she is not teaching, she enjoys traveling, reading, and photography.