While this might seem like an obvious for some, there are so many keyboard and browser shortcuts we should be using to make our lives easier. As humans, we're all about productivity, so why not use our tools to make that happen?! Note: This layout will look a little different than previous posts, but that's because we are getting right to the good stuff!
Challenge! Read through the Beginner, Intermediate, AND Advanced to identify your top 5 shortcuts that will help YOU become more productive, effective, and tech-savvy!
You might be this guy right now...
but by the end of this exploration, you'll be rockin' a smile as big as this guy's!
Keyboard shortcuts are alternative, quick ways to access tools originally accessed by using a mouse or trackpad. Think of these shortcuts as a bonus. You don't need to memorize all of them, I sure haven't even mastered them all; but, should you find a few that support you in the classroom (or for personal use!), skip the extra seconds and clicks it takes to switch windows and shortcut-away!
Beginner
Ctrl + B = Bold text
Ctrl + I = Italicize selected text
Ctrl + U = Underline selected text
Ctrl + A = Select aaaaaaaaall of the text
Ctrl + X = Cut selected text (I tell my students the X looks like scissors? Like, cutting a paper? Not sure if that actually helps, but they say so! 🤷♀️)
Ctrl + C = Copy selected text
Ctrl + V = Paste selected text
Ctrl + Z = Undo previous action
Ctrl + P = Print open page or document (which you can also use to Save as a PDF!)
Ctrl + S = Save file
Ctrl + T = Opens a new tab when in a web browser
Ctrl + N = Open new file in same program (or a new Window in a web browser)
Ctrl + K = Hyperlinks a website (I don't understand the K, either)
Ctrl + R = Reeeeeefreshes the tab when in a web browser
Ctrl + H = Opens the history, previous tab, from the current Window (wait, it get's better...see Ctrl + Shift + T in the Intermediate section)
Intermediate
Alt + Tab = Switch between Windows
Ctrl + Shift + T = Restore the tab you accidentally just closed! Ok, hear me out on this one... do you have probable cause to believe a student closed tabs before you were able to see what they were doing? Or, maybe you want to save the day for a student while impressing your students with these new tech skills? Before they can delete and history, borrow their computer and Ctrl+Shift+TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT (or however many Ts to reopen all of the tabs they closed). You're welcome. 😀
Ctrl – = Zoom out – (you can also use the scroll button is you have a mouse)
Ctrl + = Zoom in – (same as above)
Ctrl + 0 = Display page at 100% zoom/normal view (in case you, or your students, zoom in or out, this restores things to normal, phew!)
⊞ Windows Key + > (arrow key) = Splits your screen with your current Window aligning to the right side of screen
⊞ Windows Key + < (arrow key) = Splits your screen with your current Window aligning to the left side of screen
⊞ Windows Key + . = Emojis!
⊞ Windows Key + D = Takes you right back to your (definitely not cluttered) desktop!
⊞ Windows Key + L = Locks your screen (required password to resume)
⊞ Windows Key + Shift + S = Screenshot!
Ctrl + Shift + V = Pastes as plain text (matching new format in file)
⊞ Windows Key + I = Open Settings
Ctrl + Shift + N = When in a web browser, you can open a new Window in Incognito Mode
Ctrl + F = Find (This is so handy on sites; Pro Tip: *deep breath* teach your students to find information/cite evidence more efficiently, it's not cheating if it's just a tool!)
Advanced
Alt + < = Go back to the previous page on a web browser
Alt + > = Return to the most recent page on a web browser
Fn* + F11 = Full Screen mode (Pro Tip: use this when presenting a web page!); while you're at it, just explore all of the Fn keys
⊞ Windows Key + Tab = Toggle through different Windows and apps
Ctrl + 1 = Views the first tab, repeat for tabs 1-8 (Ctrl + 9 = Views the tab furthest to the right)
*To use any Fn (function) make sure your Fn key is pressed on
BONUS! Be Aware: Student Hacks
Student Hack: Close Entire Window (Ctrl + Shift + C; or Alt + F4) = You might see a student quickly push buttons on a peer's computer, then turn around a pretend nothing happened while the other student returns in tears.
Teacher Fix: Open the same web browser, go to History and Restore Window (Ctrl + Shift + T)
Student Hack: Inspect (Ctrl + Shift + C) = Students are using this to change their grades, etc. and editing/modifying the current source code on the page. Learn more about Inspect Element: How to Temporarily Edit Any Webpage.
Teacher Fix: If you're unsure about the accuracy of a web page's content, ask the student to refresh (Ctrl + R) their screen. Why? This will clear any temporary changes they've made.
Student Hack: Shift + Restart = This restart is unique because it requires students to completely shutdown their computer and turn it back on.
Teacher Fix: Unfortunately there's nothing immediate that can bring the student back to their page, but it
will just shut down their computer requiring the user to power on their computer.
Student Hack: VPNs = Students are more frequently downloading and using VPNs to access blocked sites, settings, etc.
Teacher Fix: First, I suggest reminding students these are district/school devices, not personal devices. Then, inform your tech support and they will reimage the computer back to the device's default settings. We do have a new web-filtering system that should eliminate the possibility of downloading any new VPNs or extensions.
Student Hack: Blooket bots/GitHub= Students are using these sites to create bots and spam their class game.
Teacher Fix: Unfortunately I can't say there's a fix for this hack, but using gamified activities in Nearpod and Flocabulary where the platform is more controlled might be more appropriate for your group of students at this time.
Thankfully our district has done a fantastic job of moderating the cybersecurity and firewalls allowing students to access/not access certain sites, settings, etc. However, stay tuned for more student hacks as I become aware of them!
There are so many types of shortcuts out for students, teachers, and everyone to explore. It's your choice which to remember and use to make your lives easier, even though some kids choose to memorize keyboard shortcuts that shutdown and restart other students' computers. Remember, shortcuts aren't cheating, they're simply tools to help us all reach our finish line more effectively and efficiently.
Have a suggestion or something you want to learn more about? Fill out this Google Form and stay tuned for more tech tips!