Article
Google Docs Redux
As an example of the rapid pace of change in technology, a search for instructions using Google Docs revealed some outmoded examples
Google docs
In a previous post, I wrote about open source alternatives to Microsoft Office applications, Microsoft Office Alternatives. However, with the student in question, I thought it would be a good idea for the student to use the online (cloud) storage features and convenience of Google apps and Drive. Since he had never really used Google apps, I searched for tutorials to get the student started. I found a few, notably one on the JAWS site since the student is a JAWS user. Unfortunately, the tutorial was not up to date and some of the instructions were invalid, notably the shortcuts to create new documents. When we tried to create a new document, the keyboard shortcuts for doing so listed on this link Keyboard shortcuts for Google Drive on the web, did not work. I discovered that Google had changed the shortcuts for new items in Google apps Fall 2018 to shortcuts that had to be entered as a URL and then a user could save them as bookmarks to be invoked whenever desired. An incomplete list of the new shortcuts that are entered into a browser bar as URLs includes:
http://doc.new— opens new Google document
http://sheets.new— opens new Google Sheets spreadsheet
http://deck.new— opens new Google presentation
http://site.new— creates new Google sites website
http://form.new— creates new Google form
Adding bookmarks for desired shortcuts for new app appropriate items appears to be the new method of creating them in Google docs.
During the search for these shortcuts, I also found these webpages that may be helpful to users of Google Drive and Docs. The online aspects of Google drive and docs do offer a mobility and changeable device advantage. One can also create a Microsoft Live account and have a similar web interface for Office products.
The below links have instructions and shortcuts for using Google Docs, however, as mentioned in this article, some may be outmoded/obsolete:
Keyboard shortcuts for Google Drive on the web
Jaws Instructions for Google Docs
Alt / to get to menus
F6 to move through frames quickly
By George Thompson
