Whether you're just getting started with a Chromebook or your office is one of the millions switching to Google Docs — or maybe you're just curious, that's OK, too — if you need to know all the tricks to becoming a Google apps wizard, this Chrome extension is for you.
Formerly known as Synergyse Training, the Training for Google APPs extension will walk you through everything you can do, and how to do it, for Google Docs, Sheets, Calendar, Slides, and Gmail with interactive videos and tips. Best of all, it works inside the apps themselves so you can learn by doing while you're watching.
After you install the extension (and refresh any currently open Google app tabs or windows) you'll notice a small rainbow Google-riffic button in the top right. Clicking it opens a menu where you can search out how to do just about anything.
When you choose one of the entries, a sizable floating window with an interactive video will play that walks you through all the steps and explains why you're doing them. The videos are fairly short, ranging between three and five minutes, and very concise and focused. The one thing I didn't like was that the next new video in the series will autoplay after a short warning time. There seems to be no way to adjust this setting.
The content itself is awesome. I've been playing with it for a few days since a friend at Google tipped me about the new update. I've not only found out how to do things I didn't know I could do but also that I've been doing some things in a clunky and roundabout way when a simple more direct approach is available. And I've been using Google Docs every day for almost seven years.
The extension is free from Google, and can be installed right through the Chrome browser on Windows, Mac, or Linux, or on your Chromebook. It's really worth a look if you need to use Google's apps!
