OnEBoard June Recap: NotebookLM Flashcards, Google Maps Badges, Video Tips, Workspace Admin Secretgs

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As summer settles in, our June sessions have reflected a shift toward the practical, the adventurous, and the authentic. Whether navigating travel with new digital tools or mastering the art of dual-format streaming, we’ve focused on leveraging technology to enhance our human experiences, not just automate them.

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June Tech Topics & OnEBoard Chat

#3Tips10Min Roundup: NotebookLM FlashCards, Video Creation and Streaming, Google Maps Contributor Badges, Gemini Event Management

Nina’s Pro Tips: Google Maps Contributor Badges and Gemini Event Management

We’re seeing a new wave of gradient-colored badges for Google Maps Local Guides contributors.  Learn more.
  • Why it works: It’s a fun, visual way to track your impact, but remember: Google’s filters are stricter than ever. Authentic, filtered-free, and non-promotional content is key to keeping your reviewer score high.
  • Pro tip: Italy’s new laws against fake reviews make authenticity a legal necessity, not just a community guideline.
If you are running an event, you can use Google Docs to back up social media posts, links and notes, then use Gemini to use that information to generate posters, invite emails, reminders and more. Learn more.
  • Why it works: Gemini automates time-consuming tasks. 
  • Pro tip: Limit Gemini search to just your Gmail and Google Drive documents, excluding the web. 
Peggy’s Pro Tips: Video Creation & Streaming 

For those who want to record their screen and camera simultaneously, this official Google Vids Screen Recorder Chrome extension is a game-changer. Learn more.
  • Why it works: It integrates seamlessly with your existing Google ecosystem, with editing in Google Vids, and controls that are familiar if you use Google Meet and Slides.
  • Pro tip: Recording yourself talking can appear more engaging and relatable than Google Vids AI avatars. 
If you live stream and are active on Bluesky, you can add a "LIVE" badge to your profile icon with just a few clicks. Learn more.
  • Why it works: Bluesky does not have built in live streaming, but lets you link to any stream on YouTube, Twitch or other platforms, adding a badge to your profile that links directly to your livestream.
  • Pro tip: Use your YouTube Live Link, instead of the video URL. That automatically links to your current live stream (or next scheduled stream).
Bob’s Pro Tip: NotebookLM as a Text Engine

Flashcards can be a powerful learning tool, but it's important to know the limits of your tools. Learn more.
  • Why it works: NotebookLM excels at organizing text and synthesizing information, but it is not a design studio. Use it for the "heavy lifting" of content synthesis.
  • Pro tip: Export your flashcards to tools like Canva or Quizlet for the final visual polish. 
Our Philosophy: The Human-in-the-Loop

As we discussed this month, there is a refreshing trend in our community: drifting away from over-automation. While AI is a powerful assistant for organizing events or drafting invites, our community sentiment is clear: we value the "human-in-the-loop" approach. As the weather warms up, use these tools to save time, not just fill it, so you can get back to what truly matters: being present, traveling, and enjoying the summer.

Strategies for Efficient Google Workspace Administration and AI Integration

Google Cloud Certified Professional Kim Nilsson shared his secrets for modern Workspace administrators. As a veteran whose expertise spans the entire history of the platform, he provided             advanced strategies for using official intelligence, community resources, and AI integration to master the Workspace environment.

  • Pro tip: Always test new configurations on small, isolated user groups before implementing Workspace-wide changes to minimize the potential "blast zone" of an error.

#HowTo Tutorial: Mastering Dual Format Steaming

Streaming expert Peggy K broke down how to master dual format streaming to broadcast vertical and horizontal feeds simultaneously. This is becoming the gold standard for reaching mobile audiences on YouTube, Twitch and other platforms. It allows you to meet the audience where they are (on their phones) while maintaining a cohesive, professional presence. Learn more.
  • Pro tip: If you're short on processing power, use a third-party platform that handles the heavy lifting in the cloud.

News from the OnEBoard Crew

Nina’s June Highlight: Nina’s recent travel to a small Tuscan village provided a beautiful backdrop for our sessions. She’s currently testing the limits of local guides' contributions and is on the hunt to uncover the "Level 10" surprise on Google Maps!

Peggy’s June Highlight: Successfully started dual format streaming her weekly creator news show. Watch the vertical version on your phone!
 
Bob’s June Highlight: Bob enjoyed watching Dot-tailed Whiteface Dragonflies giving advice about camera ready work especially along irrigation ditches and still water shores.

Follow Nina, Bob and Peggy on Bluesky.

Thank you for being part of the OnEBoard Network. We look forward to sharing more insights with you in July!

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COVER IMAGE SOURCE: Toscana in Italy, captured by Nina Trankova.

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