Teachers don’t need another app to log into or a fancy new tool to learn. Sometimes the biggest time-savers are already built into the tech you use every day. You just might not know about them.
Here are 10 little-known shortcuts and features that can save you hours (and maybe your sanity) in the classroom.
1. Split Screen Shortcut
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Windows:
Windows Key + Left/Right Arrow -
Mac: Hold the green “maximize” button → Tile to left or right.
👉 Stop flipping tabs — grade in one window while your lesson plan is open in another.
2. Voice Typing in Google Docs
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Tools → Voice Typing → talk and watch it transcribe.
👉 Great for feedback, lesson ideas, or even sub notes when you’re tired of typing.
3. Reopen a Closed Tab
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Shortcut:
Ctrl + Shift + T(orCommand + Shift + Ton Mac).
👉 Instantly brings back that tab you closed by accident.
4. Quick Screenshot Tricks
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Windows:
Windows + Shift + S -
Mac:
Command + Shift + 4
👉 Capture just the part of the screen you need for student examples, error messages, or lesson visuals.
5. Search a Page Fast
Shortcut: Ctrl + F (or Command + F).
6. Pin Tabs in Chrome
Right-click a tab → Pin.
👉 Keeps gradebook, email, or Google Classroom locked in place so it never gets lost.
7. Timer in Google Search
Type “5 minute timer” into Google.
👉 Classroom management without hunting for an app.
Bonus Tracks:
8. Drag + Drop Between Tabs
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Highlight text or an image → drag it straight into another tab (like Google Slides or Docs).
👉 No need to copy/paste back and forth.
