Power Up with Google Apps Script

Presentation about technology, productivity with workspace

Power Up with Google Apps Script

Introduction to Google Apps Script – why use it:

Google Apps Script is a scripting language based on JavaScript that allows users to automate various tasks and workflows within Google Workspace applications. It is a powerful tool for automating repetitive tasks, customizing and extending the functionality of Google Workspace applications, and building lightweight web applications. In this session, we will discuss the benefits of using Google Apps Script, common uses, and how to get started.

How I got started with it – solution workspace made easy:

As a solution workspace, Google Workspace provides an easy way to get started with Google Apps Script. I began using Google Apps Script when working on a project for a University, the request was to capture tweets into a spreadsheet. No server provided. I found Apps Script that can query the Twitter API and then return the results into a spreadsheet. Taking a step further using the sentiment analyst API I could track the sentiment of tweets. Then as I explored it further it was easy to automate tasks in Google Sheets, such as generating reports and data analysis. Over time, I discovered its potential to integrate with other Google Workspace applications and external APIs, customize and extend the functionality of Google Workspace applications, and build web applications.

Benefits of Apps Script – Users of Apps Script:

Google Apps Script offers several benefits to users, including increased productivity, streamlined workflows, and improved collaboration. Users can automate repetitive tasks, customize and extend the functionality of Google Workspace applications, and build lightweight web applications. Apps Script is used by individuals, small businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits, and IT professionals to automate tasks, manage data, and streamline workflows.

Common uses for Google apps script:

Some of the common uses for Google Apps Script include automating workflows, customizing Google Workspace applications, integrating with external APIs, building web applications, and developing add-ons and extensions. Google Apps Script can be used to automate tasks like sending emails, generating reports, updating spreadsheets, and managing files.

Custom functions in Sheets:

Google Sheets provides the ability to create custom functions using Google Apps Script. Custom functions allow users to extend the functionality of Sheets by creating custom calculations and data analysis tools. These custom functions can be used to automate tasks and streamline workflows in Sheets.

Setting triggers to Automate:

Google Apps Script allows users to set triggers to automate tasks and workflows. Triggers can be set to run scripts automatically based on specific events or schedules, such as when a user opens a document, when a form is submitted, or on a set schedule. This feature allows users to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows.

What I’ve learned from my Students:

As an educator, I have learned that Google Apps Script is well received by students of all levels of coding experience. Users enjoy creating powerful applications , creating custom scripts, functions, and web applications using Google Apps Script.

Q&A:

We will also have a Q&A segment where attendees can ask questions and get more information about using Google Apps Script. Topics may include best practices for scripting, tips and tricks for automating tasks, and strategies for customizing and extending the functionality of Google Workspace applications.

Google Apps Script

Google Apps Script enhances productivity, customizes app functionality, and builds simple web applications. Benefits include streamlining workflows and collaboration. Common uses encompass workflow automation, app customization, API integration, web app creation, and extensions. Triggers automate scripts based on events or schedules. Users of all coding levels enjoy Apps Script's capabilities. The session includes a Q&A on best practices and tips.

Fireside Chat: Ask a WTMA/GDE Anything!

Power Up with Apps Script & Gemini AI

The presentation focuses on the capabilities and benefits of using Google Apps Script, a scripting language based on JavaScript that allows for the automation, customization, and integration of various tasks and workflows within Google Workspace applications.

Key Points:
Introduction to Google Apps Script:

Apps Script is a cloud-based tool that enables users to automate tasks like data entry, report generation, and email notifications.
It extends the functionality of Google Workspace applications by creating custom menus, add-ons, and web applications.
It is easy to access and free to use, making it an ideal tool for collaboration and project sharing.
Common Uses:

Automation: Automate repetitive tasks to save time and increase efficiency.
Customization: Create custom functions and user interfaces within Google Sheets.
Integration: Connect Google services and third-party APIs seamlessly.
Practical Examples:

Custom Menus: Demonstrates how to create a custom menu in Google Sheets that triggers specific Apps Script functions.
Custom Functions: Shows how to create custom functions in Sheets, such as calculating the percentage change between two values.
Triggers: Discusses setting up triggers to automate scripts based on specific events or schedules.
Advanced Capabilities:

Mini Project: An example project using Google Apps Script and the Gemini AI to list image files in Google Drive, convert them to Base64, and generate detailed descriptions using the Google Gemini Pro Vision API.
Audience and Benefits:

The presentation highlights that Apps Script is suitable for individuals, small businesses, educational institutions, and IT professionals.
The simplicity and power of Apps Script make it accessible to new coders and those looking to automate tasks without extensive coding experience.
Interactive and Engaging:

Laurence Svekis emphasizes his passion for teaching Apps Script, which is reflected in the engagement and positive feedback from his students, many of whom are working on small automation projects.
Conclusion:

The presentation concludes with resources for further learning and support, including links to Laurence's GitHub, LinkedIn, and personal website.
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of Google Apps Script, showcasing its potential to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and enable custom solutions within the Google Workspace ecosystem.

General audience any Google account users
30-45 minutes

Unleashing the Power of Google Apps Script and Gemini AI

"Unleashing the Power of Google Apps Script and Gemini AI” aims to provide attendees with actionable knowledge and hands-on experience in using Apps Script to supercharge Google Workspace tools and leveraging the generative AI capabilities of Gemini.

1️⃣ Introduction to Google Apps Script
What It Is: Apps Script is a cloud-based JavaScript platform that allows you to automate and extend Google Workspace applications like Sheets, Docs, and Drive.
Why It Matters: Attendees will learn how Apps Script can save time, reduce manual tasks, and create workflows that drive productivity.
Live Demos: Laurence will showcase how to build custom functions in Google Sheets, automate form submissions, and synchronize data between Google Sheets and other Google services.
2️⃣ Harnessing the Power of Gemini AI
Next-Gen AI Integration: See how Google’s Gemini AI can elevate Apps Script capabilities, including AI-powered document generation, smart summaries, and content creation.
Practical Applications: Learn how to create content, auto-summarize Google Docs, extract key data from PDFs, and even generate image descriptions using AI.
Hands-On Examples: Laurence will guide attendees on how to call Gemini AI APIs to generate new documents, summarize files, and automate large-scale content production.
3️⃣ Real-World Use Cases & Examples
Laurence will demonstrate real-world projects that attendees can implement right away, such as:

Automated Reports & Dashboards: Generate weekly reports from Google Sheets, convert them to PDFs, and email them to stakeholders automatically.
Custom Functions in Sheets: Learn how to create your own Sheet functions like =GETWEATHER("Miami") to fetch live weather data or =CURRENCYCONVERT(100, "USD", "EUR") to perform instant currency conversions.
Email Summaries with Gemini AI: Discover how to summarize the contents of multiple Google Docs using Gemini AI and send the summary directly via email.
Data Integration & API Connections: Pull data from CRMs, ERP systems, or third-party APIs directly into Google Sheets, enabling seamless data analysis and reporting.