Google Voice

Using your computer to text families and stay connected What IS Google Voice?

• Google Voice is a voicemail service from Google that enables users to send free text messages, customize their voicemail, read voicemail text transcript, and more. Google's voicemail service, which previously required a Google Voice invite code to setup, is now available for free to all Gmail users. Why should I use Google Voice?

• Most of our HS parents have a cell phone and are much more likely to respond to a text message than to answer the phone or return a call. • Answering text messages is quicker for our parents. • It’s a great way to send out notification of school events! The papers that we send home with the children often aren’t read-just thrown away. How do I use it?

Are you ready? Let’s get started! • All Region 7 employees have a Google Account through the ESC. • Type www.google.com into your address bar in Google Chrome

• You will see a blue Sign In button-click it and let’s go! Signing In

• Enter your ESC email in the top yellow box

• Enter region7google in the second yellow box

• On the next screen click the blue button: I accept. Continue to my account

• Change your password on the next screen; for convenience, you may wish to make this the same as your computer log on password Click Skip on this screen You did it!

• You have now successfully set up your Google account! Now it gets really fun…

Click on the box of 9 squares to bring up the Google menu You notice Google Voice is not listed here…Click on More at the bottom of the box.

Then click on Even more from Google On the new page that opens, scroll down to the Home and Office section and select Voice Click the box to accept the terms and click the button to Proceed Click the button “I want a new number” Here you are linking your work phone to the Google Voice account, so when the GV number is called, the calls will go to your office phone. So, go ahead and enter your office phone number-this will not work if you have to dial an extension for your office.

Make sure to change the phone type to Work

Then click Continue Now GV will verify your phone.

Click Call me now and then enter the two digits that are on YOUR screen, not the two digits in this tutorial. • Now you will choose your number for Google Voice • Enter the area code you are in • Click Search Numbers Scroll through the numbers by pressing next until you find a phone number that makes you happy!

Then click the Continue button

Then click Finish on the next screen

Now you will make sure that your settings are correct for Phones and Voicemail & Text

• You’re all set!!! • I know this will be so helpful in communicating with your families. • Now, you will see a series of pictures that will guide you through adding contacts and creating texts! • Have fun!

Click on the Google Voice tab at the top of the screen when you finished entering Contacts

• One last thing…. • I suggest you bookmark Google Voice! Here’s how…

• Click the star in the address bar when Google Voice is on the screen • It will be added to the tool bar in Google Chrome • If you can’t see it, click on the 3 lines at the far right, go to Bookmarks, then click Show Bookmarks bar. • This is a lot of slides, but once you are set up, you don’t have to do these steps again. • Just enjoy the convenience of being able to text from your computer without having to give out your personal cell phone number!