A Guide to Translation Tools
Available for Families
Table of Contents
Table of Contents 1
Google Translate 2
Description 2
Download Google Translate for your Phone or Tablet 2
Using Google Translate on your Phone or Tablet 3
Text and Handwriting 4
Camera 5
Conversations and Voice 5
Downloading Google Translate on your Computer 6
Translating Websites 7
Additional Google Translation Tools 8
Translating Google Docs 8
Translating Google Classroom 9
Translating Google Meet Captions 10
Adjusting Chromebook Language Settings 11
Translating Text in Seesaw 13
School District Website Translation 14
Translation Options Available 14
Contacts for Additional Resources 15
Google Translate
Description
Google Translate is a free tool that is available on most devices. Google Translate can be used
to translate text, handwriting, speech, and websites in over 100 different languages.
Google Translate does not replace the translation and interpretation services provided by the
district. But Google Translate can help you navigate online materials and improve
communication with individuals who do not speak your language.
For computers, Google Translate is used as part of your web browser. For iPhones, iPads, and
Android devices, Google Translate is used as an app.
Download Google Translate for your Phone or Tablet
1. Search for the Google Translate app:
○ For iOS (Apple) devices, go to the app
store
○ For Android devices, go to Google Play
2. Click “install” or the “cloud icon” to download
the app.
3. Check if Google Translate was successfully
downloaded.
Using Google Translate on your Phone or Tablet
Google Translate includes the following
translation options:
1. Text (typing)
2. Camera (taking pictures of text)
3. Handwriting (writing with the
touchpad)
4. Conversations (speech)
5. Voice (speech to text)
Text and Handwriting
The Text and Handwriting features let you
translate text from one language to another.
After you select your languages, type or
handwrite in words or phrases in one
language. The application will do its best to
translate what you entered into your selected
language.
To switch to handwriting, tap the “pen” icon.
This will allow you to use the touchpad to
handwrite your entries.
Camera
The Camera feature lets you translate images
of text from one language to another.
1. Aim your camera at the image until
the language is detected and fully
translated.
2. You can choose to keep this photo by
using the “import” function.
Conversations and Voice
The Conversations and Voice features allow
you to speak in one language and then have
what you said repeated in another language.
You can use the “Both” feature, which will
automatically detect the languages used as
you have a conversation with someone who
speaks a different language.
Downloading Google Translate on your Computer
To get Google Translate on your computer,
you will need two things: the Chrome web
browser and the Google Translate web
extension.
If you do not already have the Chrome web
browser, follow these steps:
1. Go to http://google.com/chrome/ on
your web browser.
2. Click “download Chrome.”
3. Open the file that you downloaded to
install the Chrome web browser.
○ The file’s name is
“ChromeSetup.exe” for
Windows and
“googlechrome.dmg” for Mac.
4. Once you have the Google Chrome
browser, you can add the Google
Translate web extension. To
download the Google Translate web
extension, follow these steps:
○ Go to the Chrome Web Store
using your Chrome web
browser and search for
“Google Translate.”
○ Click “Add to Chrome.”
○ Click “Add extension.”
○ Check if Google Translate was
successfully downloaded. The
icon should now appear on the
top-right corner of your
browser.
Translating Websites
To translate websites:
1. Click on the “Google Translate” icon
on the top-right corner of your screen.
2. Click “Translate this Page.”
3. Select your preferred language.
To translate specific words or phrases on a
website:
1. Highlight and then click the Google
Translate extension icon in the upper
right.
OR
1. Highlight and right-click on the text
you want to translate.
2. Select “Google Translate.”
○ You can also use this option to
translate materials in Google
Classroom, including
documents, forms, and email.
This is the method recommended for translating Skyward Family Access.
Additional Google Translation Tools
Translating Google Docs
Google Docs has a built-in tool that will translate an entire Google Document into another
language. This can be a useful way to have a second copy of a document in the reader's first
language for comparison. This tool is unique to Google Docs and not available in Sheets or
Slides.
To translate an entire Google Document:
1. Click "Tools" then "Translate
document."
2. A window will open where you can
choose the language for the
translated document and a title for the
new document
3. Click "Translate.” A translated copy of
your document will open in a new
window. You can also see this copy in
your Google Drive.
Translating Google Classroom
Google Translate does not work to translate
Google Classroom pages automatically;
however, there is a workaround.
1. Navigate to Google Classroom.
2. Right-click on the page and select
“Translate to English.” This is the
default the first time you translate.
○ Once you have translated the
page this way, this option will
adjust to reflect the language
you select to be the default.
3. This will open a translation menu.
Click on the three vertical dots and
select “Choose Another Language.”
4. This will open a drop-down menu
where you can select a new language.
Once you make your selection, click
“Done.” This will translate all Google
Classroom menus and classes into
your preferred language.
Translating Google Meet Captions
Google Meet has an option to translate in real
time through the use of live closed captions.
1. Navigate to Google Meet and Create a
New Meeting or Join.
2. Right-click on the page and select
“Translate to English.” This is the
default the first time you translate.
○ Once you have translated the
page this way, this option will
adjust to reflect the language
you select to be the default.
3. This will open a translation menu.
Click on the three vertical dots and
select “Choose Another Language.”
4. This will open a drop-down menu
where you can select a new language.
Once you make your selection, click
“Done.” This will translate the entire
page including menu items, chat, and
closed captions.
5. To turn on closed captioning and
translate the meeting live, click the
closed captioning icon in the main
menu of Google Meet. Now whenever
someone in the Google Meet speaks,
their words will be captioned live on
the bottom of the screen and will
additionally be translated into the
language you have selected.
Adjusting Chromebook Language Settings
Manage Chromebook Languages
You are able to adjust language settings
on the chromebook. Your chromebook’s
features, like settings and menus, use the
language you choose. To change the
device language:
1. Navigate to the bottom right and
select the time.
2. Select “Settings.”
3. On the left panel, select
“Advanced.” Click on the drop
down menu to see options.
4. Select “Languages and Inputs.”
To change your chromebook’s
language, next to “Device
language", click “Change.”
5. Use the search bar to find the
language needed and click
“Confirm and restart.” The
chromebook will restart and begin
translating text into your chosen
language to help with navigation.
Adjust Chromebook Keyboard Language
You can use different keyboard
languages on your chromebook to
change your typing language and use
special characters, like accent marks. To
change the language of the keyboard:
1. Navigate to the bottom right and
select the time.
2. Select “Settings.”
3. On the left panel, select
“Advanced.” Click on the drop
down menu to see options.
4. Select “Languages and Inputs.”
5. Under “Input methods,” select
“Add input methods.”
6. Select the keyboard language you
want to use and click “Add.”
7. "Enabled" is listed under the
current keyboard.
8. If you would like to be able to
toggle between keyboard
language, select the “Show input
options in the shelf.”
Translating Text in Seesaw
If a note, caption, comment, announcement, or message is written in a language other than the
language of the family’s or teacher’s device, a Translate with Google option appears below the
post. The device or browser must have a different language set or this option will not appear.
Seesaw’s family invite letter is also available in 10 different languages through the “Invite
Families” button.
How to Translate Text
When you receive a message in a different language, you can click “Translate with Google”
below the message text box. This will allow you to quickly translate any text into your preferred
language.
Clicking “View Original” will allow you to revert the translation.
The message sender is also able to see if a message has been translated by a recipient just
below the message text box.
School District Website Translation
Translation Options Available
The district website has the option to translate the site by using a built-in drop down menu. To
use this feature:
1. Navigate to http://sdmaonline.com.
2. Click on “Language” and the dropdown menu will display 10 language options.
Alternatively, Google Translate can be used to translate the district website. This provides
extended language options. To use Google Translate on the district website:
1. Navigate to http://sdmaonline.com.
2. Click on the Google Translate extension.
3. Click on “Translate This Page.”
