Workshop Introduction: Gmail Native App on iPhone

Ali formally opened the Techstravaganza Extra session, introducing the topic as a tutorial on the Gmail native app for iPhone. He outlined the session’s goals.

• Details
  • Ali: Introduced the session date as Friday, July 3, 2026, and outlined the tutorial topics: the purpose of the Gmail app, its advantages over the built-in Mail app, its features, navigating threads, and mail categories.
  • Ali: Noted that the Mail app’s categories feature was originally derived from Gmail.
• Conclusion
  • The session would cover Gmail app settings, thread navigation, attachments, and categories.
  • Questions would be taken after each section.

Gmail App: Navigation Menu and Labels

Ali demonstrated the Gmail app’s navigation menu, walking through the various sections available including inboxes, labels, and settings.

• Details
  • Ali: Showed the navigation menu containing All Inboxes, Inbox, Starred, Snoozed, Important, Sent, Scheduled, Drafts, All Mail, Spam, Trash, and custom labels.
  • Ali: Noted he had multiple accounts set up and had created several custom labels over time.
• Conclusion
  • The Gmail navigation menu provides access to all mailboxes, labels, and settings from a single location.

Gmail App: Settings Overview

Ali navigated through the Gmail app’s Settings, covering notification preferences, inbox type, conversation view, and other configuration options.

• Details
  • Ali: Demonstrated the Email Notifications setting, set to “All New Mail,” with options for High Priority Only or None.
  • Ali: Walked through available notification sounds including Welcome, Nudge, Snappy, Sweet, Whistle, Tones, Coms, Treasure, Piggyback, and Shrink Ray, noting Treasure as his favorite.
  • Ali: Showed Inbox Type options: Default Inbox, Important First, Unread First, Starred First, and Priority Inbox.
  • Ali: Highlighted the Conversation View toggle, which groups emails with the same topic together, noting it is similar to the Mail app’s “Organize by Thread” setting.
  • Ali: Briefly noted settings for Dynamic Emails, Vacation Responder, Signature Settings, Smart Reply, and Siri Shortcuts.
• Conclusion
  • Key settings to configure include notification type, notification sound, inbox type, and conversation view.
  • Conversation View is enabled by default and groups related emails into threads.

Gmail App: Navigating Email Threads

Ali demonstrated how to navigate email threads within the Gmail app, using a WordPress support thread with 67 messages as an example.

• Details
  • Ali: Showed that within a thread, messages are sorted oldest to newest.
  • Ali: Demonstrated that collapsed messages can be expanded by activating (double-tapping) each one individually.
  • Lily: Asked whether messages are sorted oldest or newest first; Ali confirmed oldest first.
  • Ali: Realized and confirmed that the newest message in a thread is always expanded by default when opening a thread.
  • Lily: Noted this is convenient for checking the latest reply, and that you can scroll down to the bottom if needed.
• Conclusion
  • Threads in Gmail app are sorted oldest to newest, with the most recent message expanded by default.
  • Users can expand individual messages by activating each collapsed message while flicking through the thread.

Gmail App: Handling Single Attachments

Hans asked about saving attachments from the Gmail app on iPhone. Ali demonstrated using a recipe file (Aaron’s Jambalaya.RTF) sent by Lily as an example.

• Details
  • Hans: Asked whether it is easy to save attachments, particularly multiple attachments, from a single message in the Gmail iPhone app.
  • Ali: Demonstrated that attachments can be accessed directly from the inbox message list without opening the full message.
  • Ali: Showed that once inside a message, activating an attachment opens it and presents options to Save to Drive or Share to another app.
  • Ali: Noted that Google Drive integration allows direct saving from within the Gmail app.
• Conclusion
  • Single attachments can be saved to Google Drive or shared to other apps directly from the Gmail iPhone app.
  • Attachments are accessible both from the inbox list view and from within the open message.

Gmail App: Handling Multiple Attachments (iPhone vs. Web)

Ali and Hans explored how the Gmail iPhone app handles emails with multiple attachments, and whether they can be saved simultaneously.

• Details
  • Hans: Specifically asked whether multiple attachments can be saved simultaneously rather than one at a time.
  • Ali: Tested with a two-attachment email sent by Lily and found that on the iPhone app, attachments must be saved individually.
  • Ali: Suggested that the Gmail web version likely offers a “Save All to Drive” or “Download All” option and proposed checking it live.
• Conclusion
  • The Gmail iPhone app requires saving multiple attachments one at a time.
  • The Gmail web version was identified as the better option for downloading or saving multiple attachments simultaneously.

Gmail Web (Mac): Downloading Multiple Attachments

Ali switched to demonstrating Gmail on the Mac (Google Chrome) to show how multiple attachments can be downloaded at once.

• Details
  • Ali: Opened the email with two attachments in Gmail on the Mac and found both “Download All Attachments” and “Add All to Drive” buttons.
  • Ali: Activated “Download All Attachments,” which created a zip file called “Attachments.zip” in the Downloads folder.
  • Ali: Opened the zip file in Finder, revealing both files: Notes from LinkedIn Workshop.RTF and RU Testimonial.RTF.
  • Hans: Confirmed this answered his question about saving multiple attachments.
• Conclusion
  • Gmail web provides “Download All Attachments” and “Add All to Drive” options for bulk attachment handling.
  • Downloaded attachments are packaged into a zip file saved to the Downloads folder.

Gmail Web (Windows): Downloading and Extracting Multiple Attachments

Siena took over to demonstrate the same process on Windows using JAWS, providing a Windows-specific walkthrough for participants.

• Details
  • Siena: Opened the forwarded email with two attachments in Gmail on Windows using Google Chrome.
  • Siena: Used Insert+Z in JAWS to enable the virtual PC cursor to navigate the message body.
  • Siena: Identified the “Download All Attachments” and “Add All to Drive” buttons, as well as individual attachment preview and download options.
  • Siena: Activated “Download All Attachments,” which created a zip file named after the email subject (FWDAttachments.zip) in the Downloads folder.
  • Siena: Demonstrated extracting the zip file using Shift+F10 to open the context menu and selecting “Extract All,” which created a folder containing both attachment files.
  • Siena: Noted that pressing Enter on a zip file in Windows opens it without extracting, and that “Extract All” is needed to fully unzip.
  • Hans: Asked for clarification on the unzipping process; Siena walked through it again.
• Conclusion
  • On Windows, Gmail web allows downloading all attachments as a zip file via “Download All Attachments.”
  • The zip file must be extracted using the “Extract All” option from the context menu (Shift+F10) to access individual files.
  • JAWS users should use Insert+Z to enable the virtual PC cursor when navigating Gmail messages in the browser.

Threaded vs. Non-Threaded Email View: Participant Preferences

Ali opened a discussion asking participants whether they prefer threaded (conversation) view or non-threaded (individual message) view in their email apps.

• Details
  • Ashlyn: Uses the Mail app with the default threaded view, finding it acceptable though sometimes annoying.
  • Lily: Prefers the Mail app with threaded view (Organize by Thread), but noted a minor frustration when the app expands the other person’s message rather than her own sent message. She discovered the rotor’s “Messages” option in the Mail app allows flicking up/down to navigate between messages in a thread.
  • Ali: Confirmed that in the Mail app’s rotor, selecting “Messages” and flicking up/down navigates between individual messages in a thread, and that the Actions menu allows replying to a specific message within the thread.
  • Siena: Praised the Mail app’s Actions menu feature for replying to specific messages, but noted she is gravitating toward the Gmail app for its consistent interface across platforms. On Gmail web, she uses the semicolon key to expand threads and N to navigate to the next message.
  • Macara: Prefers Gmail and threaded view, finding it cleaner than individual messages despite occasional navigation complexity.
  • Jackie: Has been using non-threaded view in the Gmail app but expressed openness to trying threaded view after Ali explained its benefits.
  • Ali: Explained the benefit of threaded view to Jackie using a “coffee time” conversation analogy — grouping related messages together like a book so users don’t have to hunt for individual messages on the same topic.
  • Hans: Did not explicitly state a preference during this segment.
• Conclusion
  • Most participants prefer or are open to threaded/conversation view.
  • The Mail app’s rotor “Messages” option and Actions menu provide useful navigation within threads.
  • Gmail app’s threaded navigation (flick left/right to find messages, activate to expand) works consistently across platforms.
  • Jackie was encouraged to enable conversation view and explore mail categories.

Mail Categories Discussion

Ali briefly raised the topic of Gmail/Mail categories, noting he had previously disabled them but was reconsidering their value.

• Details
  • Ali: Mentioned that mail categories separate emails into different labels/tabs and could be useful for organization, though he currently has them disabled.
  • Siena: Enthusiastically agreed to demonstrate navigating Gmail with mail categories enabled in a future tutorial.
• Conclusion
  • A future Techstravaganza session will be dedicated to demonstrating Gmail mail categories navigation.

Feedback on Potential Switch from Zoom to Google Meet

Lily introduced a discussion to gather participant feedback on potentially switching Techstravaganza workshops from Zoom to Google Meet, citing issues with Zoom including file management and app glitches.

• Details
  • Lily: Explained the motivation for considering Google Meet — issues with finding recording files, uploading to podcasts, and app glitches in Zoom.
  • Hans: Expressed flexibility, noting Zoom’s familiarity (same meeting ID and password, history in client) but acknowledged Google Meet is usable. Raised concerns about different keyboard shortcuts and the need to tab back to buttons when focus moves.
  • Siena: Addressed Hans’s concerns, providing Google Meet keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl+D (mute/unmute mic), Ctrl+E (camera), Ctrl+Alt+C (chat), Ctrl+Alt+P (participants), Ctrl+Alt+H (raise/lower hand), and spacebar for push-to-talk. Confirmed shortcuts work without disabling the virtual PC cursor in JAWS/NVDA.
  • Hans: Asked whether shortcuts work in Brave browser; Siena confirmed they are not browser-specific and work across Chrome, Brave, Firefox, and Edge, though Chrome offers the best experience.
  • Jackie: Said she has no strong preference and is comfortable with either platform, having used Google Meet before.
  • Siena: Offered to set up individual one-on-one Google Meet orientation sessions for Hans and Jackie.
  • Hans: Accepted the offer.
  • Jackie: Agreed to try Google Meet on her next one-on-one with Siena on Wednesday.
  • Ali: Noted that both platforms offer similar features and controls.
  • Jackie: Asked about a shortcut to view participants in Meet; Ali confirmed Command+Control+P on Mac and Ctrl+Alt+P on PC.
• Conclusion
  • Participants showed general willingness to try Google Meet but some hesitancy due to unfamiliarity with shortcuts.
  • Siena will conduct individual Google Meet orientation sessions with Hans and Jackie.
  • A future Techstravaganza Extra session in August will cover Google Meet keyboard shortcuts.
  • The recurring Google Meet link will remain the same for each workshop, mirroring the Zoom setup.

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Libby App Tutorial — Obtaining a Library Card Online

Siena demonstrated how to obtain a library card directly through the Libby app using the Hamilton Public Library as an example. She walked through the full online registration form, including selecting a home branch, entering personal details, choosing a PIN, and accepting the statement of responsibility.

• Details
  • Siena: Showed that the Libby app links directly to the library’s website registration page. The process took approximately 2 minutes and resulted in an immediate card number being issued via email. She used her own newly obtained Hamilton Public Library e-card as a live example.
  • Siena: Noted that the Hamilton Public Library’s registration form included well-labeled alt text on images, which she highlighted as a positive accessibility practice.
• Conclusion
  • Users can apply for a library card directly within the Libby app by navigating to their local library and selecting “I would like a card.”
  • The process is quick (approximately 2 minutes) and the card number is issued immediately upon submission.
  • Physical library card holders can also use their existing card number to sign into Libby.

Libby App Tutorial — Signing In with a Library Card

Siena demonstrated how to sign into the Libby app using the newly obtained Hamilton Public Library card number and PIN.

• Details
  • Siena: Navigated to the Hamilton Public Library within Libby, selected “Sign in with my card,” entered the card number (copied from a Google Keep note), and entered her PIN to authenticate successfully.
  • Siena: Noted that the account showed 0 of 10 loans and 0 of 10 holds available.
• Conclusion
  • Signing in requires the library card number and a PIN. Users who have a physical card but do not know their PIN should contact or visit their local library branch to obtain it.

Libby App — Partner Libraries Feature

Lily raised a question about the partner libraries feature after noticing it during the sign-in process. Siena attempted a live test to determine whether her Hamilton Public Library card could be used to access the Burlington Public Library as a partner library.

• Details
  • Lily: Asked whether the partner libraries feature allows users to access books from multiple libraries with a single card, referencing her grandmother’s experience borrowing books across Kitchener and Waterloo.
  • Siena: Attempted to sign into the Burlington Public Library using her Hamilton card. The app returned an “Invalid library card” error, indicating a separate Burlington card is required.
  • Lily: Clarified that her grandmother’s experience likely involved physical interlibrary loans (books sent between branches), not the Libby app feature.
  • Siena: Noted she has not personally used the partner libraries feature and suggested asking team member Ashlyn, who has more experience with the app.
• Conclusion
  • A separate library card is required for each library, even if it is listed as a partner library.
  • The partner libraries feature may have limitations that require further exploration.
  • Users in areas with small library catalogs (such as Lily’s local library with only a few thousand books) may benefit from registering with multiple libraries to expand their available titles.

Libby App Tutorial — Searching for and Borrowing a Book

Siena searched for the upcoming Books Panel title, Living Disability edited by Emily McRae, and demonstrated the borrowing process using another available title, Living Brave by Shannon Ingle.

• Details
  • Macara: Confirmed the next books panel title is Living Disability, edited by Emily McRae.
  • Siena: Searched the Hamilton Public Library catalog and found Living Disability as an ebook with an approximately 2-week waitlist (1 copy available). Placed a hold on the title.
  • Siena: Borrowed Living Brave by Shannon Ingle, which was immediately available. Selected a 14-day lending period.
  • Siena: Set up Libby notifications for loan expiring, loan expired, hold ready, hold lapsing, hold lapsed, “Notify me” title alerts, and author/series alerts.
• Conclusion
  • Books with holds work similarly to physical library loans — only one patron can borrow a copy at a time, unlike CELA where multiple users can access the same title simultaneously.
  • Libby automatically returns books on the due date, eliminating late fees.
  • Users can set up notifications to be alerted about loan expiry, hold availability, and new titles.

Libby App Tutorial — Reading a Book

Siena opened Living Brave within the Libby app and demonstrated the in-app reading experience using VoiceOver and a Mantis Q40 braille display.

• Details
  • Siena: Showed navigation through the table of contents, dedication, and introduction of the book. Read aloud a portion of the introduction describing the author’s personal loss.
  • Siena: Explained that books can be opened directly in Libby (recommended) or downloaded as a DRM-protected EPUB for use in Adobe Digital Editions or compatible devices.
• Conclusion
  • The Libby in-app reader is accessible with VoiceOver and does not require additional software.
  • DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection is used by libraries to prevent unauthorized copying or modification of borrowed titles.

Libby App Tutorial — Returning a Book Early

Siena demonstrated how to return a borrowed book before the due date.

• Details
  • Siena: Navigated to the Shelf, then Loans, selected “Manage Loan” for Living Brave, and chose “Return Early.” Confirmed the return by tapping the “Return Loan” button.
  • Siena: Noted that after returning, the app displayed a reading journey summary and offered options to find similar titles or share the title.
• Conclusion
  • Books can be returned early at any time through the Manage Loan option on the Shelf.
  • Loans are also automatically returned on the due date if not renewed or returned manually.

Participant Q&A — Using an Existing Physical Library Card with Libby

Liz asked whether she needed a new online library card or could use her existing physical library card to access Libby.

• Details
  • Liz: Confirmed she already has a physical library card but has never registered with Libby and does not use a PIN.
  • Siena: Confirmed that an existing physical library card number can be used. However, a PIN is required and may need to be set up by contacting or visiting the local library branch.
  • Liz: Expressed interest in trying Libby and asked about the catalog size compared to CELA.
  • Siena: Noted that catalog size depends on the library, but registering with multiple libraries can expand available titles. Libby offers both ebooks and audiobooks.
  • Liz: Mentioned a specific book, Best Kept Secrets for Travelers with Sight Loss, which is not available on CELA and wondered if it might be on Libby.
• Conclusion
  • Existing physical library card holders can use their card number to sign into Libby after setting up a PIN with their library.
  • Siena offered one-on-one assistance to anyone who needs help setting up Libby.
  • The Libby app is available on the App Store by searching “Libby” (L-I-B-B-Y).

Platform Transition Announcement — Zoom to Google Meet

Lily announced that Techstravaganza plans to transition from Zoom to Google Meet starting in September, citing ongoing technical difficulties experienced by the team on the administrative side of Zoom, particularly with accessing recordings.

• Details
  • Lily: Explained that Siena, Allie, and Macara have been dealing with issues related to screen sharing, recording access, and other backend Zoom problems.
  • Siena: Elaborated that navigating the Zoom admin panel with a screen reader (VoiceOver or JAWS) to find recordings is increasingly difficult, especially without the notification email. Emphasized that participant feedback will determine whether the transition proceeds or Zoom is retained.
  • Liz: Noted that the group had used Google Meet previously and recalled it being manageable. Asked about phone dial-in (one-tap mobile), which will not be available on Google Meet.
  • Siena: Confirmed that Google Meet has improved significantly since the group last used it, particularly for users without Gmail accounts, who can now join by simply entering their name and clicking join.
  • Liz: Expressed that she does not see the transition as a major concern and suggested the team simply teach participants how to use it.
  • Macara: Highlighted the challenge of balancing backend issues with participant comfort.
  • Lily: Suggested conducting a test session on Google Meet to identify who has difficulty signing in before the September transition.
  • Macara: Agreed that a test run would provide more actionable data than office hours alone.
  • Siena: Proposed hosting a Techstravaganza Extra in August on Google Meet with a regular topic, using it simultaneously as a test run to identify participants who need additional support.
  • Liz: Suggested office hours alone may be sufficient and that a separate test session may not be necessary.
• Conclusion
  • The transition to Google Meet is planned for September.
  • A Techstravaganza Extra session in August on Google Meet is being considered as a test run.
  • Group and individual office hours will be offered to help participants prepare for the transition.
  • Final decision on whether to proceed with Google Meet or remain on Zoom will be informed by participant feedback gathered over the coming weeks, including at the Friday Techstravaganza Extra session.
  • Techstravaganza has approximately 70 members on its mailing list, though typical live attendance is around 6–7 participants.

Upcoming Sessions and Announcements

Siena outlined the schedule for upcoming Techstravaganza sessions.

• Details
  • Siena: Announced a Techstravaganza Extra on Friday, July 3rd, from 7–9 PM Eastern, featuring Ali continuing his Gmail tutorial focused on the native Gmail app on iPhone. The session will use a different Zoom link than the regular Wednesday sessions, with details to be shared via newsletter.
  • Siena: Announced a Goodreads tutorial on Wednesday, July 8th.
  • Siena: Announced a Techstravaganza Evenings session on Thursday, July 9th, from 7–9 PM Eastern.
• Conclusion
  • Participants were encouraged to attend the Friday session and watch for the newsletter with the meeting link.

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Session Introduction and Workshop Format

Ali formally opened the Techstravaganza workshop and outlined the session structure and ground rules.

• Details
  • Ali: Introduced the session for Wednesday, June 24, 2026, noting it was being recorded and would be available as a podcast afterward.
  • Ali: Outlined the two-part tutorial: (1) Gmail on the web using a Mac, and (2) threaded/conversation view in the Gmail iPhone app.
  • Ali: Explained the format — 5-minute tutorial segments followed by a pause for questions.
  • Ali: Reminded participants to speak one at a time and raise hands using Option+Y (Mac), Alt+Y (PC), or via the Reactions/More menu on mobile.
  • Siena: Assisted with co-host assignment, countdown for recording, and screen share setup.
• Conclusion
  • Session structure established; recording resumed after setup.

Gmail on the Web (Mac) — Navigating the Inbox and Selecting Messages

Ali demonstrated how to navigate through the Gmail inbox and select/deselect messages using keyboard commands in Chrome on a Mac with VoiceOver.

• Details
  • Ali: Explained that Gmail on the web has its own set of keyboard shortcuts distinct from VoiceOver-specific commands, and that Chrome provides the best experience for Gmail on the web (Safari works but is less optimal).
  • Ali: Demonstrated using the Up and Down Arrow keys to move between messages in the inbox table.
  • Ali: Demonstrated using the letter X to select and deselect individual messages, with VoiceOver announcing the selection count.
  • Siena: Added that Gmail shows 20 messages per page by default, and users can navigate to the next set via a “See more messages” option.
  • Ivy: Asked why multiple messages would be selected simultaneously and what the benefit was beyond deletion.
  • Ali: Clarified that selecting multiple messages allows bulk actions such as deleting, moving, and archiving, and that opening messages would be covered in the next section.
  • Siena: Confirmed that bulk selection can be used to move, archive, or delete multiple messages at once.
  • Jeroo: Asked about a prompt in Safari suggesting she switch to Chrome, and whether doing so would affect all applications.
  • Ali: Noted that the question was somewhat beyond the scope of the session and that he was unsure of the exact impact, especially given Jeroo’s older Mac.
  • Siena: Clarified that if Chrome is already installed, the prompt would simply open Gmail in Chrome; if not, it would direct to the Chrome installation page. She also confirmed that Gmail works in Safari and the prompt can be ignored.
• Conclusion
  • Up/Down Arrow navigates between messages; X selects/deselects messages for bulk actions.
  • Chrome is recommended for the best Gmail web experience, but Safari is functional.

Gmail on the Web (Mac) — Deleting, Opening, and Reading a Message

Ali demonstrated how to delete selected messages and open and read a single email, including navigating the message thread.

• Details
  • Ali: Demonstrated deleting selected messages using Shift+3 (the # key).
  • Ali: Opened a Techstravaganza reminder email by pressing Enter on the highlighted message.
  • Ali: Used the semicolon key to expand all threads within the message.
  • Ali: Used the letter P to navigate to the first message in the thread, and Control+Option+Right Arrow (VoiceOver next item) to read through the message content.
  • Ali: Read through the email content, which included workshop join details, a special announcement about the upcoming move to Google Meet, and upcoming session information.
  • Ali: Demonstrated using G then I (in quick succession) to return to the inbox from an open message.
• Conclusion
  • Enter opens a message; semicolon expands threads; Control+Option+Right Arrow reads through content; G+I returns to inbox.

Gmail on the Web (Mac) — Moving Messages to Labels

Ali demonstrated how to move selected messages to a specific Gmail label (folder/mailbox).

• Details
  • Ali: Selected multiple Techstravaganza-related messages using X, then pressed the letter V to open the Move To menu.
  • Ali: Typed “Textravaganza” in the menu to filter labels, then pressed Enter to move the messages.
  • Ali: Clarified that Gmail uses the term “labels,” while other email clients may call them “mailboxes” or “folders” — all referring to the same concept.
• Conclusion
  • V opens the Move To menu; type the label name and press Enter to move selected messages.

Gmail on the Web (Mac) — Composing and Sending a Message with an Attachment

Ali demonstrated how to compose a new email, address it, write a body, attach a file, and send it.

• Details
  • Ali: Pressed the letter C to open the Compose window.
  • Ali: Typed a recipient name (Siena) and navigated the autocomplete suggestions using the Down Arrow, selecting the correct address and pressing Enter.
  • Ali: Tabbed to the Subject field and typed a subject, then tabbed to the message body.
  • Ali: Noted that a pre-existing signature appeared in the body automatically (not covered in this tutorial).
  • Ali: Demonstrated attaching a file by copying a file from Finder (using Command+C) and pasting it into the compose window, with VoiceOver confirming the attachment was added.
  • Ali: Sent the message using Command+Enter.
  • Siena: Noted that attaching files is an important skill to cover and confirmed it was demonstrated.
• Conclusion
  • C opens Compose; Down Arrow navigates autocomplete; Command+Enter sends; files can be attached by copying and pasting from Finder.

Gmail on the Web (Mac) — Reading a Message with an Attachment and Replying (Siena’s Demonstration)

Siena took over screen sharing to demonstrate reading an email with an attachment, downloading it, and replying.

• Details
  • Siena: Opened the Gmail web interface on the Techstravaganza account and navigated to Ali’s email.
  • Siena: Noted that the inbox listing announces “has attachment” for emails containing attachments.
  • Siena: Opened the email, navigated through the message body using Control+Option+Right Arrow, and located the attachment section.
  • Siena: Explained that Gmail scans attachments for malware and advises users to only download from trusted senders.
  • Siena: Demonstrated two options for attachments — Preview and Download — and downloaded the file to the Downloads folder, then opened it in LibreOffice.
  • Siena: Demonstrated replying using Shift+R (reply in a new window) versus R (reply in the same window).
  • Lily: Asked about the benefit of replying in a new window (Shift+R) versus the same window (R).
  • Siena: Explained it was a personal habit developed to avoid losing her place in the thread; acknowledged it may not be necessary for everyone.
  • Ali: Noted he typically uses R (same window) and finds it sufficient.
  • Siena: Demonstrated returning to the inbox using G+I after replying.
• Conclusion
  • Attachments can be previewed or downloaded directly from the message; R replies in the same window, Shift+R in a new window — both are valid workflows.

Gmail on the Web (Mac) — Navigating Threaded/Conversation View

Ali demonstrated how to navigate between messages within a thread (conversation view) in Gmail on the web.

• Details
  • Ali: Opened a multi-message thread from a mailing list (LISP group), pressed the semicolon to expand all messages, and used P to go to the first message.
  • Ali: Explained that N moves to the next message in the thread and P moves to the previous, and that this is important to ensure focus is on the correct message before replying.
  • Ali: Read through two messages in the thread (from Yamuna Jivanada and Scott Cheeseworth) using Control+Option+Right Arrow.
  • Ali: Demonstrated pressing R to open a reply on the focused message, then discarded the draft using the Discard Draft button (Command+Shift+D).
  • Ali: Used N again to navigate to a third message in the thread (another reply from Yamuna Jivanada).
  • Ali: Returned to the inbox using G+I.
• Conclusion
  • N and P navigate between messages within a thread; always confirm focus is on the correct message before replying.

Gmail on the Web (Mac) — Keyboard Shortcuts Reference

Ali demonstrated how to access Gmail’s built-in keyboard shortcuts reference.

• Details
  • Ali: Pressed Shift+/ (the question mark key) to open the keyboard shortcuts overlay.
  • Ali: Navigated through the shortcuts table using Control+Option+Right and Left Arrow, reading out various commands including Shift+Escape (compose/chat side panel), Escape (focus main window), Command+Enter (send), and Command+Shift+E (add CC recipients).
  • Ali: Noted that Google Chat (within Gmail/Workspace) was not covered in this session but expressed interest in exploring it in a future tutorial, as it could be useful for internal communication.
• Conclusion
  • Pressing ? (Shift+/) opens the Gmail keyboard shortcuts reference at any time.

Gmail iPhone App — Navigating Threaded View (Brief Overview)

Ali provided a brief demonstration of navigating threaded messages in the Gmail iPhone app.

• Details
  • Ali: Connected his iPhone and opened the Gmail app, navigating to a mailing list thread.
  • Ali: Noted that on the iPhone, flicking left/right navigates messages, and VoiceOver announces “collapsed message from [name]”; double-tapping expands the message.
  • Ali: Was stopped by Lily at the 20-minute mark before completing a full demonstration.
  • Ali: Provided a verbal summary of the key interaction: flick to navigate, double-tap to expand a collapsed message.
• Conclusion
  • On the iPhone Gmail app, collapsed thread messages are announced by VoiceOver; double-tap to expand. A more detailed demonstration was deferred.

Announcement: Permanent Move from Zoom to Google Meet

The team formally announced that all Techstravaganza workshops will permanently transition from Zoom to Google Meet starting September 2026.

• Details
  • Ali: Explained that Zoom has recurring backend issues including unreliable screen sharing, audio setup problems, recording difficulties, and complex host controls that make session management difficult.
  • Siena: Confirmed the change is permanent and that Google Meet has undergone significant accessibility improvements.
  • Siena: Noted that Google Meet is browser-based (no installation required), whereas Zoom requires an app install.
  • Ivy: Asked whether the process for joining Google Meet would differ from Zoom; Siena confirmed it is similar — click a link, adjust camera/microphone on the pre-join screen, then click Join.
  • Siena: Announced that virtual office hours (group and individual) will be offered throughout the three months leading up to September to help participants transition.
• Conclusion
  • Techstravaganza will move permanently to Google Meet in September 2026; office hours will support the transition.

Office Hours Planning: Google Meet Onboarding (June 25, 2026)

The team discussed logistics for the first group office hours session scheduled for the following day.

• Details
  • Lily: Announced that office hours are open the next day (Thursday, June 25) for anyone needing help with Google Meet.
  • Ali and Siena: Agreed to split the team across two platforms — Ali, Lily, and Ashlyn in the Google Meet studio; Siena and Macara in the Zoom studio — so participants having trouble with Meet can start in Zoom and be assisted to transition.
  • Makara: Agreed to the arrangement, noting it would make it easier to monitor both platforms.
  • Siena: Confirmed that the Zoom studio link and Google Meet studio link would both be included in that evening’s newsletter.
• Conclusion
  • Office hours: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM Eastern. Ali/Lily/Ashlyn in Meet studio; Siena/Macara in Zoom studio.

Upcoming Session Schedule and Naming Changes

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Siena provided updates on the upcoming session schedule and announced a rebranding of session names.

• Details
  • Siena: Noted that the next session would be on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 PM Eastern, shifted by one day due to Canada Day (July 1st).
  • Siena: Confirmed the regular Wednesday afternoon schedule resumes on July 8th.
  • Siena: Announced a naming change: “Textravaganza Afternoons” for the weekly Wednesday workshops, and “Textravaganza Evenings” for the monthly Thursday evening workshop (second Thursday of the month), with the next evening session on July 9th.
• Conclusion
  • Next session: July 2nd, 2026, 1:00–3:00 PM Eastern. Regular schedule resumes July 8th. New naming convention introduced.