Back to Basics-Chrome Style

When unable to use technology with your students either due to restrictions (have I mentioned how sad I am about not being able to have access to technology for FOUR whole weeks in my classroom???) or because you are on a break from the kiddos it is always good to go back and check out the basics of what you are using and see if you can make anything better or easier on yourself.  For this post I want to focus on the basics of your web browser.  I personally love using Google Chrome and that will be what I talk about today.

I wasn't a Chromlever (yeah I just merged Chrome and Believer) until our school district became a google district.  All of a sudden I was forced to leave my small Internet Explorer world behind and accept that I needed to move on.  There are so many basics that I can not even begin to go over.  I have found a video that outlines the best parts of switching to Google Chrome just for you!

I just love the inspirational music in this video!

Google Apps

Another benefit of using Google Chrome is all of the apps that are available for you to use.  Some of the websites I have directed you to before are also in the app store!  Here are a few of my favorites and one that I want to try out next year!

Padlet

Padlet is like a digital cork board.  You can post websites and sticky notes for students to look at and they can even add the class board.   I have used this before as a visual tool for research projects.  I started the board by adding some videos and articles about inventions.  As students explored the internet on their own and found their own resources they added links to those resources or added sticky notes about various inventions.  

EdPuzzle

EdPuzzle is a website that allows you to upload videos from various online websites and add to them.  It would be great to use to flip your classroom.  You could add voice=overs, discussion questions, comments, and quiz questions.  I have used this when creating tiered lessons for my classroom.  My students start off their lesson watching a video at their level and then start on an assignment that is located in Google Classroom.  

Class Chart

This app allows you to chart behaviors in the classroom and then use those to organize where your students are sitting.  I have not yet used this, but I am always trying to track my students behaviors and place them in a seat that is proactive instead of reactive.  

I have not used this one but I am super excited to try it out next school year!!!

There are so many options when it come to customizing your Google Chrome web browser.  I highly suggest you make sure you have a google account and start exploring today.  

Until Next Time..