Chrome Web Store
Signing into Chrome vs Google
Difference between using Chrome and signing into Google Chrome
Chrome is a browser that you can use to access the Internet. If you sign into Chrome, it will give you access to all your bookmarks, extensions, and apps anywhere.
How do I know if I am signed into Google Chrome?
When you are on Chrome, look in the top right corner and see if your Google profile pic is to the far right of the URL bar. If not, click the 3 horizontal dots > Settings and sign in.
** NOTE: If you are using a Chromebook, you are automatically signed in and will not see your profile pic.
Here's an example of what it should look like when you have Chrome and Google both open. You should see your profile picture twice.
Chrome Apps vs Extensions vs Add-ons
What are Chrome Apps? (According to Kasey Bell at Shake Up Learning)
Apps are often enhanced shortcuts that optimize the website or app within the browser. Some require additional installation and set-up. Chrome must be running to access these applications. Below are a few of my favorite Google Chrome Apps.
What are Chrome Extensions? (According to Kasey Bell at Shake Up Learning)
Extensions are installed in the browser and give you added features and abilities to customize your browser. Warning! Running too many extensions at once can slow your computer down. This list is a great place to start, but pick and choose what ones you need or want to try. And be sure to grab the Extensity extension so you can turn extensions off when you do not need them
Resources for places to find suggested apps/extensions:
Teacher Favorites:
Quick access to your Bitmoji
Send a link to a website quickly to your Google Classroom
Quickly shortens a URL
Quickly generates a QR code to the website you are on.
Allows you to magnify a portion of the screen
Annotate PDFs
Get a color reading from any point on the webpage
Highlight a webpage and share it
Used to cite sources to add to a bibliography
Checks spelling and grammar
Takes a screenshot
Used for screenshot and video
Creating Videos on Chrome
NOTE: If you are going to create a screen recording, it is best to do it on your desktop PC. Most Chromebooks don't have enough memory to support a video.
Screencastify/Loom/Soapbox
These are apps/extensions you can add to Chrome. All record your screen and voice. Each one has a little different look so it is really up to personal preference as to which one you like best. These all work better on a desktop with Chrome vs a Chromebook due to space requirements. Plus these are all the free versions so there are some limitations.
WeVideo
WeVideo has been described as iMovie for Chrome. Anyone can create a free account but the district has purchased some licenses for the Pro account. See your DLC if you would like to use it with your students and they can explain the details and get you set up.
Student Favorites:
Used to cite sources to add to a bibliography
Checks spelling and grammar
Takes a screenshot
Quickly get definitions
Quickly get antonyms and synonyms
Easily save site to Drive
Create interactive flashcards and play games
Helps you to learn / memorize given answers to given questions.
The best way to save articles, videos and more.
Create and listen to your favorite background sounds in order to focus and concentrate on your tasks.
Removes ads and sistractions, leaving only text and images for a clean and consistent reading view on every site.
Increases your productivity by limiting the amount of time that you can spend on time-wasting websites.
Time for you to explore
We showed you a few apps that you can use as a teacher or suggest to your students to use.
The Chrome Web Store has THOUSANDS of apps available - we have only scratched the surface.
Explore the Chrome Web Store and add a few apps and extensions that you feel could benefit your productivity and teaching.
If you don't know where to begin, try...
searching the store by category.
Or do a Google Search for "Chrome apps for ???"
Please remember, not all apps are good. Apps and Extensions can be created by anyone and added to the Chrome Web Store. Test out the app before you tell your students about it.
How to remove apps/extensions
To remove any apps/extensions, choose the 3 horizontal dots in the top right > More tools > Extensions.
