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Computer and Chromebook Resources
Computer and Chromebook Resources
The resources in this section are helpful for students using a desktop computer, laptop, or Chromebook during distance learning. If you are using a Mac computer, these resources are helpful if you are using the Chrome browser, which is recommended in order to use the Google tools.
Google Meet has a new Look
Google Meet has a new Look
Learn about the new features of Google Meet in the video on the left.
Using a Split Screen on a Chromebook or Computer
Using a Split Screen on a Chromebook or Computer
Using a split screen on a Chromebook or computer (Mac or Windows) allows you to see your Google Meet and your work at the same time.
Split Screen on a Chromebook
Split Screen on a Chromebook
When you need to see your Google Meet and your work at the same time, on a Chromebook, you can use the keyboard shortcuts alt + ] to send the window you are on to the left and alt + [ to move another window to the right. This is for Chromebooks only.
Split Screen for Windows 10
Split Screen for Windows 10
If you are using a Windows desktop or laptop computer, see the video above for instructions on how to use split screen to see both a Google Meet and another window that has your work in it.
Split Screen on a Mac
Split Screen on a Mac
Click the link above to see the steps for using a split screen on a Mac laptop or desktop. This will allow you to see your Google Meet and your work at the same time.
Google Classroom videos for students and parents (1).pdfGoogle Classroom Videos for Students and Parents
Google Classroom Videos for Students and Parents
Need a little help getting started using Google Classroom? The videos to the left will help you log in, navigate Google Classroom, and turn in an assignment.
Change Email Notifications in google Classroom
Change Email Notifications in google Classroom
Are you overwhelmed by the amount of emails you are getting from Google Classroom? You can change the notification settings in Google Classroom to limit the number of emails you are getting. Click on the image to the left for details.
Adding a Caps Lock Key to a Chromebook Keyboard
Adding a Caps Lock Key to a Chromebook Keyboard
Do you miss the Caps Lock key on your Chromebook? You can change the search key on the Chromebook keyboard to act like a Caps Lock key in just a few clicks.
Signing Electronic Documents
Signing Electronic Documents
Do you need to sign some electronic documents - permission slips, IEP paperwork, etc.? No scanner? No problem, you can use DocHub and email the forms back to the teacher. Watch the video on the left to learn how.
Make the Chromebook Easier to Use with the Built-in Accessibility Features
Make the Chromebook Easier to Use with the Built-in Accessibility Features
Walk through the slides to the left and play the linked videos as needed to learn the accessibility features of a Chromebook which make it easier to use the trackpad, see the cursor, and type.
Voice Typing in Google Docs
Voice Typing in Google Docs
Voice Typing in Google Docs is an easy option for speech to text for students who struggle with typing.
Tools to help with reading, Writing, and Annotating PDF Documents on a Computer/Chromebook
Tools to help with reading, Writing, and Annotating PDF Documents on a Computer/Chromebook
All ISD 917 students have access to two tools that will help them be more independent in reading, writing, and annotating PDF documents. Students are all set to log into the Co:Writer or Snap&Read apps to help with these tasks. Co:Writer assists with writing through either word prediction or speech to text. Students can use it anywhere they need to type online. Snap&Read is a Chrome extension that reads text to students and will allow them to type and highlight on PDF documents. It does much more than that, but those are the most common purposes for using Snap&Read. Watch the videos below and see the printed documentation to help your child use these tools at home. There are many more videos on these tools available at this link.
Student Get started with Cowriter SnapandRead.mp4Getting Started with Co:Writer and Snap&Read
Getting Started with Co:Writer and Snap&Read
The video above shows you how to get started using Co:Writer and Snap&Read on a computer or Chromebook.
Typing on PDF Documents with Snap&Read
Typing on PDF Documents with Snap&Read
The Slides above give you step by step instructions for typing on a PDF document using the Snap&Read Chrome Extension. If you prefer watching a video, you can click here.
Co:Writer Getting Started Documentation for Computers/Chromebooks
Co:Writer Getting Started Documentation for Computers/Chromebooks
The links below will open documents you can print or refer to on your computer when using Co:Writer:
Co:Writer Quick Card of Chrome Extension Features
Co:Writer install Guide for Personal Computers
Snap&Read Getting Started Documentation
Snap&Read Getting Started Documentation
The links below will open documents you can print or refer to on your computer when using Snap&Read:
Snap&Read Quick Card of Chrome Extension Features
Snap&Read install Guide for Personal Computers
Check out step by step videos here.
Using Snap&Read with Pear Deck
Using Snap&Read with Pear Deck
When using Snap&Read with Pear Deck activities students need to use the Screenshot Reader tool rather than the typical speak button. Watch the video to see how.
Connecting a Chromebook to a TV
Connecting a Chromebook to a TV
There are times when a student may need a bigger screen than the Chromebook allows, especially during a Google Meet. It's easy to hook up a TV to a Chromebook with an HDMI cable. See the steps to the left to adjust the Chromebook settings.
Text Substitution in Google Docs
Text Substitution in Google Docs
Using text substitution in Google Docs is a nice way to save time when typing, help with words that are hard for students to spell, or help students remember addresses and phone numbers.
Clear your Cookies and Your Cache
Clear your Cookies and Your Cache
When you call tech support ,there are usually two things they will suggest before anything else. The first is to restart your computer/Chromebook. The second is to clear your cookies and your cache. The video to the left shows you how to do this in the Chrome browser.
If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, here is an article that walks you through it.
iPad Resources
iPad Resources
The resources in this section are helpful for students using iPads during distance learning.
Using DocScan to Sign Electronic Documents
Using DocScan to Sign Electronic Documents
If you use an iPad or iPhone and are emailed electronic documents to sign, DocScan is a free app that allows you to easily do that. You can then email the document back to the teacher or other service provider
Split Screen on the iPad
Split Screen on the iPad
There are times you may want to split a screen on the iPad, especially during a Google Meet. The video to the left shows you how.
Tips for Using Google Classroom on the iPad
Tips for Using Google Classroom on the iPad
Google Classroom works slightly differently on the iPad. If you use the following tips, you will avoid frustration and enjoy the built in advantages the iPad has over a computer/Chromebook.
First, be sure all the necessary Google Apps are downloaded to the iPad:
Google Classroom
Google Docs
Google Slides
Google Sheets
Google Drive
Jamboard
Google Meet
Tools to Assist with Reading, Writing, and Completing PDF Documents on the iPad
Tools to Assist with Reading, Writing, and Completing PDF Documents on the iPad
The iPad has some great tools built into it, that often prevent a student from needing to use extra apps to help with reading, writing, and completing PDF documents. Get help with setting up and using these built in features below.
Completing PDF documents on an iPad in Google Classroom
Completing PDF documents on an iPad in Google Classroom
The iPad Google Classroom app has made it easy to type on PDF documents that are posted in Google Classroom. You do not have to use a separate app like Snap&Read.
Turning on Text to Speech on the iPad
Turning on Text to Speech on the iPad
If students benefit from having text read to them on the iPad, follow the directions in the video to the left. If you prefer step by step text instructions, follow these Slides. Turning text to speech on, will allow it to be used in any app on the iPad, including Google Classroom and it's related apps.
Co:Writer Documentation for the iPad
Co:Writer Documentation for the iPad
Even though the iPad has built in word prediction and speech to text on the onscreen keyboard. A student may benefit from a more robust and dynamic word prediction app like Co:Writer. You may use Co:Writer on a personal or district owned iPad. Just download the free app from the app store and log in with your 917 student email address if you are using a personal iPad. If you are using a district owned iPad, you can download the app from within the Self-Serve app. You will have to log into the extension or cowriter.com on a web browser once before that to activate your account prior to signing in on the iPad app
Co:Writer Quick Card of iPad app Features
Check out step by step videos here.
Snap& Read Documentation for the iPad
Snap& Read Documentation for the iPad
While there is built in text to speech on the iPad and you can annotate PDF documents within Google Classroom, the Snap&Read app gives students a way to take a picture of a paper copy of a worksheet or textbook and have it read out loud. When you use Snap&Read on an iPad log in with your 917 student email address. You will have to log into once before that on a web browser to www.snapandread.com to activate your account prior to signing in on the iPad.
Connecting a Bluetooth Keyboard to an iPad
Connecting a Bluetooth Keyboard to an iPad
A Bluetooth keyboard can help you be more productive when typing on an iPad or iPhone. The video to the left will walk you through connecting your keyboard to your iPad and troubleshooting that connection. If you prefer the steps in handout form, you can find them at this link.
Turning on Guided Access
Turning on Guided Access
Guided Access is great feature for "locking" a student into a specific app on the iPad or iPhone. It's helpful for students who get distracted easily and want to use the device for things other than school work when it's time for school work. Click here for directions on how to turn Guided Access on. You can use it with Google Meet if you want to be sure your child stays in Google Meet.
Seesaw
Seesaw
Starting the 2022-23 school year, there is only one Seesaw app- you can log into the same app as your student(s) now. See the video for more details or the Seesaw web page Getting Started for Families.
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