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Showing posts with label chromebooks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chromebooks. Show all posts

Kapwing - free online photo and video editor


Kapwing is an online photo and video editor with a great free version that works on any device. 

It is a whole suite of tools to perform simple editing tasks such as trimming videos, creating stop motion videos, adding subtitles, converting videos to gifs, resizing photos and videos, adding audio to videos, creating photo and video collages, and a handful of other tasks--you can see a full list of the tools here. 


The most popular tool, Studio, has a few of the other tools built in (such as trimming video and adding audio), so that's a good place to get started. 




Kapwing is used in a lot of classrooms as a tool for both educators and students and there is an education section of their blog here with lots of ideas and use cases. 

It is very easy to use and has a lot of great features and tools that will be very useful for students and teachers.

Here is an article on Kapwing for classrooms on Medium (they have added more editing features since the article was originally published).

You can register for Kapwing for free here: https://www.kapwing.com/signin


Related:

Lots of Photo Editing apps and resources
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Chromebook Getter - Free Replacement for Chromebook Inventory Tool











The Chromebook Inventory Tool is/was an extremely useful tool for G Suite Admins to make managing and updated their Chromebooks easier. However, it will not work after July 16th due to changes to Google's Sheets API.

I just learned about a free alternative, Chromebook Getter, that was developed for the education community as a replacement.

It performs the same basic operations as the CIT:

  • Extract Chromebook device info from Admin Console to Google Sheets (only for super admins and Chromebooks that are managed).
  • Modify data and sync back into Admin Console. 
  • Search device info easier and faster. 
  • Export your entire inventory, or just an OU of Chrome devices into a Google Sheet, including all of the following metadata: etag, Org Unit Path, Serial Number, Platform Version, Device Id, Status, Last Enrollment Time, Firmware Version, Last Sync, OS Version, Boot Mode, Annotated Location', Notes, and Annotated User
  • Device export options include the ability to filter by enrollment date (Past hour, Past day, Past week, or Between specific dates).
  • Make edits to "Annotated Location","Notes", and "Annotated User" and bulk update the devices in your Chrome console directly from this spreadsheet.


It is an Add-On for Google Sheets, easy to install and use. 







Take a look and try out Chromebook Getter.




More Google for Education Resources, tips, and information













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Google for Education Best Practices Resources and Tips


Google Apps for Education and Chromebooks are very popular with education for many reasons, one of which is the ease of management and deployment. The Admin Console allows staff to manage apps, user settings, devices settings and much more. Here are some tips and best practices for settings in the Admin Console.

The Admin Console is relatively easy to use, although some settings can be hard to find. Remember to use the help features by clicking on the question marks throughout the console.



The icons on the console can be moved and arranged via drag-and-drop so you can put the ones you use most up front. Typically, Users, Device Management, and Apps are the most used. 

Here are some excellent resources:
Outside of the Admin Console settings, here are some important things to consider:
  • Backup of data outside of G Suite? There are solutions available to backup your G Suite data. You should also make sure you have Vault enabled for your domain - https://support.google.com/vault/answer/2462365?hl=en 
    • Backupify, Druva, Spanning and more 
  • Acceptable use policies for G Suite, internet, devices, etc. Lots of schools post theirs online. Take a look at them and make sure you have a strong policy in place. 
  • Training and Professional Development - users (staff, teachers, and students) need training and PD on the proper and effective use of technology, including G Suite and Chromebooks. Look at some of the resources from Google, and find a good PD partner to assist. You can also push out this free add-on from Google that gives in-app support to your users: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/g-suite-training/idkloemkmldbemijiamdiolojbffnjlh?hl=en 

Data Loss Prevention rules for Gmail and Drive
Gmail Confidential Mode
Gmail Attachment Compliance

Below are some of the main tips and settings to consider. Most of them are under Device Management. This is not a complete list, but one to help you get started. 

Admin Accounts: ("Admin Roles")
You can designate users at different levels of admin access. There are preset roles and you can create your own. You should have at least two Super-Admins in case one is out. Help Desk admin can only reset passwords for non-administrators and are good to have in each school. 

User Settings:
Organizational Units (set under Users) - you will want to have at least the following OUs setup: Admin, IT, Faculty, K-8 Students, High School students. This allows you to customize the settings for each one. K-8 students cannot use Google+, so you will want Google+ turned off for them. You can also turn off outside email for them. 

Under Apps, Click on Additional Google Services, click on the three vertical dots next to Google+ and click Turn Off or On for some Organizations and make sure it is off for K-8. 

Device Management > Chrome Management > User Settings
These settings apply to the Chrome Browser also (when a user logs into it)

Force-Installed Apps and Extensions: you can push out apps and extensions to all users. There are a few I recommend, including Office Editing. Here is a list. 

Allow or Block All Apps and Extensions: you can either allow users to install any apps except the ones that you block, or block all apps except the ones that you allow. It is a local decision on how to manage this. Blocking all means your IT staff have to handle requests from staff. Allowing all means that some students might find some unsavory apps to install, but you can block them as you find them. 

If you want to allow all except the ones you block, here is a list of some that you should block. 

Allowed Apps and Extensions: create a list here if you are blocking users from installing them. Here are some lists of app recommendations. 

Make sure you are saving Browser History if you want to track what users are doing. 

I recommend turning on Safe Browsing, but that is a local decision.

You can also set up web pages to auto-load when a user logs in. Most schools set it up so that the district or school home page loads. 

Another nice feature is the ability to block websites by user OU. You can enter as many URLs as you like. This means that those users cannot get to the site, even if it is allowed through your filter. This can be useful for more granular control. 

You can also push out managed bookmarks, which is a great feature. You can push the district homepage, Google Apps page, student SIS system, etc for quick access by your users. 

Turning off Outside Email for K-8:
 https://support.google.com/a/answer/2640542?hl=en 


Device Management > Chrome Management > Device Settings:

Definitely turn on Forced Re-Enrollment. This will prevent users from factory resetting the Chromebooks and then taking them out of your domain. Even if they do factory reset the device, it will force them to re-enroll it in your domain and not allow them to use it.

Guest Mode - allows a user to access the Chromebook without an account. I recommend against this if you have GAFE accounts for all of your users.

Incognito Mode - turn this off for students also.

Sign-In Restriction: this allows you to restrict which accounts can be used to login to a Chromebook. Most schools do set this to restrict logins to their GAFE accounts only. It is one more feature that makes Chromebooks less attractive to thieves.

Kiosk Apps - this is where you would install testing apps for PARCC and SBAC. Kiosk apps run without a user needing to login to the Chromebook itself.

Auto-Updates - allow this unless you have concerns about a new version of Chrome OS causing an issue with an app. For example, SBAC is only setup for Chrome OS 41, so while auto updates are turned on, you can limit the version to 41 and it won't update to the latest version which is 42. 

Device Reporting - enable this and user tracking so that you can see the device info when you select a device. You can also see who the last user was, which can be helpful in tracking a missing device. 

Do Not Erase Local User Data - this will keep the user account on the Chromebook which speeds up logins. Shared Chromebooks can support a lot of users (I've seen up to 20 different users on a single Chromebook). 

Disabled Device Return Instructions - if you disable a device, it will show a message on the screen asking for it to be returned. You put in the address and contact info. 

Device Management>Network:
Network Settings - you can, and should, put in your network settings here so that the Chromebooks automatically connect to your WiFi. You can even put in a hidden SSID and all of the security and passwords here. Apply to Devices, and then restrict to Chromebooks. 


Related:

Google for Education Resources (Google Apps, Chromebooks and more)



Note: I oversaw the successful deployment of over 11,000 Chromebooks and 26,000 G Suite user accounts in my home district as CIO and have assisted over 400 school districts to successfully deploy G Suite and Chromebooks. I am a Google Certified Administrator, Deployment Specialist, Success Manager, Trainer and Educator. 


- updated June 2019






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New tablets for Education - comparing the new Acer Chromebook Tab 10 and the new Apple iPad



Last week had two interesting announcements for EDU - a new iPad and the Acer Chromebook Tab 10 tablet. There have been a lot of different reactions from the two, but most reactions were very positive towards the Chromebook Tab and very "meh" to the new iPad. Here are my thoughts and some articles that were posted about them.

I've used iPads and Chromebooks, as well as managing them in the education space. I've been using a Chromebook Tab 10 for over a week now and here are my thoughts and comparisons:


  1. Management and Deployment - Apple still hasn't gotten this right. Chromebooks, including the new Tab 10, are the easiest devices to deploy and manage. iPads are not easy and require 3rd party tools. This means less headaches, work and cost for school IT departments. 
  2. Price - $329 for the Tab 10 includes the stylus, which docks into the tablet and does not need charging. The $299 iPad doesn't include the stylus and there is no where to dock it. In addition, the Apple Pencil (and Crayon stylus) require charging. With the Apple Pencil, the iPad is now $388 ($348 with crayon stylus). 
  3. Specs - display is the same, Tab 10 has 4GB of RAM and iPad only has 2GB; Tab 10 has a microSD card slot, nothing for iPad; processors are both hi end and optimized for their platforms; both have 32GB onboard storage; Tab 10, and G Suite, have unlimited G Drive storage, iPad comes with 200GB of iCloud storage; similar battery life and dimensions; similar cameras and sensors.
  4. Stylus - similar performance and latency, but Tab 10 includes a garaged stylus, while Apple Pencil is extra ($89) and not garaged. 
  5. Apps
    1. Chromebook Tab 10 has G Suite, Chrome Apps and Android apps, as well as a full desktop browser for true web surfing (and still supports Flash)
    2. iPad - iOS apps and a mobile browser

Acer Chromebook Tab 10 D651N - overview design - Large





And don't forget that Professional Development and well designed curriculum and lessons are the really important thing.


The Acer Chromebook Tab 10 is easier to deploy and manage, less expensive with a stylus, and can do pretty much anything.





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Android Apps for Education - work on Chromebooks and Chrome OS Tablets too!


Android Apps for Education 


Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world, running on smartphones and tablets. But, you can also use Android Apps on Chromebooks, including the new Chromebook Tab 10 Chrome OS tablet. Chrome and Android all in one! And don't forget about all of the Chrome Apps, Extensions and full websites Chromebooks and the Chromebook Tab can access.



Finding good apps can be hard, so here is a list of Android apps for Education to use on Chromebooks, Chromebook Tab and other Android devices.


Explore these apps and try them out in your schools. 



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Acer Chromebook Tab 10 - the first Chrome OS tablet is here, and it's great!



Acer and Google have just announced the first Chrome OS tablet, the Acer Chromebook Tab 10. Works and managed like a Chromebook, but in tablet form.

This is a great device for schools looking for a tablet device, with a stylus and Android apps, that is easy to deploy and manage. It uses the same management license as Chromebooks and is managed in the same way. It also has a full desktop browser, removing the limitations of mobile browsers.





It is mobile, lightweight, touch and easy to use. Using Chrome OS makes it easy to deploy, manage and share with others. It has dual cameras, an integrated EMR active stylus, multimedia features, note taking and handwriting apps, educational apps (Chrome and Android) for K-3, STEM, video, multimedia and accessibility apps and features. It has a textured surface, similar to the Acer C738T, making it easier to carry, and less likely to be dropped.

Performance is fast and smooth, handling over 15 tabs and 5 apps during my testing time and the stylus is amazing, with no noticeable lag, allowing me to take handwritten notes effortlessly, as well as annotate items.

  • First tablet running Chrome OS designed for education, promoting engagement and collaboration. 
  • Chrome Education License support allows central and remote management of a large number of devices. 
  • Included Wacom® EMR stylus pen for natural writing and drawing. 
  • Stylus is battery-free, slips into a handy dock on the tablet and replicates the usage, accuracy and size of an ordinary pen. 
  • Planned support for Google Expeditions AR (augmented reality) to enable immersive learning experiences. 
  • Full Google Play support, giving teachers and students access to educational Android apps curated by administrators. 
  • All-day productivity with up to 9 hours of power from the lithium-polymer battery.

Specs:
  • MSRP: $320 available in April in US.
  • Operating system Chrome OS with Android support through Google Play
  • Display 9.7-inch QXGA backlit LED, 2048x1536
  • Processor OP1 platform
  • Storage 32GB eMMC
  • Expandable microSD
  • RAM 4GB
  • Rear camera 5 MP
  • Front camera 2 MP
  • Connectivity 2x2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth 4.1
  • Ports USB 3.1 Type-C
  • Combo headphone/microphone jack
  • Battery 34 Wh (Up to 9 hours)
  • Stylus Wacom EMR (included) With onboard housing
  • Software Support for Chrome Educational licensing
  • Planned support for Google Expeditions AR
  • Dimensions 172 x 238.8 x 9.98 mm 
  • 550 g
  • Colors Cobalt Blue

Related:
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Android on Chromebooks! Here are some resources and apps to check out


Android has come to Chromebooks and is available on EDU Domains!


This opens up a whole new world of possibilities with Chromebooks, adding thousands of great apps, features and capabilities.


Here are the resources for Admins to get Android apps enabled for their domain:



Here are some great suggestions for Android apps (and some web apps):

F101_Pixel2_Silver_PlayStore.width-800.png

Android App Suggestions for Chromebooks (all are free)


I've been using Android apps on my Acer C738T with my personal account for quite a while now and they work great. Handwriting input, offline sync and much more. 


Related:

Webinar on Android Apps on Chromebooks - great resource with some panelists and how-to set this up. (slide deck: https://goo.gl/rl4HkD)

Benefits of Google Apps and Chromebooks for Schools

Android for Education resources

Google for Education Resources

A new generation of Chromebooks, designed for millions of students and educators https://blog.google/topics/education/new-generation-chromebooks-designed-millions-students-and-educators/ (Acer and Asus convertible’s with stylus)

A new generation of Chromebooks, designed to work with millions of apps https://blog.google/products/chromebooks/new-generation-chromebooks-designed-work-millions-apps/ (Samsung Plus and Pro)






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Some Excellent Resources for Google for Education for Teachers and Admins


Google for Education, which includes G Suite for Education, Chromebooks, and content, is one of the most popular, and most updated, platforms for education. Here are some great resources for IT, Teachers, Students and more.


Google for Education main site: https://www.google.com/edu/ 


Getting started with G Suite for Education: https://support.google.com/a/answer/2856827




Google Device Showcase - Chromebooks, Chromeboxes and more 



Google for Education Transformation Center - resources, examples and tips for transforming your classroom and school



Class Content: https://www.google.com/edu/products/class-content/ - content and apps that have been approved by Google



Benefits of Google Apps and Chromebooks - lots of resources, tips and ideas
Google Apps Administrator Help Site - for G Suite Admins
Apps Status Dashboard (shows issues and outages) - for Admins

Google for Education Training Center - excellent resource for teachers on using Google Apps in the Classroom 

There is also a thriving community of admins and teachers on Google+. Take a look around. 



Related:




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    Project wirelessly from your Chromebook to Epson projectors with iProjection App



    Epson announced the availability of the Epson iProjection™ App for Chromebooks, enabling students and teachers to wirelessly display content from Chromebooks on Epson BrightLink® interactive projectors and most PowerLite® projectors. With the Epson Multi-PC Projection with Moderator function1 and the Epson iProjection App for Chromebooks, the teacher has the ability to display up to four Chromebook notebook computers simultaneously from a maximum of 50 connected devices for an engaging collaborative classroom experience.



    This is a huge feature that many teachers have been asking for. Imaging being able to move around the classroom, projecting from your Chromebook, or having your students share their work with the class, all wirelessly!



    I wish I had this when I was a teacher!


    More info below:




    LONG BEACH, Calif. – Sept. 27, 2016 – Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide, today announced the availability of the Epson iProjection™ App for Chromebooks, enabling students and teachers to wirelessly display content from Chromebooks on Epson BrightLink® interactive projectors and most PowerLite® projectors. With the Epson Multi-PC Projection with Moderator function1 and the Epson iProjection App for Chromebooks, the teacher has the ability to display up to four Chromebook notebook computers simultaneously from a maximum of 50 connected devices for an engaging collaborative classroom experience.

    “Chromebooks are now the device of choice in the classroom and we worked directly with educators to ensure our app was meeting their needs for classroom collaboration,” said Jason Meyer, senior product manager, Epson America. “With the app, we developed a way to wirelessly mirror Chromebooks on Epson projectors so that it supports multiple Chromebook displays at the same time.”

    For teachers and students, the Epson iProjection App for Chromebooks makes it easy to move about the room and effortlessly share content with the entire class by wirelessly sharing Chromebooks with the classroom projector. When used on its own, the Epson iProjection App for Chromebooks can display content from a single Chromebook on an Epson projector. When the app is used in conjunction with the Epson Multi-PC Projection with Moderator function, teachers can select and display content from up to four Chromebooks at one time.

    Epson projectors expand the educational capabilities of flat surfaces, transforming any 2D surface, such as a whiteboard, into an educational work space. Epson 3LCD projectors deliver three times brighter colors than leading competitive projectors to deliver amazing, true-to-life color and detail for powerful, educational lessons2. With genuine Epson lamps  lasting up to an estimated 10,000 hours depending on the projector model3, educators can engage students in seemingly endless learning opportunities by projecting directly from a variety of devices utilizing advanced connectivity options while supporting easy readability for everyone in the room.

    About the Epson iProjection App
    Leveraging the free Epson iProjection app, teachers can wirelessly display documents, photos and web pages from Chromebooks and most iOS Apple devices running iOS 4.2 or later, including the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch®, and most AndroidTM devices running Android 2.3 or later.

    About the Epson Multi-PC Projection with Moderator function
    Multi-PC projection with Moderator function is a free software program from Epson enabling teachers to wirelessly connect up to 50 devices and share students' work from up to four device screens simultaneously, including computers and Chromebooks and iOS® and Android™ tablets and phones.

    About Epson Education Products
    Designed with educator input, Epson’s advanced interactive display and projector technologies make bright, collaborative learning environments a reality. Compatible with a wide range of devices and widely-used interactive software, Epson projectors make it easy for teachers to share content and engage students, no matter where they sit in the classroom. Epson’s unmatched technology, service and support ensures that educators have high quality, bright images and multimedia available in the classroom every day.

    About Epson BrightLink Projectors
    Epson’s award-winning line of BrightLink interactive projectors offers advanced connectivity options to project onto any existing whiteboard, wall or other smooth, light-colored, hard surface. BrightLink interactive projectors offer dual pen support and PC-free annotation with a range of devices including document cameras, DVD and Blu-ray players as well as tablets and mobile devices, or no source at all. The cost-effective BrightLink models deliver a large interactive learning area with variable image sizes and include HDMI connectivity. Epson BrightLink projectors utilize 3LCD, 3-chip technology for brilliant images with vivid color.

    About Epson PowerLite Projectors
    Epson’s extensive line of affordable short-throw and ultra short-throw projectors provide a reliable design for the connected K-12 classroom that minimizes glare and shadow interference to deliver brightness and resolution options to accommodate a diverse range of educational needs. With models that offer moderator functionality that allows a network of up to 50 personal devices to connect to the projectors, teachers can wirelessly control which personal devices are displayed, with up to four student screens shown simultaneously1. In addition, many projectors feature two HDMI ports, one with MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) support for connecting multiple digital devices, including mobile phones, tablets and other portable devices, for enriched high definition viewing capabilities.


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    Mojo Networks Introduces Mojo Enforce for the K-12 Education Marketplace and Chromebooks



    Mojo Networks Introduces Mojo Enforce for the K-12 Education Marketplace

    Mojo Enforce is the First Cloud Managed WiFi Feature to Integrate Directly Into Google for Education to Automatically Enact Policies on the School’s WiFi Network

    This is a great option for schools to control access to their wireless networks and works with Chromebooks.




    Mountain View, CA, September 7, 2016 – Many K-12 schools and districts have challenges in controlling what devices connect to their WiFi networks because of the limitations of current WiFi authentication techniques. With the continued growth of connected devices – iPads, Chromebooks, smartphones and tablets and more – in schools, there is a growing need for school IT administrators to control WiFi device connections.

    Mojo Networks, a leader in secure cloud managed WiFi for the K-12 educational market, announces Mojo Enforce. Enforce takes policies for network access and device management from third party systems and applies them to the WiFi network; the first integration for Enforce is with Google for Education. With Enforce, Mojo is the first cloud managed WiFi to integrate with Google for Education to ensure that only devices registered in the school’s Google domain are able to connect to the school WiFi network and enforce network access policies. This unique integration, coupled with Mojo Network’s robust cloud managed WiFi solution and high-performing access points, brings even more control, usability and ease-of-use to school districts.

    According to data from Google, more than 50 million students, teachers and administrators around the world rely on Google for Education to learn and work together. Managing the WiFi credentials for those 50-plus million and growing individuals is handled by the network administrator, but is not easily integrated.

    Currently, schools use two primary methods to authenticate devices on WiFi networks: PSK (Personal Shared Key) or 802.1x (the standard for post-based Network Access Control). But both have their limitations. PSK is easy to deploy but the passphrase is too easily shared with no real limitations, and 802.1x is costly as it typically requires on-premises appliances (AAA and User Directory). In the case of Google for Education schools, there is a need to create a local copy of the user database from Google Apps.

    With both techniques, there is no real way for school network administrators to control which devices can connect to the network. Allowing unauthorized devices creates performance issues with too many devices; gives no visibility or control; and, creates IT management headaches. Mojo’s integration with Google adds an additional layer of authentication above PSK or 802.1x, providing administrators the control to define what devices connect to the network. Enforce is easy to setup with no additional licenses or on-prem appliances; it works on top of the existing school Mojo WiFi network without the need for any client or network re-configuration.

    “It’s great to see a WiFi infrastructure vendor like Mojo Networks develop a direct integration with Google for Education that solves a real challenge people in my position face daily,” said Vernon Young, Director of Information Technology at Oakland Catholic High School. “With this integration, I have real control over who connects to our network and am able to ensure secure access for every student and teacher throughout our high school.”

    “Mojo Networks looks to automate WiFi management for all our customers, whether it’s the large enterprise, higher education or K-12 school districts,” said Sriram Venkiteswaran, Director Product Management at Mojo Networks. “We look at technology and WiFi – and specifically the tools, automation and pricing of Mojo – as an enabler of education. With Mojo Enforce, we free up time for the network administrator, and secure WiFi for students and teachers alike with a low-cost, simple and functional process.”

    How Mojo Enforce Works

    Mojo Cloud fetches the enrolled devices (Chromebooks, iPads, etc.) from the school’s or district’s Google for Education account

    Mojo Cloud pushes out the allowed device list to all Mojo cloud managed access points

    The devices connect using either PSK or 802.1x authentication

    If authorized, access point assign role / network policy based on device OU membership
    If unauthorized, the access point denies the connection

    With the ease of set-up and use, what was a complicated process and a pain point for school districts has become a non-issue. Mojo cloud managed WiFi coupled with Google for Education brings another level of authentication to schools and highlights the greater value of cloud managed WiFi. Mojo Networks is about making the school IT administrators life easier, with students and teachers easily connecting to WiFi and learning.

    Enforce and the integration into Google for Education will be available in Q4 2016, with other integrations coming in 2017. The open beta will begin Q3 2016; to sign up for the beta, please fill out the form at http://mojonetworks.com/google-early-access.





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    Lots of great new things coming to Google Apps and Chromebooks!!!


    Google Apps for Education New logo.pngchromebooks-apps-flyout-in.jpg


    Google Apps for Education and Chromebooks have become truly awesome resources for schools and Google just keeps improving them.

    Here are some of the recent announcements:


    Android apps are coming to Chromebooks! - some Android apps have already been available for use on a Chromebook. I've been using the Evernote app for a while and love it. But in order to get them to work, developers had to do some work themselves. With this new announcement, the Google Play Store and most of it's app will work with Chromebooks. Three models are getting access in June with more getting access later. See this link for full details on which Chromebooks will get this and when. This is huge for schools as they will be able to benefit from the low cost and ease of use and management of Chromebooks, and use all of the great Android apps that are out there.

    With this announcement, touchscreen Chromebooks are even more functional for schools. For specs, 4GB RAM is always my suggestion and 16GB drives should be fine unless you are installing a ton of apps and syncing lots of data. I have over 100 apps on my smartphone, sync Evernote offline (9,000 notes) and sync Google drive offline and I am only using 9GB (18GB if you count the hundreds of photos and videos of my daughter).

    I also think that this would be a good time for Google and OEMs to work on a 7" Chrome OS tablet! Think about it - all the Android apps in a small form factor for younger students or mobility, with the management features and ease of use of a Chromebook!




    Google Classroom updates:
    1. Interact with other apps and systems - more software and systems will be able to interact with more data in Classroom. One example that teachers will love is the ability for Gradebooks and reporting systems to sync grades with Classroom, eliminating the need for teachers to manually transfer grades.
    2. Teachers can schedule assignments, questions, or announcements to post at a later date. The post is then automatically published to the class stream at the scheduled date and time.
    3. Teachers can poll their students using multiple-choice questions and allow students to see a summary of their classmates answers.


    Cover art
    Science Journal - a new app that is a digital science notebook that allows students to record data from sensors on an Android phone or connected device, take notes, observer, interpret, predict, create graphs and much more.



    Google also announced that they are making their own 3D/Virtual reality hardware that will be prefect for schools - this will fit well with Expeditions and allow students to explore the world, and beyond, right from their classroom.


    Some exciting news for schools!!



    More Resources:

    Benefits of Google Apps and Chromebooks for Schools

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    Technology I use on a Daily Basis - 2016 Version



    In the past, I've written about the technology I use on a daily basis (see bottom of page for links).

    Here's my updated version for Spring, 2016.

    I am a K-12 Education Strategist for CDW-G. In this role, I work with schools on selecting and implementing technology solutions to improve teaching and learning. I do a lot of research on best practices in education and technology and do a decent amount of traveling.

    I'm a huge user of Google Apps and Evernote. They are my main work, and personal tools, and all of my devices work with them. Without these, I'm stuck. I also back them both up.

    My day typically consists of email conversations and support with our account managers and customers, Google Hangouts with customers providing support, advice, strategy planning, training and professional development, and doing online research, as well as creating tools and resources, like presentations and reference materials. If I am traveling, I only bring my smartphone and my Acer Flip Chromebook and am able to do everything I need to with them. I have Citrix for my Chromebook so I can remote in to our system and access everything I need, including a Windows desktop.


    My personal smartphone is an LG G4 running Android. I love it. I can do anything on it - email, web browsing, Google Apps, Evernote, messaging, photos, musics, etc. I is my go-to device. I have an spare battery and external battery for traveling, but the battery life is pretty good. It's also durable, as I've dropped it a few times and it's still here. My work smartphone is a Samsung Galaxy 7 which I use when traveling. I like it, but I like LG's software and screen size better. I use it as a mobile hotspot for my Chromebook while traveling too.


    I have the same work and personal laptop - an HP Elitebook Folio 9470m with Core i5 processors and SSD drives. It's lightweight, powerful and works great. I use it at work with a docking station and two monitors. At home, I use my personal one for remoting into work via Citrix, and some other tasks, but mainly just for work tasks when working from home.


    My travel device, home use and work use, is my Acer C738T Touch/Flip Chromebook. I have the 4GB Ram version. It's light, has a great battery life, and does everything I need it to do, including work offline. I use it for travel, conferences and off-site meetings. I use it at home sometimes when I need to type. I have both my personal and work profiles on here, with offline Drive access for both setup. I also have the Evernote Android app for Chromebooks on it, with offline sync enabled. I have also added the Google Play Movie/TV app so that I can download movies for offline viewing while traveling. This thing is amazing and has been replacing my need for any other devices.

    I also have an LG GPad 8.3" LTE tablet that I got for free when I got my LG G4 smartphone. I use this at home for media consumption - Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Movies, Music. Great device.


    Google Apps - for both work and home. Email, Chrome, Calendar, Drive/Docs/Sheets/Slides, Keep, Blogger, Sites - these are my main tools for work and personal use. All of my files are in Drive, and backed up on my personal laptop. I also use a Google account at work with my files in Drive. I have two work accounts - one for work itself (K12 team uses it), and a GAFE account for working with customers. I use a Google Sheet as my project management tool, with hyper links to Docs and other files. Each project gets a separate row, with notes, contacts, follow up tasks and more.



    Evernote - this is my other main tool - web clippings, receipts, manuals, project management, important info, contacts, reference material and more. I have the Evernote clipper installed on Chrome and in Outlook. I also have the Evernote Scanner which I use to digitize everything that is paper based. It automatically scans both sides, very quickly, and then sorts things into the proper notebooks in Evernote based on what they are (document, business card, receipt, photo, etc). Great tool for going paperless.

    Outlook and Lync at work for email and instant messaging. I have my work email and Lync setup on my smartphones also.

    Sites and services I use include Feedly feed reader, Pocket, LinkedIn, TweetDeck, Google+ and Facebook. I spend most of my time on Feedly and Google+, researching and connecting with others.

    That's really it. I rarely use anything else and I have different tools for different things - work, home, travel, fun.

    Take a look back at earlier versions of this post to see what has changed over the years based on my job and the tech available. I've definitely changed with the apps I use and have less hardware. In fact, my Acer C738T Chromebook is slowly becoming the only device I really need, besides a smartphone.



    Related:

    Technology I use on a Daily Basis - 2015 Version

    Technology I'm using daily as a School District CIO (2012)

    Technology I use on a Daily Basis - updated for this year (Oct 2011)

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