Week+2-+Google+Chrome

= Thing 5 (Week 2) - Google Chrome =


 * Introduction **



Google Chrome is a web browser, just like Safari, Firefox and Internet Explorer. As the web changes, so do browsers. They constantly update in an attempt to stay current with the ever evolving technology. Google Chrome has many advantages over other browsers:
 * Fast
 * Customization
 * Secure
 * Automatically Updates
 * Designed to optimize Google Apps for Education

It's important to stress this week that while we want you to focus on using Google Chrome during this course, there will be times that you need to try things in a secondary browser. Humankind cannot live by one browser. Not sure if that has ever been said, but it's true.


 * Discovery **


 * What is Chrome OS? **

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Take the Guided Tour of Chrome Features


 * Chrome Apps and Extensions **

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Visit the Chrome Web Store

Resources: Google Chrome YouTube Channel The Chrome Story Blog More Chrome Resources [|DHS Chromebook Pilot Google Site]

Task 1
Take your Chrome browser for a ride. Use it to view the videos and tutorials for the above discovery activities. Complete these tasks as you go through the Chrome tutorial: ** Settings **


 * Sign into chrome and set up syncing
 * Set your chrome browser to open specific pages every time you start chrome
 * Set your browser to show the home button
 * Import your bookmarks from Internet Explorer
 * Visit the Chrome Web Store and install the following apps and extensions*:


 * Extensions **
 * 1) Save to Google Drive
 * 2) Goo.gl URL shortener
 * 3) BeLine Reader
 * 4) Ad Block
 * 5) Extension Manager (AKA Switcher)


 * Apps **
 * 1) Typing Club
 * 2) Newsela
 * 3) BioDigital
 * 4) Desmos
 * 5) Lucid Chart


 * These are suggested apps and extensions. **Do not let this list limit your exploration**.

Task 2
Take 3 of your recently installed apps and/or extensions for a test drive. Some require you to set up an account prior to being able to use it. If anything is asking you for money, don't do it. These should all be free for initial use, some require payment after several uses.

Reflect on your experience using Google Chrome. What do you like/dislike right off the bat? Which apps or extensions did you explore? What additional apps or extensions did you install? After using Chrome for a few days, what are some words of advice you would share with your colleagues? Be sure to include "Thing 5" in your blog post title.
 * POST 1: From Thing 5 - Google Chrome **

= Thing 6 - What's a Chromebook and why would I want access to a class set? =

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 * Discovery **

Task 1
Check out a Chromebook from D36. This is going to require you to pick one up for the District. Email the help desk to set up a time help@winnetka36.org. The tech team is pretty flexible in terms of finding a time for you. If this week doesn't work out for your schedule, you can complete Thing 6 anytime prior to the end of the course.

Task 2
Complete some of your "Things" using a chromebook. Shop the chrome web store, post to your blog, get caught up on social media. Check out how Google Keep travels from one device to another, complete Thing 7 from your Chromebook (if you've picked it up.

**Resources**
Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything - [] [|James Sanders' Chromebook Guide for his Classroom] http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/chromebooks-classroom


 * POST : Thing 6**

Write about your Chromebook experience after you've used it for a few days. This post can be delayed if you haven't found time to pick up a Chromebook. Be sure to include "Thing 6" in your blog post title. Chromebooks will need to be returned by August 22nd.