The Chromebook Classroom Podcast: Recent Episodes

View Details

I've been holding off on sending out the June EDU update because I knew there were some BIG updates taking place during the ISTE conference. Today in Orlando, Google is announcing 40+ updates for the 2026-27 school year!

That's a LOT of news…but I've got you covered.

I spent an entire week reviewing, reading, and considering these new features to determine which ones will have the biggest impact on your classroom. Today's podcast isn't just a list of links, it's a carefully curated overview of what's happening, where things are headed, and what this means for your classroom. Let's dive into the June updates coming out of the 2026 ISTE conference in Orlando, Florida!

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks VIZOR provides Chromebook fleet management Software for Schools. Stop hassling with out of date spreadsheets and paper inventories and move into the 21st century with VIZOR: http:///vizor.cloud/cbc

Show notes and links: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e17/

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Show notes and links: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e16/

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks VIZOR provides Chromebook fleet management Software for Schools. Stop hassling with out of date spreadsheets and paper inventories and move into the 21st century with VIZOR: http:///vizor.cloud/cbc

Here are my favorite links for May 2026:

1. Google AI Educator Series
2. Native File Support & Auto-Updating in NotebookLM
3. Google Vids: Converting Slides to Video with AI Avatars
4. AI Agents: "Skills for Chrome" and the Agentic Era
5. Introducing "Googlebook"
6. 5 Tips to Clear Digital Clutter Before Summer Break
7. Google I/O 2026: Google Docs Live &
8. Gemini Sparks
9. Gemini for Science
10. Google Glass is Back?

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Welcome to the April 2026 Google EDU update! In this video, we explore the latest edtech tools transforming the classroom, including some cool updates to Google Classroom and mind-blowing cinematic videos generated by NotebookLM. We also dive into how one school district utilized "vibe coding" to save $250k, alongside major updates to Canva's Learn Grid and Google Vids.

👉 Show notes and links: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e15/

Episode Sponsor: Gemini Academy for Teachers Summer Tour! Join me virtually or in-person at one of six different stops on my summer tour! We'll explore Gemini and NotebookLM together and prepare to become Gemini certified educators! Visit http://chrm.tech/gemini26 for dates and locations

2:10 Gemini Summer Tour Announcement 4:00 Google Vids: Custom AI Video Avatars 7:57 Gemini in Classroom Expands to 75 Languages 9:16 Personal Class Notebooks for Students 12:04 Gemini in Google Docs & Formatting Tools 14:35 Fully Editable AI Decks in Google Slides 17:06 NotebookLM's New Cinematic Videos 22:53 How "Vibe Coding" Saved a District $250k 26:42 Google Takeout: Transferring Data for Graduates 31:42 Canva Learn Grid & Interactive Games 35:53 Google Cloud Next Recap: The "Agentic" Era 44:53 Outro & Final Thoughts

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

For years, IT admins have relied on a patchwork of complicated spreadsheets and manual data entry to keep track of their fleets. When you are managing thousands of devices, "Ctrl+F" on a spreadsheet just doesn't cut it.

Recently, I sat down with Jeff LaLonde from VIZOR to learn about the latest updates to VIZOR's already impressive asset management software. Whether you manage 500 devices or 50,000, VIZOR will improve your ability to manage your device fleet.

Learn more and schedule a free demo: vizor.cloud/cbc

Thanks to VIZOR for sponsoring the Chromebook Classroom podcast!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).Here are my favorite links for March 2026!

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks! Manage and organize your Chromebook fleet with VIZOR! Automate device assignments, track repairs, find missing Chromebooks and more. Learn more and schedule a demo: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

👉 Links and notes for this episode: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e13/

📨 Get my monthly updates delivered to your inbox: http://chrm.tech/update

Episode Timeline:

• 1:57 Intro and sponsor
• 3:27 NotebookLM studio updates
• 7:12 Gemini conversation sharing
• 8:52 Gemini in Chrome
• 11:31 Personal intelligence for Gemini
• 15:41 Teacher Hive by Tony Vincent
• 19:24 Google AI Studio
• 22:22 10 ways that elementary teachers can use AI
• 24:47 Managing Google Lens
• 17:37 End of year project ideas
• 31:27 TikTok videos in the classroom
• 34:52 Additional resources

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!). Here are my favorite links for February 2026!

👉 Links and notes for this episode: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e12/ 📨 Get my monthly updates delivered to your inbox: http://chrm.tech/update

Table of Contents:

• 2:07 Record videos in Google Classroom
• 6:14 AI suggested feedback
• 8:39 Premium Vids features for everyone!
• 11:38 Listen to your Document
• 16:03 Get musical with Gemini
• 19:59 Which version of Google do I have?
• 22:33 Split view tabs for Chrome
• 25:23 Host the Gemini Academy for Teachers
• 28:37 Overleaf for math teachers 33:53 Google Innovator Academy for 2026
• 36:34 Something is happening in AI (Matt Schumer)
• 41:10 Additional resources

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Episode Sponsor: The Google Certification Academy Registration for my winter cohort is now open! Earn your L1 AND Gemini Certification this winter: GoogleCertificationAcademy.com

Here are my favorite links for December 2025:

1. Improved PDF view for Google Drive
2. NEW: Google Workspace Studio
3. Five advanced NotebookLM Features
4. Using AI to evaluate privacy policies
5. Year in search 2025
6. The Game Show Advent
7. TextFX
8. Top FB post from December: Gemini exam study guide
9. Gemini vibe coding showcase
10. Lock up the Christmas gifts!

View the show notes for this episode: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e11/

WATCH this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ii1nmf_yF_s

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

The November Google EDU Update reveals how Gemini can save teachers 10 hours A WEEK! Plus, get the scoop on new features for rubrics, presentations, and math, and the NotebookLM study aids everyone is talking about. Don't miss the heated debate: Are Chromebooks ruining education?

🔖 SALE: Save 50% on access to my Wednesday Webinar Program: https://sowashventures.kit.com/products/wednesday-webinar-subscription?promo=THANKFUL

Detailed show notes for this episode: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e10/

Here are my favorite links for and updates for November 2025:

• Improved rubrics for Google Classsroom
• Improvements for complex math formatting in Gemini
• Create Slide presentation with Google Gemini
• Unhook Chrome extension for YouTube
• Save 50% on Wednesday Webinars 12:45 Personalized deep research reports
• Vibe coding with AI Studio and Google Antigravity
• Gemini can save teachers 10 hours/ week
• Improve study aids for NotebookLM
• Using AI improves student learning by 5.5%
• Screens are ruining education

View Details

Episode Sponsor: Google Trainer Academy: GoogleTrainerAcademy.com

Over the past month I’ve been able to visit a half-dozen different schools across the US sharing tips and ideas for using AI in the classroom. While there are a LOT of AI tools available, there’s one that I think is at the top of the list: Google Gemini.

Gemini has become my go-to AI tool. It’s fast, flexible, safe, and free! Using Gemini with your school account means you get advanced features AND data privacy that’s not included with a lot of other applications (looking at you ChatGPT!).

If you haven’t used Gemini recently, take another look...there have been a LOT of update and several new features specifically designed for the classroom. Here are some of my favorite features and ideas...

Show notes and links: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e9/

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As you set up your classroom and get ready for a new crew of students, you might be thinking, "What's something new I can try this year?" Each year I select five strategies, tools, or ideas you can use to engage your students and shake things up a bit. These five tools and strategies are all about making your life easier and your students' learning more engaging. Let's dive in!

👉 EPISODE SPONSOR: Google Trainer Academy

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

The Chromebook Classroom podcast is back with a special episode recorded live from Google's Chicago offices with special guest Liz Bocci. This episode dives deep into our experience at the recent Google Champions Symposium, an exclusive gathering of Google for Education's top educators.

Episode Sponsor

Interested in becoming a Google Champion? Join me and a small group of educators starting October 9 to become a Google Certified Trainer! This LIVE virtual experience will help you assemble your trainer application and portfolio. Learn more: GoogleTrainerAcademy.com.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for April 2025

1. Custom Reading Content for Read Along - Teachers in EDU Plus domains can now upload custom content to Read Along. This means you can provide students with reading support for your own stories, articles, and assignments.
2. Google Vids Education Film Festival - teachers can submit their Google Vid creation to be featured in a Google For Education blog post. Submission deadline is May 15, 2025. Google Vids is available for EDU Plus and Teaching&Learning domains.
3. New sidebar menu for Google Slides - this handy menu provides quick access to templates, building blocks, and other features, based on your Google license.
4. Clone yourself in minutes - my latest YouTube video discusses three ways to use video in your classroom. It’s not as hard as you might think!
5. 5 end of year project ideas - I know it's hard to believe, but the end of the school year is not far away. Take some time to plan an end-of-year project to help students reflect on their learning
6. Audio Overview for Gemini (and docs!) - This popular feature first appeared in NotebookLM, but is now available in Gemini as well. It is especially useful when using the “deep research” model. Audio overviews for Google Docs is coming soon.
7. Canvas for Gemini - When working on longer, complex writing projects, “Canvas” makes it easier to use Gemini as a co-writer. This is a great tool to use when developing lesson plans or assignments.
8. 5 advanced Gemini features - Google has added a LOT of impressive features to Gemini. If you aren’t using these, you are missing out!
9. A Classroom Teacher’s take on AI - Blake Harvard, HS social studies teacher from Madison Alabama, shares his honest thoughts on the incursion of AI in education.
10. uBlock Origin Lite - you may have noticed that some of your Chrome extensions are no longer available including some popular ad-blockers. uBlock Lite is an alternative that will work, although not quite as well as the original.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

This month, we're taking a look back at some of the big updates, developments, and edTech trends from 2024. We'll also peer into the crystal ball to consider what might be on the horizon for 2025.

Episode Sponsor: Logitech for Education Logitech Education is your partner in innovation for the classroom. Logitech designs high quality hardware including headsets, microphones and cameras that are used in classrooms around the world. You can view these best in class products including the Zone learn wired headset by visiting logitech.com/education.

• Tend 1: classroom specific AI tools for teachers
• Trend 2: Improvements in AI image generation
• Trend 3: Google Gemini expands and improves
• Trend 4: NotebookLM blows us away!
• Trend 5: AI detection debate
• Trend 6: Chromebook PLUS devices for teachers
• Trend 7: Premium gets better
• Trend 8: Google Drive updates
• Trend 9: Google Classroom Updates
• Trend 10: Goodbye Jamboard, Hello Vids
• Was education improved in 2024?
• Final thoughts and resources

Show notes for this episode: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e5/

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Happy Thanksgiving friends! I'm grateful that you have chosen to journey through the world of edTech with me! As a small thank you, I am offering a special sale! Anyone who registers for my winter Google Certification Academy between now and December 15 will get free access to my Wednesday Webinar program ($99 value). Click here to register!

Episode Sponsor: Logitech for Education

Logitech Education is your partner in innovation for the classroom. Logitech designs high quality hardware including headsets, microphones and cameras that are used in classrooms around the world. You can view these best in class products including the Zone learn wired headset by visiting logitech.com/education.

Here are my favorite updates for November 2024:

1. New templates for Google Slides
2. Essay writing tips from OpenAI
3. New buildikng block templates for Docs
4. Google Vids for EDU Plus
5. Gemini for iPhone
6. Scholar & Arts & Culture celebrate milestones
7. Machine learning crash course
8. How to organize a complex document
9. Figjam gratefulness wall
10. Thankfulness turkey

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Happy fall, friends! Sip on some cider or your favorite pumpkin flavored drink while we review Google updates, classroom ideas, and news stories for the month of October. 🍁🎃

Episode Sponsor: @vizor-cloud for Chromebooks Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. It's not too late to get started: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

All of the resources mentioned in this episode are available here: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e3/

Episode Topics:

• 0:00 Intro
• 2:00 Gemini for Teens
• 3:28 Star rating for Google Forms
• 4:55 Tabs for Google Docs
• 6:10 Cover image for Google Docs
• 8:00 Gemini for Google Classroom
• 11:26 Parents sue school over school discipline over AI usage
• 15:00 Pumpkin carving with Google Slides
• 17:10 The museum of frights featuring @googleartsculture
• 18:30 Halloween Choice board
• 19:30 Figurative language + AI images

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Every month I try to summarize a few important updates and share some new tools and resources you can use in your classroom. Let's see what's happening for the month of September!

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks

Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. It's not too late to get started: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

All of the resources mentioned in this episode are available here: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e2/

Table of Contents:

• 0:00 Intro
• 2:15 Manage your Chromebooks with VIZOR
• 4:15 Data protections for Google Gemini
• 7:00 AI training for teachers & students
• 8:40 Enhance your Gemini experience with Gems
• 13:17 NotbookLM adds audio summaries
• 19:50 Google Docs has tabs
• 25:13 Google Classroom supports student groups
• 28:40 First impressions of Google Vids
• 33:30 Jamboard is going away
• 35:50 GenType (via Jeremy Badiner)
• 38:40 Gear Sketch (via Brad Dale)

Additional links and resources:

• Blog post with links to all of the above updates: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e2/
• Get the EDU update delivered to your inbox each month: chrm.tech/update

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

The beginning of a new school year is both exciting and challenging. There is a lot to look forward to and a lot to get ready for!

In my 17 years working in education, I’ve learned some things and created some classroom templates that help me get the year started. Today I’m sharing those resources with you.

👉 If you are feeling overwhelmed, I hope these classroom templates will bring you some peace and confidence.

👉 If you are excited about the possibilities of a new school year, I hope these classroom templates will inspire you with some new ideas.

1. Google classroom checklist for teachers
2. Student skills checklist
3. Classroom resource template
4. Chrome extensions for students
5. Chrome extensions for teachers
6. Google Classroom requirements
7. Student Chromebook agreement
8. AI and plagiarism policy
9. Google Classroom checklist for teachers
10. Classroom resource template
11. Free time activity template
12. Parent contact log
13. Peer editing practice
14. Google Classroom quiz
15. Selfie card lesson

All of the resources mentioned in this video are available here: https://www.chrmbook.com/back-to-school-survival-kit-13-classroom-templates-every-teacher-needs/

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks

Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. It's not too late to get started: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

We're at the peak of summer, but the EDU updates don't stop! Here's a rundown on some important updates, changes, and ideas for you to consider as you sit poolside or enjoy friends and family.

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. Schedule a demo TODAY and beat the summer rush! Use this exclusive link to save 20% off your first year: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

Here are my favorite links for July 2024:

1. Ask Gemini about documents and emails
2. Google Vids in Beta
3. Can you spot the AI image?
4. Wednesday Webinars are back for 2024-25
5. eSignatures in Google Docs
6. Pre-configure Google Meet from Calendar
7. LaCrOS is dead
8. World Emoji day
9. Great stuff from Figma
10. The Art of Online Writing (book review)

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

June 24 marks the start of the 2024 ISTE conference, and Google is making a big splash by announcing lots of cool updates and new features for the 2024-25 school year! Join me on this episode to explore the latest updates to Google Classroom, Chromebooks, Gemini, Google Drive, and more!

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. Schedule a demo TODAY and beat the summer rush! Use this exclusive link to save 20% off your first year: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Chris Painter is my guest for this episode of the podcast. Chris is the technology director for Blackford County Schools in Hartford City, Indiana which as a fleet of 1,800 devices.

During our conversation Chris shares his best practices and tips for collecting, inventorying, and repairing a Chromebook fleet and getting them ready for the new school year.

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. Get 20% off your first year when you schedule a no-obligation demo.

Show notes and links: chrmbook.com/s8e14/

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Today Google announced a new package of AI tools specifically designed teachers and school leader. These tools combine the power of Google Gemini with data privacy protections and unique features for teachers.

Joining me to discuss Gemini for Education is Vivek Chachcha, product manager for AI tools within Google Workspace for Education.

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. Get 20% off your first year when you schedule a no-obligation demo.

Episode Shownotes and links: http://chrmbook.com/s8e13/

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!)

Here are my favorite links and updates for April 2024: http://chrmbook.com/s8e12/

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks

Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. Schedule a demo TODAY and beat the summer rush! Use this exclusive link to save 20% off your first year: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

1. Congrats to the newest Google Innovators
2. Google Vids
3. Tabs for Google Docs
4. Figjam on Google Meet Screens
5. Dark mode for Google Drive
6. Find a Chromebook through the log event search
7. Multi-admin approvals
8. 5 ways to organize your digital life with AI
9. Do AI detectors work?
10. Not enough data for AI?

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Sadly, Google Podcast has been discontinued by Google as of April 2, 2024.

Google Podcast was a simple, clean podcast player that did exactly what it was designed to do: play podcasts. Let's see if we can find a suitable alternative.

EPISODE SPONSOR: VIZOR for Chromebooks

VIZOR simplifies the task of managing Chromebooks by integrating the Google Admin Console and your SIS so that you can instantly monitor the health and status of your fleet of devices. Visit http://vizor.cloud/cbc to learn more!

Thanks for tuning in to the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!)

EPISODE SPONSOR

Are you interested in becoming a Google Certified Trainer? Join me for the very first "Google Trainer Academy" taking place April 16-May 14, 2024. This virtual event will guide you through the process of becoming a certified trainer AND exploring how you can earn a secondary income by leveraging your expertise. Visit GoogleTrainerAcademy.com to learn more.

Here are 10 updates for March 2024:

1. Improved video playback in Google Drive
2. Google is now offering a limited AI use plan
3. Migrate Email between Google Domains
4. Remove background from Slides
5. AI image generation (with text!)
6. Visit a class setup guide
7. Tips for using AI responsibly
8. Chromebook prank guide
9. The explore tool is no more
10. Chromebook features for teachers

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. Schedule a demo TODAY and beat the summer rush! Use this exclusive link to save 20% off your first year: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

Here are my favorite links for February 2024:

1. Bard is now Gemini​ ​
2. Beta Test Google’s AI for Education tools ​
3. New features announced at BETT
4. Sort, filter, and manage comments​ in Docs ​
5. New AI features for the Chrome browser
6. Improvements to Appointment Schedules​
7. Updates for Google Meet
8. Google Classroom Templates ​
9. New Book: EDU Protocols for Young Learners​
10. Art Remix powered by AI

Subscribe to the Google EDU Update and get these monthly updates delivered right to your inbox: chrm.tech/update

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!)

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks Save 20% off your first year with VIZOR and get a FREE Chromecast with Cast moderator when you schedule a demo before the end of January, 2024: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

January 2024 Updates:

1. Sowash family Euro venture!
2. Change your extension policy
3. Convert your form into a practice set
4. 2024 Google Innovator Academy dates
5. ChromeOS certification exam (still free!)
6. Tech management for teachers
7. Right click QR code reader (extension)
8. Inspect writing with Brisk teaching
9. 5 AI extensions for teachers 10.
10. 10 data privacy lessons

Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: http://chrmbook.com/s8e8

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

I read 21 books this last year. Most were pretty good, a few were pretty bad!

I enjoy hearing what others are reading and frequently add their recommendations to my list, so I thought I would share some of my favorites with you to help jump start your 2024 reading list.

Additional Resources:

• All 21 books on Amazon
• My blog post with a short summary of all 21 books
• WATCH this episode on YouTube

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks: save 20% off your first year and get a FREE Chromecast with Cast moderator when you schedule a demo before the end of January, 2024: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!)

Episode Sponsor VIZOR for Chromebooks: save 20% off your first year and get a FREE Chromecast with Cast moderator when you schedule a demo before the end of January, 2024: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

December 2023 Updates:

1. Excuse assignments in Google Classroom
2. Add questions to YouTube Videos
3. Google Vault adds support for Calendar
4. Record using Google Slides
5. Convert your Jamboard files to Figjam
6. Get Google Certified in 2024!
7. NotebookLM by Google
8. Sample AI policies
9. Holiday choice board for elementary students
10. Lock up the presents!

Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: http://chrmbook.com/s8e6

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

* Episode Sponsor: The Google Certification Academy. Become a Google Certified Educator in 2024. Join the waitlist so you don't miss out: gEducator.com *

10 links for November 2023:

1. Book an appointment from Gmail
2. Add GIFs and stickers to Google Slides
3. Google Classroom analytics
4. YouTube for Education is broken
5. New ratings smartchip for Google Sheets
6. Is this image real?
7. Pocket Chrome extension
8. Langage is the new paintbrush
9. Create your personal AI teacher's assistant
10. AI playbook for Google Sheets

Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: http://chrmbook.com/s8e5

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks

VIZOR simplifies the process of asset management, device repairs, and financial reporting from a single system that integrates with the Google Admin console and your student information system. 👉 http://vizor.cloud/cbc

Here are my favorite links for October 2023:

1. Google Champions Symposium recap
2. "Plus" Chromebooks for teachers?
3. So long, Jamboard
4. "Activity" panel for Google Drive
5. Building blocks on top in Docs
6. Improved appointment scheduling
7. Schedule a meeting with Gmail
8. Google Slides pumpkin carving
9. Live pointers in Google Slides
10. MagicSchool.ai

Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: http://chrmbook.com/s8e4

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Today Google made a shocking announcement related to Google Jamboard. Listen to learn more and get my reaction to this surprising announcement.

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. Get 20% off your first year when you schedule a no-obligation demo.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!) Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: http://chrmbook.com/s8e2

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks VIZOR simplifies the process of asset management, device repairs, and financial reporting from a single system the integrates with the Google Admin console and your student information system. 👉 http://vizor.cloud/cbc

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

Vizor has added more than 60 new features to help you manage your technology hardware. Learn more and save 20% off your first year by visiting Vizor.cloud/cbc

Here are my favorite links for August 2023:

1. Lock assignment in Google Classroom
2. Access a classroom as a visitor
3. NotebookLM
4. Inside a Geinus Mind (Lenoardo Da Vinci)
5. Is LaCrOS finally ready?
6. Essential student technology skills
7. Selfie card activity
8. Be careful of back to school Chromebook "deals"
9. Alie Keeler's recommend tech tools for 2023
10. Jamboard vs. Figjam

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

The school year has ended which means it's time to collect, repair, and inventory your fleet of devices. Dean Bates and Jef Lalonde from Vizor join me to share best practices for keeping an accurate device inventory.

Learn more about VIZOR for chromebooks: HTTP://vizor.cloud/cbc

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

NEW: watch this episode on YouTube!

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!)

These are my favorite links and updates for May, 2023!

Episode Sponsor: The Google Admin Bootcamp

Join me this summer and master the Google Admin console through a convenient LIVE virtual training. Learn tips and strategies for managing district data and improving security. 

Learn more: GoogleAdminBootcamp.com 

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). These are my top 10 links and updates for April 2023. 

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

If you have been struggling to track and inventory the technology being used in your district, you need VIZOR! To find out more and get up to 20% off go to vizor.cloud/cbc

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Morgan Weisman joins me to review some cool new updates announced at the BETT conference in London in March of 2023. Morgan is the product marketing manager for Google for Education and a former Dallas Texas kindergarten teacher.

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks

Manage your district technology with ease with VIZOR. Save 20% off your first year!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). Here are my favorite links & resources for March 2023.

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Printing from a Chromebook hasn't been easy either. First, there was no printing support, then there was cloud print, then Google took it away....and the story continues. Joining me on the podcast today is Willem Groenwald from Papercut, a leader in print management software.

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

Vizor helps schools and business organize their technology assets (including printers!). Visit vizor.cloud/cbc for a no obligation demo and save 20% off your first year.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

I test and use a LOT of Chrome extensions, but there are only five that I consider essential...

Episode sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. You can schedule a no-obligation demo of VIZOR and receive 20% off your first year!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for February 2023!

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

If you are in charge of managing your Chromebook fleet, you have probably realized that the admin console doesn’t provide all of the features you need to manage, inventory, and organize your devices. That’s why you need Vizor! Vizor fills in the gaps between the admin console, your SIS, and inventory systems, giving you a single location to track devices, repairs, and reports. Schedule a no-obligation demo for Vizor to learn more: Vizor.cloud/CBC

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Last week I was in New Orleans for the 2023 FETC conference, the first big EdTech event of the new year. This is a quick summary of the vibe, my connections, and the vendor experience.

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. You can schedule a no-obligation demo of VIZOR and receive 20% off your first year!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

In this episode you will hear my thoughts and advice on taking (and passing) the level 1 and level 2 Google educator exams in 2023.

I take these exams at least once a year and I'm always happy to share my experience to help you pass these exams.

I know that many of you are instructional coaches who are helping other teachers earn their certification. I hope this episode will provide useful information for you as well.

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. You can schedule a no-obligation demo of VIZOR and receive 20% off your first year!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

These are my favorite links for January 2023.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Episode Sponsor: The Google Certification Academy

Here are my favorite links for December 2022:

1. Code blocks in Google Docs
2. Follow a collaborator in Google Slides
3. How one digital book led to an important COVID-19 discovery
4. Responding to plagiarism
5. Chat GPT
6. I took the ChromeOS administrator exm
7. New course for Chromebook Admins
8. Top Chrome extension of 2022
9. Year in search 2022
10. Lock up the gifts!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Every school has a population of sneaky students who seem to always find a way to bypass district web filters and security settings. Today I'm joined by experienced tech director Eric Griffith to discuss these sneaky tactics and prepare a response.

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for November 2022:

1. Timeline view for Sheets
2. Expiring access for Drive
3. Manage shared drive storage
4. Auto transcription for Google Meet
5. Session Buddy Chrome extension
6. How to handle student discord online
7. Black Friday Chromebook deals
8. How to spot a bad Chromebook deal
9. Gratefulness with Jamboard
10. Give thanks with Slides

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Episode sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

Here are my favorite links for October 2022:

1. Four updates from the Cloud Next conference
2. Deploy Chrome apps by group
3. Certified ChromeOS administrator
4. Editing audio from your Chromebook
5. Easy accent marks (chrome extension)
6. Google Classroom discussion questions
7. Google Trends Halloween predictions
8. Carve a digital pumpkin
9. Halloween Choiceboard
10. Trick-or-treat fitness challenge

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Each year I add a few new tools and strategies to my teaching toolbox to keep my classroom from feeling stale. Here are five things I'm adding to my teaching toolbox for 2022-23.

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

After more than 25 years working in the field of computer science, including working for NASA, Marianne founded Code Girls United, a free after-school coding program for Montana girls.

If you are looking at incorporating computer science into your school curriculum, Marianne is a wealth of knowledge!

Episode sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

These are my favorite links for September, 2022.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As summer winds down, it's time to get ready for the new school year by preparing your Google Classroom courses. In this episode I'm sharing the four-step process that I use to build my courses along with some advanced tips and new features you can use this year.

Episode Sponsor: Classroom Kickstart, a self-paced course to help you maximize your use of Google Classroom this year.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Noah Levin joins me to introduce the education community to Figma, a web-based design tool that works beautifully with Chromebooks.

Episode Sponsor: Teach with Chrome virtual course: chrmbook.com/courses

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!)

Check out these 10 interesting, useful, and fun links for the month of August 2022:

1. Trust rules for Google Drive
2. Google Doc edit notifications
3. Add-ons for Google Classroom
4. Quick actions for Adobe Express
5. 21 typing resources
6. Calendar cleanup
7. Digital pen + eraser
8. Essential technology skills checklist
9. Back to school tech quiz
10. Google Classroom for parents

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

If you are in charge of managing a fleet of Chromebooks, your work starts now, before students and teachers return to the building.

Today on the podcast I would like to share two suggestions to help IT administrators clean up and refresh their Chromebook fleet before students and teachers return to the classroom.

Episode Sponsor: Penoval USI702 digital stylus

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

This episode kicks off my 2022 "toolbox" series of episodes where I will be sharing my favorite classroom tools to help you prepare for the 2022-23 school year. 

The first toolbox episode is all about drawing, sketching, and doodling! More schools are purchasing touch-screen Chromebooks which means you need to know the best apps for taking notes, annotating videos, and being creative. 

Episode sponsor: Penoval, creator of the USI702 digital stylus with built-in eraser.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!)

Check out these 10 interesting, useful, and fun links for the month of July 2022:

1. New font options for Google Forms
2. PIP for Google Meet
3. Google Task updates
4. Request a “transformation report”
5. Kick start coding competition
6. Beta test the latest EDU updates
7. VA district missing 1,800 Chromebooks
8. Summer read: singularity series
9. Barcodes in Google Sheets
10. “Paint Online” Chrome extension

Episode sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Morgan Weisman joins me to debrief Google's 2022 "Anywhere School" product launch event with fresh new updates for Meet, Classroom, Chromebooks and more! Thanks to VIZOR for Chromebooks for sponsoring this episode!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

The end of the school year has arrived! Congratulations on surviving to the end of a challenging year.

Before you lock your classroom door for the last time, there are three things you should do to officially “end” the 2021-22 school year.

Not only will these quick tasks help you put this year behind you, they will also put you in a GREAT position for the 2022-23 school year!

Thanks to VIZOR for Chromebooks for sponsoring this episode!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

If your Chromebook is acting sluggish or not responding at all, it might be time for a powerwash!

I recently had an issue with the camera on my Chromebook so I decided to give it a powerwash.

The ability to quickly reset a Chromebook without losing any information is an underrated feature of Chrome OS.

Episode sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!)

Check out these 10 interesting, useful, and fun links for the month of May 2022.

Episode sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

The last 4-6 weeks of the school year are tough. Everyone is tired and bored with the routine of the first 150+ days of school.

On this episode of the podcast I share five project ideas that you can use, mix, and modify for your classroom to help you finish the year on a positive note.

Episode sponsor: Google Admin Bootcamp

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

I recently helped a school purchase 50 new Chromebooks and had the opportunity to experience zero touch enrollment for the first time.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for April 2022:

1. Google Docs gets emoji
2. LOTS of Google Classroom updates
3. New calendar appointment page
4. Hybrid work updates to Meet
5. Google Educator exam review
6. When will your district run out of free storage?
7. ChromeOS version 100
8. Celebrate with Confetti
9. “Technostress” is real, and it’s increasing
10. Amazing Drone video

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

For more than a year, Taryn Sullivan and her team of developers have been building a new feature for Google Classroom called "Practice Sets." Listen in on our conversation to learn about this upcoming feature for Google Classroom! ----------------------------- Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks:

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools

Here are my favorite links for March 2022:

1. Embed charts from Google Forms
2. Pageless documents
3. ChromeOS Flex (beta)
4. IT Admin Tip: custom admin roles
5. Google Forms phishing scam
6. Scan documents with Google Classroom
7. Screen Pal (video where you type)
8. Grammar practice with Slides
9. 30 ways to use Forms in the Classroom
10. April fools pranks

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Akshat Sharma is the Lead Product Manager for Google Classroom, a product that impacts more than 150 million students and teachers around the globe.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

For more than 2 years, Google has been working on a secret project called "LaCrOS."

What is the new feature and how will it impact ChromeOS?

Additional Resources:

• LaCrOS: new life for expired Chromebooks?
• Official LaCrOS development page
• How to enable LaCrOS (via Chromeunboxed)

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks:

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Vizor asset management connects the Google Admin console with your SIS to give a clear picture of the health of your Chromebook fleet.

Today I am joined by Dean and Jeff, members of the VIZOR education team who are going to explain how Vizor can help organize the pile of Chromebooks sitting in my office!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!). Here are my favorite links for February 2022: * Originality reports for Slides * New Gmail Layout * Doodle for Google is back! * EDUTech Guys at FETC * 21st Century Teacher * The first USI pen for students * Etch-a-sketch with Sheets * Teach your students to file a tax return * 2022 Virtual Valentine Project * Black history lesson plans

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks:

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

I took the L1 and L2 Google Educator exams in early 2022. I knew the exams had changed, but I was surprised by some of the questions I received.

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks:

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for January 2022:

1. What to do when your Chromebook expires
2. Running out of Space?
3. IncludEDU
4. Google Meet + Google Classroom (2022 update)
5. Writing for an authentic audience
6. 40+ utilities in one Chrome Extension
7. Admin tip: assign your licenses!
8. Create a NEW class for the second semester
9. The Mt. Rushmore Assignment
10. Google Certification Academy

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks:

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

There are only a few weeks left in the 2021 holiday shopping season!

If a Chromebook is on the list for someone in your family, I have a few tips and suggestions for you!

• Four things to consider when buying a Chromebook
• Where to find the best Chromebook deals
• Chromebook stocking stuffers

Thanks to VIZOR for sponsoring this episode!

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. You can schedule a no-obligation demo of VIZOR before the end of the year for 20% off your first year.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for December 2021:

1. Smart Chips for Google Sheets
2. Chromebook Camera Improvements
3. Improved photo submissions in Google Classroom
4. Big change to Mote
5. Chromebook holiday deals
6. Holiday book list for teachers
7. Reverse engineering the multiple-choice question
8. Google Certification Academy
9. Hour of Code
10. Holiday fun Choiceboard

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks:

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wrote a list of Chrome extensions that I rely on regularly.

These simple tools help me work efficiently, simplify repetitive tasks, and add some fun to my daily digital routines.

I also asked friends on Twitter and Facebook to share their favorites. While there was some overlap between our lists, I did learn about some NEW extensions that I have included as well.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

It's time to dive into my EdTech toolbox and take inventory of the best web-based resources for social studies teachers!

There are a LOT of tools to consider. To make things a little easier, I'm organizing these resources into three categories:

• Places & faces
• Research
• Instructional tools

Did I miss one of your favorite science tools or resources? Send me a tweet or drop a comment on this post and let me know what I missed!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Google has been trying to "solve" classroom YouTube schools for many years.

In September of 2021, Google announced a new "age-based" policy that once again, impacts how student users interact with Youtube.

Essentially, there are three options:

• Option 1: Block YouTube access for students, but allow teachers to share YouTube videos through Google Classroom.
• Option 2: Allow filtered YouTube access for students (several different filtering levels)
• Option 3: Provide un-restricted access to Youtube for students

Listen in to learn how to configure the policies in the admin console for each of these scenarios!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for November 2021:

1. Audio / Video lock for Google Meet
2. New updates to the @ menu in Docs
3. Better Citations in Google Docs
4. Photoshop on a Chromebook?
5. Easy Student “podcasting”
6. Create your own “new tab” page
7. Funkify
8. Video: Google Sites for Students
9. Jamboard Gratefulness Wall
10. Thanksgiving Booksnaps

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

It's time to dive into my EdTech toolbox and take inventory of the best web-based resources for teaching science!

There are a LOT of tools to consider. To make things a little easier, I'm organizing these resources into three categories:

• Vocabulary tools
• Concept mapping
• Learning resources

Did I miss one of your favorite science tools or resources? Send me a tweet or drop a comment on this post and let me know what I missed!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

My guest on this episode is Brooke Taylor, a middle and high school art teacher in Bridgeport, Illinois.

If you are interested in using ChromeOS for creative projects, I encourage you to listen to the great tips and project ideas Brooke generously shares during our conversation.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

It's time to dive into my EdTech toolbox and take inventory of the best web-based resources for K-5 students!

There are a LOT of tools to consider. To make things a little easier, I'm organizing these resources into three categories:

• Skill-building - tools that will help students develop skills in reading, writing, or math.
• Learning support - resources that will assist students as they are exploring the activities you assign to them.
• Creativity tools - tools that allow students to demonstrate and share learning in unique and personal ways.

Did I miss one of your favorite elementary tools or resources? Send me a tweet or drop a comment on this post and let me know what I missed!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for October 2021:

1. More space for comments in Docs
2. Don’t let students get “kicked out” of Google Classroom
3. New "meeting note" Template
4. Teaching with Google Arts & Culture
5. New Meet settings for Google Classroom
6. Screencastify updates
7. Mock Social Media Templates
8. Frightgeist 2021
9. Digital Pumpkin Carving
10. Halloween Choiceboard

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

My guest today is Peter Horner (@PeterGHorner), IT manager for Barton Peveril College in Hampshire, UK.

Over the past six years, Peter has helped move the college to the Google Cloud and transitioned much of the faculty and student from traditional PCs to Chromebooks.

Today, Peter and his team manage more than 1,500 Chromebooks for the college.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Google Sites is a well-loved tool for creating simple class websites, portfolios, and student projects. 

While Sites is simple to use, it does offer some powerful advanced features you can use to scale Google Sites for your next class project or the creation of class pages for all of the teachers in your building.

Here are four advanced elements of Google Sites that you may have overlooked. 

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Every Wednesday from October - May I am offering a LIVE webinar exploring the latest tips, tools, and trends in classroom technology!

Preparing and researching 30 unique webinars is a LOT of work, so this program isn't free, but it is a good value when compared with attending a conference or full-day workshop.

You can learn more and sign up here: Chrmbook.com/webinar

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Gabriel Brangers (@gabrielbrangers), co-founder of Chrome Unboxed, is an expert in ChromeOS hardware. He has know's everything that's worth knowing about current AND future Chromebooks!

Gabe joins me to explain some of the key things you should consider when buying a personal Chromebook and he shares some helpful tips for district administrators who are looking to make Chromebook purchases this year.

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Artwork

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for September 2021:

1. Improvements to offline access for Drive
2. How do you spend your time?
3. Formula Suggestions in Sheets
4. Educational Duct Tape
5. Don’t be a tabaholic!
6. “Selfie Card” activity
7. Crossword with Sheets
8. 9 Coding Apps
9. Annotate any webpage with Spade
10. Introducing "cursive."

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

The start of the school year means that it is time to create a new Google Classroom for your students!

In this episode, I would like to summarize some of the strategies I have learned and how I am using Google Classroom to connect with my students and organize my lessons.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! 

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

View Details

Enrolling and managing Chromebooks through the Google Admin Console is a lot of work!

Fortunately, there are several outstanding tools that make the job of IT departments MUCH easier.

One of my favorites is Chromebook Getter, an essential tool for enrolling, tracking, and managing a fleet of Chromebooks.

This is my interview with Justin Warsitz, the CMO of AdminRemix.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

A new age-based admin policy takes effect for all Google Workspace for Education domains on September 1, 2021. This new policy has significant implications for Google Search, YouTube, and Chrome.

On this episode of the Chromebook Classroom Podcast, I explain why Google is making this change, how it will impact your users, and what you need to do to prepare.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for August 2021:

1. New Google Meet “App”
2. New Zoom app for Chromebooks
3. Customize your “New Tab Page”
4. Originality reports in Google Slides
5. Make Google Classroom better!
6. Image placeholders in Slides
7. Unique periodic table of elements
8. Student tech skills checklist
9. Google Classroom Quiz
10. Chromebook Quiz

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Get a sneak peek of what you can expect during season 6 of the Chromebook Classroom Podcast!

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for June 2021:

1. NEW online course
2. New age-based admin setting
3. Custom templates for Google Sites
4. Attend a meeting in-person or virtually
5. Android Apps for Windows Laptops
6. Giphy Chrome Extension
7. Chromebook training guide
8. July 17 is World emoji day!
9. Three questions for professional learning
10. A.I. Apocalypse

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

On June 22, 2021, Google hosted a virtual event where they announced updates for Google Classroom, Google Meet, Google Drive, and Chromebooks.

All of these updates will be ready for you and your students this fall when you return to the classroom!

If you missed the anywhere school event, don't worry! I'll break down the entire thing in less than 30 minutes.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for June 2021:

1. Google Admin Bootcamp
2. Classroom Quickview Extension
3. Google Meet looks a little different
4. Google Slides “Theme Builder”
5. New Jamboard Book
6. Introducing Smart Canvas
7. Place text on top of images in Docs
8. Add a checklist in Google Docs
9. Free Google Classroom Course for teachers!
10. The Anywhere School 2021

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

I recently took the Level 1 and Level 2 Google educator exam.

There are some important changes for 2021....in this episode, I break down what's new and share my tips for passing the L1 and L2 tests.

If you want to earn your Google certification this summer, I invite you to join me for the Google Certification Academy! You will work directly with me to prepare for your L1 and L2 exams.

Learn more: HTTP://gEducator.com

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for May 2021:

• Right click in Google Docs to view edit history.
• Google Forms now auto-saves!
• 10 Chromebook using Educators to follow
• College professor sparks heated debate about Google Docs
• Changes to the Level 1 Google Educator exam
• Moving to a new district...take your courses with you!
• Chrome extension manager
• Mathigon
• End of year Google Slides portfolio

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for April 2021:

• Big changes in store for ChromeOS this fall?
• Updated timeline on storage policy changes
• Teach students how to screen record on Chromebooks
• Tammy has a Tab problem
• 5 Drawing apps
• April is national poetry month
• Atlas of art and emotion
• Get Google Certified this summer
• Google Admin Bootcamp
• Visual thinking tool
• Organize your paper with Stack

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

During the "learn with Google" event in February, Google announced three new tiers for Google Workspace for Education:

• Education Standard
• Teaching & Learning upgrade
• Education Plus

In this episode, I want to look at each of these tiers and decide if they provide enough value to justify the cost of upgrading .

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for March 2021:

1. Schedule breakout rooms in advance
2. Version history for Jamboard
3. All the new stuff in ChomeOS Ver. 89
4. NEW screen recording for Chromebooks
5. 30 Ways to use Google Forms in the Classroom
6. 7 tips for teaching with Jamboard
7. Create fill-in spaces with Google Docs
8. Review: One by Wacom
9. Stop stealing dreams
10. Chromebook Prank guide

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Chromebook turns 10! Let's take a look back and a look forward at the impact Chromebooks have had on education and computing.

Episode Links:

• First Look: ChromeOS netbook (this is my blog post from January 2011)
• Original blog post by Sundar Pichai introducing the Chromebook to the world

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Thanks to Wacom for sponsoring this episode. The One by Wacom makes it easy to annotate images, teach a lesson and grade student work. It is also one of the first drawing tablets that works with a Chromebook!

--------------------------------------

Remember the "good old days?"

• Teaching a lesson in front of the whiteboard or overhead projector was common practice.
• Using white-out to create worksheets as an essential skill.
• Everyone graded homework on paper with a red pen.

Things have changed.

Teaching in front of a computer screen can feel a bit rigid and scripted, but it doesn't have to be!

Can your Chromebook replace the whiteboard and the red pen?

Episode links and resources:

• Annotate with Chrome Canvas
• Annotate video with Screencastify
• Teach a lesson with Whiteboard.chat
• Grade with the Google Classroom mobile app
• Find a pen for your Chromebook
• Purchase the One by Wacom (affiliate link)
• Review: One by Wacom

View Details

On February 17, 2021, Google hosted a virtual “learning with Google” event where they announced more than 50 significant updates for Google Classroom, Google Meet, Google Drive, and Chromebooks.

This episode is devoted to review and discussing all of this exciting updates! 

I knew I would need some help to get through all of these updates so I asked my friend Lissa Brunan to join me.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! 

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for February 2021:

1. Learn with Google event (Feb. 17)
2. Custom background for Google Meet
3. Chromebook Screensaver
4. Virtual games from Arts & Culture
5. Learn with Google Event (Feb 17)
6. Google Meet Enhancement Suite
7. Drawing tablet support for Chromebooks!
8. Dino QR codes
9. Improvements to Google Meet & Zoom on Chromebooks
10. Valentine’s day activity ideas

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

My guest today is Duane Habecker, a veteran math teacher and designer of engaging digital math challenges.

Duane is passionate about helping students understand math…not just on a superficial level, but understanding the logic and beauty of the language of numbers.

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for January 2021:

1. Google acquires Cloud Ready software
   • New languages for Live captions
   • New ways to create a Meet session
2. Two updates for Google Meet:
3. Printing from your Chromebook
4. Grading tips from a HS science teacher
5. Doodle for Google is back!
6. Mindset Moment with Andrew J. Canlé
7. Get to know the student behind the mask
8. Jan. 28 is digital privacy day
9. Link Lock
10. Annotate Meet Chrome Extension

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

On March 12, 2020, I was attending a conference when the news broke that the entire state would be under stay-at-home orders for several weeks due to COVID-19.

As someone who is a full time speaker and edTech consultant, this was a terrifying moment as I realized that all of my scheduled school visits and conferences sessions would most certainly be cancelled.

Since that date in March, I began providing virtual PD for schools.

These are some of the lessons I have learned after facilitating more than 150 hours of virtual learning.

District Webinar Subscription Program

To help schools continue to provide helpful virtual PD, I am offering a district webinar subscription program.

For only $25/FTE your teachers can attend a weekly webinar by me between January 12 and May 21.

🔗 Program details: http://SowashVentures.com/subscription

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for December 2020:

1. Google Sites gets custom fonts
2. Google Vault update
3. Cheaters can’t outsmart Google!
4. Improved comment / suggestion modes for Docs
5. Improved “people” directory in the Gmail side panel
6. Computer Science Week
7. Get creative with Chromebooks
8. Five Jamboard templates
9. Funkify
10. Sowash family Christmas tradition

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Google Cloud Print will be shut down at the end of 2020.

If you plan on printing from your Chromebook, you need to find a new solution.

Because students and teachers have been taking Chromebooks home due to COVID, connecting your Chromebook to your home printer is more important than ever.

We'll also discuss managing district printers using the Google Admin Console.

For show notes and resources, head over to http://Chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Chromebook wins, frustrations, and strategies

In November 2020 I was invited to be a panelist on the weekly teacher round table hosted by Tim Cavey of the Teachers on Fire Podcast.

Chromebooks was the topic for the November 14 discussion and I was honored to join four other educators to share our Chromebook wins, frustrations, and strategies.

Become a teacher on fire! 🔥

For more conversations like this, make sure you subscribe to the Teachers on Fire podcast.

During each episode, my good friend Tim Cavey highlights a teacher who is crushing it in the classroom.

Each episode is a dose of inspiration and encouragement to continue changing the world, one student at at time.

SUBSCRIBE to the Teachers on Fire podcast:

• On Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2ozOTRb
• On Google Podcasts: https://goo.gl/iA6swC
• On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2QkF2KW

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

If you or a family member is in the market for a new computer, black Friday is a great time to make a purchase!

While specific deals will come and go, I’d like to explain how to spot the best holiday deals on Chromebooks.

I’ll also point you to a few specific deals for the 2020 holiday season.

Teacher device recommendation:

• Acer Spin 713 ($549 at BestBuy)
• HP x360 14c ($499 at BestBuy)

Student device recommendation:

• Acer Spin 11 ($250 at BestBuy)
• HP 11a (11A-NB0013DX) ($169 at BestBuy)

Honorable Mention:

• Lenovo Chromebook Duet ($249 at BestBuy)

Stocking stuffers:

• Stylus (USI, EMR, other): $20-50
• Chromecast: $19 at Walmart (Black Friday only)
• Roku: $17 at Walmart (Black Friday only)
• External monitor

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

If you or a family member is in the market for a new computer, black Friday is a great time to make a purchase!

While specific deals will come and go, I’d like to explain how to spot the best holiday deals on Chromebooks.

I’ll also point you to a few specific deals for the 2020 holiday season.

Teacher device recommendation:

• Acer Spin 713 ($549 at BestBuy)
• HP x360 14c ($499 at BestBuy)

Student device recommendation:

• Acer Spin 11 ($250 at BestBuy)
• HP 11a (11A-NB0013DX) ($169 at BestBuy)

Honorable Mention:

• Lenovo Chromebook Duet ($249 at BestBuy)

Stocking stuffers:

• Stylus (USI, EMR, other): $20-50
• Chromecast: $19 at Walmart (Black Friday only)
• Roku: $17 at Walmart (Black Friday only)
• External monitor

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for November 2020:

1. New Quarter, new Class
2. Background replace for Google Meet
3. Let everyone into Google Meet
4. More .new shortcuts!
5. Admin Google Meet setup guide
6. Yi Note Extension
7. Chromebook Black Friday Deals
8. Join me LIVE on Saturday for a Chromebook roundtable
9. Pixel Art Reveal
10. Breakout room slide template

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Should your district upgrade to the enterprise edition of G Suite for Education?

That’s the question I would like to help you answer! 

During this episode we will explore the differences between the free and paid versions of G Suite for Education, look at pricing, and try to decide if upgrading is a good fit for your district.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! 

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for October 2020:

1. Citation for Google Docs
2. Migrate data between Google Domains
3. Introducing Google Workspace
4. Google Meet gets all the things
5. Sweet new virtual whiteboard
6. Virtual parent teacher conferences
7. Why you should read Edgar Allen Poe
8. Need a Halloween costume? Google can help!
9. Halloween Choice Board
10. Virtual Pumpkin Carving with Slides

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

A touchscreen Chromebooks is even better when you add in a digital pen.

Teaching during the COVID pandemic made this abundantly clear to me...sometimes you just need to write with a pen.

Only a handful of Chromebooks come with an included digital pen, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a pen to your Chromebook.

In this episode you'll learn about three types of digital pens and how the Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) is going to make pens even better for Chromebook users.

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for September 2020:

1. Background Blur for Google Meet
2. View everyone in Google Meet
3. New moderator controls for Google Meet
4. Share folders within a Shared Drive
5. Art Zoom Series 2
6. Smithsonian WWII collection
7. Doodle for Google finalist for all 50 states
8. Digital pens are coming to Chromebooks
9. Google is adding screen recording to Chromebooks
10. 5 Ways to get MORE value out of Google Classroom

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Each summer I spend time reviewing the tools that I use in my classroom and that I recommend to teachers like you.

Today I'd like to share my favorite apps, add-ons, and extensions for the ELA classroom.

This collection of tools will help your students become better readers and writers and will also help you provide better support and feedback on their written work.

Here's a quick list of the tools I review in this episode:

• Boom Writer (web app)
• Hemingway Editor (web app)
• Cite this for me (Chrome Extension)
• Grammarly (Chrome extension)
• NewsELA (web app)
• Dogo News (web app)
• Google Dictionary (Chrome extension)
• Immersive Reader (Chrome extension)
• Read and Write for Google (Chrome extension)
• Highlight Tool (Add on for Docs)
• Page Marker (Chrome Extension)
• Mote (Chrome Extension)
• e-Comments (Chrome Extension)

Did I leave out your favorite ELA resource? Send me a Tweet (@jrsowash) or leave a comment on the show notes page to let me know!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing my favorite tech gear! 

This is the gear that I use to record this podcast, produce videos for my YouTube channel, and the gear that I travel with when I visit schools and speak at conferences. 

Hopefully, you'll discover something that will make your life a bit easier and help you prepare for the challenges of remote and blended learning.

Let's dive in! 

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! 

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for July 2020:

1. Using Graph Paper to teach art & develop math skills
2. Minecraft is coming to Chromebooks
3. Google Confirms new features for Meet
4. Google Certified Coach Program
5. Link to a specific portion of a webpage
6. The Anywhere School 2020
7. The best ELA tools for your classroom
8. Voice-comments to Google Docs and Classroom
9. Archive last year’s Google Classroom courses
10. Google Earth turns 15

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for June 2020:

1. I just took the Level 1 Google Educator Exam
2. Turning paper assignments into digital activities
3. How virtual desks could change the way you work
4. Teach with Tech virtual conference
5. New Book: Control Alt Achieve
6. New Gmail layout options
7. Rejoice! The NEW Google Groups has arrived
8. Shared Drive folder sharing now in beta
9. Manage your calendar in the side panel
10. 5 NEW features for Google Meet (coming soon)

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

There are more than 30 million Chromebooks in use around the world. What happens when these devices break or need to be replaced? Where do Chromebooks go to retire? 

Today I am joined by Garry VonMyhr, the CEO and co-founder of Tech Defenders headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

One of the unique things that Tech Defenders offers is a Chromebook buyback program that can ear your school money for old, retired devices. 

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! 

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for May 2020:

1. Templates for Google Sites
2. New sharing for Google Drive files
3. Google Meet Updates - Gmail Integration
4. 5 extensions for Google Meet
5. Virtual Meeting Whiteboard
6. 25 Novel Hyperdocs
7. 9 ways that Corona will improve education
8. New life for old Chromebooks?
9. Chromebook tips podcast
10. Get Google Certified This Summer

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

For more than a decade Alice Keeler has been sharing innovative ideas for teaching with technology.

After exchanging a string of text messages discussing the impact of the viral epidemic on teachers, students, and school districts, Alice and I decided to record this podcast episode to provide teachers with some encouragement and hope during these challenging times.

Here’s the summary of our conversation: remote teaching is NOT online school.

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! 

You can connect with me, John Sowash on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

View Details

From 2011-2013 I taught online and helped open a fully online school.

It was a really challenging experience.

I learned a LOT during those three years.

Teaching online is very different than teaching in a traditional classroom. Here are five quick tips to help make this transition and smooth as possible. 

1. Embrace routine and repetition
2. Encourage connection and discussion
3. Keep it simple
4. Slow down...the pacing is different
5. LIVE lessons are a waste of time

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review! 

You can connect with me, John Sowash on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my favorite links for April 2020:

1. All of my remote teaching resources
2. Much needed updates to Google Meet
3. Auto translation now available for Android
4. Google Groups is (finally) getting an update
5. It’s now a LOT easier to work with images in Docs
6. New “shortcut” option for Google Drive
7. “Flatten the curve” Scratch coding project
8. Choice boards for at-home learning
9. Audience reactions in Google Meet
10. Free virtual epidemiology course from Johns Hopkins

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

No one predicted a complete shutdown of the entire educational system…but here we are.

As you adjust to the new reality of teaching remotely, here are some tips and tools that can make your life a bit easier.

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

1. Southwest Family Adventure
2. Google is trying to help schools impacted by Coronavirus -
3. Tips for engaging students outside the classroom
4. New video editing tool
5. Ask the Google Assistant to read out loud
6. Register for SheetsCon 2020
7. Women's History Month Resources
8. Class Reading Log Template
9. Awesome Cold War Podcast
10. 10 great Geography Games

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

1. Google adds 2 years of life to Chromebooks & raises license cost
2. Rubrics and originality reports now available to all Google Classroom Users
3. Biography Project Templates
4. 62 new emoji icons are coming to your device
5. Add-ons for Gmail and Calendar
6. Pedometer PD
7. Check this neat biome map
8. They’re filming a movie at my house!
9. Celebrate Black History Month
10. Valentine’s Card Template

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

January 28 is “Data Privacy Day,” an annual event that reminds consumers to review their digital footprints.

I’ve collected 10 different data privacy lessons and classroom activities that you can use to help educate students about data privacy.

Listen in for a quick review of all 10 ideas, or click here to view my blog post with links to everything I discovered.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

When Chromebooks first became a thing back in 2013, the web was very different.

Chrome Apps allowed developers to create an app-like experience for Chromebook users, something websites simply couldn't do at the time.

Seven years later, the web has matured and can do pretty much everything that you would want in an app, without the need to develop an actual application.

In January of 2020 Google Announced the plan to official shutdown Chrome Apps starting in 2021.

Listen to this episode to learn more about the timeline and how this announcement will impact education.

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my top 10 links for January 2020!

1. Explore biomes with this awesome map!
2. My Teacher Can’t Speel
3. Reboot the Noggin Activities
4. The Chromebook Penalty Box
5. 51 Chrome Tips and Tricks
6. GIANT (printable) Chromebook Keyboard
7. Immersive Reader Chrome Extension
8. Art Zoom Video Series
9. New Chromebook from CES in Las Vegas
10. 2020 Doodle for Google Contest

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

I like to tell you a little story about a project that I was working on recently and some new things I discovered about my Chromebook.

As the self-proclaimed "Chromebook guy" I feel very strongly that I should use a Chromebook full-time and work as hard as I can to do everything on a Chromebook.

My "Chromelife" was challenged recently when I purchase a Cricut cutting machine.

Officially, the Cricut is NOT compatible with Chromebooks. It clearly says so on the website. But I decided to ignore the warning and see if I could get it to work anyway!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my top 10 links for December 2019!

1. 1. Create your own maps and stories with Google Earth
   2. Digital Advent Calendar of Computer Games
   3. Christmas math activities to decorate your Classroom
   4. Celebrate computer science week with Grasshopper
   5. Version History in the NEW Google Sites
   6. Review changes to your Google Site before publishing
   7. See Google Drive files when searching from the omnibox
   8. Smart compose for Google Docs (beta)
   9. Fun Holiday features from Google
   10. Reuse Rubrics in Google Classroom

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Today’s question was submitted by Tim Cavey, a grade 8 social studies teacher from Vancouver, British Columbia: "Can a Chromebook record decent video? Should my students use their Chromebooks to record video or are they better off using a phone or iPad?"

Episode Resources:

• 4 apps for capturing video on a Chromebook
• Join the Chromebook cart discussion on Facebook.

Submit your Chromebook Question! Send me your toughest Chromebook question, problem, or challenge! I will do my best to find a solution that will help all Chromebook using teachers.

To submit a question, click here!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my top 10 links for November 2019!

1. Google Extends the End-of-life date for 135 Chromebooks
2. Black Friday Chromebook Deals
3. Audio in Google Slides (finally!)
4. Virtual Desks
5. Tips for using the Google Drive Priority Page
6. A Solution for your YouTube Brand Account?
7. Slip-n-Slide
8. Thankful Thoughts Assignment
9. Don’t Gobble Me (writing Assignment)
10. Guest appearance on the Chrome Unboxed Podcast

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Can you draw with a Chromebook?

Sylvia Duckworth has been involved in education for more than 30 years as a French teacher and technology advocate, and author.

Sylvia is retired from classroom instruction but continues to impact education by sharing her love of sketchnoting with teachers around the world.

Sylvia has published two books on sketchnoting and recently completed her second sketchnoting “world tour” where she shares her passion for visual thinking.

Can you sketchnote on a Chromebook? Let’s ask Sylvia and find out!

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my top 10 links for October 2019!

1. Halloween Hyperdoc
2. 6 Chromebook shortcuts to save time
3. 5 Memories to celebrate Google Classroom's 5th BD
4. Google Slides Journal Template
5. Google Extends the End-of-life date for select Chromebooks
6. Explore the Palace of Versailles
7. Carve-a-pumpkin in Google Slides
8. SAMR Student Choice Matrix
9. Is your Chromebook broken? Try these tricks!
10. Teach with Chrome Webinar: 4 Ideas for any Classroom

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Audio is a HOT new way to share stories and information. Podcasting, voice assistants and audiobooks have become a big part of my life and are projected to become even more dominant in the future.

Jeff Bradbury has been at the forefront of using audio for teaching and learning. In 2011 he created TeacherCast.net which has grown into an enormous resource for helping teachers and tech coaches in the classroom.

Since Jeff is clearly a podcasting legend, I’ve asked him to share some tips on podcasting with a Chromebook.

Episode Resources:

• FREE Podcasting Show Notes
• FREE Podcasting Content Calendar
• FREE Chrome Extensions for Tech Coaches
• www.EducationalPodcasting.com
• www.PodcastingWithStudents.com

For all of the links and resources mentioned in today's episode, visit Chrmbook.com/s4e8

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Today’s question was submitted by Dave Stuart, a social studies teacher from west Michigan: "What's the most efficient way to manage Chromebooks coming in and out of my cart?"

Episode Resources:

• Check out these amazing Chromebook cart photos
• Join the Chromebook cart discussion on Facebook.

Submit your Chromebook Question! Send me your toughest Chromebook question, problem, or challenge! I will do my best to find a solution that will help all Chromebook using teachers.

To submit a question, click here!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my top 10 links for September 2019!

1. Send2Contacts Google Sheet
2. Turn your Google Classroom header into a class project!
3. A Parent’s Guide to Chromebooks
4. Google created a new font to improve reading fluency
5. Google targets higher education with “Assignments”
6. Originality Reports in Google Classroom
7. Create file shortcuts in Google Drive
8. The Chromebook Camera App gets an update!
9. What is machine learning?
10. A Chromebook is better than a Macbook (change my mind)

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Find lesson ideas for your Chromebook classroom by using the Chromebook App Hub!

Anne Nash is a Regional Manager on the Google For Education team and a contributor to the brand new Chromebook app hub.

Anne shares a bit about life as a Google employee, the development of the Chromebook App Hub, and her favorite Chromebook tips and productivity secrets.

Episode resources:

• Introducing the App Hub
• Visit the Chromebook App Hub
• Find an app for your Chromebook Classroom
• Submit a lesson idea to the App Hub

For all of the links and resources mentioned in today's episode, visit Chrmbook.com/s4e5

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

My Chromebook helps me be productive and give me access to everything that I need as an educator. Here are 5 Chromebook productivity tips to help you in the classroom.

1. Pin your tabs
2. Group your tabs
3. Use the window switcher key
4. Review your settings
5. Install these extensions:
   • Share to Classroom
   • Emoji Keyboard by Joypixels
   • Bitmoji
   • Screencastify
   • TWurl shortener

*BONUS TIP*: Connect your Android phone to your Chromebooks

If you have a personal Chromebook and an Android phone, you can connect them together to do some pretty awesome things!

For all of the links and resources mentioned in today's episode, visit Chrmbook.com/s4e1

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Today’s question was submitted by Kelly Croy, director of innovation and instruction and the host of the Wired Educator podcast: Can you work offline on a Chromebook?

Episode Resources:

• Tips for working offline
• Google Docs offline (Chrome Extension)
• Offline Chrome Apps & Extensions
• Enabling offline access for Drive (help article)
• History of the Dino game

Submit your Chromebook Question! Send me your toughest Chromebook question, problem, or challenge! I will do my best to find a solution that will help all Chromebook using teachers.

To submit a question, click here!

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my top 10 links for August 2019!

1. Explore art using Augmented Reality (AR)
2. Meet the 2019 Google Science Fair Winners!
3. 10 Ways to use Emoji in the Classroom
4. Technology integration is a major stress factor for college professors
5. Thoughts on the Google Classroom Gradebook
6. Rubric Repair
7. Chromebook Getter Add-on
8. LearnZillion
9. Chromebook Quiz
10. 8 new Google features for the new school year

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

Stephanie Howell is the middle school instructional technology coordinator for Pickerington Schools in central Ohio with several years of experience teaching special education.

I stumbled on one of Stephanie’s Google form activities while doing some research for a blog post I was writing. Her name and lessons keep popping up on social media and at conferences that I attend. I am excited to chat with her and give her a platform to share some of her awesome ideas to help you kick off the school year.

It’s time to go back to school with Stephanie Howell!

For all of the links and resources mentioned in today's episode, visit Chrmbook.com/s4e1

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

View Details

This short episode is a preview of what you can expect during season 4 of The Chromebook Classroom podcast!

Season 4 begins on August 1st! This year my goal is to post weekly episodes in four different formats:

• Long-form interviews with teachers and educational leaders who are doing awesome things with Chromebooks.
• 10 Links you should click on - a monthly episode where I share resources that caught my attention and are worth your time.
• Chromebook Q&A - During season 4 I will be accepting and answering YOUR Chromebook questions!
• Tips & Resources for your Chromebook Classroom - once a month I'll share a new idea, strategy, or resource to help you teach with Chrome

There are four ways you can support this podcast:

• Subscribe and rate the show!
• Podcasting is very much a word of mouth medium; share the show with the teachers at your school.
• Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter to continue the conversation
• Consider taking advantage of my paid products - books, online courses, and on-site workshops.

Thank you for being my Chromie homie! Look for episode 1 of season 4 on August 1!

Thanks for listening to The Chromebook Classroom Podcast. Get all of the resources mentioned in this episode by visiting Chrmbook.com/podcast.

You can connect me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

View Details

The school year is officially done. We did it! Nice job.

The next school year is still a ways away; no need to think about it…not yet anyway!

July is a month to chill, relax, reflect, and recharge! ⛱🍹

The end of the school year also concludes season 3 of the Chromebook Classroom podcast!

But don’t worry, season 4 will start in August!

Rather than bombard you with new ideas for your classroom, I thought I would introduce myself.

I’m the guy behind the microphone!

Here are 10 quick facts about my life that will explain my perspective on education, business, and life!

The show notes for this episode are pretty awesome. You'll get to see 10 photos of my life, including some really old ones! 😂

Show Notes: chrmbook.com/s3e13

View Details

Google has been trying to combine the ChromeOS and Android ecosystems since 2016.

Is this the future of Chromebooks or a bad idea?

While I am a HUGE proponent of Chromebooks, I have been very sluggish to recommend running Android apps on a Chromebook.

Here to change my mind about Android apps on Chromebooks is Tom Mullaney, Digital Learning Coach at Carroll Middle School in Raleigh, NC.

I have been following Tom on Twitter for some time and have seen him putting out a lot of content on his blog and Twitter on how he is using Android apps on his Chromebook.

This should be a solid conversation!

Show notes and links: chrmbook.com/podcast

View Details

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that’s you!).

Here are my top 10 links for June 2019!

• How to insert audio clips into Google slides
• 2019 miGoogle conference
• Summer learning ideas from Steve Wick
• A closer look at "Virtual Desks" for ChromeOS
• "Confidential Mode" in Gmail launches June 25
• Update all of your linked resources with a single click
• Updates to the Google Science Journal App
• Universal Chromebook Stylus?
• "Weird Cuts" AR art projectArt & Music Teachers check out "Createability"

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com

View Details

My guest is Dave Stuart Jr., high school social studies teacher, author, blogger, and father of 4 from Cedar Springs, Michigan.

I sat down with Dave to talk about how he uses Chromebooks to teach social studies, but our conversation quickly grew into a broader conversation about how technology is changing learning and our responsibility as teachers to respond and adjust to these new challenges.

Dave is a deep thinker who truly wants to help students learn and help teachers achieve satisfaction in all consuming profession.

Dave has summarized some key principles he uses in his classroom in his new book, These Six Things: How to focus your teaching on what matters.

Show notes and links: chrmbook.com/podcast

View Details

Are you sick of lugging around paper assignments for grading? I may have a solution for you!

Like all English teachers, Jennifer Kipfmiller is faced with the difficult task of grading hundreds of student essays and written assignments. While many ELA teachers are comfortable using technology to assign and receive student work, the grading process usually takes place on paper with a red pen.

Jennifer and the English department at John Glenn high school set out to figure out a way they could provide hand-written feedback to their students electronically.

The solution involves a special Chromebook and the Android version of Google Classroom. Listen in for the full story!

Show notes and links: chrmbook.com/podcast

View Details

As the school year winds down, it's time to start thinking about closing out the year and preparing for next year.

In addition to cleaning out your physical classroom, It’s a good idea to organize your digital classroom.

I have selected five quick tips to help you start your digital spring cleaning.

If you want to get serious about organizing your digital life, sign up for my FREE, self-paced online course.

For show notes and resources visit Chrmbook.com/podcast

View Details

Every six weeks or so Google releases a new version of ChromeOS, the operating system that runs your Chromebook.

Many of these updates are pretty boring and consist primarily of technical, behind-the-scenes elements that don't have a direct impact on what we do in the classroom.

That's not the case with ChromeOS version 74 which is rolling out to devices this week. There are four updates that have the potential to impact your classroom:

1. External USB camera support
2. Enhanced search in the Chrome app launcher
3. Organize files in the "my files" area of your Chromebook
4. PDF annotation is now built into the browser!

Visit the show notes for this episode for a complete changelog and resources on how to update your devices: http://Chrmbook.com/chromeOS74

View Details

The Google Certified Educator program is a wonderful way to increase your ability to use tools like Drive, Classroom, Forms, and Calendar in the context of the classroom.

My guest is Lissa Brunan, middle school teacher, adjunct professor, and technology trainer.

Lissa and I recently took the level 1 and level 2 exams. During this episode, we share our experience, talk about the types of questions we received, and provide practical tips so that YOU can pass your certification test as well!

If you are interested in becoming a Google Certified Educator, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

For show notes and links visit https://www.chrmbook.com/s3e9/

View Details

Danielle Kline has been teaching high school math at Cardinal Mooney Catholic School for five years. Danielle has embraced technology in her classroom, taking advantage of tools like Google Hangouts, Pear Deck, Google Classroom and Forms to teach algebra in a blended learning environment.

Math + Technology is hard (but it can be done!) I have had many conversations with math teachers regarding the integration of technology in the classroom. While I think technology CAN be used in mathematics courses, I pose the question to Danielle to get her perspective.

Danielle has had success using Kahoot, Google Classroom, and Forms with her students. The secret is taking screenshots of graphs and equations rather than having students actually type or draw out the solution to the equation.

Danielle also shares how she grades student work through a combination of digital and paper-based assignments.

If you teach math (or support math teachers), this is an episode that will provide a TON of value and ideas.

For show notes and links visit https://www.chrmbook.com/s3e8/

View Details

Google has been hard at work improving and refining the accessibility features of ChromeOS. In this episode, we take a look at these features and how we can use them to support the needs of our students.

I am joined by Robin Pegg an expert in the field of adaptive and assistive technology who has worked with teachers and students for more than 20 years.

Together we explore and share ways that you can use the accessibility features of your Chromebooks to remove barriers to learning.

For show notes and links visit https://www.chrmbook.com/s3e7/ ‎Edit

View Details

The internet can be a distracting place...

Recently, a teacher approached Laura Cahill looking for a way to help her students stay focused when working through digital assignments.

Laura had just been granted early access to Google’s new Locked Quiz feature for Google Forms and she decided to see if this feature could be repurposed for a lesson.

Episode Resources:

• Locked quiz mode: http://tinyurl.com/yb67f7fu
• John's Google Forms course: http://chrm.tech/forms
• Locked lesson example: http://tinyurl.com/y2n25edm
• Laura's blog post on locked lessons: http://tinyurl.com/y5ulrdd4

View Details

Is a Chromebook tablet a good idea? That’s the question that we will attempt to answer on this episode of the Chromebook Classroom podcast!

My guest is Marcus Mead, director of instructional technology for Glen Lake Schools in northern Michigan. Marcus oversee the Chromebook program in Glen Lake which recently added Acer Chrome Tablets to its existing collection of Chromebooks.

For show notes and links, visit chrmbook.com/podcast

View Details

Google Forms might be my favorite member of the Google family.

• As a teacher I use forms for quizzes, group projects and school fundraisers.
• As a principal I use forms for staff surveys, course selections, and quarterly grade reports.
• As a small business owner I use forms to set follow up reminders, send out invoices, PD certificates, and organize events.

In this episode I am sharing five ways that you can design better Google Forms!

1. Use validation to collect better data
2. Make your forms look pretty
3. Automate with Add-ons
4. Filter, Sort, and Pivot your data
5. Auto-grade and lock your quizzes

Are you ready to become a Form Fanatic? Each spring I teach a 5 week Google Forms masterclass through Google Classroom. This course is for anyone who is familiar with forms and is ready to become a form master!

Last spring I offered this course for the first time and the feedback was outstanding:

"I was a casual user of Forms, but I was not using the data that I had collected to it's full potential. Now I am writing better Forms so my data is of higher quality and I am better able to analyze the results so I'm making decisions based on data...not just giving surveys." - Laura Foreback, middle school teacher

This course is perfect for classroom teachers, tech coaches, and school administrators!

Head over to chrm.tech/forms for details!

View Details

Audio projects aren’t as common as image or video projects, but that doesn’t mean that audio isn’t a great option! Because they lack a visual element, audio projects are easier to create and require more attention to the core content of the assignment.

Engaging audio requires creative writing and planning, making audio projects a great option for writing focused classrooms.

This episode features classroom ideas and tools for recording, editing, and publishing audio projects in your classroom. 

Featured Tools: 

• AudioRecorder (Chrome App)
• Padlet
• Twisted Wave
• Booktrack Classroom
• Soundtrap
• Anchor.fm
• Headliner.app

For more tips and lesson ideas for Chromebook Classrooms visit chrmbook.com. 

View Details

Over the past 50 years, Bob Gregory has been a school teacher, a church pastor, a school principal and an education resource supplier in Australia and around the South Pacific region. He officially retired in 2015 and in 2016 became the education manager for Transform Cambodia, an NGO dedicated to helping the children of Cambodia escape poverty.

In this episode you'll hear how Chromebooks are being used to give hope to more than 3,000 Children in Cambodia. 

For show notes and links, visit chrmbook.com/podcast

View Details

Google Forms gets "Locked mode" and it's an exclusive Chromebook feature!

Locked quiz mode prevents students from accessing opening new tabs or accessing unauthorized digital content.

In this mini-episode I break down everything you need to know about locked quizzes!

For more details on this new feature, including a video overview, visit http://chrm.tech/lockedquiz

Note: As of December 6, 2018 the locked quiz feature is only available to a small number beta testers. I anticipate that locked quizzes will become available to all G Suite for Education users in January 2019.

View Details

Are Chromebooks good for more than math games and web research?   This is one of the topics that I discuss with Andy Losik, elementary STEM teacher, during this episode of the Chromebook Classroom Podcast!   Andy Losik (@mrlosik) is a PK-5 STEM teacher at Hamilton Schools in west Michigan. Andy has a rich background as a classroom teacher and technology expert. He is an Apple Distinguished educator, Google Certified innovator and Discover Education Programs Champion, and helpful guy.   Show notes: Chrmbook.com/podcast

View Details

With Chromebooks in your classroom, exploring remote and exciting parts of the world has never been easier!

Joining me on this episode of the podcast are Kim Randall and Kelly Kermode, two wonderful and well traveled educators, and authors of Bring the World to your Classroom.

Visit chrmbook.com/podcast for links, resources, and tools mentioned in this episode of the Chromebook Classroom Podcast.

View Details

How do you make math interesting for a middle school student?

Eric Marcos has been helping students create instructional math videos since 2007. These amazing (and entertaining) videos have been watched by more than 1.6 million students and teachers from around the world.

Eric teaches in Santa Monica, California and also runs mathtrain.tv where you can find all of his videos.

Visit chrmbook.com/podcast for links, resources, and tools mentioned in this episode of the Chromebook Classroom Podcast.

View Details

How do you help teachers develop new skills and grow as professionals?

Andrea Derrick has developed an impressive digital learning program to encourage the staff in her district to develop new skills. This comprehensive, detailed program helps teachers regardless of whether they are just starting to use technology in the classroom or are an advanced user.

View Details

Chromebook web filtering is should mean more than just blocking bad websites. Bharath Madhusudan, co-founder of the web filtering company Securly, shares how his company is working to keep kids safe on the web by using machine learning and natural language processing to prevent cyber bullying and self-harm.

Visit chrmbook.com/podcast for information on Securely's free Chromebook filtering tools. 

View Details

How do you teach world language in the age of Google Translate? Bethany Thompson (@bthompsonEDU) began teaching French 19 years ago. She has personally observed the impact that technology has had on the classroom. These challenges and opportunities aren’t unique to world language, however. They also impact math and many other subject area. This conversation is filled with practical ideas for embracing change and challenge students to be critical thinkers.

When you listen to my conversation with Bethany, I think you will be impressed by some of the creative, non-traditional ways she is using common tools like Google Docs, Presentation, and Google Forms. She isn't using lots of language-specific apps and extensions. Instead, she is applying readily accessble products in some creative ways.

Visit chrmbook.com/podcast to download a copy of Bethany's accent shortcut cheat-sheet  for Chromebooks!