Try Chrome for your Classroom

Google's browser, Chrome, recently became the number one most used internet browser in the world - surpassing Internet Explorer.  If you haven't tried out Chrome yet here are some reasons why you just might want to give it a shot:

It's Fast! Chrome is faster when browsing some websites. I have found this to be true when using Google Maps here at school.

Access to Apps! When you use Chrome and log into your Google account you can download apps from the Chrome Store.  Then you can access those apps when you use Chrome.  Many of the apps are free but some are only free to demo - so be sure to read the details about each app.  Some are educational and work great when used with a SMARTboard.

Signing In! If you use Chrome and log into your Google account, everything you bookmark, your settings, and history will be transferred to other computers or devices you use that have Chrome too.  This means, when you log into Google (with your school account) at home, school, or computer lab, Chrome will look the same and have the same bookmarks in all locations.

Omnibox! Chrome was the first browser to implement the Omnibox, which just means the address bar at the top of the browser where you'd normally type your web site addresses is also a search bar now. Just type in whatever you would normally type into a Google search, hit your enter key, and it will take you to the search results! Easy!

Stability! When you open new webpages Chrome will put them into tabs on the top of the page.  Each tab is  separate so that if one site crashes, it shouldn't crash or lock up the computer. Just that one site will crash and can be closed down, leaving the rest of your browsing session running smoothly.

Click here to learn more about Chrome

Have you tried out Google Docs?

If you haven't taken a look at Google Docs, here is a short video introduction to what it's all about.  When you do try it out, use Chrome to minimize any glitches that might otherwise come up when using Internet Explorer.

Google Tools

Welcome to the world of Google!

Google Tools:

Google tools are what we call all the applications (apps)  that Google has created.  The most popular tools are called Google Docs, You Tube, Picasa, Google Earth, and Blogger, but there are many more to check out!

These tools/applications are of high interest to educators because they are exciting for students to use, are a great way to incorporate technology into your classroom, and best of all, are free!

Getting Started:

Before you get started you need to know that everyone that uses Google Apps needs an account with Google. Here at school, teachers should make their own school account.

Visit http://www.google.com/accounts/newaccount

Students already have one set up for them starting in Kindergarten.   

Student usernames are their first initial, middle initial, last name.  @mosineeschools.org

Student passwords are MSD 5-digit id or  M 5-digit id

When using Google in a computer lab setting, it is important for students and staff to log out of Google when done using the computer.  Otherwise others can access your email and documents.