Chromebook Basics. Lesson Planet

Transcription

1 Chromebook Basics

2 Introduction The goal of this course is to help you become more confident with Chromebooks. The guide will also provide application tips to make this technology a useful resource for you. Use this guide to learn about the following topics: What is a Chromebook? Setting up a Chromebook Using the operating system Adding apps: how and why Using the basic productivity software (Google Drive) Printing from Chromebooks Adjusting Chromebook settings Displaying your Chromebook s screen on a projector or TV Apps to try out Take time to try out the content so that you can put what you are learning into practice, and reread whenever necessary. Make sure to take a look at the appendix and the materials tab of the video course for additional supplementary materials to help you make the most of Chromebooks in your classroom. To make the most of this course, you ll need an Internet connection and a Chromebook. i

3 1 What Is a Chromebook? A Chromebook is a laptop computer that uses the Google operating system called Chrome OS. These devices require a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection to the Internet in order to work to their fullest capacity. The Cloud Most of your files will be stored in the cloud, and your ability to interact with these files depends on an Internet connection. The cloud, in this case, means that much of your information is stored on Google s remote computers rather than on the laptop itself. This is a really important point. The Chromebook is most useful when it has an Internet connection. However, it is still pos- 2

4 sible to use it when you are offline. See the chapter titled Offline Apps for more on how to use your Chromebook when an Internet connection is not available. Types of Chromebooks There are several different manufacturers of the Chromebook. Each model has a different set of features and prices vary. This guide will focus on a model that is common in many schools due to its price. Known as the Samsung Chromebook, this model costs just about $250. However, there are some models that can cost up to $1,300. Check out the link in the appendix that lists the different models of Chromebooks available to get a better idea of the range of possibilities. Many districts provide Chromebooks for teachers, but some will need to purchase their own with other funds. Operating System The operating system on a Chromebook the software that runs the computer centers on using the Chrome web browser. If you are already using Chrome to access and view webpages, you will be familiar with the OS right away. Before you can begin using a Chromebook, you will need to set up a free Google account. Follow this link if you don t have a Google account: ce=mail Your school or district may already have one of these set up for you, so check with your IT department if you are unsure. Why Use a Chromebook in the Classroom? A Chromebook is relatively inexpensive compared to other popular technologies such as the ipad and traditional laptops. Chromebooks also have full keyboards, unlike tablets, which only have virtual keyboards. Another thing to consider is battery life. A Chromebook, depending on the model, will get about six hours of use before it needs to charge, which is much better than a traditional laptop. Chromebooks are also very light and quick to turn on it only take a couple of seconds to get started! 3

5 2 The Outside One of the best ways to describe a Chromebook is simple. It has just a few features on the outside to explore. The Back of the Chromebook From Left to Right The Chromebook can be connected to any USB cable and the Samsung model has the fastest USB connection type: USB 3.0. The Chromebook also has a USB 2.0 port just to the right of the USB 3.0 port. Next is an HDMI port, which allows the device to connect to a TV and some projectors and monitors. With this function, you can share your screen with a larger audience, such as your class. The final option on the back is the power port. 4

6 Along the Side Along the side is a place to plug in headphones. You can also insert removable storage. If you ever want or need to copy something onto what is called an SD card, this is where you will need to press. You can also insert removable storage. If you ever want or need to copy something onto what is called an SD card, this is where you will need to press. From the Front Open the lid to take a look at your options. The Chromebook has a full-sized keyboard and a built-in camera at the top. Find the power button on the right. Press it so that you can start using the Chromebook and set up an account. 5

7 3 Setting Up Your Account This chapter will walk you through how to set up a Chromebook from the time you first turn it on. This chapter will be most useful for those of you who have purchased your own Chromebook or if your IT department didn t already set up your Chromebook. Get Started To begin setting up the Chromebook, plug it into the AC adapter and then turn it on by pressing the power button. Connect to Wi-Fi Next, click on the drop-down menu next to Select a Network. Choose your school or district Wi-Fi network or enter your home Wi-Fi network if you are setting it up there. Enter the Wi-Fi password and choose Connect. Notice that the Chromebook first attempts to connect to a network and then displays the name of the network you are connected to along with a lock icon. Within a few seconds, you will see a welcome screen. Make any changes to the language or keyboard layout before moving on. It is likely that you will leave these first two settings as they are. 6

8 If your network doesn t require a password, choose the correct network name and click Connect. The network name will display without a lock icon. Choose Continue and then Accept and Continue on the next page. school or district to log in to your device. It is best to keep your personal and professional information in separate accounts. Once you have your account username and password, sign in. Add a Photo You will be prompted to choose a picture or to take one by clicking the camera icon. Click OK when you are done. Taking a Tour Feel free to take some time for an informative tour, provided on the device, or click the X in the upper-right corner. Sign In to Your Google Account The next screen may surprise you it looks very similar to the Google sign-in page, and it is essentially the same thing. In fact, you must have a Google account to proceed. Congratulations, you have successfully set up your Google account on your Chromebook and are ready for a tour of the Chrome operating system. If you don t have an account already, click on Create a Google Account on the right side of the screen. Signing up for an account is free and takes just a few steps. If you are using a Chromebook that was purchased by your school or district, use the account that is provided by your 7

9 4 Tour of Chrome OS Learn about the basic features of the Chrome operating system. The Chrome OS is the operating system that runs the Chromebook. This chapter will provide a quick tour to help orient you an prepare you for using the Operating System (OS). Chrome Desktop Notice that the desktop looks very similar to other operating systems. It is especially similar to Windows. 8

10 The bottom strip is called the shelf, and has three sections (left to right): Launcher Pinned apps Status area Click once on [the image you chose for your account to] see options to view account information, sign out, view network connection, see if Bluetooth is turned on or off, and so on. Status Take a look at the status area first. In the right corner is the image your chose for your account. Click once on that icon and you will see options to view account information, sign out, view network connection, see if Bluetooth is turned on or off, and so on. Bluetooth is a technology that allows a wireless keyboard, mouse, and speakers to connect to a device. You aren t likely to need this right away, but it is good to know where to find these controls. Below Bluetoooth you will find the volume controls, which can also be accessed on your Chromebook keyboard. Next are 9

11 settings, which will be covered in more depth in the chapter of that name. Below that is the date, a help section, the power off icon, and a lock option, which will keep your work active, but requires anyone with access to the Chromebook to sign in to resume using it. Move on to the other icons in the lowerright corner. Notice the network connection icon, which shows the approximate strength of the connection. Just to the left is the time. Pinned Apps Pinned apps include the shortcuts for the Chrome web browser, Gmail, Google search, Google docs, and YouTube. Take a look at the far left. Click on the launcher. Here you will see a list of all the apps that come with the Chromebook, including the Chrome Web Store, Maps, Drive, Sheets, Slides, and a place where you can download and save your files, in addition to other apps. To remove apps from the shelf, hold down the Alt key on the keyboard, click the app shortcut you want to unpin, and select Unpin. When you unpin an app, you do not delete it. You only remove the shortcut from the Shelf. You can also add a shortcut to the shelf. Open the launcher, find the app you want, hold the Alt key down, click once on the app, and choose Pin to Shelf. There are many apps that come with the Chromebook, but there are many more of these programs in the Chrome Web Store that can be added. Quite a few of them are free. The following chapter will cover the Chrome Web Store and offer some app suggestions. Click once on any of the apps to launch and use them, and click the X in the upperright corner to return to the desktop. 10

12 5 Chrome Web Store Use the Chrome Web Store to find more useful apps to install on your Chromebook. The Chrome Web Store is where you can find additional apps, many of which are free. These apps can help you edit photos, access teaching resources, and much more. About Education Apps Click on the Apps icon in the launcher and choose the Chrome Web Store app. 11

13 Notice that there are many categories here, including Education. Take some time to explore [the Education] area of the Chrome Web Store to find the best options for your classroom. At this time, the Education apps are of mixed quality. Some are published by EdTech companies and focus on your needs as an educator and those of your students, while others might not be a perfect fit for you. Take some time to explore this area of the Chrome Web Store to find the best options for your classroom. Practice with Apps Add an App 1. Search the store for Remind Click on the name of the app and read more about it 3. Install it: in this case, it s free, so click on the blue rectangle and then the word Add 12

14 Notice that this app shows up within the app menu. You can access it there, or hold the Alt key, click, and then choose Pin to Shelf to provide quicker access. Notice that this app shows up within the app menu. You can access it there or hold the Alt key, click, and choose Pin to Shelf to provide quicker access. Go ahead a click on that app and notice that a new Chrome browser window opens and displays that app. Remove an App You can remove an app at any time. 1. Click on the app icon 2. Hold down the Alt key 3. Click on the app 4. Select Remove from Chrome Offline Apps Remember, many of these apps will require that you have an Internet connection to use them, but there are some apps that you can use offline, when you don t have an Internet connection. 13

15 If using apps offline is important to you, choose Offline Apps, located under the Collections menu within the Chrome Web Store. If using apps offline is important to you, choose Offline Apps, located under the Collections menu within the Chrome Web Store. This list provides plenty of options, including Gmail offline, slides, and many more. It is worth noting that offline apps can help make your Chromebook more reliable if your classroom has poor Internet connection. There are lots of apps for both online and offline use to choose from. See the chapter titled App Ideas to explore options. And, take a look at the chapter titled Offline Apps for more information about working with your Chromebook when there isn t an Internet connection. 14

16 6 Google Drive Drive is one of the most useful tools available on your Chromebook. Find out how to access all your files and add Drive to your desktop. At the heart of productivity on the Chromebook is Google Drive, a place where you can create and store word processing files, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, drawings, and more. Adding Drive to Your Desktop One of the first things you can do with your Chromebook is add the Google Drive app icon to the launcher so that you can quickly and easily access all your files. 15

17 Click on the [Drive] icon to see a list of files you have previously created. To do this, hold down the Alt key and click on the Google Drive icon. Select Pin to Shelf. Drive Files Take a moment to click on the icon to see a list of the files you have previously created. If you just created a new account, you won t have any files yet. These files can be opened and worked on. Each new file will be saved to Google s servers automatically. You can access and work on your files through Google Drive on any device. Offline Files All of this assumes that your Chromebook is connected to the Internet. There might be times when you don t have a connection. Fortunately, you can prepare for that possibility. 16

18 If this is your first time opening Google Drive on your Chromebook, you will see a notification toward the top that reads, Google documents, spreadsheets, and presentations are being synced for offline editing. Move files to different folders Delete files Open files not created by a Google app (such as Word files) Other Ways to Access Drive Files Look at the Shelf. You ll notice that the Google Docs app is accessible here. Click on that icon to create a new document. You can also start or access a spreadsheet, presentation, and so on. You can add any of these apps to your Shelf if you find them faster to use. This means that now, while your Chromebook is connected to the Internet, your files created with Google Drive are being copied to your Chromebook. To find out more about using Google Drive, or any of the other apps mentioned in this chapter, take a look at the courses on Google Drive, the Google s Spreadsheet App, Google s Document App, and Google s Presentation App. Once your see the notification stating Offline Sync Complete, you can access your files when you don t have a connection to the Internet. However, there are a few important things to note. For instance, while you can access these files and create new ones, there are several features you can t do when your Chromebook is offline: Share files 17

19 7 Printing The Chromebook printing capabilities are limited to using a wireless connection to a printer. You cannot print by plugging the printer into your Chromebook. Printing from a Chromebook You will need to have one of two things in place before you can print. Another computer using the same Wi-Fi network that is connected to your printer OR A wireless printer Connect to a Wireless Printer The easiest option is to have a wireless printer. 1. First, open a file that you want to print 2. Next, choose File and then Print 3. Locate the word Destination on the left 4. If you don t see the type of printer you have access to, choose Change 5. You will now see a list of available printers; if your wireless printer is turned on and is operating on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromebook, you will see it listed here 6. Click it once and then choose Print 18

20 Sadly, this process is not always that simple; your printing situation may be different. If these steps are not available to you, first check to see if your printer is wireless. This may take a bit of searching on the surface of the printer. Look for the word wireless or an icon like this: browser is installed on the computer connected to the printer. Ask your IT department for help with setting this up. The key in your request is to let them know you want to use Chrome s classic printer setup. You can also follow the link to a step-bystep set of instructions from Google on how to do this. wer/ ?hl=en Still unsure? Check with your school or district IT department for help. Print with a Classic Printer If you don t have access to a wireless printer, there is another way to print from your Chromebook: have another computer (laptop or desktop) physically connected to the printer in your room. Google calls this arrangement a classic printer and it requires that the Chrome web 19

21 8 Chromebook Settings Customize your Chromebook on several different levels through the Settings menu. There may come a time when you want to further customize your Chromebook experience and need to adjust some settings. Adjusting settings allows you to change the wallpaper on your screen, enable accessibility features, and alter who has access to your Chromebook. 20

22 There are many settings that you can change, but this chapter will focus on the basics. Also, keep in mind that your IT department may have its own settings in place that preclude you from accessing what is presented in this chapter. Your Settings There are a couple of different ways to access the Settings. Start out by clicking on your icon in the lower-right corner. Basic Changes Locate the word Settings and a page will appear with several options, including the ability to connect to a different Wi-Fi network, change the wallpaper, adjust the touchpad and keyboard settings, and more. Change the Search Engine and Manage Users Below that are the options to change the default search engine and manage users. Using the manage users feature means that you can turn off guest browsing, show the usernames in photos on the sign-in screen, and restrict sign-in to certain users. Guest browsing allows anyone to access the Chromebook without using a password. They will only have access to the Chrome browser. Any files downloaded, created, or bookmarked by the guest will be automatically deleted when they log out. If you go to the Manage other users menu you can restrict who you want to allow access to by clicking and typing in Google account names (Gmail addresses). Advanced Settings Return to the Settings menu and click on Show advanced settings. Review additional customizations you can make, such as timezone changes, privacy settings, and Bluetooth settings. Bluetooth can be a useful tool if you have a wireless keyboard, wireless headphones, or wireless speakers that you want to use with your Chromebook. This isn t likely something you ll use when you are starting out. It will reduce battery life when enabled, so you may wish to leave if off for now. Scroll through the other options here to become familiar with the changes you can make as your needs change over time. 21

23 Accessibility Options There are several options in this area that can be adjusted to help meet the needs of the students in your classroom. [Accessibility] options include making the cursor larger, changing the contrast, and other modifications. These options include making the cursor larger, changing the contrast, and other modifications. Think about making the cursor larger if you share what is on your screen with the rest of the class by using Chromecast. Resetting There are a few more settings below Accessibility, such as setting your Chromebook back to its factory settings and resetting your browser. Check with your IT department before using those two settings. 22

24 9 Chromecast Display your Chromebook screen on a TV or projector screen with a Chromecast. Chromecast is a device that takes what you see on your Chromebook and wirelessly displays it on a TV. It can also be used with new models of LCD projectors. The Chromecast device is a separate purchase of about $35 and it comes with the Chromecast unit and a power adapter. 23

25 The Chromecast and your Chromebook need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network in order to work together. The instructions in this guide assume a newer TV with an HDMI port; however, you can also use an LCD projector as long as it supports HDMI. The Chromecast and your Chromebook need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network in order to work together. Setting Up Your Chromecast 1. An HDMI port looks like this. Plug the Chromecast into the TV and power on your TV 2. For those of you using a projector, if you have a USB port, but not an HDMI port, you can plug your Chromecast into the USB port with the cables provided 3. At this point, you will see the Chromecast home screen on your TV or projector 4. On your Chromebook, visit google.com/chromecast/setup 5. Click Add Google Cast Extension and choose Add; the setup will automatically start on your Chromebook 6. Notice the Chromebook app searching for a Chromecast; click Set Up when that button appears blue 24

26 Next, the Chromecast app will provide a set of numbers or letters on the TV or projector; on your Chromebook, click Accept if those letters and/or numbers match 7. Next, the Chromecast app will provide a set of numbers or letters on the TV or projector; on your Chromebook, click Accept if those letters and/or numbers match Congratulations you should now see the Chromebook screen on your TV or projector. Chromecast Settings There are a few settings you should know about on your Chromebook that can help display exactly what you want others to see. Locate the Cast icon in the upper-right corner and click on it. Notice that you have several options for display. Cast this tab Cast this tab (optimize for audio) Cast entire screen 25

27 Connection Issues If your Chromecast doesn t show in the upper-right corner automatically, follow these steps: 1. Click Options 2. Select Add Chromecast 3. Choose Set Up 4. Click Continue 5. Choose your country name 6. Click Continue one last time Once you ve completed these steps, your Chromebook will search for your Chromecast. Confirm that the code that shows on your TV or projector is the same as on your computer screen and choose Accept. Add information such as your Wi-Fi network name and password as needed. Your screen will show that your Chromecast is connected. If there is a software update for your Chromecast, you will see a message on the screen indicating the percentage of the update that has been downloaded. Sharing Your Screen The next step is to share your screen. Click once on the Cast icon, then choose the small square in the upper-right corner and click Cast entire screen if you want to show the shelf and all other items on your screen exactly as they appear on your Chromebook. Choose Cast this tab (optimize for audio) if you plan to show a movie with audio through your Chromebook. Note that the mouse may appear to lag on your TV or projector if your Wi-Fi connection is weak. Now you are ready to share your Chromebook s display wirelessly. Explore how to connect your Chromebook to a TV or projector with a cable in the next chapter. After setup is complete, you will see a congratulatory message on your Chromebook. Choose OK. 26

28 10 Using an HDMI Cable You can show your Chromebook display on a newer TV or projector by using a cable. You ll need an HDMI cable, which does not come with the Chromebook. You must purchase it separately. Your IT department can help you get one, or you can buy one yourself online (usually under $10) or at an electronics store. Your Chromebook will automatically appear on the TV or projector. If for some reason it doesn t, use the controls for the TV or projector to select a different input. HDMI will not only allow you to display your Chromebook s screen, but the audio from your Chromebook will be audible through your TV or projector as well. To get started, locate the HDMI port on the back of your Chromebook and connect one end of the HDMI cable to it. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the back of your TV or projector. 27

29 11 App Ideas These are just a few resources of thousands of possible apps you could use. The apps featured in this chapter are a sample of what you might use, and all of them are free. Evernote Keep track of your notes, images, and other information with this app. Check out the Lesson Planet course on Evernote to learn more about this great resource. PicMonkey This app allows you to edit images. If you are looking for a complex photo editor like PRG photo shop, then this app isn t the choice for you. However, it is a great option if you want something basic. Edmodo This free app is a social learning network. Post assignments, foster conversation, put up short polls, and more. 28

30 Haiku Deck Try out Haiku Deck to add compelling presentations to your practice. See the Lesson Planet EdTech Tuesday review of this app by following the link in the appendix or materials tab of the video course. You can find out more about this great tool for small group and 1:1 instruction by watching the EdTech Tuesday review of the app. Storybird A story authoring tool, this app provides beautiful images that are very inspiring. NearPod This app allows the presentation you show on your Chromebook to display on each of the other computers, tablets, or smartphones in your classroom. TechSmith Snagit Record what s happening on your screen as a movie. This would be great for recording how to do something, such as solving a math problem or conjugating a verb. Google Tasks Offline Keep track of all the tasks you need to do in a day with just one app. Dropbox You can store files and collaborate with Dropbox. Use it as a backup drive and access your files from any browser. 29

31 Remind 101 Keep the parents of your students in the loop with texts to their phones, all while keeping your cell number hidden. Watch the EdTech Tuesday review of Remind 101 for more information. search through the Chrome App Store and find even more tools to enhance your curriculum. See the list of these 12 apps in the appendix and video course materials for easy reference. Realtime Whiteboard Use this virtual whiteboard as a way to preserve your presentation of ideas and demonstrations. Gliffy Diagrams This app offers a free way to create mind maps, seating charts, Venn diagrams, and more. These 12 free apps can get you started with your Chromebook, but they really only scratch the surface. Take some time to 30

32 12 Offline Apps Access apps, even when you don t have an Internet connection. There might be times when you want to use your Chromebook, but don t have an Internet connection. One of the criticisms of Chromebooks is their need to always have an Internet connection but that isn t quite true. Keep in mind that a Chromebook isn t the same as traditional laptops, which were 31

33 originally designed to store files on them. The Chromebook needs, at some point, to be connected wirelessly in order to do all that you want it to do; but there are ways to accomplish a lot when you don t have a wireless connection. Browse Offline Apps To see exactly what this means, choose the Launcher and select Store. Notice that you can refine your search by using the Offline Apps filter on the left. This is a collection of apps that will allow you to create, and in many cases, edit files when you are offline. The next time your Chromebook has a network connection, the information that was created or changed will be uploaded to the cloud and stored or shared there. app and notice that now, when Wi-Fi is not available, you can still create a new drawing The next time you connect to a Wi-Fi network, that file will be automatically be saved for you. Other apps will do something similar, but they will store your information on their servers instead of Google s servers. Regardless of which offline app you use, the important thing to remember is that anything you create or edit will be saved automatically to the cloud the next time your Chromebook is connected to Wi-Fi. This also means that you can t print or share anything with others until you are back online. Practice with an Offline App 1. Click Google Drawings for more information 2. Notice that there is a lightning bolt icon and the words Runs Offline 3. Choose Free and click on Add to add the app to the Launcher 4. Click once to open this 32

34 13 Implementing the Chromebook When you add Chromebooks to your classroom, you have to think about how you are going to manage the use of the devices. It really comes down to modeling, and training students how to properly care for a Chromebook. The Chromebook is hardware, so it can be damaged without proper care. You ll need to teach your class how to take care of the Chromebooks, use the Chromebooks, and store the Chromebooks at the end of the day. Tips and Tricks for Smoothly Integrating the Chromebook Setup Use a label maker to add identification to your Chromebooks; you can use a color groups or number system (your district may do this for you if they have purchased the devices) Teach the labeling system to your class and ensure that students know how to get the devices from the storage area Have pupils put their backpacks away before bringing out the devices so that there is nothing to trip on while carrying the Chromebooks To keep the devices clean, have students clean their hands before touching Require learners to clear off the work or desk area completely (water bottles under the desk, etc.) so there is space for the Chromebooks and distractions are out of sight Teaching Proper Handling Teach a basic cradle hold; students should have their arms in tight and hold the device against their chest while walking Talk about how fragile the device is, especially since each one costs about $250, 33

35 and practice delicate rather than rough movements Talk about carefully opening the laptops; students should get the screen angled just right and then let go Model what proper handling looks like, and talk about what can happen if students are too rough (show a damaged Chromebook if one is available to you) Keeping It Clean Chromebooks do not have touch screens! However, students will likely still try to touch the screens; you must teach students explicitly not to touch it, especially younger students Clean hands are essential You can buy special cleaning cloths or simply use dish cloths to clean the screen and keyboard; kids might try to use paper, which will damage the screen, so try to have soft cloths easily accessible Talk to your IT department about special cleaning products Student Health Talk about position and posture; students should sit up straight and keep their hands at the proper angle Establish regular brain breaks and eye exercises, even just moving the eyes around the room and standing up for a minute to stretch every 20 minutes can make a huge difference Putting the Chromebooks Away Decide what end-of-class routine works best for your class and practice this routine Students may put the devices back in the storage area and plug them in, or leave them out if another class is coming in immediately to use the Chromebooks Decide what do you need to have them do as far as logging out and charging the devices While all of these steps may sound time consuming and tedious, spending the time to teach your class how to treat the Chromebooks will pay huge dividends throughout the year because expectations will already be set and the routine already established. Routine creates a calm environment. Students will be able to quickly come into the classroom and get started with Chromebooks because they already know the routine. 34

36 Appendix Chapter 1 Chromebook Models vices/chromebooks.html Create Your Google Account ce=mail Chapter 7 Google Cloud Print wer/ ?hl=en Chapter 11 Evernote Course -development/courses/evernote-for-educa tors Haiku Deck EdTech Tuesday Review -development/courses/ed-tech-haiku-deck NearPod EdTech Tuesday Review (Coming soon to Lesson Planet) Remind 101 EdTech Tuesday Review -development/courses/ed-tech-remind-10 1 List of Apps 35

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38 Credits Rich Dixon (author) Director of Professional Learning - Lesson Planet MA- TESOL Multiple Subject Teaching Credential CLAD Certification Jennifer Gibson (author) Director of Content & Learning - Lesson Planet MA- Teaching and Technology Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Adapted to ebook by: Noel Woodward (editor) M. Education Single Subject Teaching Credential Karen Amling (editor) Based on the original EdTech Professional Development video course: 37