Google Announces Android Apps for Chromebooks - Very Nice!!

Yesterday, Google Announced the first 4 Android Apps that are available for Chromebooks. This is really nice.

What got me excited was that Evernote was one of the first 4. Evernote is my main work and home tool so this was pretty cool to hear. I installed it on my Chromebook (Acer C720) and loved it - looks and works like the Android app. And the best part: OFFLINE SYNC! That's right, you can sync notebooks offline (premium users - well worth the $45 a year) just like in Android. This has now made my Chromebook the perfect device. Offline Google Apps (Gmail and Docs) and now Offline Evernote. I have no need for a windows laptop, even when I'm out of range of WiFi or 4G. I love it!

And, Google said more and more are coming. This is a great thing that shows that Google just keeps advancing their stuff



Here is the official announcement:  

First set of Android apps coming to a Chromebook near you
Posted: Thursday, September 11, 2014

Chromebooks were designed to keep up with you on the go—they’re thin and light, have long battery lives, resume instantly, and are easy to use. Today, we're making Chromebooks even more mobile by bringing the first set of Android apps to Chrome OS:

Duolingo - a fun and free way to learn a new language before your next trip
Evernote - write, collect and find what matters to you, with a full-size keyboard and touchscreen
Sight Words - a delightful way for you to help improve your child's reading skills
Vine - create short, beautiful, looping videos in a simple and fun way

These first apps are the result of a project called the App Runtime for Chrome (Beta), which we announced earlier this summer at Google I/O. Over the coming months, we’ll be working with a select group of Android developers to add more of your favorite apps so you’ll have a more seamless experience across your Android phone and Chromebook.

In the meantime, please tell us which of your favorite Android apps you’d like to see on your Chromebook.

Posted by Ken Mixter, Software Engineer & Josh Woodward, Product Manager (Android Dreamers)

Chromebox and Chromebase - definite contenders for desktop replacements

I'm currently testing out the LG Chromebase and Asus Chromebox for potential use in our district (and for me at home). So far, I'm very impressed. They setup and work like a Chromebook, have very fast performance but offer the experience of a desktop with large screens and full keyboards and mice. The specs are in the links below.

I'm thinking about the Asus Chromebox as a desktop replacement for student desktops. They already have newer flat screen monitors and keyboards and mice, but older desktops. It's just a matter of swapping out the "box". Since we have over 11,000 Chromebooks being used, this makes sense. It would take a lot of load off of my techs, and provide a great experience for users. 

The libraries, a few computer labs, and desktops in the lower grade classes are the target. 

The Chromebase is a all-in-one monitor/cpu that comes with a keyboard laid out like the Chromebook with the special keys, and a mouse. The Chromebox is just the box, with a mounting bracket. It also has a notebook lock slot to help prevent "walking".

I'm using both as my main computer and it's great - performance and experience of a desktop, with the speed and ease of a Chromebook.







 LG Chromebase: http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromebooks.html#lg-chromebase
~$349


Asus Chromebox: http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromebooks.html#asus-chromebox
$179


Google for Education Resources

Geddit - web based student response system

 

Geddit is a free, web based student response system, available on any device, that allows teachers to quickly gauge student understanding. Students use the app and indicate their level of understanding on a 1-5 scale. This formative assessment lets teachers know if they can move on or not. Feedback is private and real time. You can also use multiple choice and short answer assessments.

There is a Chrome app also for Chromebooks, as well as it being web-based.

It was designed, and used, by a teacher and it is easy to sign up and use. You create an account with Geddit and your students create an account with Geddit. They can use their Google account, which makes it easy for GAFE schools. Then the teacher shares the class code with them and off you go.

The site has great getting started and help resources too, including classroom posters to help your students. 

Google+ Cheat Sheet - shortcuts and tips

Google+ is Google's social network. I use it to connect to other educators, IT directors, EdTech personnel, tech companies and edtech groups. It's easy to use and has more features than other social networks.

Here is a great cheat sheet with shortcuts and tips for using Google+. Take a look and try some out.

Related:

Google Plus - tips for using in education, facts and data infographic

Google+ - More Reasons its great for Education

Google+ and Google+ Pages - great for educators and schools

10 Ways to Use Google Plus in the Classroom

Teaching with Google Plus - tips and resources

Twitter, Google Plus, Facebook - a nice comparison

Google Plus now open to Teens, with safety features

Infographic with Google Search Tips

Google is a very powerful search engine, but the way you search makes a huge difference in your results. The infographic below has some great tips on becoming a Google Search Power User. Check it out and share with your students.

Google for Education Resources: http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/p/google-for-educators_22.html 

Google Announces some great new features for Apps!

Google just announced some great new features for Google Apps that make it even more useful and powerful. Schools, like ours, that use Google Apps for Education will be very pleased with these updates and new features.

Google Apps Admins can now restore a user's Google Drive files from the past 25 days. This is great for one someone deletes a file by mistake. https://support.google.com/a/answer/6052340

Google Drive: huge changes here.

• Document and image viewing is improved
• there are now dedicated desktop home pages for Docs, Sheets and Slides for easier access
• you can now edit (and save as) Word, Excel and PowerPoint files in Docs, Sheets and Slides on both Chrome and Chrome OS (Chromebooks). This is really great for schools that still have Office files they need to access (like us). https://support.google.com/docs/answer/6049100
• Google Docs, Sheets and Slides mobile apps for Android and iOS now include Word, Excel and PowerPoint editing. 
• Google Drive app is now more powerful, faster, and redesigned.

 These are some great features that make Google Apps even more powerful, useful, and easy to use.

For more info:
http://whatsnew.googleapps.com/ (click on Wednesday, June 25th)

Google announces Google Educator Groups - great resource for educators

Yesterday Google announced the launch of Google Educators Groups. This is a program made up of communities of educators who can connect with each other to learn, share, and help each other. While it is mainly online, there are real-world meetups and events as well.

This is a great resource for educators. See below for more information and to sign up for a group or even create your own (I signed up for the NYC one as there isn't one in Connecticut, YET).

Google for Education

Today we are pleased to announce the launch of Google Educator Groups (GEG), a program supporting communities of educators who learn, share, and inspire each other to meet the needs of their students through technology solutions, both in the classroom and beyond. GEG empowers educators around the world to expand their social and professional networks, and gain skills to deliver the best possible education through open technology.

GEG takes place both online and offline, and provides a space for educators to build relationships, collaborate, and learn through Google+ communities and hangouts or in-person events and workshops. Whether you’re a teacher, professor, or principal, anyone is welcome to join GEG to learn. Each group is organized by a local volunteer (GEG leader) and is entirely independent from Google.

Interested in joining a GEG or starting a new one? Check out the website at www.google.com/landing/geg to learn more, spread the word, and get involved. See you in GEG!

Related:
Google for Education Resources