Every technology company has its own branded vocabulary for the products and services it offers. Google is no exception. Most of us are familiar with Google Apps like Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms. These tools help us be productive on the Web without having to buy and install software. Many of us are less familiar with Chrome Apps and Extensions and are confused about what they are and how they work.
Chrome Apps are simply applications that can run inside the Chrome browser--think of them as shortcuts to Web sites that easily integrate with Google (i.e. you can use your Google username and password to sign-up and log-in to the service). Some of my favorite Chrome Apps include WeVideo, PowToon, Canva, Seesaw, and EDpuzzle. Each of these apps is available in the Chrome Web Store and puts content creation in the hands of students. If you are reading this blog on your laptop, look at the top left corner of your browser on the bookmarks bar. You should see a colorful "waffle" icon. If you click it, you will see what Chrome Apps you have installed on your account. (If you are on a Chromebook, the apps launcher is on the bottom left of the "Shelf" and looks like an open circle).
Check out the video below for a brief tour of the Chrome Web Store. In the coming weeks, I'll be taking a deeper dive into some of the aforementioned Apps and Extensions to help you and your students get the most out of the Chrome browser. Note: At the elementary level, the district has disabled the students' ability to install apps and extensions. However, we can create a custom page on the Chrome Web Store to make pre-selected Apps and Extensions available. Please contact Barb Ritch or me if you have a request to install an App or Extension.
