Chrome

For my technology exploration, I decided to choose Google Chrome. Princeton Elementary District 115 that I work for replaced two labs this year with Chrome books and has encouraged all the staff to transition from Microsoft Word to Chrome. I have used Drive some this year, but wanted to see what else Chrome has to offer.

I first took a look at the Chrome web store. There are so many apps to choose from as well as varying cost. I concentrated on adding some apps that are free to try with my classes first before investing any money. The two that I thought would be the most beneficial to my classroom were Quizlet and Road to Grammar. I feel like I can use the grammar for my students in English. Anyway that you can enhance grammar learning in a fun way is more productive. Quizlet will be used in any class that I have. Currently, teaching the rotating nine week classes that vary in subject matter or in my literature or english classes Quizlet could be a quick check of understanding as in a review or a more formal evaluation.

I also looked at Drive a bit more closely. I have typed many documents, but I was looking for some other features that I use with Microsoft. I do not see an ability to make labels. I do make a lot of labels for different things at work and at home. I do not like that this feature is unavailable. I really like the fact that all work is automatically saved which is wonderful for students. This year due to some wiring issues at our school, we have had many power glitches, but thankfully with autosave no one has had to re-do any assignments.

I will use this tool in the future as I see my school district going in this direction. I think using the many features in the library would also be beneficial since there are so many useful tools. I feel as if Google keeps adding and changing which is exactly what media centers of the future will do as well.