In my last blog, I mentioned that I would review the various apps and extensions I have used within the Google Chrome platform. The screenshot above was posted to give you an idea of what the home page looks like when you first open Google Chrome. You can see the bookmarked items across the top beneath the address bar. Each app is clearly visible and labeled on the screen. Various extensions that I added can be seen in the upper right corner of the screen. I will briefly describe/detail some of the apps and extensions below:
Google Chrome Store - This will be the only icon on your home page when you first begin. There are limitless apps and extensions available so take your time and find the few that you will use the most as you start your journey.
Evernote - You know the story on this wonderful app. I have Evernote on my iPad2 and Droid X as well. Download this app to your home page and enter in your account information for quick access to your archived web clippings, notes, pictures, audio, etc. The Evernote Web Clipper Extension allows you save things you see on the web to your Evernote account and search through your notes.
Dropbox - How did I survive in the world of educational leadership before Dropbox? This app quickly loads on your home page to provide you with instant access to your online Dropbox account and all the files you have saved in your own personal cloud. Don't forget to download the Easy Drop Extension so you can access your Dropbox files no matter what website you happen to be exploring at the time.
Pearltrees - Do you have so many bookmarked websites that your bookmarks tab or bar is no longer an effective tool to quickly access that website you want to view? Pearltrees offers an innovative way to personalize the bookmarking experience by letting the user organize each website in his or her own unique way. You can view pearltrees created by other users with similar interests to yours and add their pearls to your tree. The Pearltrees Extension allows you to employ the "pearler" on any website in order to add that website to your tree. The possibilities are endless with this application.
Facebook and Twitter - These apps are self-explanatory. Easily connect to your social media accounts and stay connected. There are countless extensions in the Chrome store to explore that correlate with these two social media platforms.
Google Drive - What was commonly know as Google Docs, this file creation and collaboration powerhouse serves a variety needs within the school setting. Add this app to your home page in Chrome and access your files quickly. Don't forget to download the Google Calendar app while you're at it. I sync my Google Calendar and Outlook calendars so I never miss a meeting,workshop, phone call, etc.
Annotary - This toolbar extension allows the user to create a free account at www.annotary.com. Then, your web experience is taken to another level as you bookmark, highlight, and take notes right there on the website. This is a great way to research online and keep your thoughts organized.
My Chrome Theme - Create your personal theme for Google Chrome using this app. Upload a picture to be your background. Customize colors and tabs. Save your theme and add to the plethora of user-created themes available online. A quick note: The picture in the background of my theme (screenshot above) was taken of Man O' War Cay in the Abaco region of the Bahamas.
My advice to the Google Chrome virgin: Get used to the browsing experience first and do not overload on apps and extensions. Refer to what you know best and have the most experience using and go from there. There are definitely many user-friendly and well-designed apps and extensions that can assist the educator with many everyday tasks.
Post your favorites apps and extensions in the comments section of my blog.
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