How to Log into Chrome Browser

Logging into Chrome Browser is very helpful when working with sites that support Google Login.  If you are logged in to your Chrome Browser, when you visit a site that supports Google Login you will click the Google Sign-in button the first time and then be automatically signed in on your return visit.  Signing into your browser also helps sync your bookmarks across devices, which is really helpful when you work across two or more devices.  Here are the steps to follow....

For a desktop / laptop...

1. Open Chrome Browser.
2. Click on the 'People' button (to the left of the three dots).
3. Click 'Sign in to Chrome.'
4. Enter your username and password.  
5. Then, sign in.  Once you have done this, it will save your information for you.  You will not have to sign in each time you open the browser.  (If your organization has strict password requirements, you may need to periodically enter your password to verify that you are who you say you are).  
6. If you are using multiple devices and want to synce your bookmarks - make sure that you select 'turn sync on.'

For an iPad...

1. Open Chrome Browser.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner.
3. Click 'Settings.'
4. Enter your username and password.  
5. Then, sign in.  Once you have done this, it will save your information for you.  You will not have to sign in each time you open the browser.  (If your organization has strict password requirements, you may need to periodically enter your password to verify that you are who you say you are).  
6. If you are using multiple devices and want to synce your bookmarks - make sure that you select 'turn sync on.'

It's a good idea to be aware of what it means to sync your information.  See this post about the difference between signing in to Google, signing in to the Chrome Browser, and what it means to sync data across devices.

Adding Blogger to Chrome Dashboard

**(8/9/2016 update)** - Please note - the Blogger App has been dropped from Chrome Web Store and Apple's store.  You can only get it on Android devices.  You can still use Blogger, you just have to log in through the browser on your iPhone or iPad.  If you previously had the app, you still have access to it, it's just not being updated.  I'm still using it.  The Blogger website is still being maintained.**
   
     If you'd like to add Blogger to your Chrome Apps, but are having trouble finding it in the Chrome Web Store click this link!  Make sure you are logged into Chrome with the account that you blog with.  Once at the website, click ADD TO CHROME.  It will add the Blogger app to your Chrome Apps.

Doing More with Google Docs (Sheets and Docs)

        If you'd like to do more with Google Docs and Google Sheets, check out the free add-ons!  These add-ons let you add features to your documents, new fonts, clip-art, organize information, insert graphs, live chat with collaborators, and more!  I especially like the app for clipart and the app for different fonts.   Here's some add-ons I found useful in Google Docs.

 
Here's a snapshot of some of the add-ons in Google Sheets.

To find Add-ons, click on the ADD-ONs menu at the top of the document screen.  Then click GET ADD-ONs.  A menu of add-ons will pop-up like pictured above.  Browse through the add-ons.  If you like one, click on + FREE.  A window will pop-up letting you know what the add-on has access to.  Click ACCEPT.  The app will then be added to your Add-Ons file.  When you want to use it, just click on the name and the app will open on the right side of the screen.

Finding Apps for iPads, Tablets, and Other Devices

As iPad's are beginning to be used more and more in schools, there has been interest in what apps are out there.  Here are some links to sites that act as directories of Apps....

• Groton District's "iPad's in Groton" site.
• Includes all links included in this post.
• Lists important information about iPad use in the district.
• Place to add Apps you find useful in your classroom.
• Able to see list of Apps used by teachers in Groton with room for Comments.
• Groton Apps Exploration
• List of Apps suggested by Groton Teachers.
• Groton Presentation on Apps
• Lists some apps and how they could be used in the classroom.

Apps Links (in ABC Order)

• Apps for Education Blog
• Lists of apps organized by content or use.
• Appictic - Some interesting webinars on how to use iPad's in the classroom.
• Lists of Apps by subject, Bloom's Taxonomy, SPED, Physical Education, etc.
• Webinars on how to use iPads in the classroom
• Common Sense Graphite - Good Resource!
• Requires login - can use Groton Google account to sign up.
• Searchable directory of apps reviewed by teachers.
• Able to find apps organized by Common Core standards.
• Can sign up for emails about new apps and or sites that can be used in the classroom.
• EASTCONN Assistive Technology Handout (PDF)
• PDF document of apps listing price and description of the app for grades 5-12.
• EdTechTeacher
• Find apps by mobile device or learning activity.
• "Edutopia: Mobile Devices for Learning - What You Need to Know" PDF Article
• Article about using mobile devices in the classroom.
• Gives some suggestions for some helpful apps.
• iPads in Education
• Site created to explore ways iPads and other devices can be used in Education. 
• Includes blogs, discussion posts, tutorials/videos, and lists of recommended apps.
• iPads 4 Teaching (from Kathy Shrock) - Good Resource!
• Lists activities and ideas for using iPads in the classroom.
• Includes lists of recommended apps.

Apps for Leveling Book

Need an app to level books?  Lauren found these apps...

Level It Books

Scholastic's Book Wizard - FREE