The Chromebook Classroom Podcast

Managing your Chromebook Fleet with Vizor!

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:07:00 +0000

For years, IT admins have relied on a patchwork of complicated spreadsheets and manual data entry to keep track of their fleets. When you are managing thousands of devices, "Ctrl+F" on a spreadsheet just doesn't cut it.

Recently, I sat down with Jeff LaLonde from VIZOR to learn about the latest updates to VIZOR's already impressive asset management software. Whether you manage 500 devices or 50,000, VIZOR will improve your ability to manage your device fleet.

Learn more and schedule a free demo: vizor.cloud/cbc

Thanks to VIZOR for sponsoring the Chromebook Classroom podcast!

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

The one Gemini feature you can't use in school (March EDU update)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 04:10:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).Here are my favorite links for March 2026!

*** Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks! Manage and organize your Chromebook fleet with VIZOR! Automate device assignments, track repairs, find missing Chromebooks and more. Learn more and schedule a demo: http://vizor.cloud/cbc ***

👉 Links and notes for this episode: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e13/

📨 Get my monthly updates delivered to your inbox: http://chrm.tech/update

Episode Timeline:

1:57 Intro and sponsor
3:27 NotebookLM studio updates
7:12 Gemini conversation sharing
8:52 Gemini in Chrome
11:31 Personal intelligence for Gemini
15:41 Teacher Hive by Tony Vincent
19:24 Google AI Studio
22:22 10 ways that elementary teachers can use AI
24:47 Managing Google Lens
17:37 End of year project ideas
31:27 TikTok videos in the classroom
34:52 Additional resources

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Google Classroom has a BIG new feature (Feb. EDU Updates)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:46:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!). Here are my favorite links for February 2026!

👉 Links and notes for this episode: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e12/
📨 Get my monthly updates delivered to your inbox: http://chrm.tech/update

Table of Contents:

2:07 Record videos in Google Classroom
6:14 AI suggested feedback
8:39 Premium Vids features for everyone!
11:38 Listen to your Document
16:03 Get musical with Gemini
19:59 Which version of Google do I have?
22:33 Split view tabs for Chrome
25:23 Host the Gemini Academy for Teachers
28:37 Overleaf for math teachers 33:53 Google Innovator Academy for 2026
36:34 Something is happening in AI (Matt Schumer)
41:10 Additional resources

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Google EDU Update: Wrapping up 2025

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:22:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

**Episode Sponsor: The Google Certification Academy**
Registration for my winter cohort is now open! Earn your L1 AND Gemini Certification this winter: GoogleCertificationAcademy.com

Here are my favorite links for December 2025:

Improved PDF view for Google Drive
NEW: Google Workspace Studio
Five advanced NotebookLM Features
Using AI to evaluate privacy policies
Year in search 2025
The Game Show Advent
TextFX
Top FB post from December: Gemini exam study guide
Gemini vibe coding showcase
Lock up the Christmas gifts!

View the show notes for this episode: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e11/

WATCH this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ii1nmf_yF_s

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Are Chromebooks ruining Education? (November Google EDU Update)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:04:00 +0000

The November Google EDU Update reveals how Gemini can save teachers 10 hours A WEEK! Plus, get the scoop on new features for rubrics, presentations, and math, and the NotebookLM study aids everyone is talking about. Don't miss the heated debate: Are Chromebooks ruining education?

🔖 SALE: Save 50% on access to my Wednesday Webinar Program: https://sowashventures.kit.com/products/wednesday-webinar-subscription?promo=THANKFUL

Detailed show notes for this episode: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e10/

Here are my favorite links for and updates for November 2025:

Improved rubrics for Google Classsroom
Improvements for complex math formatting in Gemini
Create Slide presentation with Google Gemini
Unhook Chrome extension for YouTube
Save 50% on Wednesday Webinars 12:45 Personalized deep research reports
Vibe coding with AI Studio and Google Antigravity
Gemini can save teachers 10 hours/ week
Improve study aids for NotebookLM
Using AI improves student learning by 5.5%
Screens are ruining education

NEW Google Gemini Certification + 10 Gemini Tips

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:15:00 +0000

** Episode Sponsor: Google Trainer Academy: GoogleTrainerAcademy.com **

Over the past month I've been able to visit a half-dozen different schools across the US sharing tips and ideas for using AI in the classroom. While there are a LOT of AI tools available, there's one that I think is at the top of the list: Google Gemini.

Gemini has become my go-to AI tool. It's fast, flexible, safe, and free! Using Gemini with your school account means you get advanced features AND data privacy that's not included with a lot of other applications (looking at you ChatGPT!).

If you haven't used Gemini recently, take another look...there have been a LOT of update and several new features specifically designed for the classroom. Here are some of my favorite features and ideas...

Show notes and links: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e9/

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

5 Cool things to try in your classroom this year

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:56:00 +0000

As you set up your classroom and get ready for a new crew of students, you might be thinking, "What's something new I can try this year?" Each year I select five strategies, tools, or ideas you can use to engage your students and shake things up a bit. These five tools and strategies are all about making your life easier and your students' learning more engaging. Let's dive in!

👉 EPISODE SPONSOR: Google Trainer Academy

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Google Champions Symposium Recap

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 12:27:00 +0000

The Chromebook Classroom podcast is back with a special episode recorded live from Google's Chicago offices with special guest Liz Bocci. This episode dives deep into our experience at the recent Google Champions Symposium, an exclusive gathering of Google for Education's top educators.

Episode Sponsor

Interested in becoming a Google Champion? Join me and a small group of educators starting October 9 to become a Google Certified Trainer! This LIVE virtual experience will help you assemble your trainer application and portfolio. Learn more: GoogleTrainerAcademy.com.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Am I out of a job as a podcast host? (April 2025 EDU Updates)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for April 2025

Custom Reading Content for Read Along - Teachers in EDU Plus domains can now upload custom content to Read Along. This means you can provide students with reading support for your own stories, articles, and assignments.
Google Vids Education Film Festival - teachers can submit their Google Vid creation to be featured in a Google For Education blog post. Submission deadline is May 15, 2025. Google Vids is available for EDU Plus and Teaching&Learning domains.
New sidebar menu for Google Slides - this handy menu provides quick access to templates, building blocks, and other features, based on your Google license.
Clone yourself in minutes - my latest YouTube video discusses three ways to use video in your classroom. It's not as hard as you might think!
5 end of year project ideas - I know it's hard to believe, but the end of the school year is not far away. Take some time to plan an end-of-year project to help students reflect on their learning
Audio Overview for Gemini (and docs!) - This popular feature first appeared in NotebookLM, but is now available in Gemini as well. It is especially useful when using the "deep research" model. Audio overviews for Google Docs is coming soon.
Canvas for Gemini - When working on longer, complex writing projects, "Canvas" makes it easier to use Gemini as a co-writer. This is a great tool to use when developing lesson plans or assignments.
5 advanced Gemini features - Google has added a LOT of impressive features to Gemini. If you aren't using these, you are missing out!
A Classroom Teacher's take on AI - Blake Harvard, HS social studies teacher from Madison Alabama, shares his honest thoughts on the incursion of AI in education.
uBlock Origin Lite - you may have noticed that some of your Chrome extensions are no longer available including some popular ad-blockers. uBlock Lite is an alternative that will work, although not quite as well as the original.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 updates and edTech trends from 2024

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:11:00 +0000

This month, we're taking a look back at some of the big updates, developments, and edTech trends from 2024. We'll also peer into the crystal ball to consider what might be on the horizon for 2025.

Episode Sponsor: Logitech for Education
Logitech Education is your partner in innovation for the classroom. Logitech designs high quality hardware including headsets, microphones and cameras that are used in classrooms around the world. You can view these best in class products including the Zone learn wired headset by visiting logitech.com/education.

Tend 1: classroom specific AI tools for teachers
Trend 2: Improvements in AI image generation
Trend 3: Google Gemini expands and improves
Trend 4: NotebookLM blows us away!
Trend 5: AI detection debate
Trend 6: Chromebook PLUS devices for teachers
Trend 7: Premium gets better
Trend 8: Google Drive updates
Trend 9: Google Classroom Updates
Trend 10: Goodbye Jamboard, Hello Vids
Was education improved in 2024?
Final thoughts and resources

Show notes for this episode: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e5/

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

New Google Slides Templates, AI Essays + 8 more November updates!

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving friends! I'm grateful that you have chosen to journey through the world of edTech with me! As a small thank you, I am offering a special sale! Anyone who registers for my winter Google Certification Academy between now and December 15 will get free access to my Wednesday Webinar program ($99 value). Click here to register!

Episode Sponsor: Logitech for Education

Logitech Education is your partner in innovation for the classroom. Logitech designs high quality hardware including headsets, microphones and cameras that are used in classrooms around the world. You can view these best in class products including the Zone learn wired headset by visiting logitech.com/education.

Here are my favorite updates for November 2024:

New templates for Google Slides
Essay writing tips from OpenAI
New buildikng block templates for Docs
Google Vids for EDU Plus
Gemini for iPhone
Scholar & Arts & Culture celebrate milestones
Machine learning crash course
How to organize a complex document
Figjam gratefulness wall
Thankfulness turkey

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

🎃 October updates: New Gemini features, AI lawsuits and more!

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Happy fall, friends! Sip on some cider or your favorite pumpkin flavored drink while we review Google updates, classroom ideas, and news stories for the month of October. 🍁🎃

***Episode Sponsor: @vizor-cloud for Chromebooks*** Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. It's not too late to get started: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

All of the resources mentioned in this episode are available here: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e3/

Episode Topics:

0:00 Intro
2:00 Gemini for Teens
3:28 Star rating for Google Forms
4:55 Tabs for Google Docs
6:10 Cover image for Google Docs
8:00 Gemini for Google Classroom
11:26 Parents sue school over school discipline over AI usage
15:00 Pumpkin carving with Google Slides
17:10 The museum of frights featuring @googleartsculture
18:30 Halloween Choice board
19:30 Figurative language + AI images

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Your September Google Updates: AI updates, Classroom Groups, cool websites and more!

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Every month I try to summarize a few important updates and share some new tools and resources you can use in your classroom. Let's see what's happening for the month of September!

***Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks***

Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. It's not too late to get started: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

All of the resources mentioned in this episode are available here: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e2/

Table of Contents:

0:00 Intro
2:15 Manage your Chromebooks with VIZOR
4:15 Data protections for Google Gemini
7:00 AI training for teachers & students
8:40 Enhance your Gemini experience with Gems
13:17 NotbookLM adds audio summaries
19:50 Google Docs has tabs
25:13 Google Classroom supports student groups
28:40 First impressions of Google Vids
33:30 Jamboard is going away
35:50 GenType (via Jeremy Badiner)
38:40 Gear Sketch (via Brad Dale)

Additional links and resources:

Blog post with links to all of the above updates: https://www.chrmbook.com/s9e2/
Get the EDU update delivered to your inbox each month: chrm.tech/update

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Back to school survival kit (15 resources for teachers and administrators)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The beginning of a new school year is both exciting and challenging. There is a lot to look forward to and a lot to get ready for!

In my 17 years working in education, I've learned some things and created some classroom templates that help me get the year started. Today I'm sharing those resources with you.

👉 If you are feeling overwhelmed, I hope these classroom templates will bring you some peace and confidence.

👉 If you are excited about the possibilities of a new school year, I hope these classroom templates will inspire you with some new ideas.

Google classroom checklist for teachers
Student skills checklist
Classroom resource template
Chrome extensions for students
Chrome extensions for teachers
Google Classroom requirements
Student Chromebook agreement
AI and plagiarism policy
Google Classroom checklist for teachers
Classroom resource template
Free time activity template
Parent contact log
Peer editing practice
Google Classroom quiz
Selfie card lesson

All of the resources mentioned in this video are available here: https://www.chrmbook.com/back-to-school-survival-kit-13-classroom-templates-every-teacher-needs/

***Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks***

Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. It's not too late to get started: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Must-Know EDU Updates for July: Google, Figma, book recommendations & more!

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:13:00 +0000

We're at the peak of summer, but the EDU updates don't stop! Here's a rundown on some important updates, changes, and ideas for you to consider as you sit poolside or enjoy friends and family.

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

***Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks***
Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. Schedule a demo TODAY and beat the summer rush! Use this exclusive link to save 20% off your first year: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

Here are my favorite links for July 2024:

Ask Gemini about documents and emails
Google Vids in Beta
Can you spot the AI image?
Wednesday Webinars are back for 2024-25
eSignatures in Google Docs
Pre-configure Google Meet from Calendar
LaCrOS is dead
World Emoji day
Great stuff from Figma
The Art of Online Writing (book review)

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

NEW features for Google Classroom, Chromebooks, Drive and MORE! (ISTE24 Update)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0000

June 24 marks the start of the 2024 ISTE conference, and Google is making a big splash by announcing lots of cool updates and new features for the 2024-25 school year! Join me on this episode to explore the latest updates to Google Classroom, Chromebooks, Gemini, Google Drive, and more!

***Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks*** Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. Schedule a demo TODAY and beat the summer rush! Use this exclusive link to save 20% off your first year: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Collecting and repairing Chromebooks (Chris Painter, Blackford County Schools)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 18:45:00 +0000

Chris Painter is my guest for this episode of the podcast. Chris is the technology director for Blackford County Schools in Hartford City, Indiana which as a fleet of 1,800 devices.

During our conversation Chris shares his best practices and tips for collecting, inventorying, and repairing a Chromebook fleet and getting them ready for the new school year.

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. Get 20% off your first year when you schedule a no-obligation demo.

Show notes and links: chrmbook.com/s8e14/

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Introducing Gemini for Education (AI tools for teachers and leaders)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Thu, 16 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Today Google announced a new package of AI tools specifically designed teachers and school leader. These tools combine the power of Google Gemini with data privacy protections and unique features for teachers.

Joining me to discuss Gemini for Education is Vivek Chachcha, product manager for AI tools within Google Workspace for Education.

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. Get 20% off your first year when you schedule a no-obligation demo.

Episode Shownotes and links: http://chrmbook.com/s8e13/

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Surprise updates from Cloud Next

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!)

Here are my favorite links and updates for April 2024: http://chrmbook.com/s8e12/

***Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks***

Track your devices, repairs, loaners, and more with VIZOR's best-in-class asset management system. Schedule a demo TODAY and beat the summer rush! Use this exclusive link to save 20% off your first year: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

Congrats to the newest Google Innovators
Google Vids
Tabs for Google Docs
Figjam on Google Meet Screens
Dark mode for Google Drive
Find a Chromebook through the log event search
Multi-admin approvals
5 ways to organize your digital life with AI
Do AI detectors work?
Not enough data for AI?

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

So long Google Podcast...let's explore some alternatives.

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:41:00 +0000

Sadly, Google Podcast has been discontinued by Google as of April 2, 2024.

Google Podcast was a simple, clean podcast player that did exactly what it was designed to do: play podcasts. Let's see if we can find a suitable alternative.

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EPISODE SPONSOR: VIZOR for Chromebooks

VIZOR simplifies the task of managing Chromebooks by integrating the Google Admin Console and your SIS so that you can instantly monitor the health and status of your fleet of devices. Visit http://vizor.cloud/cbc to learn more!

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Thanks for tuning in to the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Explore is no more, Chromebook prank guide + 8 more updates for March 2024

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

***EPISODE SPONSOR***

Are you interested in becoming a Google Certified Trainer? Join me for the very first "Google Trainer Academy" taking place April 16-May 14, 2024. This virtual event will guide you through the process of becoming a certified trainer AND exploring how you can earn a secondary income by leveraging your expertise. Visit GoogleTrainerAcademy.com to learn more.

Here are 10 updates for March 2024:

Improved video playback in Google Drive
Google is now offering a limited AI use plan
Migrate Email between Google Domains
Remove background from Slides
AI image generation (with text!)
Visit a class setup guide
Tips for using AI responsibly
Chromebook prank guide
The explore tool is no more
Chromebook features for teachers

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Bard is no more; hello Gemini...plus 9 more important updates

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 07:31:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for February 2024:

Bard is now Gemini
Beta Test Google's AI for Education tools
New features announced at BETT
Sort, filter, and manage comments in Docs
New AI features for the Chrome browser
Improvements to Appointment Schedules
Updates for Google Meet
Google Classroom Templates
New Book: EDU Protocols for Young Learners
Art Remix powered by AI

Subscribe to the Google EDU Update and get these monthly updates delivered right to your inbox: chrm.tech/update

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Authenticate student writing + plus 9 more updates for January 2024

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 14:40:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!)

***Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks***
Save 20% off your first year with VIZOR and get a FREE Chromecast with Cast moderator when you schedule a demo before the end of January, 2024: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

January 2024 Updates:

Sowash family Euro venture!
Change your extension policy
Convert your form into a practice set
2024 Google Innovator Academy dates
ChromeOS certification exam (still free!)
Tech management for teachers
Right click QR code reader (extension)
Inspect writing with Brisk teaching
5 AI extensions for teachers 10.
10 data privacy lessons

Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: http://chrmbook.com/s8e8

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Add these books to your 2024 reading lists (and a few to avoid!)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 15:22:00 +0000

I read 21 books this last year. Most were pretty good, a few were pretty bad!

I enjoy hearing what others are reading and frequently add their recommendations to my list, so I thought I would share some of my favorites with you to help jump start your 2024 reading list.

Additional Resources:

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks: save 20% off your first year and get a FREE Chromecast with Cast moderator when you schedule a demo before the end of January, 2024: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Google Classroom gets a long-request feature (Plus 9 more updates for December 2023)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!)

***Episode Sponsor*** VIZOR for Chromebooks: save 20% off your first year and get a FREE Chromecast with Cast moderator when you schedule a demo before the end of January, 2024: http://vizor.cloud/cbc

December 2023 Updates:

Excuse assignments in Google Classroom
Add questions to YouTube Videos
Google Vault adds support for Calendar
Record using Google Slides
Convert your Jamboard files to Figjam
Get Google Certified in 2024!
NotebookLM by Google
Sample AI policies
Holiday choice board for elementary students
Lock up the presents!

Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: http://chrmbook.com/s8e6

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Another great feature for Google Slides! (+9 more interesting links)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 13:50:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

*** Episode Sponsor: The Google Certification Academy. Become a Google Certified Educator in 2024. Join the waitlist so you don't miss out: gEducator.com ***

10 links for November 2023:

Book an appointment from Gmail
Add GIFs and stickers to Google Slides
Google Classroom analytics
YouTube for Education is broken
New ratings smartchip for Google Sheets
Is this image real?
Pocket Chrome extension
Langage is the new paintbrush
Create your personal AI teacher's assistant
AI playbook for Google Sheets

Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: http://chrmbook.com/s8e5

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 links you should click (October 2023)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

** Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks **

VIZOR simplifies the process of asset management, device repairs, and financial reporting from a single system that integrates with the Google Admin console and your student information system. 👉 http://vizor.cloud/cbc

Here are my favorite links for October 2023:

Google Champions Symposium recap
"Plus" Chromebooks for teachers?
So long, Jamboard
"Activity" panel for Google Drive
Building blocks on top in Docs
Improved appointment scheduling
Schedule a meeting with Gmail
Google Slides pumpkin carving
Live pointers in Google Slides
MagicSchool.ai

Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: http://chrmbook.com/s8e4

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Shocking Jamboard Announcement

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:25:00 +0000

Today Google made a shocking announcement related to Google Jamboard. Listen to learn more and get my reaction to this surprising announcement.

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. Get 20% off your first year when you schedule a no-obligation demo.

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 links you should click (September 2023)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!) Visit the show notes to get all of the links and resources that were mentioned: http://chrmbook.com/s8e2

** Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks ** VIZOR simplifies the process of asset management, device repairs, and financial reporting from a single system the integrates with the Google Admin console and your student information system. 👉 http://vizor.cloud/cbc

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 links you should click (August 2023)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:51:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

Vizor has added more than 60 new features to help you manage your technology hardware. Learn more and save 20% off your first year by visiting Vizor.cloud/cbc

Here are my favorite links for August 2023:

Lock assignment in Google Classroom
Access a classroom as a visitor
NotebookLM
Inside a Geinus Mind (Lenoardo Da Vinci)
Is LaCrOS finally ready?
Essential student technology skills
Selfie card activity
Be careful of back to school Chromebook "deals"
Alie Keeler's recommend tech tools for 2023
Jamboard vs. Figjam

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

It's time to collect the Chromebooks!

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 10:11:00 +0000

The school year has ended which means it's time to collect, repair, and inventory your fleet of devices. Dean Bates and Jef Lalonde from Vizor join me to share best practices for keeping an accurate device inventory.

Learn more about VIZOR for chromebooks: HTTP://vizor.cloud/cbc

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 links you should click (May 2023)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 15 May 2023 12:14:00 +0000

NEW: watch this episode on YouTube!

These are my favorite links and updates for May, 2023!

Episode Sponsor: The Google Admin Bootcamp

Join me this summer and master the Google Admin console through a convenient LIVE virtual training. Learn tips and strategies for managing district data and improving security.

Learn more: GoogleAdminBootcamp.com

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (April 2023)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!). These are my top 10 links and updates for April 2023.

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Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

If you have been struggling to track and inventory the technology being used in your district, you need VIZOR! To find out more and get up to 20% off go to vizor.cloud/cbc

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Spring updates to three popular Google EDU tools (BETT 2023)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Morgan Weisman joins me to review some cool new updates announced at the BETT conference in London in March of 2023. Morgan is the product marketing manager for Google for Education and a former Dallas Texas kindergarten teacher.

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks

Manage your district technology with ease with VIZOR. Save 20% off your first year!

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 links you should click (March 2023)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!). Here are my favorite links & resources for March 2023.

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

WHY IS PRINTING SO HARD???

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Printing from a Chromebook hasn't been easy either. First, there was no printing support, then there was cloud print, then Google took it away....and the story continues. Joining me on the podcast today is Willem Groenwald from Papercut, a leader in print management software.

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Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

Vizor helps schools and business organize their technology assets (including printers!). Visit vizor.cloud/cbc for a no obligation demo and save 20% off your first year.

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

5 Essential Chrome Extensions in 2023

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 17:40:00 +0000

I test and use a LOT of Chrome extensions, but there are only five that I consider essential...

Episode sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. You can schedule a no-obligation demo of VIZOR and receive 20% off your first year!

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 links you should click (February 2023)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for February 2023!

-----------------------------

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

If you are in charge of managing your Chromebook fleet, you have probably realized that the admin console doesn't provide all of the features you need to manage, inventory, and organize your devices. That's why you need Vizor! Vizor fills in the gaps between the admin console, your SIS, and inventory systems, giving you a single location to track devices, repairs, and reports. Schedule a no-obligation demo for Vizor to learn more: Vizor.cloud/CBC

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

FETC 2023 Recap (vibe, connections & vendors)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 17:49:00 +0000

Last week I was in New Orleans for the 2023 FETC conference, the first big EdTech event of the new year. This is a quick summary of the vibe, my connections, and the vendor experience.

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. You can schedule a no-obligation demo of VIZOR and receive 20% off your first year!

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

2023 Google Educator Exam Prep: Expert Advice and Study Strategies

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode you will hear my thoughts and advice on taking (and passing) the level 1 and level 2 Google educator exams in 2023.

I take these exams at least once a year and I'm always happy to share my experience to help you pass these exams.

I know that many of you are instructional coaches who are helping other teachers earn their certification. I hope this episode will provide useful information for you as well.

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. You can schedule a no-obligation demo of VIZOR and receive 20% off your first year!

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 links you should click (January 2023)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

These are my favorite links for January 2023.

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 links you should click (December 2022)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 20:47:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Episode Sponsor: The Google Certification Academy

Here are my favorite links for December 2022:

Code blocks in Google Docs
Follow a collaborator in Google Slides
How one digital book led to an important COVID-19 discovery
Responding to plagiarism
Chat GPT
I took the ChromeOS administrator exm
New course for Chromebook Admins
Top Chrome extension of 2022
Year in search 2022
Lock up the gifts!

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Combating Sneaky Students (Eric Griffith)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 11:31:00 +0000

Every school has a population of sneaky students who seem to always find a way to bypass district web filters and security settings. Today I'm joined by experienced tech director Eric Griffith to discuss these sneaky tactics and prepare a response.

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 links you should click (November 2022)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 16:25:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for November 2022:

Timeline view for Sheets
Expiring access for Drive
Manage shared drive storage
Auto transcription for Google Meet
Session Buddy Chrome extension
How to handle student discord online
Black Friday Chromebook deals
How to spot a bad Chromebook deal
Gratefulness with Jamboard
Give thanks with Slides

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 links to click (October 2022)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 18:02:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Episode sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

Here are my favorite links for October 2022:

Four updates from the Cloud Next conference
Deploy Chrome apps by group
Certified ChromeOS administrator
Editing audio from your Chromebook
Easy accent marks (chrome extension)
Google Classroom discussion questions
Google Trends Halloween predictions
Carve a digital pumpkin
Halloween Choiceboard
Trick-or-treat fitness challenge

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

A few new things I'm trying this year

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 10:28:00 +0000

Each year I add a few new tools and strategies to my teaching toolbox to keep my classroom from feeling stale. Here are five things I'm adding to my teaching toolbox for 2022-23.

Episode Sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

How to start a coding program (Marianne Smith, Code Girls United)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:00:23 +0000

After more than 25 years working in the field of computer science, including working for NASA, Marianne founded Code Girls United, a free after-school coding program for Montana girls.

If you are looking at incorporating computer science into your school curriculum, Marianne is a wealth of knowledge!

Episode sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (September 2022)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 19:30:37 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

These are my favorite links for September, 2022.

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Preparing for the new school year

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 18:37:28 +0000

As summer winds down, it's time to get ready for the new school year by preparing your Google Classroom courses. In this episode I'm sharing the four-step process that I use to build my courses along with some advanced tips and new features you can use this year.

Episode Sponsor: Classroom Kickstart, a self-paced course to help you maximize your use of Google Classroom this year.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Introducing Figma for Chromebooks

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 10:00:06 +0000

Noah Levin joins me to introduce the education community to Figma, a web-based design tool that works beautifully with Chromebooks.

Episode Sponsor: Teach with Chrome virtual course: chrmbook.com/courses

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 links you should click (August 2022)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 20:39:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!)

Check out these 10 interesting, useful, and fun links for the month of August 2022:

Trust rules for Google Drive
Google Doc edit notifications
Add-ons for Google Classroom
Quick actions for Adobe Express
21 typing resources
Calendar cleanup
Digital pen + eraser
Essential technology skills checklist
Back to school tech quiz
Google Classroom for parents

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Prepping your Devices for the upcoming school year

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 19:07:48 +0000

If you are in charge of managing a fleet of Chromebooks, your work starts now, before students and teachers return to the building.

Today on the podcast I would like to share two suggestions to help IT administrators clean up and refresh their Chromebook fleet before students and teachers return to the classroom.

Episode Sponsor: Penoval USI702 digital stylus

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Teaching Toolbox: Drawing applications

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 10:00:42 +0000

This episode kicks off my 2022 "toolbox" series of episodes where I will be sharing my favorite classroom tools to help you prepare for the 2022-23 school year.

The first toolbox episode is all about drawing, sketching, and doodling! More schools are purchasing touch-screen Chromebooks which means you need to know the best apps for taking notes, annotating videos, and being creative.

Episode sponsor: Penoval, creator of the USI702 digital stylus with built-in eraser.

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 links you should click (July 2022)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 10:00:09 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!)

Check out these 10 interesting, useful, and fun links for the month of July 2022:

New font options for Google Forms
PIP for Google Meet
Google Task updates
Request a "transformation report"
Kick start coding competition
Beta test the latest EDU updates
VA district missing 1,800 Chromebooks
Summer read: singularity series
Barcodes in Google Sheets
"Paint Online" Chrome extension

Episode sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

2022 Anywhere School Event Recap

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:00:01 +0000

Morgan Weisman joins me to debrief Google's 2022 "Anywhere School" product launch event with fresh new updates for Meet, Classroom, Chromebooks and more!

Thanks to VIZOR for Chromebooks for sponsoring this episode!

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Classroom Cleanup (3 tips)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Tue, 31 May 2022 10:00:11 +0000

The end of the school year has arrived! Congratulations on surviving to the end of a challenging year.

Before you lock your classroom door for the last time, there are three things you should do to officially "end" the 2021-22 school year.

Not only will these quick tasks help you put this year behind you, they will also put you in a GREAT position for the 2022-23 school year!

Thanks to VIZOR for Chromebooks for sponsoring this episode!

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

It's time for a powerwash!

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 16 May 2022 10:00:47 +0000

If your Chromebook is acting sluggish or not responding at all, it might be time for a powerwash!

I recently had an issue with the camera on my Chromebook so I decided to give it a powerwash.

The ability to quickly reset a Chromebook without losing any information is an underrated feature of Chrome OS.

Episode sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 links you should click (May 2022)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 04 May 2022 10:28:19 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!)

Check out these 10 interesting, useful, and fun links for the month of May 2022.

Episode sponsor: Vizor for Chromebooks

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

5 ideas for the end of the school year

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 10:00:19 +0000

The last 4-6 weeks of the school year are tough. Everyone is tired and bored with the routine of the first 150+ days of school.

On this episode of the podcast I share five project ideas that you can use, mix, and modify for your classroom to help you finish the year on a positive note.

Episode sponsor: Google Admin Bootcamp

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

My first experience with zero-touch enrollment

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 18:12:31 +0000

I recently helped a school purchase 50 new Chromebooks and had the opportunity to experience zero touch enrollment for the first time.

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (April 2022)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 10:00:57 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for April 2022:

Google Docs gets emoji
LOTS of Google Classroom updates
New calendar appointment page
Hybrid work updates to Meet
Google Educator exam review
When will your district run out of free storage?
ChromeOS version 100
Celebrate with Confetti
"Technostress" is real, and it's increasing
Amazing Drone video

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Introducing practice sets for Google Classroom

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 16:00:58 +0000

For more than a year, Taryn Sullivan and her team of developers have been building a new feature for Google Classroom called "Practice Sets." Listen in on our conversation to learn about this upcoming feature for Google Classroom! -----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (March 2022)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 16:51:23 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks:

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools

Here are my favorite links for March 2022:

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Developing Google Classroom

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Akshat Sharma is the Lead Product Manager for Google Classroom, a product that impacts more than 150 million students and teachers around the globe.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Introducing the LaCrOS browser for Chromebooks

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 19:26:12 +0000

For more than 2 years, Google has been working on a secret project called "LaCrOS."

What is the new feature and how will it impact ChromeOS?

Additional Resources:

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks:

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools.

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Organize your district Chromebooks with Vizor

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 11:00:43 +0000

Vizor asset management connects the Google Admin console with your SIS to give a clear picture of the health of your Chromebook fleet.

Today I am joined by Dean and Jeff, members of the VIZOR education team who are going to explain how Vizor can help organize the pile of Chromebooks sitting in my office!

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (February 2022)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 11:00:07 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter. The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!). Here are my favorite links for February 2022:

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks:

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools.

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

The Google Certification exams have changed (again)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 04:53:17 +0000

I took the L1 and L2 Google Educator exams in early 2022. I knew the exams had changed, but I was surprised by some of the questions I received.

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks:

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools.

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (January 2022)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for January 2022:

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks:

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools.

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Chromebook holiday shopping tips

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 18:38:04 +0000

There are only a few weeks left in the 2021 holiday shopping season!

If a Chromebook is on the list for someone in your family, I have a few tips and suggestions for you!

Four things to consider when buying a Chromebook
Where to find the best Chromebook deals
Chromebook stocking stuffers

Thanks to VIZOR for sponsoring this episode!

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools. You can schedule a no-obligation demo of VIZOR before the end of the year for 20% off your first year.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (December 2021)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 16:37:39 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for December 2021:

Episode Sponsor: VIZOR for Chromebooks:

VIZOR provides Chromebook 1:1 Management Software for Schools.

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

I'm grateful for these Chrome extensions!

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 17:53:18 +0000

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wrote a list of Chrome extensions that I rely on regularly.

These simple tools help me work efficiently, simplify repetitive tasks, and add some fun to my daily digital routines.

I also asked friends on Twitter and Facebook to share their favorites. While there was some overlap between our lists, I did learn about some NEW extensions that I have included as well.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Social studies teaching toolbox

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

It's time to dive into my EdTech toolbox and take inventory of the best web-based resources for social studies teachers!

There are a LOT of tools to consider. To make things a little easier, I'm organizing these resources into three categories:

Places & faces
Research
Instructional tools

Did I miss one of your favorite science tools or resources? Send me a tweet or drop a comment on this post and let me know what I missed!

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Untangling your YouTube policy settings

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Google has been trying to "solve" classroom YouTube schools for many years.

In September of 2021, Google announced a new "age-based" policy that once again, impacts how student users interact with Youtube.

Essentially, there are three options:

Option 1: Block YouTube access for students, but allow teachers to share YouTube videos through Google Classroom.
Option 2: Allow filtered YouTube access for students (several different filtering levels)
Option 3: Provide un-restricted access to Youtube for students

Listen in to learn how to configure the policies in the admin console for each of these scenarios!

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (November 2021)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for November 2021:

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

EdTech Toolbox: Science

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

It's time to dive into my EdTech toolbox and take inventory of the best web-based resources for teaching science!

There are a LOT of tools to consider. To make things a little easier, I'm organizing these resources into three categories:

Vocabulary tools
Concept mapping
Learning resources

Did I miss one of your favorite science tools or resources? Send me a tweet or drop a comment on this post and let me know what I missed!

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

This class is creating digital art with Chromebooks!

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

My guest on this episode is Brooke Taylor, a middle and high school art teacher in Bridgeport, Illinois.

If you are interested in using ChromeOS for creative projects, I encourage you to listen to the great tips and project ideas Brooke generously shares during our conversation.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

EdTech Toolbox: Elementary

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

It's time to dive into my EdTech toolbox and take inventory of the best web-based resources for K-5 students!

There are a LOT of tools to consider. To make things a little easier, I'm organizing these resources into three categories:

Skill-building - tools that will help students develop skills in reading, writing, or math.
Learning support - resources that will assist students as they are exploring the activities you assign to them.
Creativity tools - tools that allow students to demonstrate and share learning in unique and personal ways.

Did I miss one of your favorite elementary tools or resources? Send me a tweet or drop a comment on this post and let me know what I missed!

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (October 2021)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 17:15:34 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for October 2021:

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

This UK University is having tremendous success with Chromebooks

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

My guest today is Peter Horner (@PeterGHorner), IT manager for Barton Peveril College in Hampshire, UK.

Over the past six years, Peter has helped move the college to the Google Cloud and transitioned much of the faculty and student from traditional PCs to Chromebooks.

Today, Peter and his team manage more than 1,500 Chromebooks for the college.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Advanced tips for using Google Sites

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Google Sites is a well-loved tool for creating simple class websites, portfolios, and student projects.

While Sites is simple to use, it does offer some powerful advanced features you can use to scale Google Sites for your next class project or the creation of class pages for all of the teachers in your building.

Here are four advanced elements of Google Sites that you may have overlooked.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Join me for "Wednesday Webinars with John!"

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Every Wednesday from October - May I am offering a LIVE webinar exploring the latest tips, tools, and trends in classroom technology!

Preparing and researching 30 unique webinars is a LOT of work, so this program isn't free, but it is a good value when compared with attending a conference or full-day workshop.

You can learn more and sign up here: Chrmbook.com/webinar

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Which Chromebook is the best?

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Gabriel Brangers (@gabrielbrangers), co-founder of Chrome Unboxed, is an expert in ChromeOS hardware. He has know's everything that's worth knowing about current AND future Chromebooks!

Gabe joins me to explain some of the key things you should consider when buying a personal Chromebook and he shares some helpful tips for district administrators who are looking to make Chromebook purchases this year.

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Artwork

10 Links you should click (September 2021)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for September 2021:

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

My 2021 Google Classroom Setup

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

The start of the school year means that it is time to create a new Google Classroom for your students!

In this episode, I would like to summarize some of the strategies I have learned and how I am using Google Classroom to connect with my students and organize my lessons.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Simplify Chromebook Management with Chromebook Getter!

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Enrolling and managing Chromebooks through the Google Admin Console is a lot of work!

Fortunately, there are several outstanding tools that make the job of IT departments MUCH easier.

One of my favorites is Chromebook Getter, an essential tool for enrolling, tracking, and managing a fleet of Chromebooks.

This is my interview with Justin Warsitz, the CMO of AdminRemix.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

New age-based Google admin policy

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

A new age-based admin policy takes effect for all Google Workspace for Education domains on September 1, 2021.

This new policy has significant implications for Google Search, YouTube, and Chrome.

On this episode of the Chromebook Classroom Podcast, I explain why Google is making this change, how it will impact your users, and what you need to do to prepare.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (August 2021)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for August 2021:

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Season 6 Intro

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Get a sneak peek of what you can expect during season 6 of the Chromebook Classroom Podcast!

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (July 2021)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for June 2021:

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

New features and updates for the 2021-22 school year

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 20:22:15 +0000

On June 22, 2021, Google hosted a virtual event where they announced updates for Google Classroom, Google Meet, Google Drive, and Chromebooks.

All of these updates will be ready for you and your students this fall when you return to the classroom!

If you missed the anywhere school event, don't worry! I'll break down the entire thing in less than 30 minutes.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (June 2021)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 20:21:15 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for June 2021:

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Google educator exam review (2021)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Sun, 23 May 2021 22:00:00 +0000

I recently took the Level 1 and Level 2 Google educator exam.

There are some important changes for 2021....in this episode, I break down what's new and share my tips for passing the L1 and L2 tests.

If you want to earn your Google certification this summer, I invite you to join me for the Google Certification Academy! You will work directly with me to prepare for your L1 and L2 exams.

Learn more: HTTP://gEducator.com

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (May 2021)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 17 May 2021 05:25:29 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for May 2021:

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (April 2021)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for April 2021:

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Google Workspace upgrades...worth the price?

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

During the "learn with Google" event in February, Google announced three new tiers for Google Workspace for Education:

Education Standard
Teaching & Learning upgrade
Education Plus

In this episode, I want to look at each of these tiers and decide if they provide enough value to justify the cost of upgrading .

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

10 Links you should click (March 2021)

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

As part of my daily routine, I scan dozens of blogs, visit a handful of Facebook groups, and skim through Twitter.

The goal: find the most helpful resources, tools, and articles that I can share with my teacher friends (that's you!).

Here are my favorite links for March 2021:

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.com/podcast

-----------------------------

Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Happy 10th Birthday!

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 18:00:00 +0000

Chromebook turns 10! Let's take a look back and a look forward at the impact Chromebooks have had on education and computing.

Episode Links:

First Look: ChromeOS netbook (this is my blog post from January 2011)
Original blog post by Sundar Pichai introducing the Chromebook to the world

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Can a Chromebook replace the whiteboard and the red pen?

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Thanks to Wacom for sponsoring this episode. The One by Wacom makes it easy to annotate images, teach a lesson and grade student work. It is also one of the first drawing tablets that works with a Chromebook!

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Remember the "good old days?"

Teaching a lesson in front of the whiteboard or overhead projector was common practice.
Using white-out to create worksheets as an essential skill.
Everyone graded homework on paper with a red pen.

Things have changed.

Teaching in front of a computer screen can feel a bit rigid and scripted, but it doesn't have to be!

Can your Chromebook replace the whiteboard and the red pen?

Episode links and resources:

Annotate with Chrome Canvas
Annotate video with Screencastify
Teach a lesson with Whiteboard.chat
Grade with the Google Classroom mobile app
Find a pen for your Chromebook
Purchase the One by Wacom (affiliate link)
Review: One by Wacom

50+ BIG update to your favorite Google tools!

jrsowash@sowashventures.com (John R. Sowash) — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 14:06:43 +0000

On February 17, 2021, Google hosted a virtual "learning with Google" event where they announced more than 50 significant updates for Google Classroom, Google Meet, Google Drive, and Chromebooks.

This episode is devoted to review and discussing all of this exciting updates!

I knew I would need some help to get through all of these updates so I asked my friend Lissa Brunan to join me.

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Thanks for tuning into the Chromebook Classroom Podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode, I would appreciate your honest rating and review!

You can connect with me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!