As a classroom teacher myself, I have used Classroom technology that was more of a pain than a resource. Not Chromebooks! In this pre-course lesson I’ll explain why Chromebook are the BEST device for learning - from both a student AND teacher perspective.  

Week 00 topics:

• Why the Chromebook is the best device for the classroom.
• Can you really live in “the cloud” (really?)
• Is a Chromebook a “real” computer?
• Chromebooks can only browse the web (actually, that’s NOT the whole truth!) 

Note: this is a pre-course assignmet available to everyone! Click here to view the lesson. This is the same format for the rest of the course. 

You can’t use your classroom Chromebooks for learning until you know what they can do! In week 1 you will learn about my favorite Chromebook features, shortcuts, and settings that will help you and your students. This isn’t just a basic overview of the Chrome browser - we’ll go deep into some of the neat “hidden” features of ChromeOS.  

Learning Topics

• The Chrome tour - everything you need to know about your Chromebook!
• Awesome settings that will make your life better!
• Keeping organized: managing tabs, bookmarks, apps & extensions
• Essential keyboard shortcuts you should know.
• What about all of my files? Getting your stuff into “the cloud”
• Special discussion: Moving from an iPad to a Chromebook? (This is what you need to know!)

Week 1 task: configure your Chromebook!  

Can your students use their Chromebooks and the internet safely and effectively? That’s the focus of week #2!  

You’ll get a copy of my essential list of student technology skills and internet safety activities along with a quick overview of the Chromebook admin controls that your district can enable and adjust. These topics are essential for any teacher that is developing a Chromebook classroom.  

Finally, we will discuss some special topics such as using Chromebooks in a PK-3 environment, using shared Chromebook carts, and teaching in a 1:1 environment. 

Learning Topics:

• The essential Chromebooks skills your students MUST develop.
• Working with images, audio, and video on a Chromebook
• Digital citizenship and internet safety - keeping students safe on the web
• Special Topic: touch-screen and convertible Chromebooks
• Chromebook management settings (what teachers should know) 
• Special topic: getting PK-3 students signed in quickly
• Special topic: Chromebook carts vs. 1:1 programs 

Week 2 task: plan an activity to help your students explore their Chromebook or learn about internet safety.  

Chromebooks can do more than just browse the web! Unlock the power of Chrome by adding apps and extensions from the Chrome Webstore and Google Play!  

Apps and extensions can help you teach more effectively AND provide fun learning opportunities for your students. During week #3 you will get a comprehensive list of my favorite apps and extensions divided by grade level and subject area. We will also discuss some tools that will help students with special learning needs.  

I will also explain how Chromebooks and Android work together to give you even MORE great tools for your classroom!  

Learning Topics: 

• Apps vs. extensions vs. add-ons - what you need to know
• My secret “trick” for finding the best apps for my classroom
• The best apps and extensions for every subject area (2018 update!)
• Android on Chrome - what you need to know (and why it matters)
• Managing apps and extensions in your classroom
• Special topic: apps and extensions for students with special needs
• Special topic: apps for touch-screen Chromebooks  

Week 3 Task: Find a share an app or extension with the class! 

BONUS: On October 23 I will be answering questions from class participants LIVE on Facebook from 8-9pm EST. 

Now that we have the basics out of the way, it's time to dig into instructional strategies. This week we will discuss two instructional strategies: whole-class instruction and small group projects. For each strategy you’ll learn some general principles and receive access to a collection of sample lessons with templates, examples, and teacher resources. There is something for every grade level and subject area!  

Learning Topics:

• Planning lectures that don’t suck! 
• Using Google slides for small group research projects
• Planning interactive student “exhibits” for your next project
• Tips for managing group projects with Google Classroom
• How to set up a collaborative study guide for your students  

Week 4 Task: Plan a whole-class or small group lesson in your classroom 

During our final week together we will take a look at two more instructional strategies: individual projects and station-based activities.  

Individual projects are a common element in most classrooms (especially MS and HS). This week I am going to challenge you to break out of the “paper based” mindset as you plan learning activities for your students.  

Just like in week 4 you’ll get access to a collection of sample lessons with templates, examples, and teacher resources.  

Learning Topics: 

• How to break free of the “paper based” mindset
• Designing quizzes with Google Forms (special settings for Chromebooks to deter cheating!)
• Designing e-books and portfolios
• How to structure a close reading assignment
• Flipped book reviews
• Building station activities with EdPuzzle and Blendspace, and ThingLink
• Preparing virtual field trips 

Week 5: Plan a individual or station activity in your classroom. Complete course evaluation. 

"This was great - it was a nice way to utilize online learning but still have your book as a resource. There were great tips and tricks for those just starting with Chromebooks or for the experienced user." Liza Basden, Highland, IL  

"Great course! I loved that the ideas presented each week were things I could try with my students right away!" Alicia Phillips, Pickney, MI

"This course is invaluable for anyone working with students and Chromebooks. The course and John's book, The Chromebook Classroom are chock full of practical ideas which are easy to implement." - Miriam Parkinson, Wyckoff, New Jersey

"I thought this was a great course for refreshing what you could do with Chromebooks. I liked how it was interactive but wasn't cumbersome with the amount of work that was required. Thanks for your feedback on assignments!" - Kelly Wilson 

"This course has shown me so many new ways that I can use our Chromebooks! It also showed me a lot about apps that I have used, but in new and different ways! I would definitely recommend this course to others who are new or not that familiar with Chromebooks. It has definitely changed my mind on what they are capable of providing for myself and my students." - Rose Marie Warrell, Oakley, ID