Are you taking full advantage of the Chromebooks in your Classroom?

There is more to Chromebooks than math games and Google Docs!

Teach with Chrome is a 5 week course that will help you unlock the hidden potential of the Chromebooks in your classroom. You’ll learn “secret” Chromebook tips and implement incredibly simple strategies which will help you design better lesson and work more efficiently. 

This course is divided into five topics that will help you unlock the potential of the Chromebooks in your classroom. Many of these techniques will support things that you are already doing! I'm not here to tell you how to teach, I want to support you and help you become a better teacher.  

BONUS: this course includes a copy of my book, The Chromebook Classroom!

Course Objectives  

• Understand the core features and settings of your Chromebook.
• Prepare students to use their Chromebooks effectively. 
• Identify the best tools and settings for students with learning disabilities.
• Help elementary students get started faster!
• Implement strategies to keep students safe and productive on the web. 
• Identify the best Chrome apps and extensions for your classroom.
• Get detailed lesson ideas for teaching ith Chromebooks.

You will be working direcly with me, John Sowash, during this course. I am a Google Certified Educator and Trainer as well as the author of the #1 selling book on the use of Chromebooks in the classroom.  

We will use Google Classroom for the course, a tool that you may already be using! 

Note: this is a beginner / intermediate course. No prior experience with Chromebooks is required. Need something more advanced? Check out my upcoming courses here. 

•  Start Date: Ocober 7, 2018
•  End Date: November 10, 2018
• Platform: Google Classroom

•  Cost: $99
• Includes a copy of The Chromebook Classroom
•  Register by CC or PO

This course includes a print copy of my latest book, The Chromebook Classroom, the #1 guide to the use of Chromebooks in education.

Note: due to high shipping costs and delivery time, if you are located outside of the US a digital editon of the book (PDF or Kindle) will be provided. 

Note

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 the 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!
• What happened to my keyboard (a.ka. “where did the caps lock key go?”)
• 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”
• Essential programs and applications for Chromebook users
• Which Chromebook is right for my classroom?
• Special Topic: tips on starting a 1:1 program
• 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. 

I taught middle school and high school science for 6 years and was a high school principal for 2 years outside of Detroit, Michigan. During my time as a teacher I integrated technology into my classroom whenever possible. Sometimes it was great, some times it was a total flop! I now support teachers who are working to use tech in their classrooms. I write books, produce a podcast, and share free resources on my blog and website.  

I hope you will join me for this online cours. I look forward to working with you!  

"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

"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 

Can I earn continuing education credits?

Probably! This course qualifies for continuing education credits in many states. Check with your administration to verify specific requirements. 

Michigan teachers are able to earn up to 5 state SCECH credits for completing this course. Additional registration and work may be required.

Is this just another lousy online course?

I certainly hope not! I have worked hard to make this course practical and actionable. This is NOT an automated course. I will be participating in the course throughout the week; answering questons and personally working with the entire group. You can look at the tesimonial section (above) to hear what others are saying.

Can I pay by purchase order?

Sure! Visit the course registration page and look for the PO option. Your school will receive an invoice for your course registration. A PO number is required before you can join the course. 

Why are you charging $99? 

Creating an quality online course requires a tremendous amount of time and preparation. I feel the price is reflective of the value that I am able to provide. 

How much time will I spend on the course?  

Each week has a different focus consisting of 4 parts (learn, practice, share, connect). Each component is designed to be completed in 15-20 min. So expect about 1 hour of classwork work each week.

What equipment / tools will I need?

You will need a copy of The Chromebook Classroom (included), access to Google Classroom, and a computer running the Chrome browser. A Chromebook is recommended, but not required. 

How long will I have access to the course? 

Forever! The course will remain accessible indefinitely, although after the end-date I will no longer be active in the course.

I can't take the course right now. Will it be offered again? 

Probably. If you would like to be notified about future courses, click here.  

What if I have questions or get stuck? 

If you have any issues or concerns, you can connect directly with me via email. My contact information is available in Google Classroom.

I'm not a "techie" person. Is this course for me?

Yes! This particular course is a beginner / intermediate skill level. Google Clasroom is easy to use and I will be with you the entire time! 

Interested, but don't have time to take the course right now? Join my email list and I will let you know when I offer this course again! 

 Sowash Ventures, LLC | 2018