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The Chromebook Classroom Podcast

If you want to use Chromebooks to improve teaching and learning, this is the show for you! I interview teachers and district leaders who are using Chromebooks in creative and inspiring ways, answer your Chromebook questions, and share the best tools and resources for teaching with Chromebooks. Chromebooks are an amazing tool for the classroom, but using them well does require some thought and planning. I’m glad you are here and can’t wait to help you teach with Chrome!
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The Chromebook Classroom Podcast
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Now displaying: 2019
Dec 23, 2019

I like to tell you a little story about a project that I was working on recently and some new things I discovered about my Chromebook.

As the self-proclaimed "Chromebook guy" I feel very strongly that I should use a Chromebook full-time and work as hard as I can to do everything on a Chromebook.

My "Chromelife" was challenged recently when I purchase a Cricut cutting machine.

Officially, the Cricut is NOT compatible with Chromebooks. It clearly says so on the website. But I decided to ignore the warning and see if I could get it to work anyway!

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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 FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

Dec 10, 2019

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 top 10 links for December 2019!

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 FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

Nov 26, 2019

Today’s question was submitted by Tim Cavey, a grade 8 social studies teacher from Vancouver, British Columbia: "Can a Chromebook record decent video? Should my students use their Chromebooks to record video or are they better off using a phone or iPad?

Episode Resources: 

Submit your Chromebook Question!

Send me your toughest Chromebook question, problem, or challenge! I will do my best to find a solution that will help all Chromebook using teachers. 

To submit a question, click here

Nov 17, 2019

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 top 10 links for November 2019!

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 FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

Nov 11, 2019

Can you draw with a Chromebook? 

Sylvia Duckworth has been involved in education for more than 30 years as a French teacher and technology advocate, and author. 

Sylvia is retired from classroom instruction but continues to impact education by sharing her love of sketchnoting with teachers around the world. 

Sylvia has published two books on sketchnoting and recently completed her second sketchnoting “world tour” where she shares her passion for visual thinking. 

Can you sketchnote on a Chromebook? Let’s ask Sylvia and find out!   

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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 FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

Oct 7, 2019

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 top 10 links for October 2019!

  1. Halloween Hyperdoc
  2. 6 Chromebook shortcuts to save time
  3. 5 Memories to celebrate Google Classroom's 5th BD
  4. Google Slides Journal Template
  5. Google Extends the End-of-life date for select Chromebooks
  6. Explore the Palace of Versailles
  7. Carve-a-pumpkin in Google Slides
  8. SAMR Student Choice Matrix
  9. Is your Chromebook broken? Try these tricks!
  10. Teach with Chrome Webinar: 4 Ideas for any Classroom

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 FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

Sep 30, 2019

Audio is a HOT new way to share stories and information. Podcasting, voice assistants and audiobooks have become a big part of my life and are projected to become even more dominant in the future. 

Jeff Bradbury has been at the forefront of using audio for teaching and learning. In 2011 he created TeacherCast.net which has grown into an enormous resource for helping teachers and tech coaches in the classroom. 

 

Since Jeff is clearly a podcasting legend, I’ve asked him to share some tips on podcasting with a Chromebook. 

Episode Resources: 

For all of the links and resources mentioned in today's episode, visit Chrmbook.com/s4e8

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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 FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

Sep 20, 2019

Today’s question was submitted by Dave Stuart, a social studies teacher from west Michigan: "What's the most efficient way to manage Chromebooks coming in and out of my cart?" 

Episode Resources: 

Submit your Chromebook Question!

Send me your toughest Chromebook question, problem, or challenge! I will do my best to find a solution that will help all Chromebook using teachers. 

To submit a question, click here

Sep 8, 2019

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 top 10 links for September 2019!

  1. Send2Contacts Google Sheet
  2. Turn your Google Classroom header into a class project!
  3. A Parent’s Guide to Chromebooks
  4. Google created a new font to improve reading fluency
  5. Google targets higher education with “Assignments”
  6. Originality Reports in Google Classroom
  7. Create file shortcuts in Google Drive
  8. The Chromebook Camera App gets an update!
  9. What is machine learning?
  10. A Chromebook is better than a Macbook (change my mind)

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.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 FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

Sep 1, 2019

Find lesson ideas for your Chromebook classroom by using the Chromebook App Hub! 

Anne Nash is a Regional Manager on the Google For Education team and a contributor to the brand new Chromebook app hub.

Anne shares a bit about life as a Google employee, the development of the Chromebook App Hub, and her favorite Chromebook tips and productivity secrets.

Episode resources: 

For all of the links and resources mentioned in today's episode, visit Chrmbook.com/s4e5

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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 FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

Aug 25, 2019

My Chromebook helps me be productive and give me access to everything that I need as an educator. Here are 5 Chromebook productivity tips to help you in the classroom.  

  1. Pin your tabs
  2. Group your tabs
  3. Use the window switcher key
  4. Review your settings
  5. Install these extensions: 

BONUS TIP: Connect your Android phone to your Chromebooks

If you have a personal Chromebook and an Android phone, you can connect them together to do some pretty awesome things! 

For all of the links and resources mentioned in today's episode, visit Chrmbook.com/s4e1

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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 FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

Aug 14, 2019

Today’s question was submitted by Kelly Croy, director of innovation and instruction and the host of the Wired Educator podcast: Can you work offline on a Chromebook? 

Episode Resources: 

Submit your Chromebook Question!

Send me your toughest Chromebook question, problem, or challenge! I will do my best to find a solution that will help all Chromebook using teachers. 

To submit a question, click here

Aug 6, 2019

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 top 10 links for August 2019!

  1. Explore art using Augmented Reality (AR)
  2. Meet the 2019 Google Science Fair Winners!
  3. 10 Ways to use Emoji in the Classroom
  4. Technology integration is a major stress factor for college professors
  5. Thoughts on the Google Classroom Gradebook
  6. Rubric Repair
  7. Chromebook Getter Add-on
  8. LearnZillion
  9. Chromebook Quiz
  10. 8 new Google features for the new school year

For show notes and resources on teaching with Chromebooks, visit http://chrmbook.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 FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show! 

Jul 29, 2019

Stephanie Howell is the middle school instructional technology coordinator for Pickerington Schools in central Ohio with several years of experience teaching special education.  

I stumbled on one of Stephanie’s Google form activities while doing some research for a blog post I was writing.  Her name and lessons keep popping up on social media and at conferences that I attend. I am excited to chat with her and give her a platform to share some of her awesome ideas to help you kick off the school year. 

It’s time to go back to school with Stephanie Howell! 

For all of the links and resources mentioned in today's episode, visit Chrmbook.com/s4e1

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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! 

Jul 24, 2019

This short episode is a preview of what you can expect during season 4 of The Chromebook Classroom podcast!

Season 4 begins on August 1st! This year my goal is to post weekly episodes in four different formats: 

  • Long-form interviews with teachers and educational leaders who are doing awesome things with Chromebooks. 
  • 10 Links you should click on - a monthly episode where I share resources that caught my attention and are worth your time. 
  • Chromebook Q&A - During season 4 I will be accepting and answering YOUR Chromebook questions! 
  • Tips & Resources for your Chromebook Classroom - once a month I'll share a new idea, strategy, or resource to help you teach with Chrome

There are four ways you can support this podcast:

  • Subscribe and rate the show!
  • Podcasting is very much a word of mouth medium; share the show with the teachers at your school.
  • Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter to continue the conversation
  • Consider taking advantage of my paid products - books, online courses, and on-site workshops.

Thank you for being my Chromie homie! Look for episode 1 of season 4 on August 1!

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Thanks for listening to The Chromebook Classroom Podcast. Get all of the resources mentioned in this episode by visiting Chrmbook.com/podcast.

You can connect me, John Sowash, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram 

Jul 3, 2019

The school year is officially done. We did it! Nice job.

The next school year is still a ways away; no need to think about it…not yet anyway!

July is a month to chill, relax, reflect, and recharge! ⛱🍹

The end of the school year also concludes season 3 of the Chromebook Classroom podcast!

But don’t worry, season 4 will start in August!

Rather than bombard you with new ideas for your classroom, I thought I would introduce myself.

I’m the guy behind the microphone!

Here are 10 quick facts about my life that will explain my perspective on education, business, and life!

The show notes for this episode are pretty awesome. You'll get to see 10 photos of my life, including some really old ones! 😂

Show Notes: chrmbook.com/s3e13

Jun 14, 2019

Google has been trying to combine the ChromeOS and Android ecosystems since 2016.

Is this the future of Chromebooks or a bad idea?

While I am a HUGE proponent of Chromebooks, I have been very sluggish to recommend running Android apps on a Chromebook.

Here to change my mind about Android apps on Chromebooks is Tom Mullaney, Digital Learning Coach at Carroll Middle School in Raleigh, NC.

I have been following Tom on Twitter for some time and have seen him putting out a lot of content on his blog and Twitter on how he is using Android apps on his Chromebook.

This should be a solid conversation!

Show notes and links: chrmbook.com/podcast

Jun 6, 2019

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 top 10 links for June 2019!

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

May 29, 2019

My guest is Dave Stuart Jr., high school social studies teacher, author, blogger, and father of 4 from Cedar Springs, Michigan.

I sat down with Dave to talk about how he uses Chromebooks to teach social studies, but our conversation quickly grew into a broader conversation about how technology is changing learning and our responsibility as teachers to respond and adjust to these new challenges.

Dave is a deep thinker who truly wants to help students learn and help teachers achieve satisfaction in all consuming profession.

Dave has summarized some key principles he uses in his classroom in his new book, These Six Things: How to focus your teaching on what matters.  

Show notes and links: chrmbook.com/podcast

May 20, 2019

Are you sick of lugging around paper assignments for grading? I may have a solution for you!

Like all English teachers, Jennifer Kipfmiller is faced with the difficult task of grading hundreds of student essays and written assignments. While many ELA teachers are comfortable using technology to assign and receive student work, the grading process usually takes place on paper with a red pen.

Jennifer and the English department at John Glenn high school set out to figure out a way they could provide hand-written feedback to their students electronically.

The solution involves a special Chromebook and the Android version of Google Classroom. Listen in for the full story!

Show notes and links: chrmbook.com/podcast

May 16, 2019

As the school year winds down, it's time to start thinking about closing out the year and preparing for next year. 

In addition to cleaning out your physical classroom, It’s a good idea to organize your digital classroom.

I have selected five quick tips to help you start your digital spring cleaning.

If you want to get serious about organizing your digital life, sign up for my FREE, self-paced online course.

For show notes and resources visit Chrmbook.com/podcast

May 7, 2019

Every six weeks or so Google releases a new version of ChromeOS, the operating system that runs your Chromebook. 

Many of these updates are pretty boring and consist primarily of technical, behind-the-scenes elements that don't have a direct impact on what we do in the classroom. 

That's not the case with ChromeOS version 74 which is rolling out to devices this week. There are four updates that have the potential to impact your classroom: 

  1. External USB camera support
  2. Enhanced search in the Chrome app launcher
  3. Organize files in the "my files" area of your Chromebook
  4. PDF annotation is now built into the browser!

Visit the show notes for this episode for a complete changelog and resources on how to update your devices: http://Chrmbook.com/chromeOS74

May 3, 2019

The Google Certified Educator program is a wonderful way to increase your ability to use tools like Drive, Classroom, Forms, and Calendar in the context of the classroom.

My guest is Lissa Brunan, middle school teacher, adjunct professor, and technology trainer. 

Lissa and I recently took the level 1 and level 2 exams. During this episode, we share our experience, talk about the types of questions we received, and provide practical tips so that YOU can pass your certification test as well! 

If you are interested in becoming a Google Certified Educator, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

For show notes and links visit https://www.chrmbook.com/s3e9/

Apr 30, 2019

Danielle Kline has been teaching high school math at Cardinal Mooney Catholic School for five years. Danielle has embraced technology in her classroom, taking advantage of tools like Google Hangouts, Pear Deck, Google Classroom and Forms to teach algebra in a blended learning environment.

Math + Technology is hard (but it can be done!)

I have had many conversations with math teachers regarding the integration of technology in the classroom. While I think technology CAN be used in mathematics courses, I pose the question to Danielle to get her perspective.

Danielle has had success using Kahoot, Google Classroom, and Forms with her students. The secret is taking screenshots of graphs and equations rather than having students actually type or draw out the solution to the equation.

Danielle also shares how she grades student work through a combination of digital and paper-based assignments. 

If you teach math (or support math teachers), this is an episode that will provide a TON of value and ideas. 

For show notes and links visit  https://www.chrmbook.com/s3e8/

Apr 4, 2019

Google has been hard at work improving and refining the accessibility features of ChromeOS. In this episode, we take a look at these features and how we can use them to support the needs of our students.

I am joined by Robin Pegg an expert in the field of adaptive and assistive technology who has worked with teachers and students for more than 20 years. 

Together we explore and share ways that you can use the accessibility features of your Chromebooks to remove barriers to learning. 

 

For show notes and links visit https://www.chrmbook.com/s3e7/ ‎

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