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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: 2024
Nov 22, 2024

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:

  1. New templates for Google Slides
  2. Essay writing tips from OpenAI
  3. New buildikng block templates for Docs
  4. Google Vids for EDU Plus
  5. Gemini for iPhone
  6. Scholar & Arts & Culture celebrate milestones
  7. Machine learning crash course
  8. How to organize a complex document
  9. Figjam gratefulness wall
  10. 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 FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

 

Oct 23, 2024

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

Sep 19, 2024

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:

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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 12, 2024

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.

  1. Google classroom checklist for teachers
  2. Student skills checklist
  3. Classroom resource template
  4. Chrome extensions for students
  5. Chrome extensions for teachers
  6. Google Classroom requirements
  7. Student Chromebook agreement
  8. AI and plagiarism policy
  9. Google Classroom checklist for teachers
  10. Classroom resource template
  11. Free time activity template
  12. Parent contact log
  13. Peer editing practice
  14. Google Classroom quiz
  15. 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 

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

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 22, 2024

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:

  1. Ask Gemini about documents and emails
  2. Google Vids in Beta
  3. Can you spot the AI image? 
  4. Wednesday Webinars are back for 2024-25
  5. eSignatures in Google Docs
  6. Pre-configure Google Meet from Calendar
  7. LaCrOS is dead
  8. World Emoji day
  9. Great stuff from Figma
  10. 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 FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show!

Jun 24, 2024

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

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

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!

 

Jun 4, 2024

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

 

May 16, 2024

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

 

Apr 18, 2024

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

  1. Congrats to the newest Google Innovators
  2. Google Vids
  3. Tabs for Google Docs
  4. Figjam on Google Meet Screens
  5. Dark mode for Google Drive
  6. Find a Chromebook through the log event search
  7. Multi-admin approvals
  8. 5 ways to organize your digital life with AI
  9. Do AI detectors work?
  10. Not enough data for AI?

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

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!

 

Apr 10, 2024

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!

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

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

 

Mar 22, 2024

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***

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:

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

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

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! 

Feb 21, 2024

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***
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 February 2024:

  1.  Bard is now Gemini​ ​
  2. Beta Test Google’s AI for Education tools ​
  3. New features announced at BETT
  4. Sort, filter, and manage comments​ in Docs ​
  5. New AI features for the Chrome browser
  6. Improvements to Appointment Schedules​
  7. Updates for Google Meet
  8. Google Classroom Templates ​
  9. New Book: EDU Protocols for Young Learners​
  10. Art Remix powered by AI

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

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

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!

Jan 22, 2024

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:

  1. Sowash family Euro venture!
  2. Change your extension policy
  3. Convert your form into a practice set
  4. 2024 Google Innovator Academy dates
  5. ChromeOS certification exam (still free!)
  6. Tech management for teachers
  7. Right click QR code reader (extension)
  8. Inspect writing with Brisk teaching
  9. 5 AI extensions for teachers 10.
  10. 10 data privacy lessons

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

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

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!

 

Jan 3, 2024

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

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

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!

 

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