“I wish I had more time!”
Sound familiar?
Whether I’m talking to a friend about playing golf more often or working with a teacher on a new strategy or tool, time is always a factor. Although we only have 24 hours in a day, there are plenty of strategies we can implement to maximize the 24 hours we are given. One of my favorite strategies in education, and in my personal life, is the use of Chrome Extensions. These simple additions from the Chrome Web Store allow me to create QR codes, screencast my computer, and even add my favorite Bitmoji in Gmail. The possibilities are endless!
What Are Google Chrome Extensions?
Google Chrome Extensions are “applications that run inside the Chrome browser and provide additional functionality, integration with third party websites or services, and customized browsing experiences.” Through trial and error, you can find some great extensions that meet your needs and make life easier.
Can I have too many Extensions?
In my opinion, YES! I try to keep my list to about 10-15 extensions that I use every week. There are times in my life, especially after a conference, where I’m so excited to install and test all of the new extensions I learned in a session and I end up with more than 15. In reality, many of the cool, new extensions are awesome, but don’t cater to my needs so I end up deleting them. The process for installing and removing extensions is simple, which makes testing any extension a worthwhile process.
Do you have any Favorites?
Although this list could go on forever, here are my top 10. Your top 10 may be completely different. If it is, please share in the comments so I can check out your awesome ideas!
The perfect extension for any G Suite user! This tool offers simple and interactive training lessons to get you up and running fast with G Suite. The lessons provide both audio and visual cues and train the user while they are in the actual app.
CraftyText is a simple app that allows users to enter text which then shows up large in the center of the screen. It works on top of your favorite website. It is a great tool for sharing websites or short text to the students in your class or teachers during a training.
By far, my most used extension of all time. It not only allows you to create a goo.gl shortener link in less than a few seconds, but it also includes a QR code that you can copy and paste onto any document or screen. Prayers answered!
The newest addition to my top 10, this extension makes the process of providing feedback on student writing in Google Docs faster and more efficient. Using the overlay, teachers can select from frequently-used comments on essay writing in Google Docs. This extension certainly will save any teacher who grades essays a boatload of time.
Probably my all time favorite extension for both teacher and student use, Screencastify simplifies screen, tab, or webcam recording for any user. Whether you want to record a tutorial, add voice overlay to a presentation, or record a short skit with the webcam, this extension has it all.
EquatIO makes math digital, helping teachers and students at all levels create math and science expressions quickly and easily. It is great because users can create formulas through typing, hand writing, or voice recognition. STEM teachers rejoice!
The Google Keep Chrome Extension allows you to easily save items from the web and sync them across all your devices. It’s great because you can take additional notes, add labels, and categorize your information in the Google Keep app.
Tab scissors simply allows the user to take one browser window and divide it into two. When you are ready, simply click the Tab Glue and your windows will combine back to one.
It allows you to pick a color from any webpage or from an advanced color picker. This is a great tool for any educator who creates publications and needs an exact color match from a website or logo.
“A picture is worth a thousand words.” Well a Giphy is certainly worth more than that. Easily add any Gif from Giphy into an email you are writing in Gmail. It’s amazing!
Add your Bitmoji into an email in your Gmail account and access all of your Bitmojis in any tab to quickly add to a Google Doc or Slide!
EdfromEdTech 