Google Apps for AT
Presented by Nichole Carubia, MA, CCC-SLP, NBCT
Chromebooks
Run Chrome OS, primarily account based vs. local to the device
Drawbacks:
Advantages:
Chromebook Comparison Chart- A TON of information about Chromebook specs.
Chrome Overview w/ Chromebook Video
Kathy Schrock- Chromebooks in the Classroom
Chrome Web Browser
Can be used on PC, Mac, Chromebook, and on mobile devices
Are you using it?
Reasons why you should:
How to customize your Chrome browser home page
Top 5 Best Features of the Newest Chrome (9/2018, 3:48)
App vs. Extension
App= Web apps are basically websites (e.g. Google Drive, Snapverter). What is a Chrome App?
Extension= Extensions use downloaded components to modify your browser (i.e. the R&W toolbar modifies your browser by allowing the screen to be read). Extensions extend the functionality of the Chrome browser.What is a Chrome Extension?
100 Best Free Google Extensions
More information about Chrome Apps (including recommendations)
How to install/manage Chrome Extensions
Chrome Web Store
The place you go to find and download/install the extensions and/or apps you want (keep in mind that apps are basically websites).
*Beware, there is a lot of junk out there. Choose carefully.
Speech-to-Text in Google Docs
Voice Typing: Open a Google Doc. Click on “Tools.” Turn on “Voice Typing.” This is Google’s speech recognition engine. It’s quite accurate. Chromebooks have a built in microphone so students should just be able to dictate into their Chromebook. This is an extremely useful tool for anyone wanting to try speech-to-text (or “voice recognition” or Dragon Naturally Speaking).
*Hint: Try a headset with a microphone. It may possibly dampen background noise for improved dictation.
Research Tool in Google Docs
Within Google Docs, while writing a paper, you can easily access Google’s research tools from within the document.
How to use native Google tools in Docs (Written tutorial)
How to use Research Tool & Easy Bib Add-on (Video 6:35)
Read & Write for Google
R&W for Google is an extension for the Chrome Browser.
R&W for Google: Getting Started, free teacher subscription link
New features are becoming available over time. Product is not as rich as desktop software version (for PC, e.g.) but makes up for that in portability.
Account based, subscription.
Read & Write for Google Chrome YouTube channel
Simplify
Snapverter
Snapverter is an add-on for Read&Write for Google that converts printed documents and inaccessible digital files into readable PDF files for easy sharing and reading aloud in Google Drive. Snapverter uses OCR (optical character recognition) technology to recognize and convert text from inaccessible PDF files and images, text from worksheets, handouts, book pages, photocopies, and other paper based/printed materials from your classroom.
Co:Writer Universal
Don Johnston Product
Literacy support software (writing)
Account Based- can download on many devices and then enable student account(s). App appears to be free but then you need to purchase subscription to use it.
Links to download Co:Writer Universal
Co:Writer Universal demo/video (5:00)
Snap & Read Universal
Snap & Read is another extension for the Chrome Web Browser. It gives students the ability to have text read aloud to them. It includes translation, text leveling, and can provide data re: student use. More features are likely to be added in the future. Snap & Read can be used with:
Spelling/Grammar Checkers
Bookshare Web Reader
Extension in Chrome- free to install
Must have Bookshare account (individual and organizational)
Link to Bookshare Web Reader in Chrome Web Store
Bookshare Web Reader tutorial- click “read on my own” for a video tutorial (1:30).
Mercury Reader (replaces Readability)
Mercury Reader is a web and mobile app that reduces online clutter and saves web articles in a comfortable reading view.
Mercury Reader (replaces Readability)
Link to Mercury Reader in Chrome Web Store
*You’ll need an account for Mercury Reader
Other Free Google Apps Worth a Try:
Calmly Writer http://www.calmlywriter.com/
Typing Club https://www.typingclub.com/
Mind Meister https://www.mindmeister.com/
Training:https://www.mindmeister.com/training
Extension Manager
An extension manager is a way to manage all your apps and extensions in Chrome. There are a few available and they should all be free. Try these:
In addition to staying organized, a reason to use an extension manager is because all the apps/extensions may not work properly concurrently. You may need to experiment!
Working with IT to deploy Chrome Apps & Extensions
2 scenarios:
IT should have an administrator who is in charge of all things Google. This will be the person you will need to work with.
BEWARE: If it looks sketchy, it probably is. Avoid clicking on “chatter” on the page. Take note of the developer of the app/extension before clicking on it. There are many that could be harmful or at minimum are just useless.
Tips & Tricks:
GOOGLE: Got a question? Google it! Literally type your question into the search window in Google. That is how many IT support people help people answer questions if we don’t know the answer. It works surprisingly well and may save you time spent on an IT call.
Tips & Tricks:
Connect with your IT people. They can make magical things happen!
Tips & Tricks:
More Resources:
Mike Marotta: http://mmatp.com/chromeat/
Chrome Apps/Extensions for learners with Dyslexia
Tony Vincent, Learning in Hand:
https://learninginhand.com/blog/favorite-chrome-extensions