Google Chrome Browser - To use or not to use?

I have been a Google Chrome Browser user for awhile now, but simply because that's what my school uses. Unfortunately, I do not consider myself too tech savvy and I really only use the computer tools I am taught to use and/or directed to use by my school administration.

I have learned NOT to click on Internet Explorer or Firefox at school because (for some reason unknown to me), "things" {Do you like my vagueness there?} just don't work properly with those browsers. Again, I don't know why ... nor do I have the time to figure out why. Seriously, I am a busy teacher {Aren't we all?!} who needs my computer to do what I need it to do when I need it to do it! I'm sure you are the same, yes?

And, so, I use Google Chrome almost exclusively, but that is mainly because of default. I am a good little worker bee who does as I am told, without much question. However, I spent much of this week watching videos to introduce me to Google Chrome, and now I find myself a little disappointed that I had never realized the untapped potential of Google Chrome. It can do so much more than I was using it for.  I know that as I continue to learn what it can do for me, I am going to be even more in love with Google Chrome than I already am!

I know you're wondering, "What is so great that you are raving so much about this?"

Here's a video to share some great things Google Chrome can do. It's a little on the long side (about 20 minutes), but there's a TON of good information. So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy being convinced that you need {Yes, need!} to use Google Chrome. Heck, even if you already use Google Chrome, you should take the time to watch this video.

This video describes a lot of the features and benefits that Chrome offers. I am certain that the twenty minutes I spent watching this video will save me a ton of time in the future. {My bookmarks are now nicely organized into folders thanks to this video. Be still my OCD heart!}



Some benefits I find with Google Chrome:

• Keep bookmarks constant for all your devices (& organize them in a way that works for you)
• YouTube videos will play without that "Update Flash Player" pop up
• Access to Google Drive (from other devices)
• Going incognito (Click here for a video about this)

And, the biggest plus I am discovering right now:

• The plethora of available apps and extensions - I think discovering which of these I can most effectively use in the classroom (and for the classroom) will be the greatest gift of Google Chrome. I had already been using some; but, seriously, I did not realize all the options out there. I cannot wait to take some time and find some favorites that will become a staple item in my life! Untapped potential. Honestly, how did I not know the value of all these apps and extensions until now?

Surely, if you don't have Google Chrome already and now you want it (or at least are tempted to see what all my hype is about), here's a link to download Chrome to your own computer!

If you want to learn more about Google Chrome Apps, click here.
To learn about Google Chrome Extensions, click here.

If you want to watch a video about some favorite and useful Google Chrome Apps and Extensions for educators, click here. Amy goes through several apps and extensions, showing you how to get them from the store, and telling you what she loves about each one. I am learning that choosing favorites is based on personal preference, but I expect that I'll have a future post about apps and extensions soon!