Tip of the Week – Using Chrome Extensions
Google’s Chrome is one of the most popular internet browsers in the world due to its speed, security, and simplicity. Chrome is especially useful for teachers in a G Suite for Education district such as Bradley County Schools. One of the highlights of Chrome is the ability to add additional functionalities known as extensions. Think of these as small “apps” that are installed into your browser. Extensions can allow you to make screen recordings, block ads, and save content to other services such as Google Drive, Evernote, or Dropbox.
You can find and add extensions by visiting chrome.google.com/webstore
If you forget the address, you can also find the website by performing a Google search for “Chrome Extensions.”
Once you are on the webstore, you can search for a specific extension or browse through curated lists of recommended extensions. Click on an extension that looks interesting and you can read reviews from other users. When you find an extension you want, click on the “Add to Chrome” button to install. You may be prompted to accept permissions for an extension. For BCS teachers, some extensions may be blocked. This doesn’t mean that this is a bad extension, it’s probably just an extension that hasn’t been approved yet by the network administrators. Talk to a tech coach to find out how to have extensions approved for use on BCS G Suite accounts.
One of the best features of extensions is that they follow you to whatever computer you are working on. Just log in to Chrome with your account and all of your extensions will be there! One note: the Chrome app on tablets and smartphones do not support extensions. You will have to be on a desktop, laptop, or ChromeOS device to use your extensions.
Chrome Extension of the Week
Adblock for Youtube – Block all of those annoying ads that appear before Youtube videos! Once installed, you’re set and can freely binge on videos without seeing a single video ad! Additionally, you can use this extension to block any annotations that have been added to videos on the site. To do this, just click on the Adblock for Youtube Extension button in the upper right corner of your Chrome Browser window beside the URL bar. You will see a small pop-up window where you can turn on the “Annotations Blocking” button. Some videos have useful annotations, so you may want to use this feature sparingly.
Special thanks to Monday Night Social for allowing us to use their song “Shutting Down Tennessee” on our podcast. You can find their music on all major digital music retailers and stay up to date with the band by visiting their website: www.mondaynightsocial.com
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