Chrome Apps for the Classroom

This time around I want to share some Chrome apps that I use in my classroom.  Before we start I need to clarify two things.  First, I am an ELA teacher so you will see a particular bent in my selection, but I tried to pick apps that are cross-curricular.  Second, Chrome apps are not like apps for your desktop.  They are essentially websites that have been customized and/or optimized to be used with Chrome and Chromebooks.  In most cases they are completely web based and tightly integrated with Google Drive.  Oh, I almost forgot, I am cheapskate and so I only look for apps and websites that are completely free.  I thought you might like that.

Without further pandering, my list of classroom tested Chrome apps.

1. Mindmeister

Mindmeister is a mind mapping and diagramming app.  I use it to create all kinds of diagrams for the students and assign it to the students to use as well.

2. RealtimeBoard

RealtimeBoard is another mind mapping app.  What I like about this app is that is collaborative so you can have several students or an entire class working together.  This is quickly becoming my favorite mapping app.

3. PowToon

I used PowToon for the first time this spring to create a presentation for a seminar that I was apart of.  The web app was intuitive and easy to use.  I liked it so much I had my incoming AP students use PowToon to prepare their presentations for their summer reading.  PowToon is being aggressive about getting into the education market so they have created tons of how to videos and webinars.

4. Stupeflix 

Stupeflix is another video making web app that I came upon this summer.  I have yet to test it out in a teaching environment, but it looks like a fun options for the kids to use instead of a boring PowerPoint presentation.  It is worth taking a look at but keep in mind that you have to pay to make longer videos.

5. Blendspace 

PowerPoint and I were once inseparable, but she refused to change with the times and my infatuation dimmed.  She couldn't go where I wanted to go.  She hated that I spent so much time with an iPad.  She refused to collaborate and share with others.  That is when I came across Blendspace (or Edcanvas as it is sometimes called) and it really impressed me--it still does.  Within Blendspace I can create presentations that include videos, text, graphics, and instantly scored quizzes.  I don't have to leave the app to search for content on the internet and I can create and share as many presentations as I want.  Sorry PowerPoint, I have found someone better.

6. Google Drive and Its Core Apps

I don't have to the time to write nor you the time to read all the benefits of Google Apps for Education so let me try to hit just a few highlights.


Google Drive is your one stop spot for all things Google.  You get a crazy amount of free storage, access to all of Google's other apps, and the ability to manage and share almost anything with almost anyone.

Google Doc is a word processing app that makes it easy to start working on a document on one device and finish it on another.  You can share and collaborate on a document in real time.  With optional plugins you can add voice annotations and automate grading.

Google Spreadsheet is a spreadsheet app that isn't as robust as Microsoft's Excel but will suit 90% of the people 90% of the time.  It is great if you want to share and track data with others.

Google Form is a great way to gather information and assignments.  You can even use it to create instantly graded quizzes.  All data gathered by Forms are compiled and deposited in a spreadsheet for you to look over.

Google Calendar is invaluable for me.  I can never keep track of what all I have going on.  I know that there is no shortage of calendar apps out there, but Google's Calendar app has time and again proven to be my favorite.

Google Slides is Google's answer to PowerPoint.  Expect the same thing from this app as PowerPoint with the added bonus of being able to edit the presentation from anywhere and sharing with other.  I also like that you can import both your old PowerPoint presentations and PowerPoint themes straight into Google Slides.

This link has great tutorials on how to use Google apps and what they can do for you.

Well that is about it folks.  I'll add to my list as I find more useful Chrome apps for you.

Cody