Extensions can allow you do do cool, ninja things such as record your screen, increase productivity, shorten links or create QR codes easily. Extensions: “add-ons” for the Chrome browser which expand its functionality.

Examples include Incredibox, the Chrome Music Lab experiments, Beepbox There are usually limited saving and sharing options. Interactive websites: lighter-weight music apps which are useful for introducing a topic or reinforcing learning.Examples include Noteflight, Soundtrap, Google Docs You will often pay a subscription for the education version which provides a COPPA compliant environment for students to work in and also provides a range of sharing and exporting options. Web-based software: full-featured apps that require you to log in (so you can save your work).The term “app” is used quite loosely these days and can be used to refer to any of the following: Students can use their Chromebooks to work on documents, compose music notation, record audio and MIDI, demonstrate learning, take quizzes, create videos, perform, read music, drill notes of the staff, learn music theory and more. As with all technology, make sure you have a contingency plan if anything goes wrong! How can you utilize Chromebooks in class? It’s all about awareness: understand what the device can and can’t do, what the strengths are and how it can do to enhance what you do. Sort out any software login details ahead of class if possibleĬhromebooks can be a fantastic addition to your music classroom.If you’re having problems or your recordings are “glitchy” it’s likely NOT generally the fault of the app or website you’re using Smooth, trouble-free recording of audio or MIDI on a Chromebook is reliant on decent internet speed.Some websites use Flash which can be blocked at schools – test this ahead of time and take steps to allow Flash to run if necessary.Generally speaking, web-based audio recording and editing apps are not as “robust” or feature-rich as software you install on a Mac or PC.There is very limited space on the hard drive (less than your smartphone), so files need to be stored online.There will be very limited access to apps and files if your internet goes down.Software updates happen automatically (which means happy IT staff!).GAFE includes unlimited online storage for files.If your school is also using Google Apps For Education (GAFE), integration is seamless.They have a full-sized keyboard for typing.The cost is lower than a regular laptop or an iPad.

They start up quickly and battery life is good.

They are better suited to elementary and middle school students.

You can’t install “regular” software – you’ll need to use online apps.

They have very limited hard drive space.

A Chromebook is a lightweight notebook that only runs the Chrome web browser.

The good news is that nowadays there are many online music applications available and improved internet speed at schools makes the Chromebook a viable device option for students, especially at the elementary and middle school levels. This comes as a surprise to some teachers who then realise that they can’t install the software they might have used in the past, such as Sibelius, Finale, Audacity, GarageBand, or Mixcraft. The major point of difference between a Chromebook and a “regular” laptop is that it runs on the Chrome OS (operating system) – not the Windows or Mac OS – which means that the applications you use on a Chromebook must be online or cloud-based. They are inexpensive to purchase, they are fast and are designed to be used primarily while connected to the internet. How can they be used in your music classroom? What exactly can you do on a Chromebook anyway?Ĭhromebooks are laptops that are a little…well…different. So, you’ve discovered that your school has decided to roll out Chromebooks to students.

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