Google is updating its Chrome OS in 2021 there will be several new features with the Chrome OS 89 update, you can read the full article here.
Google is rolling out 40 new Chromebooks this year. In our district we use Lenovo or Dell. Many of these new Chromebooks will have functions like laptop with touchscreen, tablet, stylist, and dual cameras. Don't get your hopes up yet, these also come with a higher cost and right now in education, we bleed red, so I wouldn't expect these devices quite yet. One of the new hardware features is a LTE built in for families who have spotty WIFI but their Cellular data is good. This allows for the device to always be connected.
CHROME OS 89 UPDATES
- The biggest feature for this Chrome OS 89 update will be the built in screen recording tool. Students will be able to record directly from their Chromebook without having to download an extension. The screen capture tool will be available in the quick access settings in the bottom right hand corner of a Chromebook. When you toggle this option on a floating panel appears where you will be able to select camera, video, full screen shot or select a specific area or window. Clicking on the gear will allow for more specific options when using this feature. This is set to roll out sometime in March 2021. Now understand this is the Chrome OS, which is different then the Chrome browser on your Windows/Mac. The OS for Chromebooks will have these features, not the browser.
- Better screen shots, which will capture all or a portion of your screen with the new improved interface. Nice short cut for this feature is Ctrl + Shift + the Window Switching Key (top row of Chromebook, allows you to select specific areas to screen shot instead of using Ctrl + Windows Switching Key which just takes a full screenshot. All screen shots are located located in the downloads area of the Files app in images.
- Other features for Chromebooks will be the live caption, translation and accessibility features. All these features are very helpful to everyone, including those who have disabilities. To access these features, go to the quick access menu and select accessibility. You will be able to toggle many of these features on and off to determine what is best for you.
- Set Accessibility Features once. Set it and go.
- ChromeVox - Full feature screen reader.
- Select to Speak - Select items on Screen and have them read back to you.
- Screen Shading - Great for young readers & people with Dyslexia.
- Change Cursor SIZE and COLOR
- Captions - Available in many languages, customize placement on screen & size.
- Student Issues with Chromebooks: As a district with Dell and Lenovo Chromebooks, if you have students who are having issues with their Chromebook, please refer them back to out Students and Parents Technology Page. There are specific instructions for students and parents to look at to help with on "I have a Chromebook Now What?" As always you can always take your device to the school you attend to have it looked at and swapped out.
As with all updates, some will hit our domain earlier then others, but many of these will roll out later in 2021. For an easy to use guide take a look at the graphic created by John R. Sowash of Chrmbook.com.
What did you miss?
Google Workspace for Education Updates Part 1
Google Workspace for Education Google Classroom Part 2
Google Workspace for Education Google Meet Part 3
