“Chromebooks — which last year were largely used as classroom tools for writing reports and working on projects — are now the main way many students go to school. As distance learning takes place around the world, educators and students have had to quickly adapt to teaching and learning through Chromebooks. And along the way we’ve updated features and tools to make learning from anywhere easier,” reads Google’s blog post. To start off, Chrome OS is adding a screen recording tool in the latest Chromebook update in March, which will help teachers and students record lessons and reports in the classroom and at home. “Teachers have long recorded lessons to help students do homework and study for tests, but in the past year it’s become downright critical for virtual learning,” adds Google’s blog post. Besides Chrome OS’ upcoming screen recorder, educators can gain access to Chrome Education Upgrade, which unlocks access to Google Admin Console, making it possible for schools to centrally manage massive fleets of Chromebooks.
Further, Google is also launching over 40 new devices, details of which has not been provided by the search giant. Having said that, these devices will include convertible Chromebooks that function likes a laptop and a tablet, and come with a stylus, touchscreen, and dual-cameras for students to take notes, edit videos, create podcasts, draw, publish digital books and record screencasts, and LTE connectivity option. Every new Chromebook is equipped to deliver exceptional Google Meet and Zoom experiences. The company has launched a new guide to help you pick up the right model from the variety of Chromebooks that Google will be introducing.
As for its accessibility improvements for education products, ChromeVox, Google’s full-featured screen reader for the OS, has new features including improved tutorials, the ability to search ChromeVox menus, and smooth voice switching that automatically changes the screen reader’s voice based on the language of the text. Google is also making significant audio, video and reliability improvements to Meet on Chromebooks so it continues to work smoothly for everyone. Additionally, the company is allowing parents and guardians to help support their child’s learning, while also making sure they are safe online. It is making it possible for families to add a Google Workspace for Education account to their child’s personal Google Account managed with Family Link. This lets children still log into the apps and websites they need with a school account, while making sure parents can still set guidelines for device and app usage. “We’ll continue to listen and evolve Google for Education products so they benefit educators, leaders and students. To learn more about all of the upcoming improvements to Chromebooks and Chrome OS, subscribe to our Chrome Enterprise Release notes,” concludes Google.
