Monday, April 27, 2020
Chromebook Tip: PowerWashing a Chromebook Without Logging In
Powerwashing a Chromebook is a means to reset it back to factory default. There are a few reasons you would want to do this. If you are getting ready to get rid of a device it would be good to do before letting it go. If you have a software error that is making the machine function improperly, you could try powerwashing it to get it running again. You might even buy a device and don't know the user account information to sign in and be able to use it. Note: If the device is enrolled by an organization, even if you powerwash it you might not be able to log back in without the organization touching the device first.
To powerwash a machine without logging in, do the following at the login screen:
Press ALT + SHIFT + R and tap the Restart button.
You will then be prompted to powerwash the device. After it finishes, you will be able to log back into your account as normal.
Friday, April 24, 2020
Zoom Meetings on Windows / Mac / Linux / Chromebook / iOS / Android / Telephone
Zoom is a popular online conferencing application to hold video/audio meetings and chat with others. It is currently being used by tons of people to stay in touch. Large companies, schools, churches, and many others are utilizing Zoom for their online communication needs.
To use Zoom, a person (usually the meeting organizer) will give you a unique 9, 10, or 11-digit number called the Meeting ID. This meeting ID is very important and is typically sent to all participants through an email that includes the date and time the meeting will take place. Along with the meeting ID, there might be a password included to join the meeting. Some meetings will require you to type the password in before you can connect and join the meeting. This is an added measure to avoid having random people join the meeting. Remember to save this meeting ID email so you have the information for the day of the meeting.
Note: When joining Zoom meetings, you will have the option to connect video and audio. By default, Zoom will try to use your built-in webcam and microphone. If you have a USB webcam or microphone plugged in, it should recognize to use that as well. If you do this, other participants will be able to see you from your webcam and hear you from your microphone. Please keep this in mind when joining and if you would like to opt out from that don't check those particular boxes when joining the meeting. For large meetings, some organizers will turn off all other webcams and mics by default so they can be the only ones broadcasting. Usually they will have a section at the end of the talk where they will enable them again so participants can comment and ask questions.
Microsoft Windows / Mac OS / Linux
When you click the email link to join the Zoom meeting on a desktop or laptop computer, you will be prompted to download and run the software. This will install the Zoom application onto your computer. When the software launches, click on the Join Meeting button. Enter the meeting ID, password (if necessary), and enter your display name. The display name will be seen by other members of the meeting, so choose a name with that in mind.
To use Zoom, a person (usually the meeting organizer) will give you a unique 9, 10, or 11-digit number called the Meeting ID. This meeting ID is very important and is typically sent to all participants through an email that includes the date and time the meeting will take place. Along with the meeting ID, there might be a password included to join the meeting. Some meetings will require you to type the password in before you can connect and join the meeting. This is an added measure to avoid having random people join the meeting. Remember to save this meeting ID email so you have the information for the day of the meeting.
Note: When joining Zoom meetings, you will have the option to connect video and audio. By default, Zoom will try to use your built-in webcam and microphone. If you have a USB webcam or microphone plugged in, it should recognize to use that as well. If you do this, other participants will be able to see you from your webcam and hear you from your microphone. Please keep this in mind when joining and if you would like to opt out from that don't check those particular boxes when joining the meeting. For large meetings, some organizers will turn off all other webcams and mics by default so they can be the only ones broadcasting. Usually they will have a section at the end of the talk where they will enable them again so participants can comment and ask questions.
Microsoft Windows / Mac OS / Linux
When you click the email link to join the Zoom meeting on a desktop or laptop computer, you will be prompted to download and run the software. This will install the Zoom application onto your computer. When the software launches, click on the Join Meeting button. Enter the meeting ID, password (if necessary), and enter your display name. The display name will be seen by other members of the meeting, so choose a name with that in mind.
Chromebook / Web Browser / Google Chrome / Safari / Mozilla Firefox / etc.
On your Chromebook or web browser, navigate to: https://join.zoom.us/
Enter Meeting ID, password (if necessary) and display name and click Join.
You might be prompted to download and run the Zoom client.
On a Chromebook, you can save time and add the Google Chrome Zoom extension from here:
Email
Open the email that the meeting organizer had sent you.
Simply click the link where it says: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android:
You might be prompted to download and run the Zoom client.
Enter Meeting ID, password (if necessary) and display name and click Join.
iOS / iPhone
Download the free Zoom mobile app from the App Store.
Open the app and click on Join a Meeting.
Enter Meeting ID, password (if necessary) and display name and click Join.
Android
Download the free Zoom mobile app from the Google Play Store.
Open the app and click on Join a Meeting.
Enter Meeting ID, password (if necessary) and display name and click Join.
Regular Telephone
Dial the teleconferencing number that the meeting organizer had sent you.
Enter the meeting ID number using the phone's dial-pad.
You should now be signed into your Zoom meeting by one of the above methods. If you would need to leave the meeting there is a "Leave Meeting" button you could hit. Please let the organizer know if you have to leave for some reason.
Note: By default, Zoom will only show the active speaker of the meeting. To change this and see everyone that is in the meeting do the following:
In the upper-right hand corner click on "Gallery View." You should now see a grid view of all participants in the meeting (up to 49 people per page).
Note: Only join Zoom meetings that are sent from organizations and people that you know. Never give you any personal information in a Zoom meeting that you would not want complete strangers to hear or see.
For more information on using Zoom, I would recommend taking a look at the following links below.
Teacher Tips & Tricks for Zoom:
Zoom 101 for Teachers:
Zoom on Chrome OS:
Zoom on Android:
Zoom on iOS:
Technology for Seniors Made Easy Using Zoom:
Zoom Beginner's Guide (YouTube video):
How To: Change your Zoom Background:
Disney Zoom Backgrounds:
Zoom Virtual Backgrounds:
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Chromebook Tip: Screenshots on a Chromebook
With all the of the distance learning going on, it can be beneficial for both teachers and students to learn how to take a screenshot on their Chrome OS devices. Chrome OS includes a few shortcuts to make taking screenshots a quick process. Taking screenshots will allow students to share their screen to show off work or show the teacher an issue they are having. Teachers can also use it to show students what their work should look like or how to locate something.
Screenshot of Entire Screen:
To take a screenshot of your entire screen, hit the following keys: (Ctrl + Window Switch)
Screenshot of Selected Area:
To take a screenshot of a selected portion of your screen, hit the following keys: (Ctrl + Shift + Window Switch)
Note: A cross-hair icon will appear on your screen and you will click and drag your cursor to select the area of your screen that you would like to capture.
Where did the screenshots save to?
By default in Chrome OS, all screenshots are saved to the Downloads folder. Select the Files app and in the left pane select Downloads. You should see the screenshots you took in this folder. You can then move/email /share them as you would like.
Other Screenshot Options
Other screenshot options on Chrome OS include the following Chrome extensions that can be added to your Chrome device:
Fireshot
Lightshot
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)