We are specialists in quality batteries. We have batteries, chargers and accessories for everything you can think of. Low prices, big inventory, expert advice. Find your battery here!
Google shines a light on Chromebook accessibility tools to help make classrooms more inclusive for everyone.
google
What you need to know
Google is putting the spotlight on how Chromebooks are making school way more accessible, especially for students with disabilities.
ChromeVox will soon turn audio captions into braille when connected to a braille display.
Natural-sounding “read aloud” voices are now built right in Chrome’s Reading Mode, which is great news for students with dyslexia or reading struggles.
Google is spotlighting howChromebooksare helping students with disabilities thrive in observance of the Global Accessibility Awareness Day.
In ablog post, Tricia Davis-Muffett, a senior director at Google for Education, shared how Google’s approach to accessibility on Chromebooks is making education more inclusive.
Some students can’t use a mouse or keyboard easily, Davis-Muffett noted. This is where Chromebook’s Face Control steps in, literally letting students navigate their devices with facial gestures such as head tilts and eyebrow raises instead of mouse clicks.
Googlerolled out this feature in January with ChromeOS 132, and it’s based on Android’s Project Gameface.
On top of this feature, the tech giant announced today that ChromeVox, the built-in screen reader for Chromebooks, is getting a nifty upgrade. Soon, when connected to a braille display, it’ll convert audio captions into braille.
That means students with visual impairments can independently read what’s on screen without waiting for anyone else to catch them up.
google
ChromeVox, Google’s built-in screen reader, was introduced in Chrome OS version 56.
Furthermore, for visually impaired students (and keyboard power users), Caret Browsing lets them move through a webpage using only their keyboard. It drops a blinking cursor on the page, like in a Word document, and it’s all arrow keys and tab navigation from there.
Google also highlights Chrome’s Reading Mode, touting that it now offers a “read aloud” feature with natural-sounding voices. This feature is particularly beneficial for students who struggle with dyslexia or other reading challenges. And because it’s baked right into Chromebooks, there’s no need for third-party software.
If you’re taking the SAT or AP exams on a Chromebook, the College Board’s Bluebook app now works hand-in-hand with ChromeOS accessibility features like Dictation and ChromeVox. This eliminates the need for separate testing accommodations.
The best part is that these tools aren’t tucked away or hidden behind premium paywalls since they’re baked into Chromebooks and ready to go from the first login. Google also highlights how partner apps from the Google for Education App Hub are building even more support on top of these features.
For many years, purchasing a laptop usually meant deciding between a Windows and a Mac. The popular old Apple ad campaign called “Get a Mac” personified the two types of computers and clearly showed the distinctions between them (well, with an obvious bias towards Macs).
They’ve always been seen as geared towards specific personas for specific purposes, which gave both companies a distinct audience.
In 2011, however, Google launched the Chromebook, targeting the education market. After all, they were part of a pilot testing program in schools in the US to analyze their compatibility with institutions and remote work.
Soon enough, they became a viable option for students and businesses because of their seamless features and simplicity. This turned down the volume on the Windows vs. Mac debate, as there were (finally) other choices on the market.
While Macs are in their own niche, Chromebooks are often compared to Windows because of their potential audience and price range.
Macs are considered some of the most expensive laptops on the market, with the highest-end models costing well over $3,000. Windows has a much broader range, with budget models starting at just a few hundred. Meanwhile, you can get a Chromebook from $100 to $250.
But other than price, what else would encourage someone to pick a Chromebook over a Windows-based laptop?
While Windows laptops rely on a robust operating system, Chromebooks have minimal hardware requirements, which is one of their biggest advantages. Without having to think too much about whether you have enough RAM, storage space, or processing speeds to tackle all the tasks you need to handle, Chrome OS doesn’t demand a heavy load in the first place.
That means you can browse the web, watch videos, check your email, do some light gaming, access a casino that is a big name in CA online gambling, and complete many productive tasks smoothly without worrying about extra processes in the background.
Thanks to this, you enjoy faster performance and a no-frills experience, perfect for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy or who don’t need a laptop for mammoth tasks like video editing or 3D rendering. As a bonus, the need for less powerful hardware means Chromebooks come at a much lower cost than Windows laptops.
As a Google-made device, Chromebooks naturally integrate with the entire Google ecosystem, making them a great choice for users who already use its suite of services. Rather than disrupting or disconnecting from your existing workflow, all your documents and files can automatically sync across your devices and platforms.
Just like Apple has its own proprietary apps and software in its own ecosystem, Chromebooks let you seamlessly access Google apps from your laptop and other Google devices. Google Assistant is also built into the laptop, letting you use your voice to do anything from setting reminders to navigating the internet.
What’s particularly appealing about Chromebooks, in contrast to Windows laptops, is the overall user experience. Windows interfaces can often be cluttered and intricate, exposing many of the backend processes that most users don’t need access to.
Chromebooks cut out that noise and focus on a minimalist experience that caters to a wider range of age groups and a more casual audience. With the essentials readily available and a highly visual experience, users can get right into their tasks without dealing with complex navigation.
Chromebooks have a familiar Windows-esque interface featuring the classic taskbar and desktop and the simplicity of macOS.
However, they stand out because they leverage a limited operating environment, Chrome OS, which is designed to handle essential tasks efficiently. Users don’t have to worry about viruses either, as it boasts sandboxing, isolating each app and process from each other for extra protection.
They Have a Cloud-Based Focus
Chromebooks also come with a cloud-based experience, revolving more around web and cloud-based apps rather than built-in apps. This reduces the burden on your local storage, which contributes to the minimal hardware piece mentioned earlier.
Google’s services have long been reliant on the cloud, which can make managing digital files a lot easier. Rather than store everything locally, the cloud-based approach lets you access everything from any device, so if your laptop dies or a file gets deleted from your desktop—you’ve got your backup ready to go at any time.
Every document gets updated and saved in real time, giving you the peace of mind you need, especially when dealing with important files. If you happen not to have access to the internet at the moment or it gets cut off, most Google apps have offline capabilities that allow you to sync back up once you’re reconnected.
These features are a real asset when it comes to work, school, and personal projects, which is why so many in that target audience turn to Chromebooks.
They Provide Android App Support
Speaking of apps, you’re not only limited to what’s pre-installed or available on the Chromebook when you purchase the laptop.
Chromebooks can run Android apps downloaded from the Google Play Store, which means you can explore a variety of third-party apps to enhance your workflow, whether in the creative or productivity genre. Already have existing apps you use on another Android device?
You can download these onto your laptop too, and sync your experience across devices. Transitioning from your tablet or smartphone to your laptop is convenient, with cross-platform capabilities to help you stay connected.
