Chrome Apps & Extensions

Teachers must be logged into their BCPS Google account when accessing Google Workspace tools for use with students and for any BCPS related work.

ISTE Standards for Students

- Empowered Learner. 1d - Students understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose, use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging technologies.

Overview

Grade levels: Primary, Intermediate, Middle, High

BCPS users have access to add approved Google apps and extensions to a device in order to customize the user experience. Users must be logged in with a BCPS Google account in order to add apps and extensions.

Teachers should NOT install non-approved Google Chrome extensions. If non-approved extensions have been added, they should be removed from the BCPS device and Chrome Browser profile. They can cause user issues and/or violate digital safety standards.

Learning How

Adding Apps and Extensions to a BCPS Device

Use the directions below to add Apps and Extensions to your BCPS issued device.

Adding Apps from the Google Play Store

Animated image displaying the process for adding an approved extension from the Google Play Store

Chromebook

For BCPS users, the term app refers to an application or program that is physically installed on a device. Approved Chrome Apps for BCPS users are accessible from a Chromebook via the BCPS Google Play Store icon on the Chrome shelf. Teachers and students do not have access to search for and install additional apps.

Adding Extensions from the Chrome Web Store

Animated image displaying the process for adding an approved extension from the Chrome Web Store

Chromebook or Chrome Browser from PC

For BCPS users, the term extension refers to additional features that can be added to enhance the functionality of the Chrome browser. Several extensions are automatically installed for all BCPS users including Kurzweil Read the Web, Office, and GoGuardian. Additional extensions can be added as needed by accessing the BCPS Chrome Web Store via the shortcut located in the Chrome app launcher on a Chromebook or by accessing the store online from a PC device. Only extensions automatically deployed and/or in the BCPS Chrome Web Store are approved and can be installed.

The following Chromebook Apps and Chrome Extensions are currently approved by BCPS and available for BCPS users.

Chromebook Apps

Available Apps: Access all available apps to BCPS Chromebook users in the BCPS Google Play Store. This is not a comprehensive list of all BCPS approved Chromebook apps. Visit the BCPS Google Play Store for the most up-to-date list.

QR Code Creator and Scanner, Barcode Scanner - Allows users to easily scan or create QR codes.
Scratch & Scratch Jr.- Coding platforms based on Blockly and specifically designed for young learners.

Chrome Extensions

BCPS Forced Extensions: These extensions automatically populate when a user logs in to a BCPS Google account.

- Kurzweil Read the Web - Allows web content to be read aloud.
- Office - View, edit, and create Office documents in your Chrome browser.
- GoGuardian - Monitor student browsing activity.

Math Learning Center Extensions: These extensions allow users to access an app version of the resource directly from the Google app launcher on a Chromebook. They are also accessible within the BCPS Links folder in the bookmarks bar or the BCPS Chrome Web Store.

- Fractions, by the Math Learning Center - Lets students use a bar or circle to represent, compare, and perform operations with fractions with denominators from 1 to 100.
- Geoboard, by the Math Learning Center - A tool for exploring a variety of mathematical topics introduced in the elementary and middle grades.
- Math Vocabulary Cards, by the Math Learning Center - Helps students deepen their conceptual understanding of key terms in mathematics.
- Money Pieces, by the Math Learning Center - Helps students visualize and understand money values and relationships. Two versions of coins and bills are provided: virtual currency pieces that replicate the appearance and relative size of U.S. coins and the dollar bill, and area money pieces.
- Pattern Shapes, by the Math Learning Center - Students use to explore geometry and fractions, creating their own designs, or filling in outlines.
- Number Frames, by the Math Learning Center - Helps students structure numbers to five, ten, twenty, and one hundred. Students use the frames to count, represent, compare, and compute with numbers in a particular range.
- Number Line, by the Math Learning Center - Helps students visualize number sequences and demonstrate strategies for counting, comparing, and arithmetic.
- Number Pieces, by the Math Learning Center - Helps students develop a deeper understanding of place value while building their computation skills with multi-digit numbers. Students use the pieces to represent multi-digit numbers, regroup, add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
- Number Rack, by the Math Learning Center - Facilitates the natural development of children’s number sense. The movable, colored beads encourage learners to think in groups of fives and tens, helping them to explore and discover a variety of addition and subtraction strategies.

Additional Available Extension: View all additional extensions available to BCPS users in the BCPS Chrome Web Store. This is not a comprehensive list of all BCPS approved Chrome extensions.

- Screencastify - Screen recorder that allows you to capture, edit, and share videos in seconds. Note - As of October 3, 2022 Screencastify has changed the features of the free version of the tool. Free users can now record screencasts up to 30 minutes in length and are limited to 10 videos in their library.