What Browser - learn about web browsers

Whatbrowser is a new site from Google that explains what a web browser is using a very short, animated video.

Google's research indicated that most people had no idea what a web browser is, so they wanted to educate people. The site will automatically detect what browser you are using. There are links to more information about web browsers, some useful tips. They also have links to the 5 major web browsers (Opera, Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari) so that people can try a different one if they want. Obviously, Google hopes you'll pick Google Chrome, which is what I use.

Each browser has different form layouts and do things a little differently. I find that a web browser is part performance, part personal preference. I use Google Chrome because it works great with all of the other Google Products I use. Some people use Internet Explorer because it's what came with their computer. Firefox has a huge number of add-ons that let you customize your browser. Explore each one and find the one that works best for you. All are free.

Picasa - free photo editing

Picasa is a free photo editing software from Google. You download the software to your computer and you can edit and touch up your photos. Picasa also has an online component, Picasa Web Albums, to share your photos with others. I've found it to be easy to use and very powerful. I have used it myself, and I have my students use to modify pictures or graphics for projects.

You can learn more about Picasa and Picasa Web Albums HERE.

Google Calendar and cell phones

I just read a great post on "From Toy to Tool", a blog about using cell phones as educational tools, about Google Calendar and text messages. I had completely forgotten about this ability because I have a smart phone (Palm Centro). But, as Liz points out, not everyone can access the web on their phone. Pretty much everyone has the ability to send and receive text messages. Her blog is a great resource for those looking to use cell phones in class, or even just show their students how they can use their cell phones for educational purposes outside of school.

Google has great applications, which are free, for students and teachers to use. I have talked about Google's applications before, because I use them a lot and find them easy to use and very useful.

Google Calendar is a great tool to keep yourself organized. A nice feature is that you can allow others to have read access to you calendar, and you can even combine calendars from multiple people or groups.

If you don't have web access with your phone, you can check your calendar, or even add a new event to your calendar, using text messaging. Here is the Google page with instructions. You do need a Google account and need to register your cell phone when you set it up.

Check out the rest of the applications Google offers HERE.