Why You Should Be Using Chrome

A Veteran of the Browser Wars

I can remember a time when a big topic among those that used the web was, "Which browser do you use?"  Not to sound to old, but for years it was hard to get me from using Netscape… that is until Apple came out with its own browser, Safari in 2003.  Really, for me it was about ease of use and what was available.  My district was a largely Apple district so by default, Safari became my browser of choice.

GAFE Changes Everything

Recently, our district became a Google Apps for Education (GAFE) district (Spring of 2014).  Initially I told those I was involved with in PD situations that it really did not matter what browser they used - "the Web is the Web.  Webpages don't care what browser you are using." was my mantra.  In fact, this is true.  You can view, edit, share, comment, and collaborate on a Google doc in Safari or Internet Explorer.  It just doesn't matter.

Now that we are one year in on our transition to GAFE my thoughts on this have changed.  I think now that it is a smart move to make Chrome your default browser, especially if you are in a situation where you or your students are using multiple devices (different computers) and it is pretty much an imperative if you are using Chromebooks.

Reasons to go Chrome

1.  Everything is synced:   Plain and simple.  Bookmarks travel with you if you log into Chrome.  How many times have you or your students been researching a subject and creating bookmarks only to have them log onto another computer and have their research or browsing history unavailable to them.  Chrome will sync bookmarks and browsing history across devices.

Chrome allows the user to sync their settings across devices.

2.  Chrome Web Store:  Chrome offers the user a number of apps, extensions, and themes for your Chrome experience.  Many of these apps and extensions can be found in the Education category of the store (https://chrome.google.com/webstore).  Take some time and look through these apps.  They are easy to install and easy to disable and like bookmarks they travel with you from device to device.

The Chrome Web Store offers a number of apps, extensions and themes that add functionality to your Chrome experience.

3.  Multiple Users:  If you are like me, you have more than one Google account.  I have a GAFE account and two personal Google accounts.  On any other browser I would have to open another tab or page and log into Google on another account.  Chrome allows you to access all of your accounts in one browser.  When you want to switch from one account to another go to the People menu and choose another account.  A new browser window will open with your other account.

Chrome allows the user to switch accounts quickly and easily.