On Friday January 27th, 2012 Google released a video called “A Chrome Superhero”.  http://youtu.be/K_dd7yINXCE.  It is a story of Malachi, a student attending Eastfield Global Magnet School in McDowell County, NC, and the impact Chromebooks have had on him.

This whole story starts back in September of 2011.  Google contacted me asking for some information about our experiences using Chromebooks.  Mrs. Elaine Waters shared Malachi’s experience.  The story was quickly shared within Google.  Google then asked for permission to share on Google +.  Again the story quickly spread.  It was eventually shared by Jeff Jarvis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Jarvis) and Esther Wojcicki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esther_Wojcicki).  You can see the post at: https://plus.google.com/105076678694475690385/posts/YL2Z5qP1zbY

In November, we found out that Google was going to visit McDowell County Schools for the second time for a video shoot of the story.  Google came in early December, treated the staff and students like rock stars and shot the video.  It was a wonderful experience.  I encourage you to watch and share the video.

McDowell County Schools is also featured on Google's Chromebook Website (goo.gl/HGSv1) and in their Education eBook (http://goo.gl/TLHMh pg 73)

Goo.gl URL Shortener and QR Code Generator

I usually create qr codes to link to Web sites. I create the code and save it as an image.  Time passes and I lose track of it only to find a bunch of qr codes and no clue to where they go.  Now, I use the Google URL Shortener (http://goo.gl).  It shrinks long URLs and creates a qr code at the same time.  If you are signed in with your Google account, it will keep a history of your links and codes.

I also have installed the Goo.gl URL Shortener Chrome extension (http://goo.gl/LO8q6).  The extension does the same thing without having to copy and paste the address.  The extension can also share the URL to a variety of services.  I have mine set to three: Gmail, blogger, and G+.

Here is a screencast covering the basics of the goo.gl shortener and extension.

YouTube: Goo.gl URL Shortener and QR Code Generator

Goo.gl URL Shortener and QR Code Generator

How to use Goo.gl and the Goo.gl URL Shortener Extension (http://goo.gl/LO8q6) to shorten urls and create qr codes.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYZZQUHV6FI

YouTube: YouTube Transcript Test.mp4

YouTube Transcript Test.mp4

YouTube Transcript Test.mp4


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTpD-iISK6U