Last updated 5/15/25
>Check out this page from Google Accessibility Support.
Chromebook Accessibility Video Series - Great collection of "how to use" videos.
Can you recommend a screen reader / text to speech extension?
> Read Aloud: A Text to Speech Voice Reader
How to install and use Read Aloud for Chromebook.
Use Live Caption tool for Google Chrome.
Chrome can now caption audio and video
Enable Live Caption in Google Chrome
Learn more about Grackle - tools to produce accessible Docs and Slides.
>STCC provides access to Grackle tools, How it works.
> How to launch - Click 'Extensions' and select in drop down menu.
AppStream virtual desktop allows students to use Microsoft products like Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Paint from a Chromebook. You log into a campus desktop computer remotely and are able to use that Windows computer from your off-campus Chromebook. It's amazing and a free resource for students.
AppStream Link: New Web link option in Blackboard.
Software Available on AppStream
> Some programs like Nursing require more advanced devices: STCC Minimum Computer Requirements.
> Access the internet (email, Blackboard, social media)
> Use Google tools like Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more
> Stream video from the web
> Use your STCC email account and email password.
> Log in with your full STCC email address - Rowdy0001@student.stcc.edu
> Need password help? Use the STCC Password Reset Request
Tutorial: Getting Started with Chromebook (3 minute video)
> No. Chromebooks are not designed to download outside software. If you would like to create documents you can use free web-based tools like Google Docs, Google Slides, etc.
> You CAN use free Chrome Apps and Extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
>Install the Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides Chrome Extension from the Chrome Web Store. It is free and should resolve docx. viewing issues in Blackboard. More info from Google Support.
How to attach a Google Doc to Blackboard?
>Copy- CTRL + C
>Paste-CTRL + V
>Undo last action- CTRL + Z
Cengage / MindTap can present problems when used on a Chromebook Using AppStream virtual desktop (mentioned above) allows students to use MindTap without issue on a Chromebook.
With AppStream, you log into a campus desktop computer remotely and are able to use MIndTap as if you were on a full Windows computer - from your off-campus Chromebook. It's amazing and a free resource for students.
AppStream Link: New Web link option in Blackboard.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a new FCC** benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. Learn more: https://www.fcc.gov/acp
**An agency of the United States Federal Government. Not affiliated with the STCC Library.
>When using a Chromebook click CTRL + ALT + ? to bring up the keyboard shortcut cheat sheet.
> A new feature available for Drive allows you to edit Word Documents, Excel Spreadsheets and PowerPoint slides. Read about this feature and install it for free from the Google Web Store.
1. First, open the file you want to convert to Word format.
2. Click “File” at the top of the document, then hover over “Download.”
3. You’ll see a list of options appear within this menu. click the “Microsoft Word” option.
-The Google Doc will save as a Microsoft Word Document in the Chromebook’s 'Downloads' folder.
-You can attach this .docx file to an email for sending to a faculty member or to an assignment submission in Blackboard that requires you to submit a Word Doc.
> Need password help? Use the STCC Password Reset Request
> To get the right click menu, tap once on the touchpad using two fingers.
credit: omgchrome
The screen capture capabilities of Chrome OS have been significantly improved recently. Press Ctrl+Shift+Show Windows (the fifth button from the left at the top), or click Screen capture in the Quick Settings pane, and you get a new pop-up panel. This lets you switch between image and video capture, opt to include the microphone in video recordings, capture part or the whole of the screen, or capture activity in one specific window. (from Gizmodo)
Take a screenshot or record your screen from Google Support
How to capture or video record a Chromebook screen from About Chromebooks
How to Record Chromebook Screen - 2021 - Built in Chromebook Screen Recorder via YouTube
>Connect your Chromebook to Wi-Fi
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.NOTE: When using your Chromebook on campus, connect to the Guest Wireless Network. Student and Faculty/Staff networks unavailable for Chrome OS devices.
>Check out this article from Zoom support - titled Getting Started On Chrome OS.
> Overview of using a Zoom account with your STCC Gmail address.
> How to Record Your Zoom Meeting Using Your Chromebook
The ChromeOS app is being replaced by the Zoom for Chrome PWA (Progressive Web App). In the latest updates the date of November 5, 2022 is given when old Zoom will be phased out.
What does this mean for STCC Chromebooks connecting to zoom?
The zoom for PWA app cannot be added using a @student.stcc.edu email account (or @stcc.edu email account). To get the new ZOOM FOR CHROME PWA app a student will need to log onto the Chromebook using a personal Gmail account. If a student does not have a personal Gmail account, they can get one for free by signing up at gmail.com.
PLEASE SEE OUR NEW ZOOM APP SUPPORT PAGE.
>Call a librarian: (413)755-4549
Staff available during library hours
