About These Tools
When it comes to technology, I’m always trying to find ways to cut down on unnecessary steps and processes, especially when it comes to things that I regularly use; whatever can save some time and energy!
I am a massive fan of the Google Chrome browser for this exact reason- it’s clean, intuitive, and even after years of using it, I still find tools tucked away inside that I never even knew existed!
In this blog, we’ll be discussing two of my very favorite tools that I regularly use in Google Chrome to save time: the QR Code maker and pinned tabs. I think that you’ll find yourself coming back to them over and over again!
Tip #1 – QR Code Maker
Step 1: Visit & Share Your Closen Website
Do you have a website you want to share without requiring students or others to type in dozens of characters? Use a QR Code!
First, you will need to view your website exactly where you would like it to be shared. If you want to share a homepage, go to the homepage. If you would like to share a more specific page (for example, a specific Chrome Music Lab experiment), make sure you are inside of that particular experiment.
Next, click on the “Share” button.
- On Windows computers: Click Share ( )
- On Mac computers: Click Share ()
Step 2: View QR Code
Next, select “QR Code,” which has an icon with four squares.
Step 3: Download Your QR Code
Finally, you can either display the QR Code from this page (if you are projecting your screen in your classroom) or download the QR code as an image file. Then, just print and display the image in your classroom (for a walk-around activity) or upload it into a handout, PowerPoint, Google Doc, or a newsletter or concert program!
To use, just have your students/parents/audience scan the QR Code with their Camera app on their mobile phone or iPad/tablet.
Click here to read ‘QR Codes in the Music Classroom’ for more great ideas to use QR Codes in your classroom!
Tip #2 – Pinned Tabs: Why I Use Them Everyday
When I talk to teachers about productivity, I often talk about lessening your repetitive tasks. If there is something that you do all of the time that takes you more than a couple of clicks, it could probably be made easier & quicker- especially online!
One of my favorite tips is using ‘Pinned Tabs’. These wonderful little minimalist tabs are neatly tucked away on the left side of your screen, they’re not able to be closed accidentally, and they keep all those websites you use every day pre-loaded and ready to use. Think of them like even easier bookmarks!
Here’s how they work.
Step 1: Visit & Pin Your Website
The first thing you will need to do is open a new tab and navigate to a website that you use regularly (think of your email, your school’s LMS (Learning Management System), your calendar, etc.)
Next, right-click on the tab at the top of your screen. A new window will appear. Simply click on ‘Pin.’
Your new pin will now display as a minimalist icon on the left side of your tab bar.
Step 2: Reorder & Remove Pinned Pages
You can move your pins around by simply clicking and dragging them to a new order in your window. Organize them in a way that is most comfortable for you!
To remove a pin, just right-click the pinned tab and select, ‘Unpin’ to remove it from your pinned bar.
Final Thoughts
Are you interested in learning more of my favorite Chrome browser tips? Have a listen to one of my past podcast episodes, “10 Useful Chrome Extensions” where I’ll walk you through 10 additional tools that you can use to increase your productivity and save yourself time! Do you have a favorite Google Chrome tip that you would like to share? Do you have a question about the tips shared today? Leave a comment below!
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Looking for More Resources for Music Teachers?
Hello! I’m Katie Argyle – an Australian music technology trainer and consultant with a passion for helping music teachers through my business Midnight Music.
I’m a qualified teacher but no, I don’t currently teach in a school. I help teachers through my online professional development space – the Midnight Music Community – where there are tutorial videos, courses, links and downloadable resources.
I like to focus on easy ways to incorporate technology into what you are already doing in your music curriculum through a range of creative projects. I also run live workshops and have presented at countless conferences and other music education events.
If you want simple, effective ideas for using technology in music education, I would LOVE to help you inside the Midnight Music Community.
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