Jonathan Wylie - Exploring the Relationship Between Technology, Education & Everything in Between

How to Use Tab Groups in Google Chrome

macbook and mouse on a table next to a white chair

The problem with tabs is that they are always just a click away. It’s simply too easy to open a new tab, regardless of how many you already have open. I mean, why not open a new tab? You probably think you are being extra productive with all these tabs, but before you know it, you are drowning in tabs. You find it hard to identify one tab from another because you have so many open that you can no longer read the tab titles and are just left with a whole row of favicons. That’s not much use to anyone, but help is at hand.

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3 Alternatives to Google Chrome

Google Chrome may well be the browser of choice for the majority of internet users, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t without its problems. Privacy concerns and performance issues are most often at the top of that list. Google will happily collect your personal information to sell you personalized ads, and it does it with a browser that is known for being a resource hog. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can get the same Chrome experience from Chromium-based browsers like Brave, Edge, or Vivaldi. They give you better battery life and more control over your privacy without sacrificing the Chrome features you love.

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Recordcast: A Great Free Online Screen Recorder

In a world where there is apparently no shortage of free online screen recorders, the very least you can expect is a somewhat different approach when you stumble across one that you haven’t seen before. I think RecordCast meets that criteria. It doesn’t do anything revolutionary, but what it does do, it does very well. It’s also 100% free. Here’s what else you need to know.

Should You Buy the New Apple TV 4K?

The second-generation Apple TV 4K was unveiled by Apple on April 20, 2021. On the outside, it looks exactly the same as the previous model. However, looks can be deceiving. On the inside, there are a number of notable improvements that make this model stand apart from previous Apple TVs. So, is it time for an upgrade? Here’s what you need to know.

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Introducing CommonLit 360: Free Curriculum for English Language Arts

Someone writing with a pen on paper. There is a notebook and a coffee cup on the table they are writing on.

CommonLit and ReadWorks are two of my go-to resources for teachers who are looking for digital reading materials for their classrooms. Both are completely free to use and both are designed to help elevate reading skills in students of all ages. Recently, CommonLit got even more compelling when it launched CommonLit 360, a comprehensive and free curriculum for secondary English Language Arts teachers. If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s what you are missing out on.

7 Canva Templates You Might Not Know About

colorful pop art style graphics painted on a wall — Photo by Gensa Hub on Unsplash

One of the biggest things that keep people coming back to Canva is the templates. They have templates for every occasion. However, as more and more templates are added to the collection, it can be hard to uncover the gems that are really going to make your day. In this post, I am going to round up some of the best Canva templates that you might not have heard of before. As a Canva for Education customer, they are free and easy to personalize so that you can make them your own.

How to Choose the Best Apple Watch Bands

person wearing silver aluminum case apple watch with white sport band

Half the fun of owning a watch, any watch, is the ability to give it a whole new look by swapping out the strap. The Apple Watch is no different. There are numerous official bands from Apple and hundreds more if you venture into third-party territory. In this post, I will round up some of the best Apple Watch bands you can buy. There is something here for every style and budget, so if you’re ready new look, you’ve come to the right place.

What Are Apple AirTags? Your Questions Answered

A collection of colorful AirTags in leather holders arranged neatly on a white table top. — Source: Apple

The Apple AirTag is a small, personal tracking device that you can use to help you find the things that you are most prone to losing. If you are familiar with Tile trackers, then you will have already have a pretty good idea of what these devices can do. You attach one to your keys or slip one inside your backpack, and if it ever goes missing, you can use your iPhone to see where it went. It’s not a new idea, but Apple has included some unique features that make the AirTag stand out from the competition. Here’s what you need to know.

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7 Free Premium Accounts for Teachers

an ipad sitting on top of a pile of books next to an apple, a google home mini and an apple pencil — Photo by Thomas Kolnowski on Unsplash

With education budgets being stretched further than ever, the pressure on schools to provide the necessary resources for teachers and students is never ending. Thankfully, there are a number of benevolent edtech companies that have created free premium plans for schools. These plans frequently include features that their business customers have to pay for. To help draw attention to these generous companies, I decided to write about seven of the best free education accounts that you can sign up for. Some of these services are just for teachers, but others include student accounts too, so make sure you read the fine print and see what you qualify for.

It’s Time to Convert Your Old Google Sites

A calendar sitting on a shelf displaying the month of September

In November, 2016, Google launched a brand new version of Google Sites. It featured a simple drag and drop interface and responsive designs that were better suited for the modern web. Today, almost five years later, some of those classic Google Sites still exist. They have still to be converted to the “new” versions of Google Sites, and sometimes with good reason. If you find yourself in that boat, your time is almost up. Google has extended the deadline more than once, but when September 1, 2021 rolls around, your classic Google Site will cease to exist. Here’s what you need to know.