The Staunton Media Lab (SML) has launched a series of copyright-free workshops, first announced in February, on using  Chromebook computers. The first installment aired March 1; it was a disaster and the video was quickly removed. The second session on March 9 went much better. The Google Hangout on Air ran live on YouTube and the video is now archived there.

The live, online workshop included a live transcription window. Theoretically, hearing-impaired participants could watch the transcript unfurl live online. In practice, the transcription software had trouble keeping up with four different participants. The service used, http://speechpad.pw, is free and is still highly recommended by the Staunton Media Lab for the hearing-impaired.

In the future, SML is working to add live ASL to the workshops, so that hard-of-hearing participants can watch the ASL screen and participate in the workshops that way. SML is also looking at adding an ASL translation to the video after it airs. If you know ASL and are interested in helping sign our webcasts, please contact Steve O’Keefe today. Thanks!

During the February 24 broadcast SML’s Executive Director Steve O’Keefe introduced the new three-week Chromebook Chronicles tutorial workshop and online user group. The Chromebook Chronicles will be conducted in Google Hangouts on March 2, 9, and 16, at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Chromebook Chronicles is a live tutorial workshop/online user group on Chromebook accessibility and applications. It’s copyright-free, and will be moderated by O’Keefe.

The Chromebook is an inexpensive “netbook” computer that has very little storage or memory. It works to access applications in the cloud, such as Google Docs, YouTube, Soundcloud, Zoho, Microsoft 365, Facebook, as well as video- and audio-editing software. It is also Amazon-friendly.

“Cloudbook is a better name for it,” quipped O’Keefe during the broadcast, noting that “the cloud is ready for your business” and its improving performance opens up a “new world of accessibility.”

The Staunton Media Lab has created a Soundcloud playlist for its Chromebook Accessibility Tutorials — a series of four tutorials on using the Chromebook for the blind and those with low vision — written, narrated and edited by SML Audio Director, Coley Evans.

The playlist consists of four individual tutorials that can be listened to separately, but also work well sequentially. Here are descriptions of the material covered in each tutorial.

Part 1: The Chromebook. This tutorial introduces the Chromebook, the Chrome web browser, and ChromeVox, the screen reader program bundled with the Chromebook.

Part 2: The Status Tray. Includes information on your Internet and Network settings, your Chromebook settings, and the all-important Accessibility settings for the Chromebook.

Part 3: The Shelf. Used to locate, add, or pin apps or applications. The shelf is also used for working with folders and files.

Part 4: The Web Browser. Since the Chromebook is a “netbook” computer that primarily uses cloud-based applications and storage solutions, web browsing is its primary function. Covers how to navigate the web browser, the address bar, and tools to the right and left of the address bar, keystrokes necessary to open your history, settings, extensions, and other essential functions.

The Staunton Media Lab will continue to produce tutorials on Chromebook accessibility, as well as Chromebook applications. The Chromebook is an inexpensive “netbook” computer that has very little storage or memory. Rather, it works to access applications in the cloud, such as Google Docs, YouTube, Soundcloud, Zoho, Microsoft 365, Facebook, as well as video editing software, audio editing software, and other frequently-used tools at the Staunton Media Lab.

Please stay tuned for more programming and tutorials related to the Chromebook and connect with us on social media to be notified of new releases.

In a “Business Plan Live!” broadcast that streamed live on February 3, 2016, Steve O’Keefe, Executive Director, and Coley Evans, Audio Director, both of of Staunton Media Lab (SML), shared some company news, discussed the business plan for the Staunton media Lab, and introduced the fourth and final installment of SML’s Chromebook Accessibility Tutorials.

In the news:

• SML hired a new Director of Operations, yours truly.
• SML’s audio profile of collage artist Deborah O’Keefe is now online. It’s a 20-minute interview, edited to a two-minute audio segment. Contact us if you want one! ($99) Chrome Book Accessibility Tutorial, Part 4

Part 4 of the Chromebook Accessibility Tutorial, a series of audio tutorials introducing Chromebooks to visually impaired people — or anyone who wants to learn how to navigate this computer well — is the final installment in this series.

Part 4 covers how to use a web browser, including how to open a new browser window, how to use the address bar, navigate the left and the right buttons and the Chrome menu (also sometimes called “hamburger” or options menu); and the keystrokes that can move you from field to field in a form.

The Chromebook Tutorial series are quick — just a couple minutes each. Previously covered subjects in the Chromebook Accessibility series included: logging in, turning on accessibility settings, and using shelf and launcher.