Tag Archives: Chromebook

Moving the Screen to Follow the Mouse Accessibility Feature of ChromeOS

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The “Move Screen Continuously as Mouse Moves” option within the Full-Screen Magnifier feature of ChromeOS on a Chromebook is particularly beneficial for users of screen magnification to navigate more effectively. When enabled, it automatically moves the magnified area in the direction of the mouse cursor, creating a seamless and more intuitive navigation experience. This dynamic movement allows users to explore different parts of the screen without needing to constantly adjust the magnified area manually.

To access this feature, open the Settings on the ChromeOS device. Navigate to the ‘Advanced’ section and select ‘Accessibility.’ From there, choose ‘Manage Accessibility Features.’ Under the ‘Display and Magnification’ section, find the option for the Full-Screen Magnifier. Enable it, and then toggle on the ‘Move Screen Continuously as Mouse Moves’ feature. This unlocks a smoother and more accessible user interface, catering to those who use magnification to interact with their device effectively.Screenshot of the Display and Magnification Full-Screen Magnifier Feature

Swipe to Type Using the Onscreen Keyboard on a Chromebook

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For some learners, it might be faster and easier to enter text into a keyboard by gliding over the keys rather than lifting and dropping a finger. Learners can access the Swipe to Type feature of the onscreen keyboard on a Chromebook to glide to type. To access the on screen keyboard use the following steps:

  1. Sign in to the Chromebook.
  2. At the bottom right, select the time.
  3. Select Settings  and then Accessibility.
  4. Under “Keyboard and text input,” turn on On-screen keyboard.

The keyboard will then appear on the screen. Then use the following steps

  1. Select the location where you want to type.
  2. Slide a finger or stylus across the letters of the word you want to type.
  3. Lift the finger or stylus when you finish the word. The space key does not need to be selected when a word is completed. Lifting the finger or stylus will automatically add a space.

Happy typing!

Inverting Colors on a Chromebook

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Color inversion is a feature in the Display and Magnification Accessibility section of ChromeOS, designed to enhance the visual experience for users. This feature flips the colors of the display, turning light backgrounds to dark and dark text to light. It’s particularly beneficial for those with certain vision impairments, like light sensitivity or low vision, as it reduces glare and increases contrast, making it easier to read text and view images. Moreover, color inversion can be a boon for users working in low-light conditions or for prolonged periods, as it can reduce eye strain and improve overall comfort.

The feature is not just limited to aiding those with visual impairments. It also appeals to anyone preferring a darker interface for aesthetic or practical reasons. For instance, it’s ideal for users who find traditional bright screens disruptive in dark environments, such as individuals using the Chromebook at night. Additionally, some users simply find inverted colors less harsh, which can be helpful during extended use. ChromeOS’s color inversion feature exemplifies the operating system’s commitment to accessibility and user comfort, catering to a diverse range of needs and preferences.

To enable this feature click on the time located at the bottom-right corner of the screen to open the system menu. Then, select the gear icon to open the Settings menu. In Settings, navigate to the “Advanced” section and then click on “Accessibility.” Here, find the “Display and magnification” options. Within this menu, look for the “Color inversion” option and toggle it on.Screenshot of the Color Inversion Feature

Screen Magnification on a Chromebook

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Screen magnification is a function of some technologies which allow for viewing items at larger sizes, which can make digital material easier to see. In Google Chrome, screen magnification can take many forms. A user can usually zoom in by stretching two fingers across a touchscreen, but there are other ways too including the following:

  • Simultaneously press Ctrl and the + key (or – key to reduce the zoom level) to magnify within the browser. Press the + key repeatedly to increase the magnification
  • Simultaneously press Ctrl + Shift + the + key to magnify everything, including the controls of the browser itself.
  • Enable Full Screen Magnifier in Chromebook Accessibility Features
  • Enable Docked Screen Magnifier in the Chromebook Accessibility Features.

The video below titled How to Use Screen Magnification on Your Chromebook provides additional demonstration and explanation of these accessibility features.

Learning About A Chromebook When You Don’t Have Access To A Chromebook

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There might be times when a parent, educator, or anyone providing support to a student might need to try a feature, setting, or other operation available on a Chromebook but not actually have access to a Chromebook to explore. Google has introduced a free web tool called Chromebook Simulator! It is a visual representation of how to activate Accessibility settings thus empowering students to be autonomous learners and masters of their technology! Check out these two short video tutorials to see Chromebook Simulator in action!

Screenshot of Chromebook Simulator with Accessibility Feature link circled in red.

Screenshot of Chromebook Simulator

A Website to Learn About the Built-In Accessibility Features of a Chromebook

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Google provides a website with interactive tutorials to learn how to access the accessibility features built into the Chromebook. Reviewing the options available might reveal features that might make the Chromebook even more easy to see, navigate, and control. Which features might you use to increase your productivity?

Chromebook Accessibility


Turn on Chromebook accessibility features

 

A Video Playlist to Learn About the Built-In Accessibility Features of a Chromebook

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Google provides a playlist of YouTube videos to learn how to access the accessibility features built into the Chromebook. Reviewing the titles and videos available might reveal features that might make the Chromebook even more easy to see, navigate, and control. Which features might you use to increase your productivity?

Screenshot of Playlist of Chromebook Accessibility Features


Playlist of Chromebook Accessibility Features