Do Chrome extensions work with Promethean?

Promethean is an educational technology company known for its interactive displays, software, and solutions designed to enhance teaching and learning experiences in classrooms. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Promethean specializes in creating tools that support collaboration, engagement, and digital learning environments. Its mission is to empower educators and inspire students by integrating cutting-edge technology into the educational process.

One of Promethean’s flagship products is the ActivPanel, an interactive flat panel display that serves as a modern digital whiteboard. These panels allow teachers to present lessons dynamically, incorporating multimedia, interactive activities, and real-time collaboration. The ActivPanel supports touch and stylus inputs, enabling students and teachers to engage directly with content, making lessons more interactive and engaging.

Promethean also offers software solutions, such as ActivInspire and ClassFlow, designed to complement its hardware products. ActivInspire is a versatile lesson delivery software that allows educators to create and deliver interactive lessons, while ClassFlow focuses on cloud-based collaboration, enabling teachers to share content, quizzes, and activities with students across connected devices. These tools support diverse teaching styles and are compatible with various educational standards and curricula.

The company’s products are widely used in K-12 and higher education settings, as well as in corporate training environments. Promethean is recognized for its focus on fostering active learning, encouraging student participation, and adapting to the evolving needs of modern education. By integrating technology into classrooms, Promethean aims to bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and the digital age, providing tools that enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for the future.

Promethean’s commitment to innovation and education has made it a key player in the edtech industry, with its solutions implemented in schools and institutions worldwide. The company continues to evolve, incorporating new technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics to further personalize and improve the educational experience.

Google Chrome is a fast, secure, and widely used web browser developed by Google. Launched in 2008, it is built on the open-source Chromium project and designed to provide a simple, efficient, and user-friendly browsing experience. Known for its speed and performance, Chrome supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

The browser features an intuitive interface, advanced security measures, and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem, including services like Gmail, Drive, and Google Search. Chrome’s synchronization capabilities allow users to access their bookmarks, history, and settings across devices when signed into their Google accounts. With a robust library of extensions available through the Chrome Web Store, it offers extensive customization and functionality for both personal and professional use.

Chrome extensions can enhance the functionality of Promethean interactive displays, particularly in educational environments where collaboration and seamless integration are critical. Promethean has developed specific Chrome extensions to optimize the use of its devices, ensuring that educators and students can fully leverage their features with Chromebook devices and the Google Chrome browser.

One notable extension is the Promethean Screen Share extension, which allows users to wirelessly share their screens from a Chrome browser to a Promethean ActivPanel Elements series display. This functionality is highly valuable in classrooms, enabling teachers to share instructional materials, presentations, and multimedia content with ease. Students can also use this extension to share their screens during group discussions or interactive sessions, fostering collaboration and active participation. The wireless screen-sharing capability eliminates the need for physical connections, streamlining the setup and reducing potential technical challenges.

Another important tool is the ActivManager Chrome extension. This extension facilitates the connection and calibration of Chromebooks to Promethean devices, such as the ActivBoard 6 Touch and various ActivPanel models. By enabling smooth integration between Chromebooks and Promethean hardware, this extension ensures accurate touch response and functionality during lessons. This is particularly useful in schools where Chromebooks are the primary devices used by students and teachers.

Beyond Promethean-specific extensions, many general Chrome extensions can also complement the use of Promethean interactive displays. For instance, extensions designed for digital note-taking, screen annotation, or collaborative work can be used alongside Promethean hardware to enhance lesson delivery. Tools like Google Jamboard or Kami, which support interactive whiteboarding and document collaboration, work well with Promethean displays to create an engaging and interactive learning environment.

Promethean’s compatibility with Chrome extensions underscores its commitment to creating flexible, technology-integrated learning experiences. These extensions provide educators with the tools needed to maximize the functionality of their interactive displays, ensuring that lessons are dynamic, collaborative, and engaging. By integrating Chrome extensions into their workflow, teachers can enrich their instructional methods, making the most of both Promethean’s hardware and the versatility of the Chrome ecosystem.

For educators or administrators looking to implement these extensions, they are readily available through the Chrome Web Store. Promethean provides comprehensive support resources to guide users in setting up and troubleshooting these tools, ensuring a smooth experience in classrooms equipped with both Promethean devices and Chrome-based technology.

Troubleshooting issues with Chrome extensions and Promethean devices typically involves addressing problems related to connectivity, compatibility, or configuration. If the Promethean Screen Share extension or ActivManager Chrome extension is not functioning as expected, the first step is to ensure that the extension is correctly installed and up to date. Open the Chrome browser, navigate to the “Extensions” section in the settings, and verify that the desired Promethean extension is active and has permission to access necessary features.

Connectivity issues are a common cause of problems with screen sharing. Ensure that both the Promethean device and the Chromebook or computer are connected to the same network. A mismatch in Wi-Fi networks can prevent the devices from communicating effectively. Restarting both the Chromebook and the Promethean ActivPanel can help reset the connection and resolve temporary glitches. If using a wired connection for calibration or data transfer, confirm that the USB cable is securely connected and functional.

For calibration problems with the ActivManager Chrome extension, ensure that the Promethean device’s firmware is up to date. Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues with newer versions of Chrome or the extension itself. You can check for firmware updates through Promethean’s official support resources. Additionally, make sure the Chromebook has the latest version of Chrome OS installed, as updates often include compatibility fixes and improvements.

If screen-sharing functionality is not working, verify that the Promethean Screen Share app on the ActivPanel is running and ready to receive connections. On the Chromebook, ensure that the Screen Share extension has the necessary permissions, such as access to the display and network. Firewall settings or network restrictions may also interfere with the connection. Check with your IT administrator to ensure the network allows the required protocols and traffic for screen sharing.

When general performance issues arise, such as lag or freezing, close unnecessary tabs and applications on the Chromebook to free up system resources. Clearing the browser’s cache and restarting the device can also resolve minor software conflicts. If the extension continues to underperform, uninstalling and reinstalling it may help resolve corrupted files or settings.

For persistent issues, consulting Promethean’s support documentation or contacting their customer support team is recommended. Promethean provides detailed guides and troubleshooting steps for both the Screen Share and ActivManager extensions, helping users identify and resolve more complex problems. Regularly updating all components—extensions, browser, operating system, and device firmware—ensures compatibility and optimal performance when using Chrome extensions with Promethean devices.