App inventor with Chromebooks in Education

[Dave Clark]

Hello,

1. Can students with Chromebooks download and use the app inventor from google play store without an Android device attached? In other words using the emulator in place of a device? We currently have Lenovo N22 Chromebooks assigned 1-1 for all students and would like them to be able to use the App and select emulator like you can with a windows laptop. Obviously, we can't require students to have their own Android devices and we can't supply Android device AND Chromebooks. We are deploying through Project Lead the Way.

2. If the above will not work can students connect an Android device to their Chromebooks? What android devices are supported? What Chromebook's are supported and NOT supported (so we don't buy the wrong ones).

Dave Clark

Connellsville Schools

Technology Specialist 

[Farzeen Harunani]

Hi,

1. No, the Companion will only work on an Android device (tablet or phone). The emulator is designed for Mac, Windows, and Linux. 

2. Any modern browser (so any Chromebook) is able to run the App Inventor website. Any modern Android device can run the Companion app from the Google Play Store. Theoretically, we support anything Android 2.1 and up (however, I don't have access to devices that old, so I can't confirm that). You can connect your Chromebooks to the Android devices via Wi-Fi (not USB). 

An alternative solution would be to be to get large tablets, and run the website and the Companion in split-screen mode. 

Farzeen