FOCUSED CLASSWORK · CHROME EXTENSION

Clear expectations.
An honest record.

Perch helps you run supervised activities in Chrome, with fullscreen prompts and a record of attention signals. Start with a short practice session so everyone knows what to expect.

Pilot ZIP · Chrome on a desktop, laptop, or Chromebook · Manual installation

Install before class

1. Download and unzip. Save the Perch pilot download, then extract the ZIP into a folder you can keep on your computer.
2. Open Chrome’s extensions page. Type chrome://extensions into Chrome’s address bar.
3. Turn on Developer mode. Use the switch in the upper-right corner of the extensions page.
4. Load the extension. Choose Load unpacked and select the extracted folder containing manifest.json.
5. Pin Perch. Open Chrome’s puzzle-piece menu and pin the extension so you can find it during class.

Install on each participating browser before the activity. School-managed Chromebooks may block Developer mode or manual extensions; your technology team must approve installation in that case.

Run your first session

1. Create the activity. Open Perch from Chrome’s toolbar, choose Teacher tools, and use the setup to choose the activity URL and session settings.
2. Start with Quick Check. For a low-stakes practice activity, this mode notes attention changes without locking students out. Review Exam-mode settings before using them for an assessment.
3. Share Perch’s session link. Share the link generated by Perch. Students open it, copy the session code if prompted, and use the Perch extension to join.
4. Stay available. Explain the session settings, keep the teacher PIN available, and help students recover from interruptions or device problems.
5. Read the report in context. A tab change or fullscreen exit may have a benign cause, such as a notification, an accessibility tool, or a connection problem.

What Perch can observe

Perch records browser events during the session. These are observations for a conversation, not proof of misconduct. It does not see a phone, another computer, paper notes, or the room. It does not take screenshots or use a camera.

The teacher in the room is still the real control.

Need installation help? Contact the colleague organizing your pilot or your school’s technology team. For today’s class, use the regular activity link if a student’s device cannot run the extension.