Embedded Files
Please note this is in no way an exhaustive list but has been designed to support discussions in considering a ‘device mix’ in schools. It is important to discuss the Chromebook in conjunction with Google Apps for Education (GAFE). The Acer C720P device is the model chosen for the Highland 1-1 pilot, there are many other models available.
For the record - it's impossible to pitch device v device, you can't compare for example Chromebooks v iPads on functionality alone, it's GAFE plus Chromebooks that provides the much bigger conduit for learning and economic benefits that can make 1-1 a reality. Through the pilot we have come to understand that it's the technology rich environments, pupil's ownership to devices, sound pedagogical practice and the partnership with Parents and Carers as a whole that is important.
This page is a work in progress, as the pilot progresses the page will be updated, as our learning takes place, points will be added.
Device specification
You can’t install software so there is no danger of users downloading malware or software that will cause conflicts with other software.
It has a one year warranty. The Chromebooks in the pilots in East Lothian are four years old. In their words, ‘they have got better over time’ as the Chrome browser has become more light and sophisticated. There has been no detected deterioration. A four year refresh would be recommended.
Manageability and service
Management of the device itself (and user settings) is via the GAFE console, there are over 250 settings including remote disconnect, who can use the device itself, how it connects, what apps are available and what websites can be accessed (or not). The GAFE console is available in any browser to the dedicated administrators.
There are no disruptive ‘updates’ to the operating system that usually pop-up before a key presentation. There are no requirements for antivirus software either. Updates to the Chrome browser on the Chromebook happens in the background and does not impair functionality.
Support from Google itself is provided free, the 24/7 service is staffed by trained experts who can detect faults from your own console via a two factor verification tool (pin code). There are also thousands of existing knowledge articles online from communities of educators and Google themselves.
Security. The settings with GAFE can include applying two factor verification for designated admins (opt in for staff and learners) The reports of all usage of the domain is provided from password strength, increase of volumes of documents and email usage are available. In using the GAFE console there are no Google advertisements and regulation of age appropriate apps is enforced by user policies.
Transition and transformation
The Google Apps for Education access means that prior to using a Chromebook a user can experience the browser, become familiar with the core apps and additional market place apps. When they receive the device, they can just log in with their username, their entire content tools and service will be available to them. As a transition activity this is priceless, using GAFE on managed or personal devices, then using GAFE on the Chromebook is seamless. This can enable ‘organic growth’ where staff and pupils can request GAFE access now rather than ‘top down’ imposed approach. This thinking will be essential to the roll out of any transformation project.
To compliment an LA strategy for Career Long Professional Learning (CLPL) in ICT in Learning, training for staff and pupils can be delivered through the available online tutorials designed specifically for educators starting out on their journey with ICT. There is also support from the Google partner retailers to attend events and offer support.
As a tool for learning
The Chromebooks are designed for multiple users, each user has access only to their own content, tools and services. No documents or apps with contents are accessible to another user. This means that if a user forgets their Chromebook they can log in at school to another device and all their content and services are available, it can even work on personal devices such as an Android, iPad or iPhone.
‘Out of the box’ setup is a major feature, it can take less than a minute for a new device to be charged and logged into. This reduces service costs.
Due to the Chromebook being a ‘browser’ it has a lower bandwidth usage this is due to the way the apps update and light operating system, essentially you can have more Chromebooks per the capacity of the network than other devices.
Extensive research was conducted with Head Teachers and pupils to establish what the ‘must have’ functions were of a 1-1 device for learning. These included the following: keyboard, lightweight, webcam, USB and HDMI ports for projectors and peripherals. Most importantly, instant boot up time and durability.
The C720P Chromebook has a touchscreen, HDMI, USB, keyboard, webcam, USB port for e.g. external webcam. SD card slot. It’s lightweight, has a 7+ hour battery life and under 7 second boot up time. It recharges fully in less than a hour. The model chosen is smaller sized which suits the primary pupils and is more portable. There is unlimited storage with Google Drive.
The Chromebook can be customised both outwardly - with the ergonomically designed hard shell case we have supplied and hand drawn insert. This is a popular feature with learners. The case also has leg stands to raise the device. The screen background layout and style can also be customised centrally, some schools / local authorities have designed splash screens that can be pushed out instantly to all devices at important times for school notices.
Apps not software. There are thousands of educational apps that can be forced out to every user, many of which replace existing software such as Geogebra. The apps sit on the browser not the device itself, so no installation is required. Most apps are free, work offline and include add-ons to documents e.g Speech to text, translation, education specific software and productivity tools. The apps are not reliant of versions of software (like IOS versions, Chromebook versions, or Windows) so there is no need to be mindful of legacy software that becomes unusable due to operating system upgrades. Many local authorities have painfully experienced this with the move from Windows XP to Windows 7 on school devices.
Google Classroom is an app which enables a teacher to create a collaborative space, set tasks / assignments, grade learners' work and provide feedback. This app creates the perfect opportunity for enabling distance course participants and interrupted learning pupils to access to their class. It is a fundamental contributor to anytime, anywhere learning. The Chromebooks support this style of learning, where the pupil can communicate using Hangouts and work on the same document at the same time as they have a keyboard. Google docs enable real time collaborative learning and co-creation simply.
The impact on learning has been well researched and increasingly evidenced in our Highland pilot, this includes pedagogy, usage of the apps themselves and the short bursts of access to technology at their fingertips as a class or group. Google have designed the GAFE console and Chromebooks with educators and are also receptive to suggested changes.
Contrary to belief, you can use a Chromebook offline. There are offline settings. You can also edit and save Microsoft Office documents online and offline.
Teachers with access to a managed device (class PC device to drive their Interactive WhiteBoard or SEEMiS) do not need an additional Chromebook themselves as they can collaborate with learners in real time on their Chrome (or other) browser. There are screen share tools in Hangouts and through Chromecast which we are currently exploring. Teachers can trial apps on their own browsers before using them with learners, this is due to the settings in the GAFE console where staff ‘sit’ in a separate group to learners, they can also add their own directly from the Chrome Web Store and a Highland domain list of recommended apps.
Relative to Scotland - The Chromebook can be used for digital exams, SQA are supporting this with discussion meetings. Websites such as SOLAR are compatible and test/research sites such as INCAS or SSLN have full functionality. Glow also works fully with the Chrome browser.
Affordability
The Chromebooks currently retail domestically from £166, the device chosen for the pilot was £185, we also pay £19 per device management licence (one off fee) The hard-shell iPearl cases are £19. Device specific (and customisable rucksacks) are also available.
The GAFE console in 3 other Scottish local authorities is managed in-house, it is simple and intuitive. In-house management is also advised due to the ever evolving nature of the technology itself, being responsive to educators by those who crucially understand the uniqueness of their own schools, staff and authority. GAFE Administrator exams for Certification can be completed.
Future thinking
The Chrome range of devices is expanding and the experience is always familiar, saving additional training courses, there is now a ‘Box’ which is a browser you can add a keyboard and mouse to. (Same GAFE login) A ‘Base’, stylised like a PC, and a ‘Bit’ which can plug into a screen. Using GAFE and the Chromebook can pave the way for additional future devices that can replace traditional managed PCs.
Google Play for Education adds an additional dimension to the GAFE console, you can now manage Android tablets using the same user / device settings and add Google Play apps to the Android tablet.
This picture was posted by an educator in Australia Chris Betcher he provided permission for us to use this picture drawn by Rachel Dight (Swivel Creative) as he gave his presentation on the benefits of Chromebooks as a conference, thank you Chris and Rachel! Chris blogs here
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