Embedded Files
They are very light, portable and due to the very minimal operating software they boot up to desktop in less than 7 seconds, another attractive feature for educational purposes, especially in a classroom setting. Operating time before re-charge is at least 7.5 hours (on the device we have chosen for the pilot). Touch screen options with pinch / zoom are available thus giving the functionality / feel of tablet devices and a strong feature for visually impaired learners. They have HDMI, USB, SD Card ports therefore they can connect to projectors or peripheral devices easily. The bandwidth utilisation is low due to way the browser operates.
They are multi-user devices, the pupil's login will only be to their own content and settings. However because all content is stored in the cloud a pupil can also log into Chrome on any machine (including home and school PCs) and access their saved content, bookmarks and apps. They can also do this with their personal devices, this supports anytime, anywhere learning. The Google platform itself is therefore is device neutral. The Chromebooks prices start at £166.
For more information about Google Education and the Chromebooks please look at their website.
After a device evaluation was concluded, the model we are using for the pilot is the Acer C720P, with touchscreen. This is with a hard shell case for protection that can be personalised by each pupil.
Background and 'Why Chromebooks' here
Any updates are installed without disruption and anti-virus software is not required. They are robust devices with very few breakages or errors reported in local authorities who have begun to use them.
A major educational draw of Google Docs is the ease of use of the collaborative documents, saved instantly with revision history, comments and chat. The collaboration is 'real-time' and can include multiple users, rather than one pupil at one time editing the document. The visibility of real-time editing with multiple users is a powerful one for learning and teaching.
Software cannot be installed on to the Chromebook like a Windows device but you have access to a wide range of educational apps and also of course, the usual browser based content, tools and services.
When used in education - pupils are required to login with a school /authority provided account. Highland has a Google Apps For Education domain with pupil accounts and a dedicated administration / management console. The console provides a huge variety of settings that can be allocated to certain groups or individual devices with ease. E.g access to login to the device, password resets and access to websites / apps. This provides a great platform for a learner device as there are a number of safety features that can be implemented without disrupting the learner experience.
A Chromebook is type of device growing in popularity in education, it is essentially a Google Chrome Browser in a small light laptop style device. Offline functionality provides the opportunity to read webpages, pdf documents, create mail, read, edit, save and upload documents (including MS Office) when connectivity is re-established. A number of apps will also work offline.
Page updated
Report abuse