Model "ONE TO ONE"

One of the objectives of the School's Strategic Plan is to integrate the use of ICTs in the teaching, learning and assessment process for pupils and their regular use inside and outside the classroom. The educational function of new technologies allows for a new concept of "classroom" and "educational space", constituting a key and fundamental tool in the methodological change.

Over the last few years, the school has made a progressive effort to implement new methodologies and computer equipment adapted to them. In order to be able to develop this process effectively, we consider it necessary to combine the use of computers and classroom material throughout the educational process, seeing the need to move towards a "one to one" model (one pupil-one computer). During this time, we have been simultaneously analysing different proposals for implementing this model in the classroom and at home, but we have not yet found one that fully convinced us. At the same time, there have been more and more frequent suggestions from families, both verbal and written, for the implementation of this methodology.

For all these reasons, and after studying all the possibilities available, we have taken the decision to implement the "one to one" model for the school year 2019-2020, in the courses from 3rd Primary to Bachillerato the ‘one to one’ model through the use of Chromebook devices, coupled with the use of digital textbooks that will replace traditional paper textbooks. 

This course Acer for Education presents us as a success story, here is the link : Going 1-to-1 with Acer Chromebook Spin 511 in San Cayetano School

Below we explain some of the characteristics of this model:

1.- The device to be used is a "Chromebook" working on the platform "Google Aplications for Education". It is a model used by more than 500 schools throughout Spain (about 80 in the Balearic Islands) and allows working in a safe environment managed by the school, both in the classroom and at home, as the student will not be able to install applications on their Chromebook that have not been previously authorised by the student's educational team.

2.- What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a type of laptop computer. The difference with others is that instead of using the Windows or MacOS operating system, they use Google's own "ChromeOS" operating system. This means that programs designed for Windows or Mac will not work on a Chromebook, but there are perfectly functional alternatives. These machines are designed to be used primarily (not exclusively) while connected to the Internet, as most applications and documents are in the cloud. Virtually everything that can be done via the Internet can be done on a Chromebook. They start up much faster than a PC or laptop because they do not run many processes simultaneously.

The Chromebook is a reasonably inexpensive, robust device designed for education. It connects students to the Internet and gives them access to use Google Suite applications and generally any application that runs in a browser. They can also run Android system Apps. In addition, its long battery life ensures that a daily charge at home can adequately cover the entire school day.

The Chromebook hardware, operating system and software have been designed together and come as a complete package. This provides a smooth and responsive experience with no incompatibilities or performance issues. Unlike regular laptops, a Chromebook will never encounter software it can't run, nor will it be affected by malware or viruses that can impact the device's performance.

Google's ecosystem offers a robust, cloud-based platform that is well suited to meeting learning standards and overall educational curriculum objectives, increasing student engagement, actively involving students in learning and providing them with 21st century skills such as communication, critical thinking, creativity along with content mastery.

What is Google Apps for Education?

Google Apps for Education is a suite of productivity applications that Google offers to schools and educational institutions. These communication and collaboration apps include Gmail, Calendar, Drive (with unlimited storage), Documents and Sites.

This same account allows access to dozens of other Google-supported collaboration tools. All of these applications exist online (or in the cloud), which means that all creations can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

4.- Could I use a personal computer or tablet other than a Chromebook?

All the documents that students create with their Chromebook are available and can be consulted and edited on any other device.

However, for classroom use, we exclude the use of other types of equipment for several reasons:

• • • • • We cannot guarantee secure and monitored access to the network (as we cannot integrate other types of devices into the Google management console).

        • Other devices are susceptible to more problems: viruses, software incompatibility, hardware failures, reduced battery life and outdated software that would certainly prevent students from keeping up with their peers, slowing down or delaying lessons and curriculum delivery.

        • On the other hand, the teacher's technical assistance in the classroom is severely compromised if he or she has to deal with widely differing equipment. The teacher needs to focus on teaching, not on technical assistance.

        • To use all the features of the Google Suite platform, a Chromebook is specifically required. Only Chromebook devices will join the school domain.

        • A Chromebook is less expensive than a laptop with equal capabilities, has much less maintenance and will provide access to all features in the classroom.

5.- How much will it cost me to buy a Chromebook?

The school has designed an acquisition plan for the number of students who will use it from the academic year 2019-2020 which includes the Chromebook device, Google License and Insurance and which would be paid by families over a period of three years at a cost of around 25€ per student.

6.- Can I save on the cost of textbooks with this system?

Digital licences are much cheaper than textbooks and would be purchased by the school directly from the publishers, which could reduce the cost even further. In order to reduce costs, it has been thought that the registration renewal fee, which is usually returned in November, would be used to pay for the licences, so that families would only have to pay, if any, the difference between the renewal fee and the cost of the licences.

It is envisaged that within a few years the school will be producing its own teaching materials in almost all subjects at a lower cost than digital licences.

7.- Do I have to buy the Chromebook indicated by the school?

No, you can purchase any Chromebook on the market, in this case (only in this case) it is ESSENTIAL to also purchase a Google for Education administration licence, which will allow you to manage the device from the school's control console. This licence costs approximately €30, VAT included, and also includes insurance.

8.- How long does a Chromebook device last?

Chromebooks are robust, have very few moving parts and generate very little heat. Therefore, their life expectancy - provided they are treated properly - is quite long. Five years is quite realistic. In addition, the devices have powerful processors, adequate memory and automatically update to the latest versions of the operating system and applications, as well as security protections without the student having to do anything.

The contracted insurance lasts for three years, so after the fourth year it would have to be renewed.