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Blended Learning Device Information
Introduction
All Green Bay High School students in 2020, are requested to bring a 1:1 computing device to school. The method of content delivery will be through a blend of Google Classroom, Drive, Sites and traditional teaching tools.
Each student will have their own unique Green Bay High School Google Account giving them access to Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive Google Classroom, Google Sites, and a whole host of other digital platforms. The students will utilise their devices in a myriad of different ways across learning areas and the potential of devices to open up new and exciting learning opportunities is inspiring.
To accommodate the wide variety of demands, needs and uses across our learning areas the devices will need to be suitable for typing and editing documents, manipulating photos, collaborating online and using internet resources and tools.
What are the device requirements?
At Green Bay High School the preferred device has a laptop form factor. That is it is either a Chromebook, Laptop, Ultrabook or Macbook. iPads or other tablet devices are NOT suitable for our blended learning programme.
One of the many realities of computing in a school environment is that students require a highly portable device with a very long battery life. Students must carry their device from class to class every hour and will not be able to rely on having an opportunity or place to recharge their battery during the day. In addition to this, student devices must also be wireless and internet capable, have a good warranty and be robust which often means the build quality of the device should be high.
The devices we are highly recommending for students to use is a :
Chromebook or Laptop
Noel Leeming have created a bundle deal for prospective and current Green Bay High School Students The particular bundle they have offered is for an Acer C730E complete with case and 3 Year Warranty. Noel Leeming also stock an HP Chromebook at a comparable price. See the information below for more details...
Why do we recommend Chromebooks?
Green Bay High School is a Google Apps for Education school which means that all of our productivity applications (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Docs/Sheets/Slides, Google Classroom, Google Sites). As a school we get to take advantage of the enormous computing power and cloud storage that Google has to offer whilst having control of services uniquely geared towards education.
Teachers and students create, collaborate and store their work in the cloud and are not limited by the platform they use and they are not dependant on expensive applications just to get things done. Chromebooks integrate perfectly with our Google Apps for Education system because they are built to be light on resources, connected instantly and linked seamlessly with our GBHS Google Accounts.
Below is quick rundown of the advantages of Chromebooks in education...
Advantages of Chromebooks
- Learning is not app-driven
- Decreased Costs (due to no extraneous software costs)
- Consistency of User Experience
- USB Ports
- Keyboard
- Ergonomic
- Hybrid Storage - Cloud/Offline
- Easy to replace/repair
- Fast startup, long battery-life
Evaluating Buying a Device
Below is a rough guide to the strengths and weaknesses of different devices so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing a device.
The key requirements to consider:
- Long Battery Life (a typical school day is over 6 hours)
- Wireless and Internet Capable
- Warranty (at least 12 months)
- After sales support, accessories, repairs and service
- Portability: light-weight and easy to carry around
- Screen size at least 11 inches (with built-in camera)
- Protective case/bag
- Available applications/Learning Pathways
Laptop:
Laptops are a portable, fully-functional computer
Strengths
- Fully functional & versatile device performing a range of functions
- Media Editing, 3d Modelling/Rendering and high graphical capabilities
- Screen size (13-17")
- Wide range of options available
Weaknesses
- Heavier & larger than Chrome -books or Ultra -books
- Applications are not included in retail price
- Battery life 4-6 hours
- Huge variation in specification and user experience
Other Points
- As with tablets and smartphones, not all laptops are created equal.
- Many cheaper laptops are slower and there will be noticeable differences in battery life and performance
Cost
$600 -$2500
Chromebook Comparison Chart
If you are looking at purchasing a Chromebook and you have checked out the range on offer from Noel Leeming as well as the extensive range available at PB Tech you may be feeling a little apprehensive about what all the specifications mean and how well each of the brands and models stack up.
Here is a link to an up to date 'Comparison Chart for Chromebooks 2019' - check out all of the specs in one place before you make a final decision on the brand and model.
Recommended Device: Chromebook
Google Chromebook: A Chromebook is a lightweight portable notebook that runs Google’s Chrome OS.
Strengths
- Very fast start up
- 6-8 hour battery life
- Cheaper than a laptop
- Comes with 100GB free cloud storage
- Fully integrated with Google Apps
- Easy to use
- Virus-resistant
- Automatic updates
- Large screen
- Built-in keyboard
- External ports e.g. USB, HDMI
Weaknesses
- Some limitations with games, HD movies & recording video
- Needs a Wifi or (or 3G connection if 3G option)
Other Points
- The range of Chromebooks available in New Zealand stores is not as robust as other options.
- We have a bundle and purchasing agreement with Noel Leeming, New Lynn.
Cost
$370 - $700
Ultrabooks:
Ultrabooks are computers that combine components of a laptop with the portability of a tablet.
Strengths
- Portable & lightweight
- Battery life 7-9 hours
- Screen size (11-14")
- Use Solid State Hard Drives and have no moving parts - enabling them to operate quickly and efficiently
Weaknesses
- Solid State Hard Drives have smaller capacities
Other Points
- Ultrabooks are versatile and portable
Cost
$1000 -$1500
CLICK THE PB TECH LOGO TO GO TO THEIR CHROMEBOOK PAGE
PB TECH - New Zealand's largest computing and I.T. retailer
Founded in 1993 and 100% New Zealand owned, PB Technologies is NZ's largest computing and I.T. retailer with 11 superstores + service centres throughout the country and over 500 staff. In addition to their bricks and mortar retail and service locations, PB Tech also has dedicated Wholesale, Commercial, Education, Online, and Service divisions operating from our 7,000+ square metre head office / distribution centre in Manukau, Auckland.
Sales, service and repair
Unlike other technology retailers, PB Tech has dedicated service centres attached to each of its 11 retail locations. When something goes wrong with your product, or you need some help with setup or operation, their network of qualified I.T. support staff and electronics technicians are always on hand to help out.
At Green Bay High School we use PB Tech as well as other suppliers to procure a number of products for use across a range of departments. PB Tech has a huge range of Chromebooks and other laptops and with a store in Henderson we are in a prime location to take advantage of their range and their competitive pricing.
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