Learning Outcomes: #1 - Demonstrate the understanding of how technologies can effectively promote student learning.
Google Chromebooks are compact laptops, specifically designed to be used while connected to the internet. Unlike typical PC's or laptops, applications (apps) on Chromebooks, are web-based and can be utilized from anywhere with internet access. Many school districts around the country are attempting to move toward 1:1 device to student programs, allowing internet access to all students. Chromebooks are a very appealing product for these programs given their inexpensive cost, as well as their web-based updates, ever-increasing availability of applications, and their pro-longed battery life.
Utilizing Chromebooks in education is of particular interest to me because next year, I hope to receive a set of 10 Chromebooks for my classroom through a recent grant proposal. Although I am fairly familiar with apps such as Google Docs, I want to continue to learn about the best uses of Chromebooks and the various Google applications available on the web. In an attempt to broaden my knowledge of the benefits of Google Chromebooks and their educational purposes, I recently viewed webinars on Chromebooks in education and special education .
In the 2012 presentation on Chromebooks in education, Google Project Manager, Rajen Sheth describes the many benefits of of creating a 1:1, student to device program, using Google Chromebooks. The three major benefits of creating this 1:1 program are:
1) Customized learning
2) Increased student engagement
3) Equalize access to the internet
The webinar on using Chromebooks in special education was also of great interest to me. The layout of the webinar was very interesting as it was broadcasted on Goolge Hangouts. This allowed one facilitator to interview several educators from around the country on their uses of Chromebooks. Speakers were able to pull up material from their computers so that it was easily viewed by all group members simultaneously. I could see how this app could be very useful for students in foreign language classes, to openly communicate in real time, with students all over the world.
The special educators in this webinar discussed how the use of Chromebooks increased student engagement as well as performance in the classroom. One of the applications I found most intriguing was Google Dictionary. This app allows students to double click on a word to automatically look up its name and pronunciation. This app would be great for many of my students who may be too embarrassed by not knowing what a word means or how to pronounce it. The app allows them to simply click and learn. Another app discussed in the webinar that would be beneficial to me is Google Calendar. Sometimes I feel as if I am wasting my breath, trying to encourage students to record assignments and obligations in their agenda books. An online calendar would be much more appealing for them because it allows them to use technology, which is something they love doing. Google calendars can be synced between PC's, laptops, smartphones, tablets, or any other device with web access. The calendar is funneled through the user's Google account, making scheduling and sharing events extremely easy and convenient.
The special educators in this webinar discussed how the use of Chromebooks increased student engagement as well as performance in the classroom. One of the applications I found most intriguing was Google Dictionary. This app allows students to double click on a word to automatically look up its name and pronunciation. This app would be great for many of my students who may be too embarrassed by not knowing what a word means or how to pronounce it. The app allows them to simply click and learn. Another app discussed in the webinar that would be beneficial to me is Google Calendar. Sometimes I feel as if I am wasting my breath, trying to encourage students to record assignments and obligations in their agenda books. An online calendar would be much more appealing for them because it allows them to use technology, which is something they love doing. Google calendars can be synced between PC's, laptops, smartphones, tablets, or any other device with web access. The calendar is funneled through the user's Google account, making scheduling and sharing events extremely easy and convenient.
If I am fortunate enough to receive the Chromebooks for next year, I have many new ideas of how to utilize them. In addition to the applications I am already familiar with such as Google Docs and Spreadsheets, I hope to use Chromebooks to assist with scheduling, managing/planning assignments, and various multimedia student projects. While viewing the webinars, I could imagine how the different apps discussed could really increase student engagement levels as well as their quality of work. Students often surprise me with their technical knowledge of computers and their creativity in projects, when given a topic they enjoy learning about. If I can somehow utilize these Chromebooks to engage students on topics they are initially not interested in, they will be a great asset for my classroom.
Works Cited
Chromebooks for Education", YouTube, YouTube, 25. Jan. 2012. Web. 11 Apr. 2014.
"Innovative Chromebook Teachers Using Chromebooks in Special Education. "YouTube". YouTube, 09 May 2013. Web. 11. Apr. 2014.
I have never used a Chromebook before so I found this review fascinating. I have been a laptop user for more than fifteen years and am just now getting comfortable with using an iPad. I did my literature review on an article which looked at using iPads 1:1 in the classroom. I see many similarities in that in both situations teachers are discovering that the students are more engaged in their learning and are also producing higher quality work. After reading this review I began to think about the different devices which are available on the market today and how you would go about selecting one. I found that there are several articles comparing not only the Chromebook and iPad, but also the Microsoft Surface 2. As with all technology, there are a lot of things to take into consideration such as cost, internet access, data accessibility, applications, etc. but I believe one of the biggest factors when looking at these devices to be used in a classroom is how you get your hands on them. I really hope you get the grant for the 10 Chromebooks in your classroom next year!
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with Chromebooks but after reading your review, I think they would be a great asset to all classrooms. The fact that you might get this through a grant, shows that people are getting behind the benefits of technology. I agree that students are more likely to get involved if they have a chance to use technology, like you mentioned with the daily planners. I think its great that teachers and students have many options of technological tools to use.
ReplyDeleteThe school I work in received a cart of Chromebooks at the beginning of the school year. The students in the school use them all the time. Each student was given a student Gmail account and they are able to access different web based educational programs such as a reading program called Reading Plus. Some of the teachers in the building were also given a Chromebook to use and I was fortunate enough to receive one to keep in my classroom. I do use it a little with my students but I find that a lot of them are so geared toward touch screens now that they aren't quite sure what to do with a mouse or touch pad. I will bring it into class this week if anyone is interested in checking it out.
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