Are Google Chromebooks a Good Fit for your Classroom?

There has been a lot of buzz about the Chromebooks being piloted in one of our 3^rd grade classrooms!

A Chromebook is a small, quick notebook computer that utilizes Google’s web based features and applications.

Chromebooks rely heavily on the cloud and Google Drive for storage and productivity.  There are no “programs” on a Chromebook.  You can access websites, and download Chrome Apps (which are really shortcuts to websites).

Visit this site to see  some of the differences  between Chromebooks and laptops.  Looks Like a laptop, feels like a laptop but….  

In order to use a Chromebook in your classroom you must…

• Understand the basics of “The Cloud”
• Be proficient in using and teaching Google Drive  (Google Drive becomes your X Drive in the cloud.  You will not have access to save anything on your X Drive, the Teacher Common or the Student Common.)
• Be adept in using and teaching Google Docs, Slide, Forms…. (Students will use these features to comment on, grade, create and share their work.)
• Become skilled at using and teaching the Chrome Browser.
• Have an interest in becoming a “paper-lite” classroom.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY and THE COOLEST PART…Be an independent learner with a curiosity to explore and learn new technologies.  You will need to discover new ways to assess, edit pictures, create slideshows, draw, create graphics, produce meaningful lessons and publish how your children demonstrate knowledge they learn in your classroom!