Well I've been playing around with a Chromebook for a few days, and I'll say I really like using it. First of all, I love how fast it starts up and connects. It is great to be able to turn the power on, and be connected to Google Chrome almost instantly. Another thing that I love about the Chromebook is that it really has everything you need (email, word document, browser, etc) if you're willing to make the switch to Chrome as you browser/operating system. I think that once you put in the time to learn the Google tools they are user friendly.
I would love to have my students using Chromebooks next year as their primary technology tool instead of Ipads. Almost all of my students have access to Ipads at home, so I would like to get them more used to using laptops for more of their daily use. I think that once my students get comfortable using them, they will prefer them over the Ipad. I'd love to be able to get a class cart of Chromebooks, or at least a grade level cart for next year.
Hi Erik! I will preface this by saying that I did NOT enjoy my Chromebook, but I can certainly see the merits of the device as you outlined them. It is super fast to turn on and connect - at Washburne, my record is 37 minutes of kids sitting around waiting to log on to their desktops - and I absolutely agree with your statement that if you put in the time to learn the Google tools, they are user friendly. I usually have to be dragged kicking and screaming into new technology, but once I embraced Google Docs/Drive/etc., it was clear to me how I could use them personally and professionally. They've made my life a lot easier, but I really missed having a desktop on the Chromebook. I tend to do a lot of dragging and saving to the desktop, which leads to a cluttered space, but at least I know everything is there. Perhaps embracing the new technology will help me know everything is there AND organize myself more! :)
ReplyDeleteErik- Did you submit the end of year Technology request and indicate you'd like Chromebooks?
ReplyDeleteMaggie- I believe the chromebook does let you save things to the desktop, it's just called something else. I'll have to fire up a chromebook next week to figure it out for you.
Logging on to the desktop is harsh so I definitely see the merit of having a chrome books in class instead of desktops or going to the computer lab. I look forward to playing with my borrowed chrome book to see how user friendly it is compared to the iPad!
ReplyDeleteI think you're right. We'd have to get the kids used to using the new technology, but once they get used to all the Google apps, they'd be set on a Chromebook. Like you, I'm really interested in the speed of the Chromebook. It would be a fun thing to try with the kids!
ReplyDeleteErik, I'm on your side with the Chromebooks. Fast and reliable- you can't ask for much more with technology! If it turns on, and kids can get to what we expect them to get to, sign me up.
ReplyDelete