Chromebook feedback from Teachers

What do you like or not like about the Chromebook?

The speed; easy to use. The Chromebook is a light-weight device that has a good battery life. It is a cheaper alternative and they're quick and easy to log onto. At times, the Chromebooks have issues with logins, connecting to the network and the screen freezes. I really enjoy the versatility, independence and the 'globalised' feel the Chromebook brings to the classroom. Students are able to independently complete their work with confidence and share it back with their teacher in both a valid and reliable manner. The only dislike I have is the sometimes lack of or slowing down of the internet. when all students are opening a shared document - it can take up to 10 minutes for everyone to finally have it opened. I also love that you can access the Google drive on a laptop too!
 

How would the use of a Chromebook/Google Apps change the way you teach?

Students sharing their work via google apps, students able to complete group activities away from school. The communication and collaboration between peers and teachers is a marvellous teaching tool. Sharing documents is immediate and the engagement level of students means that there are very little behavioural issues. Students having their own Chromebook means there are no problems of students waiting around for their turn. The use of the Chromebook/Google Apps has already changed the way I teach! I believe that when creating learning experiences across all KLAs, I now have a more reliable way of providing my students with more of a sense of ownership and responsibility for their own learning. They are able to complete their differentiated task to the best of their ability and share it with their classmates in a cooperative and professional manner AND practice their ICT skills! 
 

What planning do you need to do to integrate the use of the chromebook in your lessons?

I think it would be very much the same as I have been programming using any ipad; laptop etc. I think I would be more exploring sites and how this can be used for the students to access clips; work; links etc Documents needs to always be prepared before hand to share with the students. All activities are discussed with grade-partners to ensure consistency and consolidation of ideas. Each week when planning, the activities I designed lent themselves to using the Chromebook/Google Apps. It was easy to share ideas with my colleagues and as the weeks went on the children responded positively to using this device.
 

How easy do you feel the use of a Chromebook would integrate with your day to day work with students?

Last term I found it easy to plan integrated activities that constantly used Chromebooks/Google Apps throughout the day.The students could make connections with their learning and the idea of using this technology meant that the students' accountability was high. Quite easy, the only set-back would be a lack of internet - but this rarely happens! It will become part of day to day work.
 

What support do you think teachers require to integrate the use of the Chromebook in the classroom?

Ensuring that the connection isn't temperamental I believe that having the professional learning is essential. Many colleagues who haven't had the opportunity to be involved with the PL have taken longer to embrace this technology. Adequate network coverage is also essential. At times last term, when a group of 20 students or more were on the network, many Chromebooks had difficulties. Mostly professional learning, if we know how to use a product to the best of its ability - so will our students!