Post 4: We have Chromebooks, now what?

 


 Why?

     Technology integration is the new buzzword in classrooms all across the world. The COVID-19 pandemic brought technology and virtual learning to the forefront of education. Teachers, students, administration, and parents were forced to learn "in the trenches" just how important technology is in today's world. Many districts used lessons learned from this experience to integrate, enhance, and upgrade student devices. Chromebooks are the choice of many districts in South Carolina. Classroom teachers need fast, easy, effective tools for effectively using Chromebooks in the classroom.  

What?

     Chromebooks are internet-based personal computers that are portable, lightweight, and easily monitored by district software like Hapara and Gaggle. Students have easy access to Google Classroom, Google Translate,  Google Drive, and Google Docs. The devices have cameras and microphones (when allowed by the owning district) and have numerous key shortcuts to complete tasks.  

How?

     Effectively integrating Chromebooks into the classroom can be as simple as using the devices for vocabulary and review games.  Chromebooks can also be used to support higher order thinking skills with collaboration, curation, and research.  They are also tools to easily differentiate learning and support motivation by allowing personalization through learner choice and customization (Kearner, 2012).  Teachers can use Chromebooks to modify and personalize assignments and learning tasks.   Thorough technology integration is achievable through intentional planning and adaptation of instructional practices.  The Florida Center for Instructional Technology (2019) designed the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) as framework for enhancing learning using technology like Chromebooks.   

Ideas? 

Vocabulary: vocabulary practice using Quizlet and Quizizz

 Reading/Literature: share copies of texts students can edit using highlight, bold, and side notes, access digital texts through the school and local libraries

 Writing/Research: easy access to research via web browser or teacher and/or student curated resources, built in spelling and grammar check, teachers can provide written and video feedback for individual student writing, easy collaboration and sharing with docs and drive

 Math: record example videos using Chromebook screen recorder

 Science/Social Studies: integrated virtual labs, share data from experiences/research, collaborate on analysis, share images of authentic evidence

 Implementing IEP/504 Accommodations: text to speech feature, easily deliver copies of notes via Google Classroom or Google Drive, easy typing instead of handwriting assignments for students, accessible calculator

 English Language Learners: translate any website or text using translate or device settings

 

For more information/help:

 

TIM Matrix 

10 Ways to Use Chromebooks in the Classroom 

Chromebooks-in-the-classroom

 Chromebook-keyboard-shortcuts

  

References:

 Florida Center for Instructional Technology. (n.d.). Tim | Technology Integration Matrix. Technology Integration Matrix. Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/

Kearney, M., Schuck, S., Burden, K., & Aubusson, P. (2012). Viewing mobile learning from a pedagogical perspective. Research in Learning Technology, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v20i0.14406

Sowash, J. R. (2022, February 17). Chromebook shortcuts - free PDF Guide For Your Classroom. The Chromebook Classroom. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.chrmbook.com/chromebook-keyboard-shortcuts/#download

Victoria, K. (2022, April 15). Creative ways to use chromebooks in the classroom. Teach Your Kids Code. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://teachyourkidscode.com/chromebooks-in-the-classroom/

    

    

 

Comments

  1. Little Lou LibraryOctober 2, 2022 at 6:16 AM

    Heather,

    You are absolutely right; Chromebooks are everywhere nowadays. They have proven to be very useful during the pandemic and remain an important part of learning today. These tech tools have a lot to offer regarding the amplification of instructional practices and the development of digital literacy skills. I know my students love the camera feature as we use it to record the performance of readers’ theaters or to share learning responses through the Seesaw app. I have not yet had a student with IEP or 504 accommodations that would benefit from the features that these Chromebooks provide, but I will keep these ideas in mind for the future. Thanks for sharing!

    -Christina Lunetta

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kacee MerrittOctober 2, 2022 at 9:29 AM

    Hi Heather!
    The Covid-19 pandemic for sure contributed to more technology integration being used in the classroom. Chromebooks are extremely popular in elementary schools in South Carolina. My two neighboring schools use Chromebooks. I’ve never heard of Hapara or Gaggle before, it’s great to know what schools in South Carolina are using to monitor students’ devices, so I can learn more about these tools. You’re exactly right that Chromebooks can be used for simple or more challenging tasks. This technology has something for everyone.
    Kacee

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousOctober 2, 2022 at 3:42 PM

    Hi Heather!
    I am commenting with my work Chromebook as we speak! I definitely think that there are pros and cons to the Chromebooks. I think just like you pointed out in your blog post, there is definitely a benefit to students utilizing chromebooks. In our district, every student has one and is required to use it during class times and for specific assignments. I think they are great because google as a whole is amazing in the fact that everything is connected through their email and their are a variety of apps that can be used on a Chromebook, however, I am not a fan of mine simply because I hate typing on it! I despise that it doesnt have a caps lock key. Overall though, having each student have them in our district really makes the implementation of technology in the classroom very easy and allows teachers to be a lot more creative in what they do technology wise within their lessons!

    ReplyDelete

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