Google Chromebooks (in the Classroom) Have Arrived!

Our model technology classroom has always been extremely fortunate.  In the past two school years (this year included) we have had the opportunity to test out a class set of Dell Netbooks with a generic Google Chrome interface, a SMARTboard, two documents cameras (was an iPevo and is now a SMART Document Camera), iPods, iPads, and probably some other devices I am forgetting.  

At the end of last year, we determined that for our fifth graders to really model a 21st century classroom, in terms of technology, a smaller ratio per student of iPads was needed and to continue with a 1:1 ratio of netbooks.  The thought was to also replace the Dell Netbooks with a Google Chromebook.  A year ago, Chromebooks were not as affordable as they recently have become. 

Long story short, this week our "old" Dell Netbooks were replaced with a "new" set of Samsung Google Chromebooks.  The transition was literally seamless.  In fact, Mr. Hendricks was gone, so Mrs. Olson and a substitute introduced the new device with little to no glitches.  They are fast, responsive, and seem to really get the job done.  Plus, the screen and keyboard is significantly larger than with our netbooks.  Typing already seems to be a bit less of a task than even a week ago.  

Check out our new Chromebooks in action below...