In 2011, Google released its first laptop called the Google Chromebook (link this here: http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/). This light-weight, inexpensive computer runs the latest Google Chrome OS, a web-based operating system utilizing Google’s web browser, Google Chrome. Google Chrome, amassing a little above 50% of the global web browser marketplace, has simplified the internet browsing experience, while catering to its users unique experience, offering a set of themes, applications, extensions, and other features specific to the unique Google marketplace.
The Google Chromebook starts selling at around $280, relatively cheaper than its other competitors. It updates automatically, so it won’t slow down your computer over time, it has virus protection installed, multiple layers of security, and verified software to help keep you safe from viruses, malware and other computer nasties. You can get up to 100 GB of cloud storage for free, also meaning you can access all the information in your Chromebook from your phone, tablet, or other device easily. Its price, features, and usability have been just a few of the reasons why schools have begun to purchase Chromebooks for education.
Using Chromebooks as opposed to other devices in the classroom has many benefits. Students and teachers can collaborate using all of Google’s apps and products that are embedded into Chrome and that are accessible from the web-browser such as Google Hangouts for remote teaching; Google+ for discussions, groups and chatting; Google Calendar for events, assignments, and deadlines; Gmail for email management; and Google Drive for presentations, documents, spreadsheets and more! The Chromebook uses less than 8 seconds to start up, even after being in sleep mode. They also have a battery that lasts about 8 hours, which is the same time as an average school day.They also have built-in wifi and 3g, so that you can use your Chromebook basically anywhere. Since the Chromebook is a web-based computer, all your information is stored in the cloud; that means you can access your information from just about any device by simply logging in.
Administrators can control and manage the Chromebooks for students through a web-based management console which allows for administration to manage a large number of user accounts without a lot of overhead and IT issues. Because of its cost-effectiveness, every student can have a custom, personalized user account. Chromebooks for education can save schools over $5,200 per device over three years.
Check out these videos to learn more about how other schools are using Chromebooks for education and go to google.com/chromebooks/education to learn how your school can be involved!
This is very interesting and informative, hopefully this will continue to grow and become widely accepted in educational institutions worldwide.
ReplyDeleteWith the many ways we utilize Google through the web, I can see a big growth in the market for these type of devices. If equipped with a SIM card or another form of receiving mobile data, this could revolutionize the way we use computers. They are already implementing SIM cards into high-end cars, we should take a step back and have 4g notebooks, compared to being dependent on finding open hotspots.
ReplyDeleteVery informative blog post. The innovative way that Google eliminates many of the problems is amazing. I personally, would still want some things only located on my personal computer. Putting everything on the internet, not only allows you to access it from everywhere, but also allows others the ability to access the same information. That's a little too public for my taste.
ReplyDeleteGoogle is continuing to be a trailblazer in technology and innovations. They are enhancing processes and simplifying life every day. Although the Chromebook is not a high performer in graphics and processing date, it serves as the foundation for a greater platform when the time is appropriate. The consistency of Google will allow it to succeed across the boards. I can. It wait to see what Google has to offer in the coming years.
ReplyDeleteThis is one idea I can get behind. I am amazed at how Google is continuing to bridge the gap between those who can afford innovation and those who need it. I am all for the chromebook being used for education. With each generation, technology knowhow is becoming second nature. This is the future we dreamed of.
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