Getting Techy

Developing a 21st century ready graduate has to include ensuring students are technologically sound.  As the recent pandemic has shown major technology gaps between rural and urban schools, many rural districts are racing to get devices into the hands of their students.  The Google Chromebook by Lenovo is an affordable, dependable device that will provide opportunities to develop a sound technological foundation.  

The Chromebook has many features that make it ideal for elementary aged students:  

• Long battery life (up to 10 hours)
• Require little maintenance
• Small keyboards that are ideal for little hands
• Pre-loaded with numerous Google apps such as Google Docs, Slides, and Forms
• Touchscreen features
• Screen can be folded back to be set up in a tablet form

Extremely important in regards to rural schools with fewer funding opportunities, Chromebook are much cheaper than other competitors such as Apple products.  Lenovo Chromebooks can typically be purchased for around $200-$250. 

Chromebooks are going to allow our students the opportunity to explore learning in a whole new way.  Students are going to be able to collaborate with each other in new, creative ways.  While we don't want teaching to be solely in the hands of technology, we do need to use technology to boost our teaching.  If you're looking for some innovative ways to use Chromebooks in your classroom check out "10 Apps for Back to School".  

Be sure to check out this app if your looking for a way for your students to have more access to books:

 Epic provides access to ebooks and videos for students to explore.  The only down side to Epic is that students are not allowed access to it after school hours. Parents can set up an account for after school access. 

References: 

Kajeet. (2019). 5 reasons why chromebooks in the classroom benefit students. https://www.kajeet.net/5-reasons-why-chromebooks-in-the-classroom-benefits-students/

Kajeet. (2019). 10 apps for back to school. https://www.kajeet.net/10-apps-for-back-to-school/

Lenovo. (2021). Lenovo chromebook 3 (14"). https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/lenovo/lenovo-edu-chromebooks/ideapad-3-cb-14igl05/88ipsc31462