Classrooms around the world look very different today than they did even a decade ago. Gone are the days when learning relied only on heavy, dusty textbooks and chalkboards. Education is constantly evolving, and technology has primarily driven that change.
First, there was the TV on wheels, rolled into different classrooms to play an overused, somewhat scratchy VHS.
There were then the noisy dot-matrix printers, overhead projectors and calculators so small they could fit on a ruler. Now, the latest significant leap is the rise of individual technology for students within schools.
Learn Now recently conducted a survey into the learning habits of its students, with surprising results showing many learners swaying towards Chromebooks to help with their online studies.
Let’s take a closer look at why so many schools are turning to one-to-one technology and why Chromebooks are becoming a solid option.
From Textbooks to Tech: How Learning Has Evolved
Learning has evolved over recent years. Everybody — not only students — has instant access to a world of information online.
That shift means schools are forced to keep up with the times. Learning and engagement have changed amongst young people; they are brought up with computers, and whilst there is still value in going to the library and looking up the information yourself, we are more accustomed to instant accessibility and results.
The focus is now on building strong digital literacy, enabling teachers to teach students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and use technology responsibly.
Why schools choose Chromebooks?
Chromebooks have become the go-to device for many one-to-one learning programs. They are lightweight, budget-friendly laptops that have quickly become a favourite for teachers, students and network managers due to their simplicity and cloud-based system.
Chromebooks are helping schools make digital learning more accessible than ever before due to:
- Cost – Compared to traditional laptops, they are less expensive
- Performance – sync flawlessly in the Google Educational ecosystem. Apps like Google Docs, Sheets, Google Classroom, and Slides
- Battery life – Extended battery life means fewer interruptions, and because they start up in seconds, students can jump right into learning —perfect for lesson changes.
- Easy interface & simple to use – Access to all the software you need for learning.
- Cloud-based system – Since Chromebooks are cloud-based, students can log into their accounts from any device and pick up right where they left off
- Easier network control – With it tied into the Google Ecosystem, network control, restrictions, blocked websites, allowed apps, etc., are easier to manage.
So, Chromebooks are a solid option for introducing into a one-to-one technology system. They are affordable, easy to manage, and designed with students in mind.
They integrate nicely with the Google ecosystem and enable the school’s network manager to introduce policies and apply restrictions.
Challenges to Keep in Mind
Introducing Chromebooks and one-to-one technology in the classroom is not easy for schools to commit to. You need to ensure you are set up sufficiently before committing.
- The school’s infrastructure will need to support thousands of machines being online simultaneously and provide them with the same reliable internet access.
- Training will need to be provided to both students and staff to ensure they get the most out of the technology, and all embrace what it can provide.
- Screen time is another concern; schools will need to strike a healthy balance between digital and offline learning.
- Whilst Chromebooks are relatively affordable when you purchase one for yourself at home, for a school to commit to buying Chromebooks and gifting them to thousands of students, it is a significant cost. Managing budgets for maintenance, replacements, and software updates still requires careful planning.
- Online security and safe browsing are ongoing priorities that require constant attention, training, and policy implementation.
- Not just the cost of the devices to take into account, there will need to be protective carry cases, spare chargers, spare devices, and confidence in the infrastructure to support the devices, and any future devices.
The above reasons are enough to warrant serious consideration before implementing a one-to-one technology model.
You will also need to be mindful that students will need valuable offline learning time, and ensure that vital skills such as speaking, reading, and writing are still taught to a high standard.
The Bottom Line
Advances in technology have changed the way the world works. Every week, there is some new cutting-edge technology, and the rate of progress is genuinely impressive.
Educational institutions cannot rely on old-fashioned teaching methods and must embrace the modern world to ensure that learners today have every opportunity to succeed.
By introducing one-to-one technology in schools, whilst there will be a few initial hiccups, the positive impacts would be significant and would far outweigh the negative aspects.
With their affordable and cloud-based design, Chromebooks are, and will continue to be, a strong choice for schools aiming to prepare students for a digital future.
The success of introducing will depend on more than just the devices. There needs to be a strong commitment, careful implementation of policies and clear expectations from the get-go.
But if you can achieve this, coupled with training and support for both teachers and students, the transition to a new way of teaching will be beneficial.