Technology moves at such a rapid pace, it’s hard to keep up with the changes as a school leader. Since publishing my first article ("Did Apple Finally Find Its Chromebook Killer?") (just a month ago), Apple quietly increased the education price of the Neo by $100. That changes part of this conversation as at $499, the Neo was an intriguing disruption. At $599, districts will rightly ask much harder questions about return on investment. However, like I said in the previous article, this isn’t just about the price. It’s about value over time.

Now that we have that disclaimer out of the way, allow me to lay out the ground rules of this article. I’m not trying to get too overly geeky about this bake-off. I’m evaluating these through the eyes of a technology director trying to make a major purchasing decision that affects learning.

Which leads me to my second disclaimer: These decisions need to involve more than the person who is deploying and distributing the machines.

With that said, most of what follows are several different categories all school leaders should be considering when making a purchase of this magnitude. In the wake of the “tech lash,” leaders need justifiable reasons for introducing devices and screens into the learning environment.

Neo vs. Chromebook: Overview

My original thought for this bake-off was to compare Apple’s Neo with the Dell Chromebook 14 Laptop. These are both similar in size and price, but the truth is, most schools don’t purchase that model for their students. They tend to purchase smaller sizes (typically 11.6-inch HD models) and lower RAM and storage. As Chromebooks make up 93% of the K-12 market, I wanted to make this a comparison against the most commonly purchased device. Currently, Lenovo has a slight edge (25% vs. 21%) over HP when it comes to units shipped in the U.S.

Furthermore, the most common type of Chromebook is the “Clamshell” laptop. More than 62% of Chromebooks purchased are this type but there is a significant growth rate in the second type (Convertible 2-in-1 which is bought at nearly 15%).

Taking all that into account, the following series of tests and benchmarks will be run between a Lenovo Chromebook 100e Gen 5. The Gen 4 was the most purchased of its fleet last year, so we’ll go with the newest model when doing comparisons for the rest of this article. I fully recognize that many of you reading this will likely be purchasing HP, Acer, or Dell versions, so with that in mind, consider this a framework when doing your own comparisons.

The Hardware Story

I’m not going to do a “spec dump” here as you could do that by looking up the device you are considering and comparing its specs to that of the Neo. I will however, highlight some important technical features you’d want to consider and compare when making your ultimate decision.

Here’s a chart of a few things you should ponder when comparing devices:

Overall, it’s a pretty close comparison when you look solely at hardware components. In some ways it’s like the difference between buying a sports car vs. a pickup truck. The Neo is engineered for performance and premium experiences; you can go far and fast with it. The Lenovo is engineered to survive the day-to-day rigors of a middle school hallway; it can take some hits and still perform on bumpy roads. Both will need some maintenance to perform over the long haul and we don’t really know the longevity of the Neo yet.

Based on design alone, the Neo feels like something you’d proudly hand to a college freshman. The Lenovo feels like something you’d reluctantly hand to thirty 7th graders going on a rainy day field trip.

But there’s much more to each of these devices than design and internal components. Let’s see how they hold up in the classroom.

A Student’s Perspective

Given the fact that Neos just came out this summer, we have zero legitimate benchmarks to compare to existing Chromebooks. We can look at previous iterations of Macbooks in schools and iPads (which I have extensive knowledge of) to help guide us.

So, for the purposes of this article, I purchased a Neo for my incoming 9th grade daughter to try. She’s a heavy technology user (gamer, video, AI, etc.) and has a school-issued Chromebook that she can borrow from her older sister (soon-to-be senior) to run some tests. She’s also taking some online courses this summer, so I asked her to tell me some things she noticed and to write it all down.

This next section is written by her:

Five Things I Noticed in the First 10 Minutes

By a 9th Grade Student

1. The Apple screen made everything look way better.

This was the first thing I noticed. The colors looked brighter and the words looked sharper. When I watched a video, it looked more like my TV at home than a school laptop.

2. The Chromebook felt more like…a school Chromebook.

It wasn’t bad, but it felt like every Chromebook I’ve ever used. It worked fine for Google Docs and Google Classroom, but nothing about it really stood out.

3. The Apple trackpad was awesome.

I didn’t think I’d care about the trackpad, but it was way smoother. It was easier to scroll and click, and it just felt nicer to use.

4. The bigger screen actually mattered.

I thought a couple of inches wouldn’t make a difference, but it did. It was easier to have two windows open, like writing in one and looking at a website in the other.

5. The keyboards are almost the same except for one thing.

My friends are always popping off the keys to their Chromebook. It is harder to do this with the Neo keyboard.

Her final quote to me when I pressed her about a comparison was this:

"Honestly, if my teacher handed me either one, I wouldn’t complain. But if you lined them up and said I could keep one, I’d pick the Apple without even thinking about it. It just feels more like a real laptop than a school laptop if that makes sense.”

Some of the tests that I had her try with her Neo and Chromebook were to mimic different examples of things that she would do in various classrooms with technology. I asked her about AI, but she mentioned that’s not really encouraged and she tends to not use it as much as other students.

Here’s just a few of the tests we ran on both devices:

“The 50-tab Challenge”

I had her open up 50 tabs of various classroom applications. Her LMS, Google Docs, Slides, YouTube, Canva, an AI chat bot, email, and dozens of other websites she had visited in the prior school year. We then attempted to measure responsiveness, any type of heat or fan noise from the device and most importantly . . . lag. Both devices performed well under this pressure.

Outcome: Tie

“The Video Project”

I asked her to recreate a video project she had worked on earlier in the year using both devices. On the Chromebook, she used WeVideo. On the Neo, Apple’s iMovie software. While she was able to complete both videos within about an hour of each other, the Neo was much easier when it came to uploading, editing, recording and exporting.

Edge: Neo

“The Offline Day”

This is a big one for her. She’s claimed frustration in the past with the district’s network and at times our home network. As she does most of her work in Google workplace, we tried both devices with the internet turned off and both did well. She was able to write and edit with an option to submit later. She wasn’t able to use her AI LLM bots in either scenario, but she did reveal to me that if she had downloaded LM Studio on her Neo before the internet went down, she could use that as an offline AI agent.

Edge: Neo

Things The Spec Sheet Won’t Tell You

After the exchange with my daughter, I really started to think of this comparison on a broader level. Yes, if you go just by the spec sheet or the price, you’ll get some easy comparison numbers. However, what about all those aspects that don’t appear on a spec sheet but still affect the classroom? Things such as boot time, trackpad feel, and screen glare aren’t listed in a pros and cons section but still need to be considered.

As a former teacher, I know that classroom disruptions can take an entire lesson and tank it. When it comes to technology such as student devices, what can happen that causes unforeseen disruption? Things like fan noise, software updates, battery life, and lag can cause frustration for the student and disruption for the teacher.

There’s also some hidden costs that come into play. After years of running an iPad one-to-one environment, you don’t really realize how much your budget is bleeding charging packs, cords, and keyboards until you do a final assessment of your assets. Repairs for a touch screen are going to be more cumbersome than those of a traditional screen. How much time and energy does it take from your staff to deploy and collect the devices? What about if students pick off the keys from the keyboard, as my daughter mentioned? Also, think about the support burden of training staff and students on the interactions of a device. The more familiar they are with the device the less support is needed (in theory).

All of these “soft costs” add up in the long run and turn into the “Total Cost of Ownership,” which I mentioned in my previous post. Looking at the big picture beyond the spec sheets is something all school leaders should consider before purchasing student devices.

Many schools have models that support two different devices (elementary classroom sets and secondary student take-home devices). This adds complexity to the environment, which in turn, means more support and more training. If it’s the right device for learning, those can be absorbed in the final decision.

Questions Districts Should Ask Before Buying Either

Ultimately, this decision should come down to the factors mentioned above but with input from a wide range of people. Teachers, campus administrators, technology support staff, librarians, and students should have an opportunity to provide input for whichever device you might be considering. This accomplishes two tasks: it gives a broader range of viewpoints when considering the device, and gives those important stakeholders a voice in the decision process, which can affect the overall outcome after deployment.

Whenever we were due for another round of device purchases, our district would convene a “Digital Learning Task Force” made up of the above stakeholders as well as parents. We created surveys, held “open viewing” times for students to touch and use the devices in the current school environment, and held forums to brainstorm the issues we should be considering.

Here are just a few of the questions that we used to guide our decision making:

• What work do we expect students to create?
• How long do we realistically keep devices?
• How important is AI over the next five years of learning?
• Can our support staff manage another ecosystem if we change?
• Are our teachers comfortable with a different OS?
• Do we value the lowest purchase price or the lowest lifetime cost and resale?
• Are we buying devices for today’s classroom or the classroom of 2030?
• What periphery purchases must we make with the device?
• What does instructional support and training look like in each?
• How smoothly can we deploy and recover the devices year after year?

Conclusion

Purchasing a school-issued device for students has never been more complicated. School leaders are dealing with screen-time angst, digital distractions, increased pricing on parts, decreased supplies, and smaller budgets.

Needless to say, this is not a decision that you should make after reading a single article such as this one. However, you should be asking some of the same questions here of your community, as well as hundreds of other factors that I haven’t even listed.

After fifteen years, Apple finally built a laptop that belongs in the Chromebook conversation. I know the iPad has its place as well, and have long compared an iPad with a keyboard to a Chromebook, but this is different.

“Did Apple build the Neo to be a Chromebook killer?” is a more complicated question and one that depends less on benchmarks and more on the kind of learning your district hopes to create.

Back in 2010, my school district embarked on the first-of-its-kind (in Texas at least) one-to-one device roll-out. The device du jour at the time was the Apple iPad. While billed as a consumer device, its price point (back then 16GB went for $499) and ease of use made it an intriguing option for education. Sure, there were no real ways to manage it back then (I don’t think the phrase MDM had even been invented yet), but the increased access to our students was a major bonus as we stepped deeper into the 21st century.

The next year, Google decided to enter the market and introduced its own education-inspired device, the Chromebook. These devices were a little more robust than the previously attempted cheap laptop market (anyone remember those little “netbooks”?). While those initial models didn’t offer the touch-screen benefit of an iPad, they did have a better price point (around $299) and could be managed through the Google Admin Suite.

Where Apple tried to distance itself from comparisons, spouting its design and creativity-first belief, it was inevitable there would be a standoff. “Creativity is nice and all, but what about state testing?!” the people would shout. “What about a keyboard!?” the masses would cry. Add to that the nearly $200 in savings and the ability to manage, and it's no wonder why the iPad would lose out to its keyboard cousin. According to Ed Week’s Market Brief report, the Chromebook overtook the iPad in terms of preferred educational student device sometime in 2014.

While myself and many other tech leaders waited for Apple’s response, the ChromeOS market continued to dominate, fueled even more by a global pandemic and quick access to funds (ESSER) for devices.

“The One” Arrives

As of 2025, ChromeOS currently dominates the global education market with a 60% adoption rate. Apple’s response? It lowered the price of the iPad, but schools still needed third-party MDM systems to manage all the intricacies of these devices.

Flash forward to this year. Now fully 17 years since the debut of the iPad, Apple has re-entered the education market with its 13” Macbook named . . . Neo. Apparently this isn’t a nod to the mercurial Keanu Reeves character from The Matrix, but rather to convey a sense of “fun, friendly, and fresh.” According to Meriam-Webster, “neo” is a prefix defined as new, recent, or different.

Whatever the reason, the announcement on March 4, 2026, sent shockwaves through the education market. Its price for education buyers? $499 – the same as those first iPad2s I bought way back when. So after all these years, Apple is back.

The question isn’t whether the Neo is a good device, but if the conditions that doomed the iPad’s educational takeover have changed enough for Apple to finally win.

Unlike 2010, Apple enters back into a market that is highly volatile on multiple fronts. Education funding is in disarray and we are in the midst of “the Great Edtech Backlash” in which families are insisting that schools crack down on screen time. Some, such as LAUSD, are complying with their own guidelines, but the truth is, the device market in education is ever-fragile at the moment. Heck, even the new villain in Toy Story 5 is an educational tablet device called a Lilypad.

It’s at this moment when Apple decided to reengage with the education market. While timing isn’t great, some schools are already starting to put in orders for Neos for their students. Kansas City Public Schools recently purchased more than 4,500 of the budget-friendly Macbooks and now proudly claim to be an “all-Apple district.”

While KCPS have placed their flag firmly in the ground with the Neo, other schools are looking at how to stretch their limited funds. Some have said that replacements are starting to run low, a combination of less funds and greater supply chain issues due to global tariffs and trade disputes. Unlike previous Chromebook refresh cycles, the tariff-related pricing volatility and procurement uncertainty are forcing technology leaders to place orders earlier or get more creative around their deployment schedules and scope.

Helping To Stretch Dollars?

We can sometimes be a victim of the latest new, shiny object in education, but given the current landscape I mentioned above and our previous forays into student device deployments, it's wise for technology leaders to take a more cautious approach this time around. Procurement of the Neo doesn’t seem to be an issue yet, even though early demand has surpassed expected supply.

Apple also seems to be addressing the MDM issue. While they do have their own Apple School Manager platform, they also have partnered with Jamf to develop a more seamless approach to deploy, track, and maintain devices. They are also touting the longer shelf-life of their devices, which I have experienced first hand.

Typical Macbooks can last as long as 8 years, which dwarfs the 3-5 years many Chromebooks typically last (dependent on the model type). While modern Chromebooks can now receive up to 10 years of ChromeOS updates, most school districts still budget for replacement after approximately 4-5 years because of physical wear and tear, battery degradation, and student use patterns. Will the Neo have the same issues? Not if it keeps with Apple’s previous track record.

In an era when educational funding is short, anything schools can do to stretch dollars may be enough to put Neo on top. One of the hidden benefits of our iPad one-to-one program was that after we had used them for 4-5 years, we could still sell them at a decent rate to recoup some of our costs. Based on the historical performance of MacBooks and other Apple hardware in secondary markets, there’s no reason to believe the Neo will be much different.

The true cost of a device isn’t necessarily what you pay on day one; it’s what the device costs after accounting for its value at the end of its lifecycle. If your $350 Chromebook is worth almost nothing in four years but your $499 Neo can be sold for $200, which device actually costs the district less?

Gearing Up For The Head-To-Head Battle

The aforementioned “Total Cost of Ownership” is a conversation schools should be having anyway, but one that Apple feels it will win out on in the long run. That and the same argument it made during the launch of the iPad.

For the everyday student tasks, both devices do pretty well. Whether it’s accessing the Learning Management System (LMS) or writing and researching online, both devices handle that without much difference. Chromebooks excel at using Google’s suite of tools (not a shock there), but struggle when you start getting more involved in creative pursuits. Activities such as video editing, podcast production, music creation, graphic design, and software development are areas in which the Neo leaves the Chromebook in the dust. And . . . it can handle state testing! (Sarcastic cheers of rejoice.)

Of course, none of this matters if districts can’t absorb the additional upfront cost. A superintendent facing budget cuts may have a hard time convincing a school board to spend $499 today in order to save money four or five years from now. Even with the Total Cost of Ownership argument.

On paper, both devices make compelling arguments. The Chromebook wins on familiarity, price, and ease of management. The Neo counters with longevity, creativity, resale value, and Apple’s growing AI ambitions.

But spec sheets don’t tell the whole story.

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to put both devices through the kinds of tasks students actually perform every day. Writing, research, video creation, coding, offline work, state testing, battery life, and yes–the inevitable moment when a student manages to have 47 browser tabs open at once. Since I already mentioned The Matrix, I would be remiss if I didn’t put both devices through the paces with AI-empowered functionality, too.

In some ways, the bigger question isn’t which device is better, but which one makes more sense for schools to infinity and beyond (yes, another Toy Story reference). And after spending the last fifteen years watching Apple and Google trade punches in the education market, I’m not entirely sure I know the answer yet.

We’ll find out together.

The most affordable Chromebooks for schools can help create a digital environment for growth and learning, without a steep cost.

A Chromebook represents a way to provide an array of digital tools to educators and students while remaining accessible and easy to use.

This guide aims to lay out some of the best options from the most affordable Chromebooks out there -- specifically designed to help you find the right model to suit your exact needs.

Since Chromebooks do most of the data crunching and storage in the cloud, the devices are light and can last a full day on a charge. That also means the prices can be kept low without scrimping on performance.

Chromebooks began as a Google push and, as such, are ideal for use with Google Classroom. For a more general overview of everything on the software platform you may want to check out our Google Classroom guide.

Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, so students and teachers can access work from other devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops -- all from any location with an internet connection.

From always-connected LTE Chromebooks to WiFi-powered devices, these can all run the many Google apps out there and offer a lot of bang for you buck. Read on to find the best option to suit your needs.

Most Affordable Chromebooks for Schools

1. Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Best Chromebook Overall

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 has a fantastic balance of features that make it top of this list while staying affordable. The performance, portability, and price are all just right to make this an ideal choice for classes nationwide.

Powered by Intel’s 8-core i3-N305 processor with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 128GB SSD, it handles heavy tab loads, Google Workspace apps, and long video calls with ease.

The 14-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen offers sharp clarity for research, lesson planning, or classroom presentations, while its compact and lightweight form keep it genuinely portable. With around 10 hours of battery life, it comfortably gets through a full school day.

Teachers should enjoy the smooth multitasking and reliable WiFi 6E connection during live lessons, and students could benefit from the extra local storage and Plus-series AI tools for writing and productivity.

Durable, well-priced, and strong across categories, this is the Chromebook that fits almost every need without blowing the budget.

2. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus: Best Budget Convertible

Lenovo’s Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is one of the best-value convertibles available in the U.S. today, giving schools a versatile device for both creative and academic use.

Its 14-inch 2K touchscreen rotates into tablet, tent, or stand modes, making it ideal for note-taking, demonstrating concepts, or running touch-based educational apps. An impressive display resolution and quality for the price.

With an Intel i3-1315U processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage, it handles demanding browser-based work smoothly, and its AI-enhanced Plus features help with writing support and media tasks.

It's flexible yet stays robust, weighing in at 3.48 lbs., which suits daily classroom movement. Battery life typically exceeds 10 hours, supporting full-day use without charging.

Teachers may appreciate its adaptability for interactive lessons, while students get a capable, comfortable device for multimedia assignments, reading, or working in creative modes. All that and it still has one of the most attainable prices for a modern 2-in-1.

3. Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE: Best for Power Tasks (and Gaming)

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE offers performance levels rarely seen in the affordable Chromebook space, making it the top pick for power users and cloud-gaming classrooms.

Its standout 16-inch 2560×1600 display with a 120Hz refresh rate is capable of offering exceptionally smooth visuals. That makes this ideal for graphics-heavy tasks, STEM simulations, or GeForce NOW cloud gaming sessions.

This is all backed by the Intel Core 5-120U, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD for enough power to run large workloads, Linux applications, and multitasking without slowdown. Despite the bigger screen, it remains manageable in size and weight at 3.8 lbs. Battery life approaches 10 hours in real-world testing, which is impressive for such a large and bright panel.

Students drawn to creative work such as coding, editing or designing, will find plenty of support here. Teachers can benefit from the expansive display for planning and presenting. It’s the closest thing to a premium workstation Chromebook without the premium price tag.

4. Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514: Best for Portability & Battery Life

Acer’s Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is the model to choose when portability and all-day stamina matter most, while still delivering responsive performance.

Built around the efficient MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 and paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, it should be smooth for multitasking and can quickly handle AI-powered Plus features.

The 14-inch 120Hz touchscreen brings excellent responsiveness, great for sketching, annotating documents, or navigating coursework. Its convertible design adds real classroom flexibility, and Gorilla Glass protection on the hinge and display help it endure daily wear.

The Spin 514 feels light at 3.31 lbs., with compact dimensions, making it ideal for moving between rooms or carrying in a student backpack. Long battery life supports full-day learning without needing a charger. Teachers should appreciate the versatility for instruction, while students gain a fast, durable device optimized for mobility and continuous study.

5. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus: Best Budget Workhorse

The IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus is an great choice for schools seeking strong performance at a very accessible price point.

The Intel i3-N305 processor, 8GB RAM, and a generous 256GB of storage mean it comfortably handles the everyday demands of student workloads and browser-based teaching environments.

The 14-inch Full HD display offers clear, comfortable viewing for reading, video learning, and productivity. It’s lightweight enough for daily student carrying but still feels sturdy and well-built. Battery life reaches around 11 hours, helping both teachers and students get through full timetables without worrying about sockets.

It’s also capable of running Steam Beta and Linux apps, giving technically curious students more room to explore. Consistently discounted in the U.S. and offering higher-spec internals than older budget Chromebooks, this model is a practical, reliable all-rounder for large deployments.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is a rugged Chromebook designed for someone who needs a device built for productivity and reliable performance. It boasts a large 15.6-inch touch display, stereo speakers, and full-sized keyboard, including a numeric keypad. It also boasts a 15.6: display that can be configured with touch features.

The Chromebook Plus 515 is a powerful productivity-forward Chromebook for those that want to be productive as well as enjoy web browsing, music, and streaming.

Acer Chromebook Plus 515: Getting Started

After unboxing I was able to set up the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 just like any other Chrome device by simply logging in with my Google account. Once I finished some of the set up steps the device was ready for use.

Right from the start I could tell this device was quite powerful. Everything loaded very quickly and the response to more processor heavy tasks was handled without issue. It has a sturdy build to take abuse while on the go but is not too heavy for a device its size.

I liked the responsiveness and accuracy of the touchscreen as well as the quality images it produced. The speakers did a nice job delivering clear sound in both video and music streaming, while the battery delivered with a respectable charge to get me through a workday. Although, as with any cordless device your battery life may vary depending on use. But, overall it did a very nice job for all of my tasks.

I found the Chromebook Plus AI features to be a great help with both productivity and research tasks. It allows for text generation, live video/audio captioning, and basic image editing, all of which worked very well and are great additions.

I also liked how AI is integrated into so many areas of the ecosystem with new features being rolled out at a nice pace.

Acer Chromebook Plus 515: Key Specifications

• Display - 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 IPS (non-touch or touch)
• Processor - Intel Core i3-1215U (configurable up to Core i7-1355U)
• RAM - 8GB LPDDR5X (up to 16GB in higher configs)
• Storage - 128GB UFS (up to 512GB in higher configs)
• Graphics - Intel UHD
• Ports - 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, HDMI 1.4, 3.5mm audio jack
• Connectivity - Wifi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
• Webcam - 1080p with privacy shutter
• Dimensions - 14.2 x 9.4 x 0.79 inches (approx. 360.6 x 238.4 x 19.95mm)
• Weight - 3.7 pounds (1.68 kg)
• Battery - 53Wh, up to 8 hours per charge
• Build - Plastic chassis, MIL-STD 810H durability

Acer Chromebook Plus 515: Cost

The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 as tested is priced at $399.99

Acer Chromebook Plus 515: Key Takeaways

The Chromebook Plus 515 offers performance for everyday tasks such as writing, web browsing, and streaming, thanks to its Intel Core i3 (or higher) processor and 8GB of RAM. The large 15.6-inch 1080p screen is large and the option touchscreen is very responsive. The upward-facing stereo speakers are a standout feature, delivering surprisingly good sound for a Chromebook.

The device offers a wide selection of ports, including two USB-C, one USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack, making it versatile for peripherals and external displays. The AI features of Chromebook Plus such as text generation and live captioning, work well and add value, especially for productivity.

Overall, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is an excellent choice for students, writers, and anyone needing a reliable, affordable large-screen Chromebook for everyday productivity. It may need a bit of a charge for long, heavy-use days, but its performance, port selection, and speakers make it a standout in its price range.

If you're considering buying a Chromebook, this guide aims to help you consider all you will need to find the ideal one to suit your needs. Perhaps you're deciding between a Chromebook and a laptop, and this list will help you work out the perfect option for you.

Unlike a Windows or Mac laptop, the way a Chromebook works is mainly in the cloud. For this reason you can save money up front on a machine that requires less power as a lot of the storage and even processing work is done in the cloud. While that can be useful in saving initial costs, you must be sure it's going to be used on a good internet connection or you could run into problems. That said, most Google apps do also work in offline mode to get you between connections.

When looking for the best Chromebooks for schools you can keep these following categories in mind to make sure you get the ideal make and model.

What's it for?

A good place to start is by thinking about how you're going to be using your Chromebook. Is this for students or teachers, or both? If this is a unit that needs to be shared across a class, or between students across grade levels, then something robust and hardy might be a factor you need to consider.

Then there is the issue of power and life. Will this be plugged in or does it need a battery to go all day without a chance to juice up again? And the other type of power, processing, is also an area to consider as you may want this for simple Google Apps, or something more intensive such as editing or gaming.

If you can work out all the use cases of the Chromebook, it becomes easier to work your way back to a model that covers all your requirements without you needing to spend more on features that may never get used.

Display

One of the big factors in varying Chromebook prices is screen size and resolution. Since companies will charge more for a larger display and higher resolution, it's worth thinking about what you will actually need.

If the Chromebook is just going to be used to output to an interactive whiteboard, for example, then investing in a decent built-in display may be a waste of money. Or if students are only going to use this for word processing and web-based research, a more expensive screen may not be necessary.

Consider how mobile the device needs to be as a larger screen is going to add more weight and use more battery, making it less ideal for someone on the move.

A larger or higher resolution screen is likely only going to be useful for those image or video editing, or perhaps those gaming or who need to use large spreadsheets for long periods of time in the day.

Touchscreen is also a consideration as many Android apps can be used on ChromeOS but are designed with touch interactivity in mind.

Speed and storage

The processing power of the Chromebook will push up the price as it increases. While a faster laptop is always useful, excess power that never gets used is simply a waste of money. So if this is going to be used for Google Apps such as Docs, Slides, and Sheets, then it's rarely going to dip into the processor or RAM on any level that's too taxing.

It's only if the Chromebook is going to be used to gaming, video and image editing, or lots of heavy multitasking and dual-screen output, that you might want to consider investing in a higher-end processor or more RAM. As a rule of thumb: About 4GB is plenty for most tasks when it comes to teaching and working with a Chromebook.

The same can be said for storage, although since most of a Chromebook is cloud-based there is little need for much solid state memory. For that reason a basic 32GB or 64GB setup is going to be enough for most needs.

Connectivity

Ports can be an important factor to consider when buying a Chromebook as these limit how connected anyone can be. Sure, there is plenty of digital connectivity with the wifi and Bluetooth, but for anything that requires a cable connection you'll want the right ports.

So from outputting to an interactive whiteboard or projector, to connecting your external storage or flash drive, ports can often be the fastest and most reliable options.

Some basic ports to consider looking out for include USB-C, USB-A, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot for optional memory expansion.

Pricing

Generally, Chromebooks represent a financial saving over Windows or Mac laptops when it comes to the up-front purchase price. That can also extend into use as the Google suite of apps are also freely available for use, although charges can apply for school-specific functionality.

Look at the various brands who offer Chromebooks as these will offer competitive prices, as well as a range of pricing options within their models. Going lower end doesn't mean losing out on much as even the most basic model now comes with enough memory and battery life to go for most of the school day with all basic tasks covered.

One consideration is that each unit comes with a lifetime of how long it will be supported. Also the robustness of the build can vary so it's worth considering both the warranty or guarantee length and the software support timeframe when weighing up that up front charge.

• Best Chromebooks For Schools

You may not know all your Chromebook can do. As a Chromebook user, or just someone interested, this guide aims to show off some of the least known yet most helpful tips and tricks for your Chromebook.

From keyboard shortcuts to helpful features buried a little deeper in the OS, or only added in recent updates, there is plenty to discover. The key is that these should help making teaching easier by being more efficient in how you work. Or, in the case of the emoji keyboard shortcut, being a bit more engaging.

These are all laid out in sections so you can select one along the top to jump right to it, or scroll through and see which could serve you in your classroom.

• Best Chromebooks for Schools
• Best Laptops for Teachers

Best Things Your Chromebook Can Do

Unlock with your phone

Keeping your Chromebook secure is important in school but that doesn't mean you have to enter a code or password each time. If it's your private device and you are logged in using your Google account, then it's possible to have it automatically unlock using your Android phone.

If you activate the Smart Lock, have Bluetooth enabled on both devices, are logged into the same Google account on both, and have a password system of some sort setup on your phone, then when you get near to the machine your phone can do the unlocking for you.

Under Settings go to Connected Devices, Android Phone, Smart Lock, Unlock Device, and you won't have to enter a password again.

Run Windows

If you ever need to run Windows and only have your Chromebook -- perhaps to get to a Windows app specifically -- you can. This is via a free web-based system called Chrome Remote Desktop App. 

This works by streaming your own Windows PC experience over the internet to your Chromebook. So you do need a Windows machine with this all setup and running for you to be able to access it from your Chromebook.

First, visit the RemoteDesktop app on your Windows machine using the Chrome web browser. Select Remote Access, Setup Up Remote Access, and an app will download for you to accept and install. Name your PC, follow the on-screen steps, and you'll then be able to access your Windows machine from your Chromebook over any decent internet connection.

Pin files

See that icon just to the left of the Quick Settings button? This can be used to get quick access to files or groups of files that you've saved -- a bit like favoriting with a star to get to later.

To do this, simply right-click the file or folder and select the Pin To Shelf option. This will then appear in your shelf section. You may find it already has items in there as this is where screenshots and some downloads go to automatically.

Screen record

The ability to screen record, natively, is a really helpful way to prep some lessons that you want to share digitally. You can do this to screen capture as you work by either selecting Quick Settings and then Screen Capture, or using the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Show Windows (fifth button from left at the top).

You are then able to pick image or video capture, with or without microphone recording, before capturing either the whole screen or one specific window as needed.

Use as a calculator

You can quickly access the calculator smarts of your Chromebook from right there in the launcher. The newer ChromeOS launcher will let you type in a math problem and end with the equals sign before hitting enter. Right away you'll have your answer in front of you.

This is also a helpful conversion tool, working out currency exchanges, weight measurement variations, and more.

Copy and paste with clipboard

Everyone uses copy and paste, it's a wonderful way to shortcut words about the place. But did you know you can do it with up to five things at once using ChromeOS?

Simply copy what you need, as much or as little text. So perhaps you do five different question and answer combinations. Then instead of using the usual Ctrl + V to paste, select the search button that looks like a magnifying glass and press that with V. This will bring up the last five copies you have made, in a drop down that lets you select and drop that into pretty much anywhere text can go.

Use an emoji keyboard

Chromebooks are very, very emoji friendly. So if you want to add a little fun and emotion to your messaging, then it's a great idea to use the dedicated emoji keyboard. Yup, you can type in emojis.

To get this up, use the search button (magnifying glass) plus the Shift key plus the Space bar. This brings up the emoji drop down so you can either scroll through the options or type in the search bar and it will narrow down choices for you to select that will drop right in.

• Best Chromebooks for Schools
• Best Laptops for Teachers

The best Chromebooks for schools help digitize the classroom without overcomplicating it. A Chromebook can make education better for students and teachers by keeping everything simple while also being priced affordably for school and district.

In this piece, we'll highlight some of the best Chromebooks for schools you can buy right now, at various price points so there's something to suit all needs.

Chromebooks do the data crunching and storage mostly in the cloud, so the devices are lightweight and have batteries that will keep going right to that last bell. It's also part of why the prices can be kept so low when compared to a traditional laptop.

Since Chromebooks started as a Google initiative, the devices are ideal for use with Google Classroom. For a more general overview of everything on the software platform you may want to check out our Google Classroom guide.

Chromebooks use the Google platform, via Chrome OS, so all work is saved to the cloud and can't be easily lost. (No more homework-devouring dogs!) Students can access work from other devices such as their phones, tablets, and laptops, and from any location with an internet connection.

That said, there are many Chromebooks with LTE, which means the devices are always connected to the internet – ideal for schools with limited WiFi capacity or children who don't have access to the internet but take the Chromebook home.

Best Chromebooks for schools

1. Asus Chromebook Flip C434: Best Chromebook overall

The Asus Chromebook Flip C434, as the name suggests, can be flipped for use as a tablet thanks to its 14-inch touch screen 1080p display. This offers 93 percent of the sRBG color gamut, which makes for really distinctive and vibrant images that should help keep children engaged and focused. But shut that screen lid and you've got a solid aluminum shell that makes this robust enough for a child to use. It's also packing a superb 10-hour battery life that should keep it going all day, eliminating the need for students to carry a charger.

The backlit keyboard is solid, although the trackpad could be a little more sensitive. The speakers are powerful enough for students to clearly hear any YouTube clips a teacher might have attached in Google Classroom, for example. 

The Intel Core m3 processor, backed by up to 8GB of RAM, is good for running up to 30 tabs open at the same time – enough for even the most demanding of multitaskers. 

These machines are also guaranteed to get Google Chrome update support all the way through to 2026, making that higher price tag more justified beyond the made-to-last aluminum build quality.

2. Acer Chromebook R 11: Best budget convertible

The Acer Chromebook R 11 is a whole lot of laptop (and tablet) for the price. This convertible 11.6-inch touchscreen Chromebook has a colorful screen that should hold attention despite resolution lacking the full HD offering. But at this price, cuts need to be made somewhere and it's not on power as the Intel Celeron CPU and 4 GB of RAM keep this running nicely even when multitasking multiple Android apps.

Want to save even more money on this budget model? We don't recommend dropping the RAM lower than 4 GB but there is a non-flippable version that's a laptop only, which will get you to a sub $200 price. The webcam on both models isn't the sharpest but it does the job for a quick video call, if needed. 

This is a light laptop at 2.8 pounds and features a keyboard that's not only comfortable to use but also feels built to withstand a heavy workload. 

3. Google Pixelbook Go: Best for display quality

The Google Pixelbook Go is the follow-up to Google's high-end laptop, the Pixelbook. In much the same way, this offers premium quality, only at a much lower price. This is built from super sturdy magnesium alloy and features a ribbed back for grip so it doesn't get dropped. It certainly can be carried around a lot at a super portable 2.3 pounds weight and half-inch thickness.

The price justification goes further though, as this 13.3-inch super high-res 3840 x 2160 screen is one of the best on any Chromebook. Featuring 108 percent of the sRGB color gamut and a super bright 368 nits, it's the most colorful and brightest Chromebook display out there. All that equates to an engaging experience for students. And one that lasts thanks to an impressive 11.5-hour battery life on a charge. 

The Titan C security chip means extra safeguarding is in place to ensure the laptop can't be compromised by would-be attackers or snoopers. 

4. Dell Inspiron 11 Chromebook: Best for younger students

The Dell Inspiron 11 Chromebook is a superb option for younger children as it's built to last but with a price that is highly competitive. The best kid-friendly feature is a spill-resistant keyboard so sticky buttons from a juice pack accidentally breaking all over the device won't wreck it. It is also made to take a drop or two, with rounded edges, plus a drop-resistant base and lid. 

Don't need the keyboard? It swivels so it can be used as a tablet too, thanks to that 11.6-inch touch screen.

The screen could be brighter and higher resolution, sure, and the processing speed could be a little quicker for multitasking needs – but for the price, it does the job it's built for just fine. That includes listening to videos or audio guidance, thanks to a set of impressively powerful speakers. 

This Chromebook will keep going for a good 10 hours on a charge – perhaps not with full volume music playing the whole time, of course. Thankfully that's not something most parents and teachers are going to want anyway.

5. Lenovo 500e Chromebook 2nd gen: Best for stylus

The Lenovo 500e Chromebook 2nd gen is essentially the C340-11 in a tougher build. That means a 2-in-1 design that lets you use this as a laptop or tablet but also enjoy a spill-resistant keyboard. The body is military spec-tested, so it's tough enough to take drops, too.

Unlike a lot of the competition, this Chromebook also comes with a stylus, making it great for work such as creating art or for annotating drawings or, in the case of teachers, for more direct marking options. 

This device comes with two HD cameras, ideal for video calls as the image is clear. This isn't quite the same on-screen though, with a basic resolution – but the Gorilla Glass 3 should keep it scratch and chip resistant. 

Everything works at a decent speed and should keep going for 10 hours on a charge, making it a great all-day school Chromebook.

6. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook: Best display on a budget

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook is a do-it-all device that combines the best of a tablet with a super portable snap-on keyboard to give you a full laptop experience too. The Full HD+ display is crisp and clear with a high enough resolution to make working, even on small font files, easy. It's also great for watching videos, and with a very high-res screen, makes anything you do enjoyable. All that and the price is somehow really low too.

With 4GB of RAM, that MEdiaTek Helio P60T processor and an ARM G72 MP3 800GHz GPU, this can handle most tasks with ease while keeping the battery going long enough to get a good 10 hours of charge at least.

• Chromebooks in Education: Everything you need to know
• Seesaw vs Google Classroom
• What is Remote Learning?

 Editor’s Note: This is the same Flex 5 Chromebook model that LaptopMag reviewed back in June—just from a different perspective. We retested this configuration with all of their main benchmarks for good measure.   

Synopsis

Lenovo has another winner on its hands with the IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook. This lightweight machine packs a one-two punch of portable functionality thanks to an intuitive form factor and decent battery life; this 2-in-1 is ideal for socially-distanced students and business travelers alike. 

Packing capable specs, a responsive touchscreen, and a full-size keyboard, the Chromebook flavor of Lenovo’s Flex 5 series is tempting enough to consider abandoning Windows 10 altogether—at least for a little while. If you already do most of your work in the cloud, it’s never been a better time to explore new productivity options with Chrome OS. 

Take heed: Chromebooks won’t give you the same power as a fully loaded Windows gaming rig, but most of them aren’t meant to replace those higher specs. (Yet.) 

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook: Features 

•  Core i3 processor is capable for most daily tasks 
•  Convertible 2-in-1 design transitions easily between tablet, tent, stand, or laptop mode 
•  Stylus support is useful for undergrads, business uses, and heavy multitaskers 
•  Webcam privacy shutter adds some peace of mind to any dorm room 

For the price, this is one of the best Chromebooks around. Touch-typists will love the click-clackable keyboard, and multimedia multitaskers will love the rest. The 2-in-1 form factor is incredibly diverse for all kinds of education-based environments. 

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook: Build and Connectivity 

•  Bouncy keyboard is fantastic for word processing 
•  Comes with all the basic ports, including two USB Type-C on either side 
•  No HDMI support means fewer connectivity options 

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook measures 12.2 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches and weighs 2.97 pounds; this is (just barely) lighter than its 2-in-1 Chromebook rivals: the HP Chromebook x360 12b (2.98 pounds), Asus Chromebook Flip C434 (3.1 pounds), and Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (3.0 pounds). The graphite gray color is low-key professional, and the trackpad doesn’t feel cramped. 

Lenovo equips the IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook with the usual ports: USB Type-C (2), USB Type-A, headphone jack, microS card reader, and Kensington lock slot. If you’re looking to use your Chromebook for a dual-display setup, however, you’ll want to splurge for a machine with an HDMI port, such as the Acer Chromebook Spin 713. 

The backlit, island-style keyboard is the best thing about the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook, and it’s one of the most comfortable typing experiences you’ll find in a 2-in-1. The keyboard deck exhibited zero flex in our testing; it was an absolute pleasure for word processing in particular.  

If you like this form factor but still aren’t ready to cut ties with Microsoft just yet, Lenovo offers a variety of 14- and 15-inch Windows-based options in the IdeaPad Flex Series, with a similar starting price for baseline configurations. (Around $500, depending on the retailer.) 

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook: Performance and Battery Life 

•  Subpar battery life doesn’t stack up to other Chromebooks 
•  Decent performance with midrange specs 

We put the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook through its paces for a full week, using it to surf the web, stream YouTube videos, and write this review. Even with 30+ Chrome tabs and two 1080p YouTube videos open, we had no problem opening other apps and tapping away on Google Drive—sans system lag or general slowdowns. 

The Flex 5 Chromebook comes with an Intel Core i3-10110U CPU and 4GB of RAM: these specs are modest, yet capable for most lightweight chores such as schoolwork, internet research, e-book reading, and so on. (Acer also offers an even lighter-weight version of this Chromebook, which has an Intel Celeron processor and only 32GB of RAM; as of this writing, there was no word on pricing, but based on these specs, this is probably an ideal configuration for the price point.)

With a score of just 972 on the Geekbench 5 overall performance test, our test unit fell well below the category average (1,563); it couldn’t even comes close to the Asus Chromebook Flip C434 (6,968) or Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (3,253). 

The average battery life for Chromebooks to be around the 10-hour mark, but the Flex 5 only lasted 8 hours and 55 minutes on the Laptop Mag battery test. Both the HP Chromebook x360 12b (8:06) and the Asus Chromebook Flip C434 (9:58) offer similar endurance; this is still plenty of juice for a full day’s work.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook: Screen, Camera, and Sound 

•  Screen brightness is lackluster 
•  Webcam privacy shutter is a handy addition 

When it comes to the Flex 5’s display, there’s nothing to write home about. (Unless you’re writing home anyway, that is.) YouTube videos came through vibrant enough on the 1080p touchscreen, but even with the brightness jacked all the way up, it simply doesn’t compare to the beautiful 2256 x 1504-pixel (QHD) display on the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, which utilizes an innovative 3:2 aspect ratio.

Speaking of writing, this Chromebook comes with stylus support, which is quite useful for one-the-fly productivity. While we did not get the chance to fully test this feature, your stylus can potentially be used to take notes and screenshots, or act as a laser pointer/magnifying glass. 

At the top of the display bezel sits the 720p webcam, which itself is concealable via sliding privacy shutter. Not every laptop comes equipped with this feature, and it’s a welcome perk for students of all ages. 

Audio quality from the Flex 5’s top-firing speakers is surprisingly robust, and loud enough to fill a small room. It is not powerful enough to throw a rave with, but it’s not meant for extended multimedia sessions anyway. If this is your only sticking point, though, just invest in a pair of quality headphones.  

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook: Warranty and Customer Service 

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook comes with a one-year limited warranty, which is standard fare for this laptop category. Lenovo scores consistently well during Laptop Mag’s annual Tech Support Showdown, which should give you some extra piece of mind when you toss this thing into a backpack. 

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook: Verdict 

Now is the time for cheap, lightweight laptops in the education sector, and there’s a lot to like about the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook. Featuring a top-notch keyboard/trackpad combo, a responsive touchscreen (with stylus support), and a fantastic 2-in-1 design, you can’t go wrong with this Chromebook.    

How to screenshot on Chromebook might sound like a simple task but when it's not obvious it can be quite frustrating. Thankfully you've found your way to the answer which will make it a useful tool for you.

A screenshot is a simple way to capture what's on the screen in an image file format. This can be shared easily or referred to later, making this a perfect way to capture useful information quickly.

• Chromebooks in Education: Everything you need to know
• Seesaw vs Google Classroom
• What is Google Classroom?

From students to teachers, a screenshot is a great way to grab parts of lessons or snippets from videos and slideshows – making it an ideal tool for revision or assignment support and perfect when using Google Classroom.

So how can you get a screenshot on a Chromebook?

How to Screenshot on Chromebook

• Ctrl + Switch Window for full screen
• Ctrl + Shift + Switch Window to partial screenshot
• Power + Volume Down in tablet mode

The quickest and easiest way to capture a screenshot on Chromebook is to use the keyboard shortcuts for a full screen grab. This can be done by holding down the keys Ctrl + Switch Window, which is the one just above the number 6 key that looks like a box covering another. It's the button between the Full-Screen and Brightness Down buttons along the top.

Alternatively, if you want to capture a specific part of the screen, you can use the combination of Ctrl + Shift + Switch Window. At this point the screen will dim and the cursor will become a crosshair. Use this to mark out an area you want to capture then use your mouse button or tap the trackpad to get the shot.

If you're in tablet mode and don't have keyboard access, you can get a screenshot by holding the Power and Volume Down buttons together. 

Where are Chromebook Screenshots Stored?

Once you capture a screenshot you will see a notification in the bottom right corner that shows a thumbnail of the image. Select this to be taken to where it is stored. 

By default, all screenshots are stored in the Downloads folder. Consequently, all those files are available offline in that folder. Screenshot images also be shared so you can access them from other devices if needed.

How Can I Share Chromebook Screenshots Online?

One quick and easy way to make sure Chromebook screenshots are available online, from multiple devices, is to upload the images into your Google Drive.

Simply navigate to the Downloads folder in which the screenshot is located. In thumbnail view select the screenshot you want, or for multiple items, use the Check icon on each one. Select the "Share" option in the top right then "Save to Drive."

You can now access the file from your Google Drive account on any device you have that installed on, or via a signed in browser window. 

• Chromebooks in Education: Everything you need to know
• Seesaw vs Google Classroom
• What is Google Classroom?

Although remote learning is having its day in the sun, the times is coming when kids and teachers are back in the classroom.  With the new emphasis on elearning, as well as the growing popularity of 1:1 classrooms, managing devices to facilitate learning will be key for a productive classroom.

ScreenBeam Inc.'s Classroom Commander orchestration platform is now available for both Chromebook and Windows 1:1 classroom environments. 

The ScreenBeam Classroom Commander combines wireless display with student device orchestration to improve lesson flow and collaboration. Supporting up to 50 student Windows or Chromebook devices and a teacher Windows, macOS, iOS or Chromebook device, the platform frees teachers from the classroom display. Educators can move around and interact with students without interrupting instruction. 

Features include:

• Teachers can monitor student devices and active applications in real-time to keep the classroom focused
• During guided lessons, teachers can message a student or group, blank and lock the keyboard/mouse on a single student screen, multiple student screens or the entire class
• With teacher permission, students can display their work from their desks for the entire classroom to view
• Teachers using Window 10 devices can also annotate directly onto a student screen from the classroom display, even when student devices are not touch-enabled

The Classroom Commander Orchestration software is included with each ScreenBeam 1000 EDU wireless display receiver.

Availability and pricing

Classroom Commander with Chromebook and Windows support is free with the purchase of the 1000 EDU for$499 per classroom.  To learn more, visit Classroom Commander or 1000 EDU, or request a free 30-day trial.

Remote Learning in Action is a new series of articles from attendees and speakers of Tech & Learning's events. Click here to learn more about these events and to apply to attend.

Where: Neosho School District, Neosho, Missouri

Who: Scott Harris, Technology Director, Neosho School District

In Neosho, we are 1:1 K-12 school district with Chromebooks for grades 3-12 and iPads for K-2. However, we only have devices go home from 7-12 grades, so we scrambled to get our devices out to students in K-6. We were able to accomplish this through coordination through our technology, curriculum and communications departments. 

We have a large (for us) middle school that has a very well-engineered parent pickup line and covered entrance (patio) to shield from the weather as well as one elementary school that the district services in the county just to the south of Neosho.

We decided on a drive-through distribution for Chromebooks, and scheduled it on a Monday and Tuesday from noon-7 pm to try and accommodate all parent work shifts at both locations. We did the same for our K-2 parents on Thursday at both locations as well for iPads. 

Logistics regulated these pickup times as our Chromebooks were able to check out non-specifically from device to student due to the nature of the 'roaming Chrome device login' as opposed to the younger K-2 learners, who needed to have specific iPads for specific students due to their apps. 

All in all, it went VERY well! We distributed more than 950 Chromebooks on Monday/Tuesday plus 650 iPads. 

Our curriculum department has been working tirelessly to have what we call our COVID-19 Educational plan complete as possible, which will eventually become our AMI or Alternate Methods of Instruction plan that will be required in Missouri by DESE next year. 

We are also working with any telco company who will work with us to help get connectivity to these homes. We've considered parking buses with wi-fi in neighborhoods, procuring hotspots from anyone that has them, and letting our community know about special offers from different ISPs.

We're doing everything we can to continue our student's education where we're able. It takes effort from everyone and I've been really amazed at the resilience of our staff as well as our parents to try to keep our kids on task as possible during these very strange times.

In this age of education from home, having the right equipment can be the difference between teaching and missing a teaching moment. Google’s Pixelbook Go is a masterful piece of design, engineering and manufacturing that can be a self-contained remote teaching machine, but its price makes it a hard sell. 

At 0.5- by 8.1- by 12.2-inches and 2.3-pounds, the Go is a Chromebook that’s small but not underpowered. Even with its small AC adapter, it still has a travel weight of 2.7-pounds. That’s not only a lot smaller than Dell’s Chromebook 3100 but more than half a pound lighter than HP’s Chromebook X2. Its rugged magnesium alloy case feels good in the hand and its ribbed back makes it easier to grasp and harder to drop. 

Available in matte Just Black and Not Pink (an attractive shade of peach), the Go feels solid, well-made and fits nicely on a desk for video lessons or conferencing with a class, other teachers or parents. The 13.3-inch display is big enough to use without an external monitor and is not only touch sensitive but is made of super-tough Corning Concore glass. 

If you want an active stylus, the Pixelbook Pen costs $99, adds pressure sensitivity and is available in silver or black. It requires a AAAA battery but there’s no place on the Go system to stash it.

HD OR HIGHER RESOLUTION

For students and teachers used to Wide-XGA resolution, the display’s full HD resolution of 1920 by 1080 will be an eye-opener with detailed images just-about jumping off the screen. The screen looks great, is bright and vibrant but its hinge swings back to only about 135-degrees. In other words, the display doesn’t fold flat or fully over to create a tablet, as the Dell Chromebook 3100 can. 

Inside, the Go has a fully up-to-date Chrome computer that not only updates itself, but has a Titan C chip to encrypt data, it’s on a par with a PC’s Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Apple’s T2 chip. In other words, the Pixelbook Go will fit right into the IT landscape of just about any school and be secure enough for those teaching from home. 

The $850 Go I looked at came with some of the best components available, including a Core i5 8200Y low-voltage processor that runs at between 1.3- and 3.9GHz. There’s also 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage space. If that’s too expensive, teachers and schools can get the $650 base system with an Intel M3 processor, 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. There’s also a $1,400 flagship system with a Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and a whopping 256GB of storage that carries a Ultra High Definition screen capable of 3840 by 2160 resolution.

USB C HUB REQUIRED

With two USB C ports and a headphone jack, the port selection is skimpy but adequate. The first thing you’ll need to do is get a USB C hub that includes connections for sending video to a projector or big screen, old-school USB 3.1 and wired LAN ports. Still, the Go has the one-two connection punch of 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, which worked well with my wireless LAN as well as keyboards, mice and external speakers. 

The system’s keyboard has comfortable 19mm keys and is one of quietest on a notebook that I’ve seen (or heard), a big benefit when the clackity-clack of typing comes through on a video link. It also has backlighting for teaching by the light of a projector and a huge 5.2-inch touchpad. 

Audio is covered by a pair of built-in speakers that can get surprisingly loud and a pair of microphones at the top of the screen that use active noise reduction making it good for a parental video conference in a library or remote teaching with the dog barking in the background. 

The Web cam sits at the top so it has a good view of your face. Its angle can be adjusted by tilting the screen and it can show up to HD resolution at 60 frames per second. The camera, however, lacks a privacy cover.

PERFORMANCE POWERHOUSE

All this adds up to a top-flight system that should blow away most of the other computers at school. It scored 777 and 1,387 on GeekBench 5’s single- and multi-processor suite of tests and 29,498 on the Octane measure of computing. This is roughly twice the performance potential of HP’s Chromebook X2. 

With all that power on tap, the Pixelbook Go’s 47 watt-hour battery pack powered the system for 13 hours and 10 minutes of viewing a variety of YouTube videos. That’s nearly an hour longer than the runtime of the HP Chromebook X2 was capable of. If you’re in a power pinch, the Go’s battery can grab two hours’ worth of charge in just 20 minutes between classes. 

With a one-year warranty, the mid-range $850 Pixelbook Go that I looked at might be eclipsed in education by the $650 M3-based system. Still, if you crave one of the best conceived, built and outfitted Chromebooks available, look no further than any of the Pixelbook Go models. They’re ready for anything teachers, students and the needs of remote learning can throw at it.

ChromeOS systems aimed at the classroom come in all shapes and sizes these days from all-in-one desktops all the way down to small tablets, like Acer’s Chromebook Tab 10. It’s cost, size and battery life emphasize the role it can take in early education.

At 0.4- by 6.8- by 9.4-inches and 1.1-pounds, the Tab 10 is one of the smallest and lightest tablets around. The rounded corners help make the system rugged, but it lacks anything like Gorilla glass to protect the fragile display. The back of the pad’s diagonal texturing makes it easier to hold and harder to drop.

Acer’s $40 protective case is a good start and brings the package up to 1.8-package. Like origami, it can be folded to create a tablet stand and allows access to the system’s on/off switch, volume control, USB C port and stylus but not the SD card’s slot. If that’s not enough protection, Max Cases makes a slightly lighter plastic cover that can render the Tab 10 just about indestructible. The $27 rigid clear case has soft bumpers and a pull-out stand, but neither it nor the Acer case include a keyboard.

The Tab 10’s 9.7-inch display is bright and shows the quad-XGA resolution of 2048 by 1536, which makes for detailed images, but is well below the Chromebook X2’s larger and higher resolution screen. Able to respond to 10 independent touch inputs, the bonus is its Wacom EMR pressure-sensitive stylus. The pen doesn’t require charging or a battery and was just as good for showing how to factor equations as it was for drawing maps for a history class.

It might prove to be a little small for the hands of a high-school senior, but the stylus should be perfect for smaller children. While there’s a place to stow the pen when it’s not being used, the Tab 10’s stylus lacks the ability to open an app by clicking the top (as the Surface Pro can) or to be easily tethered to the system or case.

Designed to stand up to the rigors of schools, the Tab 10 is based on a six-core OP1 processor that runs at 1.0GHz. It comes with a comfortable 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage space, which should prove to be more than enough to tackle most educational roles for students and teachers. If more storage is needed, schools can add microSD cards of up to 256GB.

For video conferences, field trips or student movies, the Tab 10 has a 2MP camera facing the user and a 5MP one facing away. Its stereo speakers sound good considering its size but are not loud enough for the whole class to hear.

Over a three-week workout, the Tab 10 never let me down, regardless of whether it was used on its own or connected to a projector. I used it to write out and model sentences and run through different equations with the Desmos graphic calculator. Later, I used the stylus to sketch a timeline with photos and paintings using ArtCanvas.

The system’s 4,500 milli-amp hour battery pack played a variety of YouTube videos for 8 hours and 45 minutes with short hourly breaks, well short of the 12-hour battery life for HP’s Chromebook X2. Still, it should be plenty for a full school day of classes and enough left over for some homework on the bus ride home or at the library after school. On the downside, the Tab 10’s included 45-watt power adapter is large and requires a grounded outlet. The system worked with a smaller power adapter, but it might take longer to charge the tablet. 

Inside, the Tab 10 has WiFi and Bluetooth radios for connecting to an 802.11ac network as well as to accessories, like speakers, a keyboard and mouse. I also used a generic HDMI adapter to stream the Tab 10’s screen to a BenQ projector. On the downside, unlike Samsung’s DeX full-screen desktop emulation, the Tab 10 it filled only about two-thirds of the projected image.

With a one-year warranty, the Tab 10 costs a reasonable $280, about what a basic Chromebook goes for; a year’s extension of coverage adds $115. Overall, the Tab 10 takes a step forward with a small and light Chromebook tablet that has the flexibility to teach a room of students.

Grade: A-

Acer Chromebook Tab 10

Price: $280

Pros

Inexpensive

Small, thin and light

Excellent battery life

Includes stylus

Cons

Case lacks keyboard

Large power adapter

If you’re looking for a Chromebook that does more than the basics yet doesn’t bust the budget, Dell’s Chromebook 3100 2-in-1 system provides a lot of computer for the money. It can not only work as a traditional notebook or tablet, but its rugged design means that it will likely be around for a long time.

A traditional convertible design, the Chromebook 3100 has three distinct computing personas: it can be a keyboard-centric notebook for typing papers or taking exams, but flip the screen over the back and it’s a tablet or stop halfway and the system can stand on its own for small group interaction or viewing videos. There’s also a more traditional non-convertible Chromebook 3100 that costs $50 less.

Built around a rounded plastic case, the Chromebook 3100 weighs in at 3.1-pounds and occupies 11.5- by 8.0-inches of desk-space. At 0.9-inches, it is a few ounces heavier and significantly thicker than Samsung’s Chromebook Plus, despite having a smaller 11.6-inch touch screen that shows 1,366 by 768 resolution versus the Chromebook Plus’s 12.2-inch higher resolution 1,920 by 1,200 display.

The screen worked fine with up to 10 fingers at once or a generic stylus, but the system lacks and active stylus for precise drawing and notetaking. Dell plans to add a model this Spring that includes a stylus, but the $29 pen won’t work with existing Chromebook 3100 models.

TOUGH ENOUGH

To put it lightly, the Chromebook 3100 has been designed to stand up to abuse. It uses Gorilla Glass and passed 17 of the military’s stringent Mil-Std 810G criteria for ruggedness and the system survived drop tests from as high as 48-inches, 12-ounce spills onto its keyboard and 40,000 opening cycles for its hinge. In other words, it stands a legitimate chance of outlasting just about every other piece of classroom technology.

 In an age where, phones, tablets and notebooks are glued together and not easy to service, the Chromebook 3100 is a blast from the past. Held together by nine screws, it’s one of the easiest Chromebooks to repair and upgrade. For instance, it takes a few minutes to get inside replace a component, like the battery.

 Its 19.2mm keys feel good on the fingers and I was able to type quickly and accurately. Unfortunately, like the X2, the Chromebook 3100 lacks backlighting that might help in a darkened classroom.

 Powered by a Celeron N4000 dual-core processor, the Chromebook 3100 normally runs at 1.1GHz but can go as fast as 2.6GHz, when needed. It includes 4GB of RAM and 64GB of local solid-state storage as well as two years of 100GB of online storage on Google’s servers. With a micro-SD card slot that can accommodate up cards that hold up to 256GB, it is a system that can hold a student’s entire middle- or high-school education.

As far as connectivity goes, the Chromebook 3100 is a mix of old and new with two USB-C ports, either of which is used for charging the system, as well as two traditional USB 3.0 ports. The system has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in and connected easily with everything from several wireless networks to a keyboard, speaker and a BenQ projector (using a generic USB-C to HDMI adapter).

The system’s two cameras cover the territory well, regardless of whether they’re used for a keyboard-based notebook in an online parent teacher videoconference or taking pictures of the school’s basketball game. While the Web cam produces images of just under a megapixel, in tablet mode, the world-facing camera can capture 5-megapixel stills and videos.

REAL-WORLD PERFORMER

It may not be a power system, but it performed well over three weeks of daily use, and never let me down in a series of educational endeavors. The Chromebook 3100 scored 425 and 800 on Geekbench 5’s series of single- and multi-processor tests. That’s a 15 percent performance improvement over the more expensive Samsung Chromebook Plus with a faster Celeron 3965Y dual-core processor.

As powerful as it is, the Chromebook 3100 is a battery miser, running for 12 hours and 40 minutes of viewing YouTube videos with short hourly breaks. That’s an extra 40 minutes of use compared to the Chromebook X2. It will likely translate into a full day of work at school with enough time leftover at the end of the day for gaming or homework.

In a series of mock classroom situations, I used the system ChromeOS apps like

Desmos Graphical Calculator, Adobe’s SketchPad and Google Docs as well as Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Regardless of whether parents or the school purchases them, I’m convinced that the Chromebook 3100 should be able to take its place next to other Chromebooks at school.

Inexpensive, rugged and adaptable to different teaching and learning situations, the Chromebook 3100 can stand up to punishment at school while saving a few bucks along the way.

B+

Dell Chromebook 3100 2-in-1

Price: $350

Pros

Inexpensive

Fold-over convertible design

Rugged

Repairability

Cons

Low resolution screen

No stylus included

Chromebooks are everywhere in schools but for the most part they’re basic computers that don’t take advantage of the recent design revolution in mobility. Not anymore with HP’s Chromebook X2, a dual-personality system that can be a standard notebook or a stand-alone tablet, depending on the schoolwork at hand. Happily, it’s well made, powerful enough for every student or teacher and is actually fun to use.

With a removable display, the Chromebook X2 system has different digital personas for different school tasks. In other words, it can be a notebook with a hinged lid for keyboard-centric work, like writing English essays, and works just as well with the screen facing the user or away. It’s just as effective as a tablet for scribbling notes, watching an instructional video or sketching triangles for a geometry math class.

Built around a 12.3-inch touchscreen, the complete Chromebook X2 weighs in at 3.1-pounds. But, pull away the tablet portion and you have a 1.8-pound system that weighs a lot less than the 3.1-pound Dell Chromebook 3100. On the downside, it is a couple ounces heavier than Google’s Pixel Slate tablet and lacks a pull-out leg that’s used on Microsoft’s Surface Pro design.

LIFT AND LEARN

To use the X2 as a tablet all you do is firmly lift it free of the system’s keyboard base. There’s nothing to press or unlatch; just pull the two pieces apart. When you need a traditional notebook, just bring the screen and keyboard close together and they magnetically attract each other and solidly mate.

Regardless of whether you’re using the system as a tablet or notebook, the display portion has all the connections. There are two USB-C connectors, one of which is used to charge the system, as well as a headphone jack, an on/off switch and a volume control.

The screen itself is a gem with the ability to show a stunning 2,400 by 1,600 resolution. This is a big step up from the Chromebook 3100’s wide-XGA display. Its Gorilla Glass construction means that the display is protected against accidents at school. With the ability to work with fingers and the included active stylus, the display responds quickly to 10 independent inputs. This makes it great for doodling, sketching and in-class note-taking. 

The system's pen comes with an AAAA battery and the keyboard portion has a loop to make the pen harder to lose. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to tether it the system.

With 19.3-mm keys and a 4.7-inch touchpad, the X2 is comfortable to use and its back feet give the deck a comfortable angle. It took me a little time to get used to the textured faux leather finish and the keyboard lacks backlighting for working from the glow of a classroom projector.

LONG DISTANCE RUNNER

Powered by a 4-cell battery, the Chromebook X2 ran for 12 hours of YouTube video viewing with short hourly breaks. this should be enough power to run all school-day and have some left over for homework. By contrast, the Dell Chromebook 3100 ran for 40 minutes longer.

The Chromebook X2 12-F015nr model that I looked at is a winner for schools with a low-power Intel M3-7Y30 processor that normally runs at 1GHz but can sprint at up to 2.6GHz when needed. This makes it perfect for efficient stop and go computing in classrooms, the library or after-school work.

Inside, the X2 has 4GB of RAM and 32GB of solid-state storage that can be expanded with a micro-SD card that can hold up to 256GB. Like other Chromebooks, the X2 also includes two years’ worth of 100GB of Google online storage. This should be more than enough for everything from social studies essays and experimental videos to math homework and French projects.

Whether it’s for a parent-teacher Skype conference or shooting pictures on a field trip, the X2 has cameras aimed at the user (5MP) and away (13MP). In addition to Bang & Olufsen tuned speakers, the Chromebook has a headphone jack for quiet time.

According to Geekbench 5’s performance software, the X2 won’t let any student or teacher down. Its single- and multi-core processing test results of 653 and 1,155 are on a par with Samsung’s Chromebook Plus. On the other hand, the X2’s 708 on the Compute series of tests that mimic real-world use blew away the Chromebook Plus’s 423. 

After using the Chromebook X2 for two weeks, I think it will easily fit into any school’s digital classrooms. It easily connected to a variety of WiFi networks and Bluetooth accessories, like keyboards and speakers. I created mock classroom lessons and activities with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and used a wide variety of ChromeOS school apps, including Google Docs, the Desmos Graphical Calculator, Adobe’s SketchPad and Hoopla’s ebook library and reader.

QUICK CHANGE ARTIST

HP’s Chromebook X2 is not only more than powerful enough to meet the needs of today’s digital curriculum but has the flexibility to be exactly the computer teachers and students need. Its transformation from a notebook to a tablet and back again is effortless and quick, making the X2 seem like it’s two systems in one.

With a one-year warranty, the X2’s $530 price tag will seem steep for schools used to paying half as much for Chromebooks. On the other hand, a comparable iPad might run twice as much after you add in the keyboard and stylus, both of which are included with the X2.

Sure, the X2 costs more than other Chromebooks but it’s worth every penny for its ability to be a classroom twofer. 

Grade: A- 

HP Chromebook X2

Price: $550 

Pros

Can switch between tablet and notebook

Includes stylus and keyboard

Excellent display

Long battery life 

Cons

Keyboard isn’t backlit

Pricey

1 A Template to Help Students Tap into Their Genius Potential
Set aside class time each week for students to work independently on a project related to their interests or passions.

2 21 Things Every 21st-Century Educator Should Try This Year (2019 Version)
This update of a 2014 list will help us grow as learners and educators. Try one or two of these fresh ideas in your classroom this year.

3 Makerspaces A to Z: Impactful
Resources to create meaningful makerspaces that are powerful learning environments.

4 Google Slides for “Lab Reports” (Update)
Streamlining the slide template with instructions, video, and rubrics.

5 AV Goes Accessible
The innovative use of AV features to benefit all students is making learning more inclusive.

6 Is Your Chromebook Care Policy Complete? Here’s How to Amp It Up
Tips for thinking beyond the legal aspects of device care.

7 The Best Chromebooks of 2019
The best Chromebooks now are not just more powerful than ever, but they’re also more flexible and boast longer battery lives.

8 Back to School with Sphero Robots
Cool programmable robots transform the way kids learn and create through coding, science, music, and the arts.

9 20 Sites/Apps Every Teacher Should Try for Back to School
Games, assessments, puzzles, keyboarding, math practice, digital canvas, and more!

10 5 Things You Need to Know About Kahoot’s Summer Update
New features for this highly engaging way to connect students with content in the classroom.

From our friends at TechRadar: The best laptop for kids will usually take the form of a rugged, cheap tablet… that is, if they’re to be used by young to school age kids. If you’re kid is in high school, you might want to go for a proper laptop, especially when it’s for school projects and homework.

If your kids don’t know their way around a Windows 10 or a macOS environment, on the other hand, the best Chromebooks are some of the best laptops for kids who need a simpler user interface. To make things better, these economical Chromebooks have large, durable displays that are great for getting schoolwork done.

Why this matters: Well-known computer manufacturers like Dell, Lenova, Acer and many others are designing and building Chromebooks and laptop computers specifically for K12 students. But prices and features vary widely, and it's critical to make the best use of your edtech dollars. To learn which Chromebooks and laptop computers provide the best of features such as battery life, storage, ruggedness and price, read the full report at www.techradar.com

Oregon’s Reynolds School District (RSD) today announced the expansion of its multiyear partnership with Discovery Education provider of  standards-aligned digital curriculum resources and professional learning for K-12 classrooms.  In this collaboration’s latest phase, RSD’s high school science teachers will use Discovery Education’s  Science Techbook and professional development to create  digital lessons in a 1:1 environment.

The Reynolds High School just launched a new 1:1 initiative that is putting new Chromebooks into the hands of each student.  In addition, the district is shifting to a new inquiry-based approach to Science instruction designed to meet the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

To support RSD’s efforts to meet the NGSS, the school system selected Discovery Education’s Science Techbook for student use in high school science classrooms.  The Science Techbook series offers a rich digital curriculum that includes video, audio, text, interactives with hands-on activities, and virtual labs. Additional student features include Spanish/English text-to-speech and leveled reading tools and note-taking and highlighting capabilities.  The Science Techbook series also includes STEM resources including STEM Project Starters that encourage students to connect math, technology, and engineering to their understanding of science concepts to produce creative solutions to real world problems. In addition, the STEM In Action resources help students connect their work to STEM careers, which promotes a clearer understanding of how skills used in school can be applied to jobs “in the real world.”

Discovery Education will provide district educators professional development opportunities for participants to learn best practices for integrating technology and digital content into teaching and learning in ways.

NECSD’s educators will also receive support from the Discovery Education Community. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Education Community connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing, and inspiration.

Students in Kansas City Public Schools are going back to school this year with Chromebooks filtered and monitored with Lightspeed Systems Relay. The Relay platform is a complete solution to filter, manage, monitor, protect, and analyze online activity in schools. 

For the last five years, every single Kansas City Public Schools student has been equipped with a laptop. As the 1:1 program has matured, the District recognized the need to replace its firewall filtering solution with something that offered more holistic filtering, monitoring, and reporting both on and off campus.

After an review of its options, Kansas City Public Schools selected Relay by Lightspeed Systems. The platform provides internet filtering on and off campus; classroom management and screen monitoring; safety monitoring; reporting; and more. In addition to the Chromebooks, Relay works on other devices and platforms across the District.

In addition to the filtering and safety functions, Relay offers integrated and automated Parent Reports as well as holistic reporting on all user activity. Phillips explained: "Parents have a lot of concerns about privacy, screen time, and the value of technology for instruction. Relay is able to help us alleviate these with actual quantitative data rather than qualitative stories or concepts."

Schools interested in filtering, safety, usage reporting, classroom monitoring, and parent reports can request a demo at: www.lightspeedsystems.com/demo

One-to-one device initiatives are rife with challenges. From selecting, sourcing and securing devices to providing ongoing PD and support for instructors. Educating families and students on the appropriate use and care of devices is no small part of the task. 

To limit liability, districts often turn to legal counsel to assist in developing comprehensive expectations. This is where things can get sticky. While important, relying solely on dense legal documents to guide families and students can end up impeding compliance, as key concepts get lost in the legalese. Want to maximize the impact of your Chromebook or other device care communications? Think beyond the legal aspects of your message. 

1. Determine key message points. 

What are the messages you really want to hit home? Chances are they fall under some common umbrellas: Using your device. Repair and replacement responsibilities. Digital Citizenship. And, of course, caring for your device. To reach more families and students with core messages, consider creating a user-friendly document around each topic.

2. Develop user-friendly documents. (And make them easy to find.)

Make your message easy to read and you very well may see compliance soar. Try infographics, simple FAQs and well-designed web pages. Another valuable tool for reaching students: video. 

For most topics, a pledge with clear, limited bullet points and signature lines works well. Your device care pledge, for example, can ask students to state that they will: 

- Never lift my Chromebook by its screen 

- Never throw or slide my Chromebook

- Make sure my Chromebook is securely closed before carrying

- Avoid placing pressure or weight on my Chromebook

- Always use the provided protective case; or

- Purchase and use a protective case 

Whichever format(s) you choose, create documents that are short, simple, visually clean and easy to read –  and make them easy for families to find on your district and school websites. 

3. Provide resources to decrease damage. 

Issuing a protective case along with student devices can help cut costs and save staff time. Looking for a less-costly option? MAXCases EdgeProtect cases – new for the 2019-2020 school year – are a great way to add protection that’s thinner, lighter and less expensive than older types of cases. Other options include work-in cases, which provide “always on” protection, or protective sleeves that slide easily into backpacks and safeguard devices among books and binders. Request a free sample to find a great fit for your devices. 

4. Consider recommending that families purchase a protective case. 

Not every district is fortunate enough to have the funds to provide protective cases. If this is your situation, it may seem unfair to suggest that families purchase them. To the contrary, you could very well be doing them a tremendous favor. Making families aware that there are protective cases available at great values can help save them the time, stress and costs that come with a damaged device. MAXCases can help, with a wide range of options available for fast and easy purchase on amazon. 

5. Reinforce key messages. 

When it comes to communication, one-and-done rarely works. Repetition makes messages stick. Once you’ve created your user-friendly documents, make them work for you all year long. Provide them to your PTO, superintendent and principals to include in their emails. Send them as reminders to teachers and staff. If you’re concerned about overkill, create a messaging calendar to track your outreach efforts. You very well may see compliance increase and repairs decline. 

Brought to you by MAXCases, a U.S.-based company dedicated to serving the education market with protective cases and accessories for iPads, Chromebooks, laptops, tablets, and other popular mobile devices. Combining extensive testing and customer feedback, MAXCases offers superior performance and style, U.S.-based customer service, and customization options to accommodate special requests. For more information, visit www.maxcases.com . 

From our friends at TechRadar: The best Chromebooks in 2019 are not just more powerful than ever, but also more flexible and boast longer battery lives. That means that they are capable of so much more than their predecessors.

Still, before you sort through the best Chromebooks to find the one that suits you best, it’s worth your time knowing what exactly a Chromebook is. You know, in case a lighter weight operating system and device don’t actually match your needs.

Why this matters:  Fast, rugged and affordable Chromebooks have become the go-to device for many one-to-one computing programs designed to turbocharge kids' learning with engaging digital technology. Choosing the Chromebook that's best suited for your classroom, school or district will ensure the enthusiastic support of students, teachers, administrators and community stakeholders. For the full report on the ten best Chromebooks of 2019, visit techradar.com

As the costs for devices and applications decrease, technology use is increasing In classrooms across the country. Growth is particularly high in web-based devices. A recent University of Phoenix College of Education survey showed that about 58% of teachers use educational apps and 41% use social media. As tablets, Chromebooks, and other handheld devices are employed in classrooms, instruction relies more and more on apps instead of on traditional computer-based programs.

Join us for What Ed Tech Apps Work Best for Learning? Monday, November 5, 2018 12:00pm Pacific time, 3:00pm Eastern

Some apps are comprehensive and others tackle a specific purpose. Among the classroom apps in widespread use are those for:

Presenting, creating, and coding

Developing and honing skills in math, ELA, and science

Fulfilling classroom needs such as organizing, note-taking, writing, looking up definitions, and developing portfolios

Learning information and getting answers to questionsCollaborating and communicating

With so much learning dependent on app-based technology, educators, administrators, and communities need to know if they are using the best apps for each purpose and for each curriculum area. Cost and usage are only part of the picture. Even more, they need to know the impact of these apps -- if students are learning because of them.

Impact tracks the link between student usage on a particular app and how that may or may not influence their performance on assessments.

More than $3 billion was spent on ed tech products last year and more than 2,500 programs are on the market. Educators need to know which products are likely to have a positive impact on learning for their students. To figure that out, they can look at assessment data for evidence of correlation between apps and test score improvement. With this knowledge, administrators can leverage their data to make smart decisions about using the apps that will best improve learning.

Dr. Ryan S. Baker, Director of the Penn Center for Learning Analytics and Associate Professor, Graduate School of Education, studied 1.4M hours of usage data from 392,603 students in 48 districts to put together a comprehensive report that reveals surprising findings on the range of cost per license, the degree ed tech apps are being used, and the level of app effectiveness for math, science, and ELA.

His groundbreaking study produced insights into the national trends of cost, usage and impact of apps across a broad cross-section of school districts in the U.S. His research also analyzed the contexts where apps are producing positive impact. In addition, he uncovered just how many apps are purchased by districts for use in classrooms but are not widely used. (Spoiler alert: The median percent of unused licenses is 70.1%)

Investment, Engagement, Impact

National data is meaningful but districts also need data that shows if they are making the best decisions on apps for their classrooms. Analyzing their data can tell them which apps work best in which classrooms, which have the greatest impact on learning, and the conditions in which specific apps are effective. The key is in evaluating data about the cost, user perception and the effectiveness of apps the district has employed. Together the data will provide answers about the districts’ technology investment, engagement, and impact.

While there are data mining programs that report cost and usage, the key in understanding the value of a district’s technology decisions is to use data that shows the impact on learning. To break down the analysis needed, districts should connect program usage and student achievement.

We know that if an app is seldom used, it can’t be effective. What we don’t know is impact. If an app for literacy instruction offers an individualized approach and provides performance data within the app, that data should be mapped to the results of reading proficiency assessments to judge its value. If a math program with a common core aligned curriculum allows teachers to assign content for students to practice online and track their progress toward mastery, that data should be mapped to the results of math assessments to gauge its effectiveness.

Some districts have implemented BrightBytes’ Learning Outcomes Modules, which captures data using a district’s existing web proxy and employs advanced research-driven analytics to correlate usage with student achievement data. It takes millions of data points from digital device usage and triangulates it with district investment data and student achievement data.

With this data, educators can know which programs have the most impact and can develop plans to replicate, scale, or adjust resources accordingly.

The future of employing apps in classrooms is based on knowing what makes a difference for student learning by assessing the impact on student scores and gauging how much each app is used in order to gain insight into the real costs. Having the right data leads to informed decision-making and future student success.

From our friends at TechRadar:

The Acer Chromebook R11 draws inspiration from the MacBook Air, and is stylish without going too far. And, the Acer Chromebook R11 is affordable, unlike its Apple inspiration, costing $329 (£221, AU$455).

Chromebooks aren’t like other laptops. Historically perceived as a direct route to the Google Chrome browser, their functionality was once limited to what you could accomplish on the web. The climate is a bit different now that most Chromebooks are compatible with Android apps via the Google Play Store. In that regard, the Acer Chromebook R11 is no different.

Why this matters:

With recent research demonstrating the benefits of one-to-one laptop programs, it's important for education professionals to understand the pros and cons of each device. Chromebooks as a group offer the basics for kids to start learning in their one-to-one classrooms - but which Chromebooks are best? To learn more about the Acer Chromebook R11, including design, performance, display features, battery life, where to purchase and more, read the full review at techradar.com.

From our friends at TechRadar:

You’re probably on here because you’re asking yourself, “What is a Google Chromebook?” You’ve probably seen the term Chromebook thrown around on the internet, and you might be wondering what exactly they are, and how they differ from traditional laptops.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a Chromebook is, list the pros and cons of these devices, and hopefully help you decide whether or not a Chromebook is the right device for you.

Why this matters: 

Understanding how Chromebooks differ from other laptops will help educators and administrators decide if Chromebooks are right for their digital classrooms. Operating system, software capability, security, and battery life are all key factors in determining the best laptop for student use. To learn more about the basics of Chromebooks, read the full article.

Designed primarily for education use, the Chromebook Tablet CT100 has a rubberized chassis and is powered by an ARM-based SoC, essentially bringing together rugged design and low cost. As the device can run applications developed for Android and Chrome OS, the CT100 may become a viable option for those planning to buy an inexpensive Android tablet.

The ASUS Chromebook Tablet CT100 is powered by the Rockchip OP1 processor which packs two high-performance Arm Cortex-A72 cores, four energy-efficient Cortex-A53 cores, Arm Mali-T864 graphics, supports hardware decode/encode for Ultra-HD 4K video, and has a number of Chrome OS-specific optimizations brought-in by Google and designed to improve user experience. The tablet is equipped with 4 GB of LPDDR3-1866 memory and 32 GB of eMMC storage (which can be enhanced with a microSD card), which is standard for education-oriented Chrome OS-based devices.

The Chromebook Tablet CT100 has a rather typical 9.7-inch touch-enabled LCD with a 2048×1536 resolution at 264 pixels per inch covered by tempered glass. Imaging capabilities of the slate include a 2 MP user-facing webcam as well as a 5 MP camera on the back. As for connectivity, the tablet features 2×2 802.11ac Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth 4.1 controlled by the Qualcomm QCA6174 silicon. It has a USB 3.0 Type-C connector for data, charging, and display connectivity, as well as a TRRS audio jack for headsets. Battery capacity is rated as a 35 Wh lithium-polymer battery, a standard capacity for 9.7-inch tablets.

Moving on to dimensions. The tablet comes in a reinforced and rubberized chassis, so it is slightly bigger and thicker (at 9.9 mm) than typical slates with a 9.7-inch display. The good thing about the CT100 is that it is rated for drops up to 1 meter, which is a typical height of tables and desks. As for mass, the tablet weighs 568 grams.

Read the full report at https://www.anandtech.com

Squirrels LLC today released Ditto Connect for Chrome OS, which enables Chromebook screen mirroring to a number of receiver types that are not natively compatible.  

The latest audiovisual technology from Squirrels is part of the company’s Ditto wireless presentation ecosystem. Ditto allows hardware from competing technology companies including Apple, Google and Microsoft to wirelessly connect for screen and audio sharing. 

Ditto Connect for Chrome OS users can now screen mirror a Chromebook to any tvOS (Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD) or Windows device equipped with the Ditto receiver app. 

The Ditto Connect for Chrome OS app pairs with the Ditto receiver apps to wirelessly display a user’s screen and send audio. Users enter a room code into the app. Ditto automatically connects the user’s screen to the display. 

Download Ditto Connect for Chrome OS from the Chrome Web Store. An active Ditto account with a tvOS or Windows receiver is required to use Ditto Connect for Chrome OS.  A full-featured free Ditto trial is available. 

Everything you need to know about Chromebooks could make all the difference, whether you're a student, teacher or in charge of your district. 

A student needs a few basic things to get the most an education has to offer: tools to get and stay organized, a resource to study and with the information they need, and a system to communicate with other students and educators. They also need to learn how to learn, which can be the biggest challenge to an educator. 

Chromebooks can check all of these boxes and then some — with simplified management, maintenance, and oversight — which is part of these devices have made such a big impact in schools. That and the fact Google Classroom has become widely used nationwide. 

Here's everything you need to know about Chromebooks in education.

• Chromebooks hub
• What is Google Classroom?

Why use a Chromebook in the classroom?

• Powered by Google — Google is a household name when it comes to technology and school districts know the company will be around to offer support for the life of the product.
• Ease of use — Chrome OS is a lightweight system that's easy to navigate, even for younger users and parents who aren't as tech savvy.
• Security and administration tools — Chrome OS is designed with security at the forefront (since Chromebooks are also aimed at the Enterprise space), and a G Suite administrator can lock down various aspects to meet the needs of a school system's IT policies.
• Price — Chromebooks designed for classroom use can be bought in bulk for hundreds of dollars less than other devices, such as iPads and Windows laptops.
• Parents can provide a Chromebook, too – Since these devices are inexpensive and easy to use, parents can provide a Chromebook for a child who isn't in a 1:1 school program or during the summer recess. 

In the classroom itself, Chromebooks provide a gateway to everything a student needs in order to learn and everything a teacher needs to guide them. Little things a consumer may take for granted, such as automatic updates and the ability to sign in to any device and have your profile available, mean more time can be dedicated to studies instead of administration.

What can you use on a Chromebook?

Chromebooks also work seamlessly with Google's educational software: Google Classroom, G Suite for Education, and even Google's consumer applications such as Gmail or Google Keep. With these apps and services, students and teachers can work online or offline, syncing with Google's servers in a seamless way.

It's very difficult to tell you're working with an app that stores its data in the cloud because the experience is so good, but you'll know it did when you pick up a completely different Chromebook and everything is just as you left it. This is great for students, allowing them to get back to work after they spill water all over a Chromebook and have to be issued a new one.

Chromebooks and Google's educational application suite are simple to use, well integrated into inexpensive Chromebooks, and the perfect foundation for education.

Chromebooks with LTE are a popular choice

While all Chromebooks come with WiFi, so they can connect to an internet connection for cloud-based use, some also feature LTE. This is the high-speed connectivity found on phones that uses a SIM to offer always-on internet connection. 

An LTE Chromebook is able to connect to the internet from anywhere with a phone network connection offering up to 4G speeds. That means documents, images, videos and more can all be available even when away from a fixed WiFi connection.

This is great for teachers on the move, students working on the way home, or those without a stable internet connection outside of school. It's also a great way for schools to avoid putting too much strain on a WiFi connection. 

LTE Chromebook options are currently limited, and the devices are more expensive, but many can be bought through providers networks, such as Verizon, with deals that include data.

What's special about an educational Chromebook?

You'll see a lot of Chromebooks out there branded as being Chromebooks for education, and you may be wondering what exactly the difference is between an education Chromebook and a regular one.

Really, there isn't much of a difference, at least from a hardware standpoint.

Any Chromebook can be used in the classroom and still have access to Google's educational suite to work, communicate, and collaborate with other students and teachers, so long as you're logged in. The applications and services are lightweight and easy on resources, so education Chromebooks don't need any beefier, more expensive specs.

What is different is the support contract. School districts that purchase through education channels can also contract various levels of support from the company that made the Chromebooks or through Google itself, such as on-site service or having a Google specialist help students and teachers get started.

Education-focused Chromebook models are often built with an eye on durability. You'll find thick polycarbonate shells and rubber bumpers to withstand bumps and falls, MIL-SPEC approval for survival in the elements, and even special features such as microbe-resistant screens to cut down on spreading germs from student to student or waterproof keyboard pads — kids can be messy, after all. 

Google does have standards a Chromebook must adhere to for educational certification, but most are common sense requirements that almost all manufacturers follow. 

For example, ever wonder why a Chromebook has lower-case letters on the keyboard instead of capital letters like most other keyboards? That's part of Google's requirements. For a small child learning how to read and type, it's important that a key be marked with what it will print on the screen when pressed. Ingenious! 

Who makes Chromebooks built for education?

Most well-known manufacturers such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and of course, Google, all make educational Chromebooks at various price points. Most education-geared Chromebooks feature touch-enabled displays — which are great for interacting with Google Play-installed education apps and tactile learners — and a 2-in-1 form factor that allows each one to flip back into a tablet. 

Chromebook tablets — which educators agree are better for smaller children to begin their education — are appearing in more schools as well. Small fingers and a big screen allow young students to draw letters and numbers in a familiar way so the basics can be taught before they graduate to a keyboard form factor. 

Higher-end Chromebooks for education also come with extras such as an active stylus, and can even be bought with current generation high-performance internal hardware. This may seem like overkill for a consumer model, but Chromebooks are right at home in places like chemistry labs, where students can use temperature and pH probes to collect, analyze, and visualize data, or budding engineering students can use Google Sketch to design models for 3D printing. 

Where can I buy a Chromebook built for education?

In the past, you had to purchase Chromebooks that were approved for education through special channels from the manufacturers. These days, however, you'll see education-focused Chromebooks from every well-known laptop maker, for sale online and in stores.  

This is a boon for consumers who want to buy an education model because these are designed and built for a bit of abuse, and it's really great for teachers and parents who may just want to buy one or two Chromebooks to use at home. Not having to buy in bulk removes the barrier that prevented everyone from having access and it's a welcome change.

Many Best Buy stores have a Google-trained Chromebook specialist on-site who can help answer any questions. This is a great resource for those new to Chromebooks, but the products are exactly the same as you'll find at any retailer, so it's not necessary to search for a store with a dedicated Chromebook specialist.

During self-isolation, the number of Chromebooks available dropped dramatically, but this helped to show the best ways to find supplies. Larger retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, are great options, as is buying direct from the likes of Google, Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, or Samsung. 

In the case of LTE Chromebooks, it can be best to buy from a network provider, such as Verizon, who may have more stock than other places where everyone has already been buying.

• Chromebooks hub
• What is Google Classroom?

Securly, an internet safety solution, today announces an update to ChromeTools that makes Schoology class rosters instantly available to teachers. ChromeTools is the  classroom management tool for Chromebooks and is part of Securly’s recent acquisition of TechPilot Labs.

Through this integration, teachers can begin a class session by selecting a class to view thumbnails of all screens and access a variety of tools. ChromeTools allows teachers to launch websites on student devices, keep students on task with limited browsing, monitor overall browsing activity, communicate with students and more.

To enable the integration, a school administrator can link the district’s Schoology and ChromeTools accounts to automatically synchronize all class rosters from Schoology to ChromeTools.

A free trial of ChromeTools is available for all K-12 districts. For more information, contact sales@securly.com.

As an educator with several years of experience, I've always believed in one major principle above all others: Students need to be able to trust their teachers.

There's a huge amount of research available that shows how important this is. When you realize that, on average, a single teacher will impact roughly 3,000 students over the course of their career, it's easy to see why they need to take this as seriously as possible all day, every day.

Ultimately, this a road that runs in two directions, which is something a lot of people don't think about until it's too late. Just as students need to trust their teachers, teachers also need to trust their students. Without mutual trust—which ultimately gives way to mutual respect—even the best teacher will never feel like they can truly give their students agency over their own learning.

Building this mutual trust and giving students agency over their own learning is exactly what we aim to accomplish at St. Leonard Catholic School.

Agency Over Learning

St. Leonard Catholic School is a modestly sized preschool through eighth-grade Catholic school located right in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. We have 125 students spread across those grades. To put that into perspective, the biggest class I currently teach has just 17 kids.

Because of our size, we're in a great position to bring unique approaches to learning—both in how we schedule our classes and the way all teachers work together to form something that’s stronger together than any one of us individually.

Currently, I teach students in science in grades four through eight. I'm also responsible for our "20% Time" class. If that sounds familiar, it's probably because Google has been doing something similar for years. Every Wednesday and Friday afternoon, kids in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades can work on any project of their choice. They all get together in our library with myself and three other teachers.

These classes feed back into the larger principles at St. Leonard Catholic School in a number of interesting ways. For starters, we realized that when these students graduate and head out into the "real world" in ten years, some of the jobs they'll apply for literally don't exist today. Students need to be able to think for themselves. They must learn new information. They have to be able to research and find reliable sources and drive themselves forward.

But, almost more importantly than that, we wanted to be able to give kids more agency over their own studies—a true belief that they are responsible for their own learning. It can’t just be teachers handing out information they take it in. They need to be accountable for going out there, getting that information, and following their own learning path.

Here Comes the Tech

A major part of our holistic, innovative learning environment is the careful use of the right kind of technology. Technology is already all around us at every moment of every day, so it makes sense that we should try to incorporate it into our education as much as possible. After all, even if kids don’t apply for jobs in the technology industry, they'll still work in positions that require some sort of proficiency. It makes sense to prepare them today so they'll be ready for that shift tomorrow.

The teachers got together and ultimately decided that a heavy technology push was absolutely a step worth taking. We are 1:1 in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. These students all have Chromebooks they get to take home. Further, when they graduate, they can buy that Chromebook for a dollar. Our fourth and fifth graders share a Chromebook cart. 

Our kindergarten through third grade students share a set of 20 iPads and 20 Chromebooks in the classroom. However, while these devices have aided us in so many ways, they also initially proved to erode that essential student/teacher trust I hoped to have between myself and my students.

Technology and Trust: Building a Better Relationship

Make no mistake about it: technology in the classroom is a good thing. I'm glad our school is 1:1. But it was frustrating, too—at least in the beginning.

To initially help establish that trust, we had a platform for filtering in place. If a child searched for something they weren't supposed to, our system would flag it and send it right to our technology coordinator for review. However, we didn't have anything inside of the actual classroom that allowed me to keep an eye on their activity. We definitely needed that frontline defense. 

With the lack of tools for teachers, I realized I spent a lot of time wandering around the room looking at screens to make sure that kids were actually doing their school work. It was heartbreaking for me to know this was how I spent my time instead of my real job: helping them learn.

Quickly, this made it more difficult for me to actually want to use that technology everyone agreed was so important. There had to be a very good reason for me to have students take out their Chromebooks for a lesson.

In a sense, I felt powerless until we found something called GoGuardian—the classroom and device management platform—and I could see a bright light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. 

Going Deeper

Once we implemented this technology, everything changed. For sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, in particular, the trust started to come back. I felt comfortable integrating more tech into the classroom because I was able to trust them more. Both the students and I knew that at any given moment, I could just pull up the technology and see exactly what they were up to. 

If they were supposed to be on Google Docs but wandered away to another site, I could view where they went. This enabled me to address the problem more directly, which eventually allowed me to fix it as well.

Because of this new level of trust and accountability, it’s helped us change the way we teach our students in the first place. The activities we engaged in started to get more advanced and required additional critical thinking. The technology was no longer just a replacement for writing on paper. In a lot of ways, it became the natural evolution of what we'd done all along. 

Enabling the Future Through Today's Technology

I no longer have to worry about how students use their devices. It provides me the chance to always help them if I'm needed—even if we're not in the same physical space. It gives me a way to make sure our students are engaged by the technology—not distracted by it. Finally, all the teachers at St. Leonard have been able to realize our collective dream. By providing kids more control over their learning, we've enabled them to do things that wouldn’t have been possible just a few years ago. 

It isn’t fancy, but the Dell Chromebook 3189 is durable and long-lasting, so it should last a kid through a school day, even if they’re clumsy. You won’t use this laptop for multitasking, but it’s just right for a classroom.

Students will need a robust set of tools for the new school year, such as the touchscreen in the Dell Chromebook 3189. Once Google brings Android app support to this Chrome OS machine, its touchscreen will help users make the most of photo-editing apps, such as Adobe Photoshop Express. 

Starting at $329, this notebook lasts more than 9 hours on a single charge and offers a durable chassis that’s ready for the classroom. It’s a 2-in-1 with a touchscreen, making it easy to use Android apps the way they were originally designed. And its MIL-SPEC-tested design means that little clumsy hands can drop the 3189 without causing too much damage. The Celeron processor isn’t powerful, so the Chromebook 3189 is best for tackling a single homework task at a time.

For the full exhaustive review and for purchasing links and suggestions, go to tomsguide.com and search on the product name.

Acer has announced a new suite of 11.6-inch Chromebooks for education customers. All have durable designs that are MIL-STD 810G compliant and intended for education.  They include:

Acer Chromebook Spin 511 (R752T) has a convertible and durable design featuring an Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass touch display and is powered by Intel Celeron N4000 and N4100 processors. It has an MSRP starting at $379.99.

Acer Chromebook 311 (C733) provides a spill-resistant keyboard that can route up to 11 fluid ounces of water out of the chassis in a traditional and durable clamshell design. It powered by Intel Celeron N4000 and N4100 processors and has an MSRP starting at $299.99.

The convertible Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (R721T) and traditional clamshell Chromebook 311 (C721) are new durable Chromebooks powered by the 7th Gen AMD A-Series A4-9120C APU with Radeon™ graphics. They both feature a school-friendly keyboard that is difficult to tamper with and is serviceable by local IT departments. The Chromebook Spin 311 (R721T) has an MSRP starting at $349.99 and the Chromebook 311 (C721) has an MSRP of $279.99. 

The new Acer 11.6-inch models will be available to commercial customers in North America starting in April.

Acer today debuted its first 12-inch Chromebooks, the Acer Chromebook Spin 512 and Acer Chromebook 512, for students and education customers. The new Chromebooks feature a 3:2 aspect ratio display — a ratio that falls between the ratio used in books and mobile media, and similar to using pen and paper.

The convertible Acer Chromebook Spin 512’s (R851TN) 360-degree hinge lets students use the Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla®Glass2,3 display in four modes: clamshell, tablet, display and tent. An included dockable Wacom electro-magnetic resonance (EMR) stylus allows note-taking and sketching. The Acer Chromebook 512 (C851/C851T) features a traditional notebook design with touch and non-touch options.  Other features include:

• 3:2 aspect ratio screens for more vertical viewing
• The latest Intel® processors with integrated Gigabit Wi-Fi
• Sturdy and safe for young students; compliant with stringent U.S. Military Standard (MIL-STD 810G)[1] and two toy safety standards: ASTM F963-16 and UL/IED 60950-1
• Acer convertible Chromebook Spin 512 has 360-degree hinges and Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass display
• Acer Chromebook 512’s keyboard is difficult to tamper with and easy to fix
• World- and user-facing webcams let students capture more images

Acer  also is launching its TravelMate B114-21 for the Education Market at BETT 2019. Features include:

• Compliant with the stringent U.S. Military Standard MIL-STD 810G
• Durable design with a rubber bumper and an impact-resistant body
• Up to 10 hours of battery life
• 802.11ac wireless and an RJ-45 Ethernet port
• 180-degree hinge 

Sprint (NYSE: S) is working with Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and CTL to create the all-new CTL Chromebook NL7 LTE with Sprint featuring Sprint’s built-in LTE technology. The CTL Chromebook NL7 LTE with Sprint integrates with Google’s G Suite for Education as well as G-Suite Basic, Business and Enterprise editions, and allows users to connect virtually anywhere without the need for a Wi-Fi connection or mobile hotspot. 

With a secure, always-on, high-speed Sprint LTE internet connection, users will have immediate access to email, documents, databases, mobile teleconferencing and more, from virtually any location.

CTL Chromebook NL7 LTE with Sprint for Students

Part of this launch is a CTL Chromebook NL7 LTE with Sprint specially packaged for schools that will connect students with online education resources without the need for Wi-Fi access. Students will have full access to the Internet and all the latest online web and flash-based education tools from virtually anywhere with Sprint LTE. Equipped with a battery designed to last an entire school day, students can browse, explore and create using the CTL Chromebook NL7 LTE with Sprint. Sprint’s LTE connection also keeps students connected, even when Wi-Fi is not available at home allowing them to complete coursework and research outside the classroom. The CTL Chromebook NL7 LTE with Sprint starts at $299 with Sprint’s $15 monthly unlimited LTE data plan.

Features

For more information, visit: https://smallbusiness.sprint.com/chromebook-gives-you-unlimited-opportunities/ 

There are many excellent screen recording tools available, but one of my favorites is the Screencastify Chrome extension. It is simple to use, has lots of nice features, works on Chromebooks, and is free for videos up to 10 minutes long. (See my earlier post about "7 Super Screencasting Activities for School" for more details and ideas.)

Recently Screencastify updated the Chrome extension with a new convenient feature. When you record a video, you now have the option to add a comment (or comments) to the video, including text and links. When people view the video in Google Drive they will be able to see your comment, and leave their own if you have given permission. This can open up many opportunities to provide additional resources, get feedback, and spark a class discussion on your screen recordings.

See below for how to use this helpful new feature, as well as ideas on how this might be used in school.

Adding Comments to a Screencastify Video

The ability to add comments to a video (or any file) is actually a feature provided by Google Drive. What Screencastify has done is make it even easier to quickly add a comment to a recording you have created. Here's how: 

• First, record your video as normal with the Screencastify extension.
• Note: If you need details on the basic usage if Screencastify see my earlier post and training video.
• When you are done recording the video, you will be taken to the normal Screencastify window to preview your video.
• In the top right corner you will now find a "Comments" section.
• You can click "New Comment" to add a comment, and then click "Post" when done.
• You can add as many comments as needed by clicking the "New Comment" button.
• Optional: If you want other people to be able to leave comments on the video as well, you can check the box for "Allow others to comment".

By default you video will be private, so people will not be able to view your comments unless you have shared the video. You can do this through the sharing settings in Google Drive, but it is easier to make this change while still in Screencastify. 

• On the right side of the preview window, locate the "Uploaded To" section.
• Click the "Copy Link" option.
• This will change the sharing so that anyone with the link will be able to view the video, as well as view the comments you have left.

[What's New in Google - October 2018]

Viewing Comments on a Screencastify Video

Now that you have added a comment to your video, how will people be able to view it? All you need to do is provide people with the Google Drive link to your video.

• If you clicked "Copy Link" (as described above) you can simply provide that link to others.
• Alternately you can copy the shareable link directly from the sharing settings in Google Drive for the video. You will find the video files in the "Screencastify" folder in Drive.

When someone clicks the link you have provided, it will open up the video in the Google Drive preview window. 

• Any comments you have added will show up to the right of the video.
• If you have added links to the comments, viewers will be able to click on the links to access the sites.
• If you gave permission for others to add comments, viewers will be able to click the comment button at the top to leave a new comment, or click on one of your comments to leave a reply.

To see an actual example, check out this demo screen recording I did, along with a sample comment:

Demo Video - Google Drive link

Uses for Comments on a Screencastify Video

So how can we use this commenting feature in a school setting? There are many creative ways this could be used in education, such as:

• You can provide additional clarifying information for the video. This could be especially helpful for information that you did not include in the original video and did not want to have to record an entire new video.
• You can add questions for the students to consider when viewing the video.
• You can add a link out to a related website with additional instruction or content.
• You can add a link to a Google Document with questions for the student to complete based on the video.
• You can add a link to another video in a series of instructional videos, so the student can click through them in the correct order.
• Students could add comments linking to multiple videos to create a choose-your-own-adventure story using screen recordings.
• You can allow students to leave their own comments as brainstorming feedback on the video and/or questions you have posed in the video.
• Students can allow classmates to leave comments on their videos to collect feedback from their classmates.

What other ideas do you have for how this commenting features could be used with Screencastify videos?

cross posted at www.controlaltachieve.com

Eric Curts is an education trainer and consultant with over 20 years' experience throughout the U.S. He is an authorized Google Education Trainer and a Google Certified Innovator. Read his blog at www.controlaltachieve.com and follow him on Google+ and @ericcurts on Twitter.

Acer today announced the launch of its new Acer Chrome Tablet Seed Program, which gives businesses of all sizes and K-12 schools across the United States the opportunity to test an Acer Chromebook Tab 10 running Chrome OS for free, without obligation to purchase.

Participants in the program will take part in two brief conference calls with Acer representatives. The first call will confirm program details and discuss the specific needs of their organization. The second call will take place 30 days after delivery of the system to discuss their impressions of the Chromebook. After this call, customers may explore further options with Acer or return the system. There is no fee or obligation to purchase the seeded product or any other Acer product at any time.

[Find Lost, Missing School Chromebooks]

To participate in the Acer Chromebook Seed Program, schools and businesses can fill out this form. 

The Acer Chromebook Tab 10, the first tablet running Chrome OS, provides battery life of up to 9 hours and fully supports Google Play.

For more information, organizations can contact Acer at us.reseller@acer.com or 1800.848.2237.

Acer today is making available its new Acer Repair Certification eLearning Program to education accounts in the United States and Canada, giving high school students the opportunity to explore technology and build transferable skills in a hands-on setting.

Acer developed the Repair Certification eLearning Program so students can learn to perform basic hardware repairs on Acer devices deployed in their school.

[Cyber Security Resources for Teachers and Students]

In addition, the program partners with education accounts to develop an experienced team of knowledgeable students to assist school technical staff in maintaining their fleet of Acer C738T Chromebooks, the first Acer product qualified for this program.

In the Repair Certification eLearning Program, students learn about Chromebook component functions, component replacement, post-repair quality assurance and hardware reconfiguration. Students interact with eLearning modules that include videos, resource materials and assessments to ensure student success. The modules promote student engagement using gaming elements like points, badges and leader boards.

For more information, schools can contact Acer Education at edu.pa@acer.com.

WeVideo today announced that SkoleTube, Denmark’s leading online media platform for education, has extended its contract with WeVideo for an additional five years. The commitment by SkoleTube comes just eighteen months after WeVideo first appeared on the SkoleTube education portal, and the early extension by SkoleTube reflects the success of Danish students and teachers who are applying the video creation platform to transformative learning experiences. More than 90% of Denmark’s primary school students and teachers--nearly 600,000 SkoleTube users in all--now have access to WeVideo.

“WeVideo has proven to be an extremely popular addition to the SkoleTube service, with more students and teachers trying video creation every day,” said SkoleTube CEO Marcus Bennick, “This agreement ensures that hundreds of thousands of students and teachers have access to WeVideo’s best-in-class video creation platform for years to come. Educators can confidently continue to plan and build video creation projects into their lessons and develop new project-based learning opportunities. Students benefit from access to a tool that will grow with them throughout their educational careers. Best of all, WeVideo constantly moves forward, adding new features and content that always keeps students engaged and challenged.”

WeVideo and SkoleTube first partnered in January 2017. Since then, WeVideo has been used by tens of thousands of students and teachers across Denmark. WeVideo worked closely with Skoletube to create a unique version of its video editing platform that tightly integrates with the SkoleTube platform on both mobile and desktop devices. The flexible platform provides far-ranging utility for working with video in education settings. WeVideo offers a rich, but easy-to-use video editing application that enables students to explore their creativity with features such as green screen, motion titles, screen recording, voice-over narration and much more. The exclusive WeVideo Essentials™, a new feature added after the original partnership, gives students and educators unlimited, in-app access to over 650,000 high-quality, licensed and royalty-free video clips, images, and music tracks to help kids efficiently enrich their video projects.

WeVideo is entirely cloud-based, supports all current Microsoft, Apple, and Google operating systems, and is always up-to-date and readily accessible from any mobile device, laptop, desktop, tablet, and increasingly popular Chromebooks.

“SkoleTube has earned the trust of Danish education thanks to its proven track record of delivering access to the very best edtech,” said WeVideo CEO Krishna Menon. “WeVideo is thrilled to be recognized by SkoleTube as a vital part of that service. It is very exciting to see how swiftly teachers and students have taken to WeVideo and applied video creation to unique and effective learning opportunities. Skoletube is making a significant commitment to ensure that students and teachers can continue to succeed as they take full advantage of this important addition to the learning environment.”

A Fit for Every School

The SkoleTube portal provides its subscribers with a custom implementation of WeVideo. Outside of Denmark, WeVideo for Schools is widely available with a variety of flexible subscription plans to meet the needs of individual classrooms, schools, districts, as well as regional and national-level deployments. WeVideo for Schools is designed for collaboration, so students can take turns editing or simply share each other's clip libraries, each using their own device to complete tasks and interact with the project. Teachers can oversee group projects, and observe and assess individual contributions as students work together, each from their own device and on their own time, to contribute unique elements and collectively finalize a video project.

WeVideo offers free 30-day classroom trials as well as longer-term pilot programs. WeVideo’s structured pilot evaluation programs provide schools with the complete, unlimited WeVideo for Schools experience and comprehensive support from the WeVideo education team, to enable administrators and teaching staff to fully evaluate WeVideo for Schools at no cost or obligation. WeVideo for Schools is compliant with laws protecting the privacy of minors using online services, including U.S. COPPA and FERPA federal laws and other regulations. To get started, visit www.wevideo.com/education.

About SkoleTube
SkoleTube is a complete media production and consumption environment for education. It is the flagship service of the Danish company Webtjenesten LærIT.dk ApS. SkoleTube provides a range of online tools and apps that students and teachers use to create, publish, and share media productions in a safe setting that is purpose-built for the needs of education. SkoleTube reaches more than 90% of Danish schools to serve approximately 600,000 students in Denmark.

About WeVideo

WeVideo is a powerful, easy-to-use, cloud-based collaborative video creation platform that is the digital storytelling choice of more than 6,500 schools worldwide. With more than 24 million accounts created to date, WeVideo is also the first choice of consumers and businesses, as well as the video backbone for many third-party solutions. WeVideo is a Google for Education partner and is the exclusive digital storytelling solution for Google's Education Creative Bundle for Chromebooks. WeVideo is also a Microsoft Education Partner. Anyone can access WeVideo, from any computer or device at school, home, work, or on the go to capture, edit, view and share videos with secure storage of their content in the Cloud. For more information about WeVideo, please visit www.wevideo.com, follow us on Twitter at @wevideo or visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wevideo/

Acer America today announced that two new Chromebooks – the Acer Chromebook Spin 13 and Acer Chromebook 13 – will both be available through the channel to commercial customers in North America starting in September. The Chromebook Spin 13 is priced starting at $749.99 and the Chromebook 13’s pricing starts at $649.99.

Both models were designed for business customers and feature an all-aluminum design with a Full HD+ 13.5-inch display in a 3:2 aspect ratio.

[What’s New: New Tools for Schools]

Convertible Chromebook Spin 13 Availability and Price

The Chromebook Spin 13 (CP713-1WN) is a convertible model with hinges that allow it to be opened a full 360-degrees. It includes a Wacom EMRstylus for note-taking, sketching and interacting with the display.

It will be offered to channel customers beginning in September in several configurations:

• The CP713-1WN-385L - 8 Generation Intel Core i3-8130U processor, 8GB LPDDR3 memory and 64GB eMMC storage for $749.99 USD and $1,029.99 CAD.
• The CP713-1WN-55HT - 8 Generation Intel Core i5-8250U processor, 8GB LPDDR3 memory and 64GB eMMC storage for $849.99 USD and $1,149.99 CAD.
• The CP713-1WN-59KY - 8 Generation Intel Core i5-8250U processor, 16GB LPDDR3 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for $949.99 USD and $1,299.99 CAD.

Chromebook 13 Availability and Price

The Acer Chromebook 13 (CB713-1W) has a traditional notebook design for keyboard-heavy tasks. It will be offered in several configurations to channel customers beginning in September:

• The CB713-1W-36XR has an 8 Generation Intel Core i3-8130U processor, 8GB LPDDR3 memory and 32GB eMMC storage for $649.99 USD and $899.99 CAD.
• The CB713-1W-56VY has an 8 Generation Intel Core i5-8250U processor, 8GB LPDDR3 memory and 32GB eMMC storage for $749.99 USD and $1029.99 CAD.

Acer today unveiled the first education tablet running Chrome OS, the Acer Chromebook Tab 10 (D651N). The new Acer Chromebook Tab 10 is designed for Acer’s education customers and features:

• Easily managed with a Chrome Education license
• QXGA 2048 x 1536 resolution on 9.7-inch touch IPS display
• Wacom EMR stylus for natural writing, drawing; dock keeps it stored safely
• Support for Google Play to give students, teachers access to educational Android apps
• Planned support for Google Expeditions AR to enable immersive learning experiences

[New Acer Chromebooks and Chromebox for Education Announced]

The new Acer Chromebook Tab 10 (D651N) will be available to education and commercial customers in North America in April priced at US$329 and in EMEA in May priced at ¤329 (including VAT).

TabPilot is inviting all school districts using Chromebooks in the classroom to participate in the free ChromeTools public beta program through the end of the school year.

ChromeTools is a cloud-based classroom management solution providing a variety of tools that allow teachers to monitor and keep students on-task when using Chromebooks in the classroom. Tools include:

Class View: View thumbnail screens of entire class at a glance

· Screen View: See detailed view of individual student screen

· Screen Lock: Get class attention with “heads-up!” message

· Tab Control: View list of all open tabs and remotely close

· Open Sites: Remotely open one or more sites for entire class

· Site Lock: Lock students into one or more specific sites

There will be no charge to participate in the beta release. Pricing after beta, starting summer of 2018, is expected to be $3 per device per year. To participate in the free program, IT administrators can sign up at www.tabpilot.com.

Acer announces a new Acer Chromebook and Chromebox for education and commercial customers and a new Chromebook for retail.

Acer Chromebook 11 C732 features include:

• Durability features including IP41-rated, drop tested, spill-resistant keyboard and compliance with stringent U.S. Military Standard (MIL-STD 810G)
• Two USB 3.1 Type-C ports for fast data transfer, charging, display output
• 12-hour battery life and Fan-less design
• Available to education and commercial customers in North America beginning in March with prices starting at US$299.99 for touch models and US$279.99 for non-touch models.

The Acer Chromebox CXI3 features include:

• 8 Gen Intel Core processors
• USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 port, five USB Type-A ports supporting USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 depending on model, one HDMI port, one Gigabit Ethernet port, and a MicroSD card reader.

Acer Chromebook Spin 11 is a convertible with 360-degree hinges that allow it to be used in four modes. Features include:

• Two USB 3.1-Type C ports for fast data transfer, charging, display output
• Front wide field-of-view webcam and optional rear webcam for use in tablet mode
• Wacom EMR on select configurations
• Up to 10 hours of battery life
• Available in N. America starting in March priced starting at US$349.

Releasing today, FindMyChromebooks helps school IT administrators locate and recover lost and stolen Chromebooks. The service is $1 per device per year with a $200 annual minimum.

FindMyChromebooks account setup is instant by linking to the school Google Admin console. While searching for missing devices, administrators can either lock or allow continued use on the lost device.

When linked to the Google Admin console, FindMyChromebooks automatically imports the inventory of all Chromebooks and sets up users. To search, administrators place the device into “Lost Mode” with options including the ability to display a custom lost message with return instructions. Administrators can locate the device on a map or view captured screen images or IP Addresses.

HP announced three new Chrome OS devices that take advantage of the latest enhancements to the Google for Education ecosystem: the HP Chromebook 11 G6 Education Edition, the HP Chromebook 14 G5 and the HP Chromebox G2.

Features include:

11 G6 Education Edition:

• Withstands drops from 70 cm onto bare concrete surfaces; designed to pass MIL-STD 810g testing
• Spill and pick-resistant keyboard
• Supports USB Type-C charging.
• Less than 19 mm thick

HP Chromebook 14 G5:

• Larger format device features full-HD resolution on a 14” diagonal display
• Designed to pass MIL-STD 810G testing
• Spill and pick-resistant keyboard, and
• Supports USB Type-C charging.

HP Chromebox G2:

• Provides familiar Chrome OS experience in traditional PC use cases
• For assessments, can pair with HP Displays
• Intel® 7th or 8th gen processors, up to 16 GB memory, and support for Android apps
• Support for dual 4K displays via USB Type-C

acer.com■ Retail Price: $279

Quality and Effectiveness: Acer’s newest Chromebook 11, N7 C731T with touchscreen, is ideal for educational purposes. It has an 11.6-inch display and is lightweight, weighing just 2.9 pounds, and has a pleasantly textured cover that’s easy to grip. The durable cover meets U.S. military standards (MIL-STD 810G)—it can withstand drops from four feet and 132 pounds of downward force on the top. The cover is so rugged that an extra padded cover is unnecessary, reducing cost and installation time. The keyboard can funnel off up to 11 ounces of water and the recessed keys are very difficult to remove. This Acer model would reduce numerous weekly repairs at my school.

Ease of Use: The Acer C731T is extremely easy to use. Brief, colorful instructions pop up when new apps are opened. Chrome is the operating system, and data is accessed and secured through individual Google or Microsoft Office accounts, where students can quickly create, save, and share pictures, documents, presentations, and videos.

Creative Use of Technology: The C731T includes a responsive touchscreen, and its hinges allow opening to 180 degrees for collaborative projects. The device includes a camera, speakers, and microphone for instant messaging, Hangouts, or Skype. Chrome can handle up to nine simultaneous tabs without slowing down. Because is has more than 10 hours of battery life, students and/ or teachers don’t have to recharge this Chromebook every day. It’s a very quiet device without internal fans that can add to the learning space decibel level.

Suitability for Use in a School Environment: This Chromebook could be integrated smoothly into any school or district setting. With its durable outside cover and keyboard design, it will withstand most student abuse and neglect. Most updates are automatic and administrators can deploy apps and extensions from the Web-based control dashboard.

OVERALL RATING:

The Acer Chromebook C731T’s rugged design is perfect for education. It’s quiet, easy to use for collaboration, and will keep student data secure.

TOP FEATURES

● Built for students, the C731T meets military equipment standards, including drop-testing and liquid-testing, and promises a satisfying keyboard, communication, and screen viewing experience.

● Sturdy, lightweight, and quiet, with long battery life.

● Includes a touchscreen and a hinge that opens 180 degrees to encourage creativity and collaboration.

Students at Barbers Hill ISD competed to see who could assemble their PowerGistics’ towers the quickest. In the summer of 2015, the two middle schools in the Barbers Hill (TX) Independent School District were getting Acer 740 Chromebooks for all of their classrooms. The high school already had Chromebook carts, and teachers had complained about them being time-consuming, with chargers and moveable parts. “We wanted to improve the situation for the middle schools,” says Katie Russell, director of technology. “Luckily, we discovered PowerGistics’ wall-mounted towers.’”

Although the PowerGistics’ products were more expensive than the carts in the high school, Russell says they are totally worth it. “They have saved our teachers so much time,” she says. “We call them our ‘power towers.’ They are rugged and haven’t generated any help desk tickets.”

Every summer, the tech department “hires” six student workers to serve as interns. Last summer, the students worked in two-person teams to assemble the towers. “It became a contest to see who could assemble the quickest,” says Russell. “One guy worked very smart, and the goal was to beat his team.” Once they were assembled, students drilled holes and installed them.

There’s only one issue now, says Russell. “All the high school teachers are asking for ‘power towers,’ too! The PowerGistics’ towers are one of the best investments I’ve made for our Chromebook initiative. They just work.”

Easy Access = Quality Instruction

The LocknCharge color-coded systems makes it easy to store and find iPads. “We had other carts before I came, but a reseller introduced me to LocknCharge carts and I was hooked,” says Michelle Murphy, chief technology officer (CTO) for Coachella Valley (CA) Unified School District (USD), a 1:1 iPad district for grades preK-12. She particularly liked the way LocknCharge stores devices in baskets and purchased 400 carts for her elementary schools (grades K-6). Each color-coded basket can hold up to 10 devices. “Now a teacher can say, ‘Please get the blue basket for your table,’ and the student can quickly do that. Everyone is happy,” she says. “Teachers used to complain about the amount of time it took to get devices in and out of the former carts. With the baskets that issue went away.”

The elementary teachers love being able to use the iPads so easily and on the fly. One class recently Skyped with a class in Australia to learn about cultural differences, such as how to play cricket. “We started with a group of pilot teachers and small pockets of greatness. Now the iPads are getting more integrated and the pockets have expanded,” says Murphy.

A True Partnership

Oakland USD loves its secure, customized Bretford charging lockers. In 2014, Oakland (CA) USD was in serious need of a technology makeover. Sixty percent of classrooms reported lack of wireless access, most computers were in labs or located in the back of classrooms, and the majority of computers were more than four years old. With Common Core funding of $7 million, the district upgraded its network and bought 10,000 Dell Chromebooks and 250 Bretford NETBOOK36 carts with integrated access points (APs).

“We knew that for online testing we needed an equitable, supportable, standardized environment, but we had different computers and operating systems across the district,” says CTO John Krull. “With the Bretford carts we were able to bolt on a Meraki AP and execute quickly.”

After receiving some additional funding, the district removed the APs from the carts and put one in every classroom.

“The carts are good for securely storing our Chromebooks and moving them around. We developed a custom lock, and we’ve had no theft of carts,” says Krull.

Oakland chose full-service delivery of carts from the company it purchased the Chromebooks from and Krull says that’s been terrific. “The carts come all wired up with the Chromebooks in place, and the computers have an RF asset tag and a sticker with our naming convention. There are no empty computer boxes outside, advertising that we bought thousands of PCs.” He’s also been pleased to develop a strong partnership with Bretford. “We give the company input for future carts and storage and they listen to our ideas.”

Carts That Evolve

Teachers at Bethel Park School District are thrilled to access their Chromebooks so easily. Bethel Park (PA) School District started its 1:1 in 2014, with a goal of 1:1 for all students by 2018. For students, that means easier access to online textbooks, collaboration, peer editing, and programs like Compass Odyssey, Study Island, Spell City, and Math Counts. The district selected Chromebooks for their cost effectiveness and compatibility with Google Apps. They needed affordable, well-built Chromebook carts for grades K-6 since those computers remain at school.

Bethel Park School District selected Black Box carts for a variety of reasons. They wanted a functional cart that could grow with their 1:1, and the one-size-fits-all shelving of Black Box’s low-cost carts (LCC Series) allows the district to be ready for the future. Each cart accommodates up to 30 devices, is backed by a lifetime warranty, and features heavy-duty locks and locking wheels. “Working with a local, high-quality, affordable vendor made sense,” says Ron Reyer, director of technology services.

“We love, love, love the Chromebooks and use them every day,” says Bethani Bombich, a third-grade teacher. “The kids love using them and it’s amazing how quickly they get up to speed and can do different things. It just brings a new dimension to the classroom.”

Furniture & Carts Roundup

FURNITURE

► Boxlight: Boxlight’s newest offering is the ProColor Touch Table 470, an interactive touch table that helps students develop teamwork skills while having fun. The ProColor Touch Table 470 features 12 touch points to support multiple users, accommodates multiple chairs and wheelchairs, and has built-in educational software. Best of all, it is spill-resistant.

Also new from Boxlight is the DeskBoard Mobile Cart, a portable, height-and tilt-adjustable desk surface made interactive via an attached, ultrashort throw, interactive projector. The DeskBoard is perfect for schools that need mobile, customized interactivity as it can be used as an interactive screen or interactive desk with the ability to raise, lower, tilt, and move from classroom to classroom.

► Steelcase: The new Brody WorkLounge by Steelcase is the first and only lounge-seating product designed for both the brain and the body. It features advanced ergonomic design, eliminates physical discomfort, and helps students focus by creating a microenvironment that shelters them from visual distractions. The Brody WorkLounge’s adjustable work surface holds technology at eye level to reduce neck and shoulder strain, and the movable modular solutions can transform under-utilized libraries and inbetween spaces into covetable destinations

CARTS & CHARGING STATIONS

► LocknCharge Joey 30 Cart: The new Joey 30 Cart, for Chromebooks, iPads, tablets, and more, is a small-footprint cart that lets districts charge, store, secure, and transport up to 30 devices. It can accommodate devices with or without covers in its new divider storage system and includes a padlock for security. For extra portability, Baskets by LocknCharge can be purchased separately. Last but not least, the Joey 30 has a top-loading design so that devices can be accessed quickly and easily.

► Tripp Lite Charging Stations: The 16-device AC Charging Station with Secure Storage and Cord Management for Chromebooks and laptops, offers secure storage for up to 16 Chromebooks and laptops. This locking steel cabinet features flow-through ventilation and adjustable device dividers, ships fully assembled, and mounts to wall, desk, table, or floor. Thanks to AC outlets, device AC adapters and cords are stored out of sight.

The CSC32AC charges 32 Chromebooks and laptops, up to 17” screen size and secures devices in a locking, vented, wall-mountable steel cart. It has protective shelves with removable dividers and cord management, a wide-grip handle, and locking casters with non-marking wheels.

The CSC32USB offers fast 2.4A USB charging and syncing for up to 32 iPads, Androids, Surface, or Kindle tablets (with or without cases). It also charges mobile phones and other USB devices. Like the CSC32AC, it secures devices in a locking, vented, wall-mountable steel cart, has protective shelves with removable dividers and cord management, and ships ready for quick, easy installation. The USB uplink port connects to a host computer for wired syncing.

► PowerGistics: PowerGistics’ wall-mounted towers were designed to solve some of teachers’ most pressing issues. The small footprint uses vertical space so devices are out of the way, and the shelves simplify the taking out and returning process. Because the towers are open, teachers can quickly take inventory—even when the door is closed. They can see that devices are plugged in, making sure they’ll be fully charged and ready for next use. Cords are managed along the side of each shelf and held in place by a pinch point that prevents them from pulling, tangling, and wear and tear. Devices lie flat with charging ports facing out, eliminating damage and device warranty claims. PowerGistics products are made in Wisconsin and can be customized with school colors and mascots decals on the doors.

► Bretford: Bretford’s latest product is the EVER Cart with MiX Module System (left). EVER Carts are designed to be the last cart a school will need, thanks to the future-proof MiX Module System, customizable modules that can be continually modified to accommodate future devices. The MiX Module System is removable, adjustable, and reconfigurable. With a MiX Module, shelf heights and device slot sizes can evolve without the need to replace the entire cart. The EVER Cart can house two shelves with two MiX Modules or three shelves with three MiX modules, to support between 20 and 45 devices. Shelves adjust from 10 inches for tablets and small computers to 12 inches for larger laptops. Thanks to the power management system, all devices are charged quickly with one cord from the cart to the wall outlet. The top shelf of the EVER Cart provides a practical work surface for a printer, projector, or document camera.

Bretford has also introduced three new MacBook and iPad charging carts. The Mobility MiX, PureCharge MiX, and PowerSync MiX carts include the Bretford MiX Module System (right), customizable modules that can be continually modified or replaced to accommodate future devices. The Mobility MiX provides AC power for use with MacBook and iPad power adapters, the PureCharge MiX provides USB charge for iPad with preinstalled lightning cables, and the PowerSync MiX provides USB charge and sync for iPad with pre-installed lightning cables. The new carts include a 12-year warranty on the cart and three-year warranty on the electronics.

► Black Box Mass Charging Cabinets: Black Box cabinets can store, charge, and secure 60 to 192 devices—from iPad minis to 15” Chromebooks. To get the same capacity with charging carts, IT administrators would have to buy three or four carts. Designed for grades K-12, the cabinets are ideal for stationary, centralized storage and charging. Each cabinet features adjustable shelves that can be reconfigured to accommodate different mobile devices in the future. Some models also include an automated power controller to protect from power surges and optimize charging. Customization options include shelf liners, rubber-coated dividers, syncing modules or network switches and equipment for managing and updating multiple devices at once, and patch cables. All charging cabinets include a lifetime guarantee and free, 24/7, tech support.

Students need to have opportunities to apply what they’ve learned and connect it to the real world. Providing students with ways to demonstrate their understanding and create content is even easier with technology tools. Students who have access to a computer with a web browser – including Chromebooks – will be able to create with the tools on this list.

• Thinglink lets students upload an image and add tags on top of the picture. These tags could include text like a sentence or keyword, links to audio recordings or other content on the web, YouTube clips or images. This is perfect for layering information on top of a picture, such as a life cycle diagram or map of a location.
• Adobe Spark Page is a tool for students to create a publish pages for the web. They can add text, images, links and video and customize the format. This is perfect for publishing reports, step by step guides or newsletters.
• Google Slides is a web browser friendly tool for creating presentations. Kids can collaborate using this tool, making it perfect for group projects.
• Canvais a poster making tool that is easy to use and full of design resources. Kids can make infographics, posters, and triggers for augmented reality experiences.
• StoryBoard That provides a space for students to create their own comics. They can choose from different layouts and add characters, props, and talk bubbles.
• Glogster lets students create interactive media presentations. This tools is perfect for connecting with real world audiences and showcasing student work.
• Buncee is a student-friendly creation tool. Students can combine text, images and animation to make a final product that is engaging for their audience and totally shareable.
• Popplet is an online mind mapping tool. Kids can create graphic organizers that represent their thinking on a topic. It lets users incorporate images, text, videos and sketches.
• Explain Everything can be accessed in the Chrome Web Store and is an amazing screencasting tool. Students can record their screen, voice and movements to create tutorials and videos.
• Adobe Spark Video is a terrific creation tool for Chromebook users. On this website kids can make their own video clips by combining text, icons and images with music and animation. It’s totally free and one of my favorites!

My new book Deeper Learning with QR Codes and Augmented Reality: A Scannable Solution for Your Classroom talks about all the ways you can use #ScannableTech to share digital student creations.

Are you looking to integrate creation tools into your student’s learning experiences? Click here for more information on school visits and virtual consulting.

cross posted at classtechtips.com

Monica Burns is a fifth grade teacher in a 1:1 iPad classroom. Visit her website at classtechtips.com for creative education technology tips and technology lesson plans aligned to the Common Core Standards.

Peanut butter and jelly. Spaghetti and meatballs. Chromebooks and education. It’s a perfect match. Students are using technology more regularly and meaningfully in classrooms, and Chromebooks’ popularity and use in education are on the rise. The explanation for their increasing market share is clear: Chromebooks are simply less expensive, easier to deploy, and more effective for learning in many classrooms than the competition.

Ossining High School use their Chromebooks for a variety of assignments.Still, it’s not just about the technology—it’s about what you do with it. Without purpose and thought, a Chromebook is no more than an expensive paperweight. But when the Chromebook is used to support, enhance, and transform learning, it can be a game changer in education. Of course, there are challenges to managing students’ use of any technology in the classroom and the Chromebook is no exception. However, when teachers take advantage of all the device has to offer and its integration with Google Apps for Education, the Chromebook truly is the one device to rule them all.

THE POWER OF THE GOOGLE LOG-IN

The Google Apps integration on the Chromebook is one of its most powerful features. For a student to be able to log in once, with one account, and have access to all of Google Apps’ important resources for learning is essential for technology integration and classroom management. For all students, from the youngest to the oldest, the same account and password is the key to unlocking Chromebook’s magic. With its quick and easy boot-up and log-in, teachers can maximize instructional time without worrying about the device.

Google Chrome’s bookmark bar is another tool that’s valuable for making classes as efficient as possible. Teachers can model effective bookmark organization and show students how to save all frequently used sites. Once students know how to sign in to their accounts and link their data when using other devices, they will have everything they need for learning all the time. While these steps might save only a few clicks, a few clicks from each student every period turns into minutes every day and week that can be better used for student learning.

The same concept applies to Google Chrome extensions and apps pinned to the shelf on a Chromebook. Learn how to customize the device and allow students the same freedom to establish ownership of their online learning. Make creating profile images, customizing backgrounds, and pinning favorite apps part of the routine. This individualization empowers students to become more active participants in their online learning and makes the Chromebook an authentic part of their education.

STUDENTS AT THE CENTER

Keeping Chromebooks neatly stored and charged is key. If students have a device in their hands, the potential for learning is endless. Gone are the days when a student who finished early had to wait for the class to catch up and the one who needed a little more time fell behind. With Chromebooks and technology, students can work at different paces because they’re always just a click away from much more to do, try, or achieve. Students’ learning is no longer restricted to the class period or even to classroom walls, and students can continue making progress outside of class, in extra help, or at home. Since they can have access to online tools and learning resources, providing extended time, revision opportunities, or extensions of learning is easy, and students’ growth is never limited. These advantages aren’t unique to the Chromebook, but the flawless integration of Google Apps makes all this possible with ease and efficiency.

One of the best ways to make sure that class time using Chromebooks is focused on student growth and achievement is to have a consistent home for online learning. Whether that’s a class Web site, Google Classroom, part of your LMS, or something else, it should always help students figure out what to do next. It’s a huge help in classroom management and student achievement, too. When a student is distracted, point him back to this location. Date and number your assignments so they’re logical and linear, and encourage students to revisit tasks and review past lessons so that their learning is formative and recursive.

CLEAR PROCEDURES AND ROUTINES

Many students know how to use technology, but that doesn’t mean they know how to use it for their education. Don’t forget to teach not just technology skills, but also the classroom application that’s important to your goals. Management, routines, and procedures are essential for success in teaching any subject, and even more so with technology. The potential for distraction, the need for support, and shifts in teaching and learning all come with this greater potential for learning.

Figure out how you want things done in your classroom and hold students to high expectations. Consider device storage and charging needs, if those apply to your classroom. If devices are stored in your room, build in time and procedures for taking them out and putting them away. Chromebooks and Google Apps are great for sharing and collaborating, so encourage students to support each other as they become acquainted with the devices and learn how to use them to enhance their education.

THE PERFECT MATCH

In the end, a device is just a tool to meet the learning needs of students. Most of what can be achieved on a Chromebook is also possible with other devices, but the Chromebook’s speed, ease of use, and full Google Apps integration make it a clear winner for the classroom. Manage the use of Chromebooks with clear procedures, allow students freedom to explore and grow in their learning, and embrace the efficiency of the single log-in to maximize Chromebooks’ potential and transform teaching and learning for your students.

Adam Schoenbart is an English teacher and technology coach at Ossining High School in Ossining, NY.

CHARGING STATIONS

Consider device storage and charging needs in the Chromebooks classroom, and be sure to build in time and procedures for taking them out and putting them away. Below are some charging station options:

1 The AVerCharge C30i’s sleek, compact design provides storage for 30 Chromebooks, laptops, or tablets with up to a 15” screen.

2 Black Box’s carts charge, store, sync, and transport a wide variety of devices—from iPad minis to 15” Chromebooks. 3 Bretford’s TechGuard Charging Locker lets students securely store and charge up to 3 devices in a single bay.

4 Copernicus Tech Tubs hold 24 Chromebooks, iPads, and other tablets; schools can add more Tech Tubs and Carts as needed.

5 Ergotron’s Zip40 Charging Cart has up to 40-unit capacity, with 1.1”-wide slots and partial shelf for extra storage—ideal for tablets, Chromebooks, and Ultrabooks.

6 HamiltonBuhl’s PowerStacker Tower with modular components can be combined into multiple configurations to hold from 10 to up to 40 devices.

7 The compact LocknCharge Carrier 20 Cart can store and simultaneously charge as many as 20 mobile devices at once.

8 The PowerGistics 12 Shelf Wall Mount Charging Station provides a small footprint and an open concept so each stored device can quickly and easily be inventoried and cataloged.

9 Thread by Steelcase is a simple power distribution system that turns any carpeted floor into a power source by running power through ultra-thin tracks.

10 Tripp Lite Charging Stations charge, secure, and organize up to 48 USB or 32 AC devices, such as tablets and Chromebooks.

www.neverware.com■Retail Price: $25.00/device (annual subscription)

CloudReady is a solution that takes existing PC and Mac computers and, in approximately 20 minutes, effectively turns them into a Chrome device. CloudReady offers a digital download of CloudReady, so customers can create their own installers immediately. With CloudReady you can add and manage your converted devices in the Google Apps for Education (GAFE) admin panel with the purchase of an additional management license for each device. The CloudReady solution supports most of the same features as a Chromebook, with a couple of exceptions (check their website to see what features are not supported). It will work well alongside your existing Chromebook inventory. CloudReady is currently certified to work with over 164 different computer models. There is a good chance that your existing systems are on the list.

Quality and Effectiveness: CloudReady is easy to install and does most of the work for you. Overall, the laptop I tested booted up quickly and functioned just like a Chromebook. I experienced no issues with the installation or functioning of the converted device. The devices can also be joined to your GAFE domain in the same manner as a Chromebook.

This solution is an easy and economical way for school districts to extend the life of older computers. Students and teachers can use most of the same features as a regular Chromebook. The devices are an effective way to get more Chrome OS devices into your students’ hands without buying new devices.

Ease of Use: Setup directions are easy to follow and the company Web site provides several support resources. To install CloudReady on your devices, it is recommended that you first backup everything because your hard drive will be erased during the install of the new operating system. After your backup, you will need to set your computers BIOS to boot from USB, insert the USB installer, and let CloudReady do the rest. The install takes 10-20 minutes. The system will shutdown once the installation is complete. After the installation is complete, you can then reboot and log in.

Creative Use of Technology: Cloudready is an innovative solution that will allow you to repurpose existing devices that may be too old, slow, or inefficient in the classroom. The ease of installation and feature set makes is very creative and attractive for education.

Suitability for Use in a School Environment: CloudReady is very suitable for use in an educational environment. They are adding newly compatible systems and working on feature additions to make their product better. There are some feature exceptions, so do your homework before making your final decision. There is a trial period to see if the program fits your needs. However, I am confident that it will meet the needs of most schools quite well.

OVERALL RATING:

Overall, CloudReady is a good solution for districts to extend the life of their existing fleet of older systems. The annual cost per device, $25.00, is affordable compared to buying new systems. This product is worth your time to see if it’s the right fit for your students and teachers.

TOP FEATURES

• Ease of installation to convert a PC or MAC to a Chromium device.

• Includes all of the core functions of an actual Chromebook and can be added to, and managed, in your GAFE domain.

• Low annual cost compared to buying new devices.