New Paths to Learning with Chromebooks

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1 Thought Leadership Paper Samsung New Paths to Learning with Chromebooks Economical, cloud-connected computer alternatives open new opportunities for every student Research provided by

2 As Computers Play a Bigger Role in K-12 Education... Educators, students and parents alike expect computers and Internet access to play a big part in learning, both throughout the school day and later at home. But given that half of adults in the U.S. own a smartphone or digital tablet, ideas are changing about what really qualifies as a computer in the classroom. 1 It is becoming more difficult to accept a computer that s locked away in a lab room or brought in on a cart for use only on a shared and limited-time basis. Today, teachers and instructional specialists want to take even more advantage of online resources and educational applications for a broad range of planned learning activities or when impromptu opportunities come up during a class session. These educators increasingly rely on websites and cloud applications for subject knowledge, skill development, lesson management and communications with students and parents. School and district IT staff also seek devices that offer reduced ownership costs and maintenance requirements compared to appropriately configured PCs or tablets. In our district, the responsibility for instructional technology is in IT, not in academics, says Debra Hamm, CIO of Richland School District Two in South Carolina. Yet we all know that while specific devices can make a difference, it s really all about the learning that they enable. 2 In many cases, the answer to these education needs can be found in the 1:1 model of moving from the computer lab or laptop cart to the desk, and perhaps the backpack as well, of every student. This 1:1 model can be achieved with traditional notebook computers and other mobile devices, but Web-client laptops such as Chromebooks offer particular advantages for cost savings, flexibility, simplicity, security and reduced support burden.... Students and Teachers Adopt More Resources for Learning With a physical form similar to a notebook computer, Chromebooks are well suited for use in the classroom, either in a 1:1 or shared model; they are also suitable for students to take home. Unlike a traditional PC or a tablet where most applications and user data are stored on the device, a Web client provides access to applications and data storage resources that are housed in the cloud. The many advantages of Web clients include: Lower costs than traditional PCs and many other fully configured mobile devices Fast start and simple operation with built-in applications and a full-featured browser Security and privacy controls and automated updates for system software With the Chromebook, you can take it out of the box and put it in the hands of the student and they can log in and begin working productively right away. TOM CRANMER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF IT, RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO, SOUTH CAROLINA Reduced demand on IT for maintenance and support, which further lowers total cost of ownership With a user interface design that is optimized for Web access, Chromebooks give students easy access to a wealth of online learning applications and tools (see table on page 6). In fact, some parents have asked if they can buy the Chromebooks for use at home, says Aaron Slutsky, director of technology for McDowell County Public Schools in North Carolina. 3 They like the simplicity of 2

3 A study by IDC showed that, in comparison to a traditional PC, Chromebooks reduced total ownership costs per device by up to $935 over a three-year period. 5 VS Chromebooks require: 69% less labor to install 92% less staff to support the device and they want their kids to have access to the same learning resources at home, explains Slutsky. For teachers, the simplicity of the Web client means they don t need to spend time learning or teaching students how to use the device. Instead, they can focus their professional development time on learning how to improve their teaching with Internet resources. For example, in McDowell County, teachers have joined an online group to learn from and collaborate with teachers elsewhere who are using Web clients. Without Adding to IT s Workload Slutsky notes the advantages of Web clients for IT support and maintenance activity: Because Web clients have minimal software installed, and especially no user applications, IT doesn t need to worry about application installation, support, upgrade and compatibility issues. Support for multiple users on each Web client is simpler because each user s configurations and files are stored in the cloud and accessed only when the student logs-in. In contrast, individual student configurations and files are stored directly on laptops and tablets and must be segmented when the device is shared among multiple students. Schools and districts no longer need to maintain storage and backup systems for student documents and media files. Instead, this content is stored in collaboration sites such as Google Docs and other cloud-based applications. IT support is easier even when a Web client needs repair. We can give the student a loaner device without having to send a technician to the school to transfer the software image and student files to the replacement unit, then back again when the student s repaired device is returned, says Slutsky. 4 3

4 How K-12 Schools are Using Chromebooks Districts and schools are moving toward cloud computing and Web clients to fulfill 1:1 computing goals in many creative ways. McDowell County Schools, N.C. An initial set of Samsung Chromebooks is now available to students in all grade levels at McDowell County Schools in North Carolina, with a long-term goal of providing a dedicated device for every student. These devices are being purchased over time using the district s capital budget, funds pledged by the county government and a local foundation grant. By using the Chromebook, one elementary-level student improved his handwriting and composition skills, areas where he previously needed tutoring help. This student also uses a Chromebook app for his favorite creative outlet, original comics. 6 From an IT perspective, The Chromebook experience has been very positive because there is no software to break, says Slutsky. For users, he also points to the advantages of fast bootup and fewer performance slowdowns from applications that run in the background, as is the case with traditional laptops. Senath-Hornersville High School, Mo. Students at Senath-Hornersville High School in Missouri are no longer using print textbooks. Instead, they are accessing learning materials online through a Chromebook that is assigned to them at the beginning of each school year. Students are able to take the Chromebook home to do homework, check for assignments and turn-in completed work through Edmodo. This flexibility to work on lessons both within and outside the classroom also allows students to keep up with their classmates during absences. 7 East Leyden High School, Ill. After a successful pilot to evaluate the 1:1 model in selected classrooms, East Leyden High School in suburban Chicago assigned Chromebooks to all 1,800 students in the academic year. (West Leyden High School also has a 1:1 model so all students in the district have a device.) The students carry these Web-client notebooks to classes throughout the school day and are allowed to take them home. Our goal was always to go 1:1 because we ve seen that technology has a huge and dynamic impact on learning; it blows the classroom walls away, says Principal Jason Markey. 8 East Leyden s experience in the pilot project, which initially was conducted with netbook computers before the transition to Web clients, produced several lessons that are useful for other schools that are considering 1:1 computing. Consistent computer availability is important for teachers. If teachers don t have consistent access to computers in the classroom, this is a disincentive to incorporate the technology into classroom activity, says Markey. However, when students carry their assigned device throughout the day, the teacher has more freedom to move in and out of computer work as needed, which encourages greater use. Identify what work students can do outside of class. Not all students have Internet access at home and so they may need additional options for completing homework and class projects, says Markey. We extended the hours of the school library and worked with the local public library to give students Internet access outside of class time. Also beneficial are the off-line capabilities of the Web client that allow students to download their Google Docs for work at home, then resynchronize the documents the next day when they connect to the Internet at school. 4

5 Samsung Chromebooks at Home in the Classroom Samsung Chromebooks deliver an affordable, cloud-enabled, laptop-like computing solution that is easy to manage and maintain. Education users will especially enjoy these Chromebook features: Always ready for learning. All Samsung Chromebooks boot in less than 10 seconds and wake from sleep mode almost instantly simply by opening the lid. Unlike PCs, minimal software installed on the Chromebook means it will maintain these high levels of reliability and performance over time. Samsung Chromebook The computer that takes care of itself. Chromebooks automatically update themselves, which means that all apps and the operating system stay up to date, without installing patches. Security disruptions are minimized on Chromebooks with built-in virus protection that provides multiple layers of security. And users don t need to worry about losing files because they are safely backed up in the cloud. The familiarity of a laptop-style device. Samsung Chromebooks are designed with high-quality, durable, lightweight hardware with battery life to make it through a full school day. A full-sized, Web-focused keyboard and a large multi-touch clickpad are design features that make user interactions easy and enjoyable. Samsung Chromebook 550 Offered in a compact form-factor. The Series 3 Chromebox offers all the benefits of a Chrome Web client in a compact form-factor. It provides flexibility for schools with existing displays by offering multiple USB ports, connection options and WiFi. Innovative offerings such as Samsung Chromebooks empower educators and students with the tools they need to inspire and elevate learning. Samsung Series 3 Chromebox Educate parents. East Leyden parents were required to attend a meeting, held in the summer, before their students could take home the assigned Chromebook. This meeting addressed parent s concerns, described the families responsibilities and discussed digital citizenship principles. Richland School District Two, S.C. Located in Columbia, S.C., Richland School District Two serves more than 26,000 students in 40 locations. Since 2000, the district has pursued a 1:1 computing program (called 1TWO1), initially with desktop and laptop computers and today with a variety of computers and mobile devices, including Samsung Chromebooks. At the high school level, students are assigned a Chromebook and are allowed to take them home. In the middle schools, students pick up a Chromebook first thing in the morning in their homeroom, carry the computers with them throughout the day, then return them to a cart in the homeroom at day s end. 5

6 Chromebook Online Learning Applications Types of Learning Applications Web content and online courses for subject knowledge College-level courses for advanced high school students Examples Wikipedia, YouTube for Schools, Khan Academy and Google Apps grade-level packs Coursera and edx Tools for managing class assignments and student collaboration Alternatives for word processing, presentations, collaboration and forums Social content hosting and management sites for presentations or collaborative work by students Wikispaces and Edmodo Google Apps (Gmail, Google Docs, Drive, Calendar and Sites) Posterous and Tumblr In elementary schools, the devices are stored on a classroom cart. To support a successful rollout of the Chromebooks, the district followed a strategy that encompassed network expansion, deployment of a virtual desktop integration (VDI) infrastructure and professional development for teachers. However, With the Chromebook, you can take it out of the box and put it in the hands of the student and they can log in and begin working productively right away, says Tom Cranmer, executive director of IT for the district. The Chromebook s simplicity also allows us to rollout very large quantities of the devices without needing to dramatically increase the number of IT staff that are required to support them. 9 Conclusion For students and teachers alike, a Web client means their enthusiasm for learning activities won t be frustrated by a slow computer with a complex user interface. They can spend more time working on in-class activities and exploring their interests in homework and small group collaboration projects. And K-12 districts will gain an economical, easy-to-support laptop to consider as a replacement for traditional computers or as an alternative to other types of mobile devices. Endnotes 1. Pew Research Center Project for Excellence in Journalism, The Explosion in Mobile Audiences and a Close Look at What It Means for News, 2. Center for Digital Education interview conducted with Debra Hamm on September 28, Center for Digital Education interview conducted with Aaron Slutsky on October 3, Ibid. 5. IDC White Paper, Quantifying the Economic Value of Chromebooks for K 12 Education, 6. McDowell News, Student s success with Chromebook lands him spot in Google video, February 4, 2012, www2.mcdowellnews.com/news/2012/feb/04/students-success-chromebook-lands-him-spot-google--ar / 7. Daily Dunklin Democrat, SHHS pushes towards the future with Chromebooks, 8. Center for Digital Education interview conducted with Jason Markey on September 29, Center for Digital Education interview conducted with Tom Cranmer on September 28, Learn More SAM4BIZ samsung.com/education Education. Innovated e.republic. All Rights Reserved. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. All products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. This article is for informational purposes only. Samsung makes no warranties, express or implied, in this article.