Chromebooks and Chromeboxes

A big question in instructional technology is, "How can schools afford to get enough computers for each student?"  Some schools get full laptops, netbooks, iPads, Android tablets, or allow a bring-you-own-device environment in their schools.  Each type of device has its pluses and minuses.

Some districts (like Council Bluffs) use Chromebooks for their students.  You can learn more about Chromebooks here.

The problem used to be that Chromebooks were about the same price as cheap, full laptops.  That has changed.  Google recently announced a new Chromebook that only costs $249.

Compare the $249 Chromebook with a $999 MacBook Air.  They both have an 11-inch screen, both weigh about 2-1/2 pounds, and both have a multi-touch trackpad, etc.  Of course, the MacBook Air has all the advantages, and software, of a Mac.  But for students who use computers mainly for web-browsing, and use online tools more than downloaded applications, do they need more than a Chromebook?  A tech coordinator could buy four Chromebooks for the price of one Air.

Chromebooks have definite limitations, just like any device.  But the price might make those limitations less important.

Here's a video of the new Chromebook:

For situations where a desktop computer is preferable to a laptop (like in a library, or a computer lab), schools can purchase Chromeboxes.

These work the same way as Chromebooks.  Schools can attach their current monitors, keyboards, and mice, and can have desktop computers that are always updated, and always virus free.

This video is a good pros and cons look at the ChromeOS:

We are moving in a different era of computer use.  Think about how you use your computer--do you mainly use applications that you paid money for, or do you work mainly from a web browser?  I do most of my work from a web browser (check my email, type on documents with Google Docs, schedule events with Google Calendar, etc.).  I just ordered a Chromebook, and I am going to try to use it exclusively for a week, to see how much I really need a full laptop.  I'll blog about how it goes, once my $249 Chromebook arrives...

--Seth