Technology Integration using Chromebooks in K-12 Schools

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

When we think of technology integration into K-12 schools, the first device that comes to my mind is the Chromebook. I know a lot of schools, my own included, use these devices every day. My current job is 50% dealing with the technology needs, largely Chromebook related, on a daily basis as a matter of fact. For anyone who may be unfamiliar with Chromebooks, though, they are laptops that run off of Google Chrome operating system and are a more affordable laptop option when purchased in bulk by our schools. They also have a variety of functions allowing the IT administrator for school districts to control what apps are available to their students fairly simply. These devices allow us to do anything we can do on other laptops and computers including educational apps that our school preloads, word processing through google docs and sheets, web applications and search tools, etc. There are also a lot of behavior monitoring softwares available for Chrome.

This photo is an example of Chromebooks in use that was taken from my classroom. Students here are connected to an ASL instructor live via Webex. The Chromebooks' camera allows them to see the teacher live on their own screen and she can see them signing in response. Obviously, I have a lot of other technology in my room to project on a larger scale, but the students can even log in if they are at home sick or during inclement weather and see the same presentation on their own device the way students worked throughout most of the pandemic. Standardized tests and tests like the PSAT/SAT are also being given digitally now and can be done through the same devices students are used to using on a daily basis.

Technology Integration Matrix

Below is an image of the Technology Integration Matrix. You can click this image to see it enlarged from the original site. This is just one method of integrating technology into school classrooms.

The table below shows a few ways Chromebooks can be used in classrooms and examples of where those activities would fall on the matrix. There are, of course, many more ways that Chromebook technology can be utilized and integrated into classroom learning. The technology is there to aid in instruction, not to replace hands-on instruction. It can be easy to forget that this generation of students has had technology in their hands from early on and learn quickly to use different programs and technologies.

	Entry Level	Adoption Level	Adaptation Level	Infusion Level	Transformation Level
Active Learning	A teacher shares an article for students to read in Google Classroom.	ELA teacher assigns grammar assignment through No Red Ink. (Matching and multiple choice.)	Students have to work on their own to finish an escape room designed by the teacher. They can find the answers through whatever source they choose.	Students must create a poster using Canva, Google Slides, or program of choice. Information must come from a credible source and be cited.	Instead of an argumentative paper, the instructor asks that students to choose a way to present their argument to the class. Students choose how it is presented and the tools they use. (Examples: Slideshow presentation, video, podcast, etc.)
Collaborative Learning	Students use language learning app to review Spanish learning and repeat skills from class.	Students work in partners and compete against classmates on language learning app challenges.	Students work in groups to make and present information on a Spanish holiday and traditions. They choose program to create and record presentation.	Students are put in new groups each 9 weeks. They collaborate together to create up-to-date notes they use to review for tests together. They can create the notes through screenshots, voice recordings, or whatever they find useful. They are also graded on the notes and individual contribution.	A Spanish 2 classroom uses Webex with a class of English learning students in Bogota where students carry on 1-on-1 conversations.
Authentic Learning	Student uses math learning app like Dreambox or IXL.	A life skills class uses software to "buy and sell" stock and they follow the stock exchange.	A science teacher doing a unit on recycling assigns students to research their hometown recycling and landfill information and statistics. They can choose any program to demonstrate their research.

Resources for Teachers

• The link below is to Google for Educators which will give teachers ideas on how to best utilize Chromebooks for their classroom needs and how to tailor their learning experience with Chrome functions.

https://edu.google.com/intl/ALL_us/for-educators/product-guides/chromebooks/?modal_active=none

• The following link gives 30 ways to use Chromebooks in a classroom. It is published by Oak Park Unified School District so depending on your school district some ways may be blocked. It is a good start to thinking outside of the box on integrating this technology into an already successful classroom environment, though.
  

https://www.oakparkusd.org/cms/lib/CA01000794/Centricity/Domain/951/Ways%20to%20use%20Chromebooks%20in%20the%20Classroom.pdf

References

Winkelman, R. (n.d.). Tim descriptors. TIM. https://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/tim-descriptors/