A Chromebook is a laptop of a different breed. These laptop like creatures are designed to connect primarily to the internet.

Northeast is one of the three pilot schools using Chromebooks this year. LPSDO is planning to have all Chromebooks ready to go in the fall of 2016.

According to LPSDO, by 2018 all 3rd-12th grade students will receive a laptop device that runs through google chrome operating system. Hapara, a teacher tool, that makes working with student Google Drive easier, allows management of Chromebook screens, and offers project and assignment management.

Chromebooks are often used here at Lincoln Northeast according to Kaley Wieser. “We use chromebooks almost everyday. They are merely a tool, so we do many of the same things we have always done, only in a different way. Many of the worksheets and articles we use in class are now online and students turn most of their work in using Google Classroom. It makes handing out work and turning in homework more effective. It makes feedback easier and more timely.”

Chromebooks are a part of the technology world and anything could happen when using technology. When asking if there were issues that went on while using chromebooks, Wieser stated that some students were easily distracted by what they could find online. “I have also found the students did not have the skills I thought they would have to navigate the Chromebooks and Google Drive, so I have had to take the time to teach those skills. However, the students have learned quickly.”

Besides the issues that could play a part when using Chromebooks, Weiser stated that she thought the Chromebooks were beneficial as long as teachers got in the habit of using them, and students use them with care. “Students will have access to all the resources from a class and will be set up for success.”

The Chromebook has everything a student could possibly need, file storage, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, drawing, and the list continues. The fall of 2016 will be a great start to the school year with the new Chromebooks.