Chromebook Implementation

Have you ever taken a training, and been very thankful you did? That was me this week. I am so happy that my teammates and I tacked Google Educator Training last week during Spring Break. Without it, the implementation of Chromebooks within the classroom this week, would have been an even bigger challenge.

On Monday, when my students walked in to find Chromebook for each of them, excitement filled the room. There were more than ready to learn. We started the day by reviewing basic Chromebook expectations via a Google Doc shared through Google Classroom. Not only did this help us teach them the ways of handling the Chromebooks, but it allowed us to get everyone added to Google Classroom and to teach them a few of its features.

Throughout the week, we moved slightly from paper to Google Suite. Everything from trying out Google Forms, Slides, and Docs, to Pear Deck and EPIC!, my student were diving in head first. From a teachers perspective, there were challenges. Student typing skills were the first. We have been practicing keyboarding weekly through Typing Club, but this limited time didn't support great growth and some student were moving through lessons using the "hunt and peck" method. Because of this, we have chosen to use Typing Club as a morning work activity and an end of the day activity. If students aren't using the home row as expected their lessons and progress will be restarted to the beginning. Additionally, it was difficult not know exactly what student would see on their end. It require patience from both parties to ensure I was giving and they were received appropriate directions.

We are still in the learning process. However, our team is dedicated to having our students become creators instead of consumers when using the Chromebooks. It will be interesting to see the growth we will make before the end of the year.