Chrome Book Pilot Program Has Lift Off

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Mrs Barreto's computers class using the newly purchased chrome books.

After a semester of planning by the Technology Committee and the appropriate professional development implemented, the District has launched its chrome book pilot program in all three schools:

• High School: Two classrooms
• Middle School: Two classrooms
• Elementary: Three classrooms

Through rigorous research and studies, the District procured 215 HP chrome books providing 28 chrome books per classroom and 19 chrome books for instruction and training.  A chrome book is much cheaper than a lap top computer. The cost are approximately $295 per chrome book versus $1,000 for a lap top. Chrome books are easily maintained and managed. The maintenance of a chrome book is almost non-existent. Chrome books are virus resistant. They are dependent upon wifi service and the utilization of the internet. As a whole, chrome books are not only inexpensive, by comparison to a laptop or stand-alone computer, but they are cheaper to maintain.

In addition to the chrome books, eight charging carts were purchased. One for each of the pilot classrooms and one for training. A chrome book's battery last approximately 9 hours. They must be charged daily. Google management suite was procured for each chrome book at $25 per chrome book to manage users. There are no programs or software to buy. There is no need for virus protection as all work is stored online in the cloud.

The District has taken careful notes as to how the chrome books have been distributed and are used in hopes to replicated the process on a much larger level this coming fall. Teacher training is a huge component in the implementation. Utilizing Google Docs, Classroom and other applications are key in the successful implementation and use of this tool. Appropriate professional development is imperative 

At this time, the chrome books have been placed in the classroom; however, after talking to students at the high school, they feel it would be much more helpful if the chrome books are checked out to each student on a one-to-one bases. I believe their idea has merit, but I am not sure a one-to-one program would be appropriate at the elementary or middle school. This is why we have implemented the chrome books as a pilot program. The District will be able to study data and determine the needs of the future and save the District from making a costly investment without measure. 

As students progress through the delivered curriculum here at Colstrip Public Schools, having the right tools are imperative. It's like many jobs, the better the tools are, a faster, smarter and cheaper outcome is the result. Chrome books are the academic tool of the future. We want to teach our students transition computer skills that they can utilize beyond their learning here at Colstrip. Web and cloud-based tools like chrome books provide for a cheaper, faster and smarter outcome.

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

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