YES!
Students at Underhill School have a new tool for learning - chromebooks!
Our mobile cart holds enough chromebooks to provide every student in a class with their own educational device. Chromebooks are practically made for our youngest students, and in her blog post on Daily Genius, titled "Technology, Learning, and Chromebooks in the Elementary Classroom" Avra Robinson explains why it is so important to include K-2 students when providing technology tools:
"Providing access to more than just apps, Google Chromebooks are the perfect tool to build the foundation for technology success in young students. Throughout my years as a K-8 technology teacher & coordinator, many people have asked me what Kindergartners, first graders, and second graders might truly do with computers in the classroom. As students reach the intermediate grade levels, it is easier for people to imagine what they will do with technology. They will utilize word processors to write essays; they will construct videos to demonstrate knowledge; they will work within a spreadsheet to collect and analyze data. But our little people in kindergarten, first, and second grade are often overlooked when it comes to 1:1 technology, or tablet devices are often seen as the only option.
Many people fear that computer usage in the early elementary years consists of just “playing games” and want to limit the “screen time.” However, it has been my experience that technology is no different from reading, writing, and math. There are building blocks and foundations that need to be constructed in order for students to become capable, efficient, and effective users of technology.
Young children are sponges. They come to life with the use of technological tools. They easily adopt new technologies as quickly as toddlers develop language skills. Their inhibitions are low, and their interest is high. So when the question of 'What purpose would Chromebooks serve in the Kindergarten, first, or second grade classroom?' is asked, the answer is easy. They’ll use it as another tool for learning."
Take a moment to read the entire post here:
What ideas do you have for how your students can use chromebooks in the classroom?
Leave a comment and let us know!
