Benefits of Google Apps and Chromebooks for Schools

Benefits of Google Apps and Chromebooks

Updated version of this as a Google Doc: https://goo.gl/zbcAA2 

How does Google Apps and Chromebooks compare to Apple or Microsoft inside the classroom?

• Google Apps and Chromebooks are extremely easy to use. Students and teachers can access thousands of web apps and extensions, most free, as well as everything on the internet.  
• Schools using Chromebooks have great experiences with limited issues or concerns.
• Unlimited file storage on Google Drive (any type of file)
• plenty of resources to help teachers use them to improve teaching and learning
• can use Office Editing (free app) in Docs, Sheets and Slides to edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files
• can use Office 365 or any web based software
• can be used as the only device, or in a mixed device environment
• huge community of users that share and support each other (over 50 Millions users of GAFE!!)
• Google Classroom is a game-changer…it allows teachers to share resources and communicate with students, distribute, collect and grade assignments, and so much more.  Google Classroom resources for Educators

Why Should Schools go with Google Apps and Chromebooks?

Google Apps for Education and Chromebooks Educational Resources

Resources for Teachers:

• Educational Technology Guy: Google Apps and Chromebooks Resource Page
• Google for Education Training Center - excellent resource for teachers on using Google Apps in the Classroom
• Google Chromebooks Basics course - another excellent resource for teachers using Chromebooks in the Classroom
• What Can You Do On a Chromebook? Pretty Much Everything
• Google Apps Training Site
• Learn how to Use Google Apps at School
• Google Apps and Chromebooks for Education Resources
• Lots of great resources and web apps to use with Chromebooks!
• Chromebooks do work offline
• Google Apps and Chromebooks for Special Education and Special Needs

How do they manage a Chrome device versus an Apple or Microsoft device from an admin perspective?  

• Chromebooks are extremely easy to manage, whether managing 30 or 30,000
• Management is done through web based admin console from anywhere, on any device
• do not have to physically touch the devices once they are enrolled
• settings, apps, etc are all pushed out almost instantly
• over 170 settings can be managed
• manage users, networks, devices, apps, and much more
• import users from a variety of systems into Google Apps easily
• easiest devices to manage
• no re-imaging,
• easily shared in as a multi-user shared device

Technical Resources:

• Educational Technology Guy: Google Apps and Chromebooks Resource Page
• Getting Started with Google Apps for Education
• Google Apps Administrator Help Center
• Chrome for Work and Education Help Center
• Google Apps for Education IT Guide
• Google Apps for Education Deployment Guide
• Google Apps Deployment Site
• Google Apps Deployment Checklists
• Chrome Device Quick Start Guide
• Chrome Device Deployment Guide

What is the ROI and price?  

• huge ROI and low prices
• GAFE is free
• most web apps are free (even when the iPad app had a fee)
• easy to use so they get used all the time in class (and <7 second start up)
• Total Cost of Ownership Calculator for Chromebooks
• Example - 1000 students - 3 year total cost of ownership
• Windows PC $6,213,000
• Chromebooks $1,071,000 - savings of $5,141,000 !!! (that is 82 % less)
• Mac and Apple are  similar to or even higher costs than Windows (higher hardware costs, more labor to deploy and manage, software costs)
• Example:

• iPad: $399 + $99 Apple Care + $99 keyboard + $49 case = $646
• Chromebook: $299 + $30 license  = $329 – half the price of an iPad
• A Chromebook ($329) and a Nexus 7 tablet ($199 + $30 license + $30 case = $259 ) (Total $588) can both be purchased for less than the price of just one iPad
• Chrome web apps are 95% free
• iPad apps, while there are free ones, are more fee based and license is non-transferable
• Windows devices have higher up-front cost, are harder to manage, require more IT support, Antivirus and more.
• Most users are using web-based apps anyway, or there is a web based version available

Why Should Schools go with Google Apps and Chromebooks?

* Easy to use, inexpensive, easy to manage, great training and PD resources, you can do anything on them. *

Lots of great resources and web apps to use with Chromebooks!

You can do pretty much anything with a Chromebook so the sky's the limit. Here are some tips and links to web apps:

• Remember - we shouldn’t teach software (ie Word, Excel) we should teach skills, like writing, using spreadsheets and graphs, etc.
• research projects
• Google Docs has built in search - do research as you work: In Google Docs, there is a research pane where you can do a Google search directly from Google Docs
• collaboration - Google Apps is all about collaboration.
• more collaboration tools
• create projects - reports (Docs), websites (sites), graphics (Draw), blogs (Blogger), videos and more (see below)
• online portfolios
• 3D CAD https://www.tinkercad.com/
• coding - especially for 3D printers - https://codebender.cc/
• e-textbooks
• mind mapping
• voice recording
• graphics and photo editing (Adobe Cloud too)
• animations
• video creating and editing
• student choice for projects and assignments
• extra help (go to the web or apps)
• make music all online (SoundTrap)
• Write Music in Google Documents
• database (ie. MS Access) app
• virtual labs and science
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
• online scientific and graphing calculators
• virtual field trips and tours (Google Maps street view is great for this too)
• online assessments
• programming/computer science
• Robotics - Scratch, Hummingbird Robotics, The Finch Robot
• organization skills
• note taking and class planning apps
• guest speakers via Hangouts
• recommended apps for reading and writing across the curriculum (see above also)
• Writing apps and Resources
• Third Party Apps for Reading and Writing
• How to Use Web 2.0 to Teach Literacy Strategies to Struggling Readers
• Students can write, create blogs, collaborate on writing projects and more.
• There are apps to help students with reading.
• When reading on a Chromebook, the student can easily search for the definition for an unknown word instead of struggling.

• Google Apps and Chromebooks Web App Recommendations - a whole lot!
• What Can You Do On a Chromebook? Pretty Much Everything

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Turn any exisiting PC or Mac into fully functional Chromebook - for free!

Neverware, a startup that has developed a software product, CloudReady, in partnership with Google, which turns almost any computer from the last 8 years into a full-fledged Chromebook.

Since launching this spring in the K-12 education market, they've deployed CloudReady in over 100 school districts, helping them dramatically extend the life and functionality of their existing computers. Earlier this month they quietly released a completely free version of the product for individual use, and they've had really positive feedback from the IT & enthusiast communities,

Yesterday, they officially announced the free version for individual use to the public. Imagine being able to use that old PC or Mac you have lying around as a Chromebook. It will run faster and better than it used to and provide you with more years of useful life for your old devices.

I'm going to install it on my old laptop and netbook and see how it goes.

If you want to use this in your school and managed the devices through the Admin Console, contact Neverware for more info. 

Check it out!

Neverware’s CloudReady converts existing computers into fully functional Chromebooks

NEW YORK – October 15, 2015 – Neverware announced the availability of a free version of CloudReady, an operating system that, in partnership with Google, turns almost any existing PC or Mac into a fully functional Chromebook.
Like the paid version of CloudReady, the free offering has been certified by Neverware on nearly 200 computer models and can be used on hundreds of others. Both versions include automatic updates and simple installation from a USB thumb drive. Since CloudReady is based on the same code that powers Chromebooks, it offers complete and secure integration with Google Apps and other Google services.

“We’re very excited to be able to offer a free version of CloudReady,” said Neverware CEO Jonathan Hefter. “This will allow users around the world to have free access to the simplicity and speed of Chromebooks, using the computers they already have.”
The paid version of CloudReady, which offers dedicated support and integration with Google’s device management console, launched in spring 2015. It has already been purchased by over 100 school districts in the United States, and CloudReady pilot programs are underway with organizations in 10 countries.

“Our teachers are amazed that they are using the same hardware - the difference in student engagement is astounding.”, commented Dawn Young, Director of Educational Technology at Binghamton School district in New York. “As we move to learning environments that require increased access to technology, CloudReady has been a great way to increase our device to student ratio.”

CloudReady can be downloaded for free at neverware.com

About Neverware
Neverware is a New York-based developer of operating systems. Its flagship product, CloudReady, enables school districts and other organizations to cost effectively transform their existing hardware into simple, secure, and fast machines that can be managed right alongside Chromebooks.

Neverware recently launched a joint initiative with Google to let organizations that have never tried Chromebooks to do so, cost-free, using CloudReady. Neverware’s investors include Khosla Ventures, General Catalyst, Rethink Education, and Collaborative Fund.

Product images, case studies, company bios and additional quotes are available at: www.neverware.com/media

Related:

Google Apps and Chromebooks Resources




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rosterSync for Admins and Teachers - sync your SIS to Google Classroom

rosterSync is a great new, free tool from New Visions Cloud Lab, the same people behind the Chromebook Inventory Tool. rosterSync has two versions: Super Admin and Teacher.



rosterSync: Super Admin Edition
The Super Admin edition allows GAFE super admin's to create and update Google Classroom, including populating classes, using CSV exports from Student Information Systems. SIS systems that are currently supported include Blackbaud, Infinite Campus, NYC DOE STARS and PowerSchool.

This tool means that teachers don't have to create classes and have students join using a code.

rosterSync: Teacher Edition

The Teacher Edition allows teachers to sync a Google Classroom course roster -- including student email addresses -- directly with Google Sheets for handy use with Add-ons like Doctopus, formMule, autoCrat, formRanger, and others. This will save teachers and students who use those tools a lot of time. 

Related:

Google for Education Resources (Google Apps, Chromebooks and more)

Google Classroom resources for Educators

Chromebook Deployment Help Resources

GAFE and Chromebooks Admin Console Best Practices and Tips

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Remembering 9/11 14 years later

I was in EMS for 22 years before retiring due to a back injury. One of my most memorable experiences was responding to New York City as a Paramedic in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. I will never forget that experience. What I saw and did are still with me, as is a type of asthma from breathing the dust. My Experience as a Paramedic on 9-11-01 

As the years have gone by, I've noticed that people are not remembering this terrible event like they did the first few years after. I know that my EMS, Fire and Police colleagues all do, as do the brave men and women of our armed forces who fight every day against terrorism.

I've also noticed less being done in schools lately. Most of today's students weren't even born when 9/11 occurred. Please teach them about it (facts only please) and make sure they understand what it means.



Yesterday, this photo was taken showing a rainbow leading right to the WTC site and the Freedom Tower!

United We Stood, United We Stand Today is a day Americans will never forget. It is a day of remembrance, a day of reflection and a day to be proud. It is a day we honor and remember the thousands of lives lost, the survivors, and those who rose up in service in response to the attacks on 9-11-2001. It is a day we pay tribute to and reflect on the sacrifices of the public safety workers and the men and women in our military who serve us and protect us 365 days a year. It is a day Americans can be proud of the way we came together following the attacks on 9-11. United We Stood. United We Stand.

Here are some more resources about my experience on 9/11 and 9/11 in general:

My Experience as a Paramedic on 9-11-01

Remembering 9/11 (from 2009)

Great collection of sites about Osama bin Laden, terrorism, and the wars in the Middle East from Larry Ferlazzo.

http://www.history.com/content/9-11/102-minutes

http://makehistory.national911memorial.org/

http://www.national911memorial.org/site/PageServer?pagename=New_Home

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1921566_1932073,00.html

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2008/08/13/the-best-sites-to-help-teach-about-911/







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Welcome Back to School! Here are some great resources to get the year started right!

Welcome back to school! I hope everyone had a great summer and was able to relax and recharge. My wife's district started back on August 24th, some other schools around here started last week, and many start today.

The beginning of the year is always a little crazy for all teachers. Getting your room setup, implementing new ideas into your lesson plans, getting to know your students, and just settling back in to the routine can be busy and stressful. Remember to not over do it and take time for yourself. 

One thing I've done in the past that helped me is using a check list of everything I have to do when school starts, including setting up my room (computer, bulletin boards, etc), things I want to post in my room, lesson ideas and more in Evernote. I modify it each year, adding new things for the following year. 

Here are some more tips, resources, and help to get your school year started on a positive note, and keep it that way. 

Advice to New College Graduates about to enter the Teaching profession 

Summary of new teacher tips, urban schools issues, technology resources

My Favorite Resources for Teachers and Students

Evernote for Education Resources - the ultimate note taking, web clipping, lesson planning resource

Create a Personal Learning Network - a PLN is an excellent resource for help, advice, and sharing ideas.

Google for Educators - Google has a huge number of free resources for teachers and students. Check them all out (they're all free).

Overview of some free technology that can help you be more organized and efficient.


Good luck and I hope everyone has a great school year!!



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