Integrating Technology Using a Chromebook

 

The Chromebook
Chromebooks are small laptops that require an internet connection. They run on the Google Chrome operating system. Users sign into the Chromebook using their Google account information and all of their preferences are immediately available. Users save their work to their Google Drive, so there is low internal storage. Chromebooks can access the internet and offer many accessibility features, like a typical laptop. Because of their features, Chromebooks find themselves being cheaper than traditional laptops and iPads. This makes them very popular in schools.

Integrating the Chromebook
When I first received my class set of Chromebooks 7 years ago, I had no idea where to start. I found myself in the Replacement stage for the first six months. I did "not have time" to teach students the technology. I had content to cover. After a few rainy days with inside recess, I quickly learned they did not need me to teach them how to use the Chromebook. I now find myself using all three levels of the R.A.T. Model. 

The R.A.T. Model was developed by Joan Hughes and stands for Replacement, Amplification, and Transformation (Hughes, 2019). 

When technology is used as a replacement, it does not enhance the instruction. The technology is replacing the original content (Hughes, 2019). In a classroom, one way to use a Chromebook as a replacement is to have students watch a BrainPop video. Instead of the teacher offering the content about the water cycle, the BrainPop video will give students this content. 

Technology can be amplified. Joan Hughes says the Amplification level "increases efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of instructional practices" (Hughes, 2019). Amplification enhances learning in the classroom. One way Amplify classroom Chromebooks is to have students create a presentation on Google slides. Using my same Watercycle example, students can create a presentation on the water cycle. 

When technology is used at the transformation level, it is used in new and original ways (Hughes, 2019). Using the water cycle example again, teachers can have students create a comic strip or cartoon to show their understanding of the water cycle. 

Chromebook Resources
There are many exciting ways to use Chromebooks in the classroom. Tom Gierke and Becky Evans created a presentation showcasing many different apps and tools that teachers can use and give examples. 
30 Ways to Use Chromebooks in Schools

There are many apps available through Chromebooks for educators. The Educatorstechnology blog shares 12 apps that are helpful for using chromebooks in the classroom. 
12 Good Chromebook Apps for Teachers

The final resource that I am going to share is a list of websites that Milwaukee with Kids shared. These websites are available to students with Chromebooks and many of them I currently use in my own elementary classroom. 
30 Best Free Educational Websites for Kids

References

Educatorstechnology. (2017, June 26). 12 Good Chromebook Apps for Teachers. 

        Educational Technology and Mobile Learning. 

        https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2017/06/12-good-chromebook-apps-

        for-teachers.html

Gierke, T., & Evans, B. (n.d.). 30 Ways to Use Chromebooks in Schools.                        https://www.oakparkusd.org/cms/lib/CA01000794/Centricity/Domain/951/

        Ways%20to%20use%20Chromebooks%20in%20the%20Classroom.pdf

Hughes, J.E. (2019). Replacement, amplification, and transformation: The R.A.T. 

        model. WordPress. Retrieved September 22, 2021, from

        https://web.archive.org/web/20190612101737/https://techedges.org/r-a-t-

        model/

MKE with Kids. (2021). 30 Best Free Educational Websites For Kids (2021). 

        Milwaukee with Kids. Retrieved September 22, 2021, from 

        https://www.mkewithkids.com/post/10-educational-websites-that-will-

        actually-let-you-work-for-an-hour-or-two/