. Today I used my magical key to open up the greatly anticipated Chromebook cart in our classroom. The kids were THRILLED to be assigned their "very own" Chromebook for use in class. We had a discussion about the BIG responsibility it is to have a personal computer at your desk and discussed the rules. We also practiced carrying, opening, and closing the Chromebooks properly.
We are the ONLY classroom in the entire downstairs to have Chromebooks and it is an incredible privilege to be trusted with them. As of now, no other 1st or 2nd graders are going to get them for the remainder of the school year (they will start to roll-out in other classes downstairs starting with 2nd grade as early as next year). So, you might be wondering...what does this mean for my child as a student?
Well, first and foremost, they certainly will have a "leg up" as any experience with the device is going to help them in the years to come. Most assessments are being not-s0-slowly moved to an online format to save money/resources; this is a barrier for many children who may have the skills, but lack the knowledge of the device they are being tested on. Today, each child was given their own Google login and password for their personal account. They will use the same account their entire time at AJ. We have begun practicing using them to personalize and bookmark "their" Chromebook with essential pages to help them be successful with the technology; I have no doubt, these kids will have their logins and passwords memorized within the week as they are VERY excited!!! Another piece we will focus on now with our Chromebooks is typing. Your child will begin using "typing club" under their Google account to track their progress in this skill.
For 2nd grade students, it is becoming more and more imperative that they have basic typing abilities as our state tests (grades 3-5) are all on computers now (as well as ELL testing beginning this year). If your child is a 1st grader, the most important skill at this time is learning to navigate a web screen, use a touch pad (rather than a mouse), dragging, scrolling, clicking/"right" clicking (2 fingers on the touchpad of a Chromebook), and other basic functions of the device. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be discussing digital citizenship with all students in class and helping the kids to learn how to identify different features of a webpage and HOW to search for informational purposes. In teaching these skills young, your child will have a huge advantage next year and the years after as our district intends to use Chromebooks in all 2nd-5th grade classrooms within 3 years (K-1st will be receiving tablets).
I know that many of you may have questions or comments regarding the use of Chromebooks in the classroom and I would love to answer them or listen to your thoughts. As always, please don't hesitate :).
We are the ONLY classroom in the entire downstairs to have Chromebooks and it is an incredible privilege to be trusted with them. As of now, no other 1st or 2nd graders are going to get them for the remainder of the school year (they will start to roll-out in other classes downstairs starting with 2nd grade as early as next year). So, you might be wondering...what does this mean for my child as a student?
Well, first and foremost, they certainly will have a "leg up" as any experience with the device is going to help them in the years to come. Most assessments are being not-s0-slowly moved to an online format to save money/resources; this is a barrier for many children who may have the skills, but lack the knowledge of the device they are being tested on. Today, each child was given their own Google login and password for their personal account. They will use the same account their entire time at AJ. We have begun practicing using them to personalize and bookmark "their" Chromebook with essential pages to help them be successful with the technology; I have no doubt, these kids will have their logins and passwords memorized within the week as they are VERY excited!!! Another piece we will focus on now with our Chromebooks is typing. Your child will begin using "typing club" under their Google account to track their progress in this skill.
For 2nd grade students, it is becoming more and more imperative that they have basic typing abilities as our state tests (grades 3-5) are all on computers now (as well as ELL testing beginning this year). If your child is a 1st grader, the most important skill at this time is learning to navigate a web screen, use a touch pad (rather than a mouse), dragging, scrolling, clicking/"right" clicking (2 fingers on the touchpad of a Chromebook), and other basic functions of the device. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be discussing digital citizenship with all students in class and helping the kids to learn how to identify different features of a webpage and HOW to search for informational purposes. In teaching these skills young, your child will have a huge advantage next year and the years after as our district intends to use Chromebooks in all 2nd-5th grade classrooms within 3 years (K-1st will be receiving tablets).
I know that many of you may have questions or comments regarding the use of Chromebooks in the classroom and I would love to answer them or listen to your thoughts. As always, please don't hesitate :).