The Top 5 Things to do with a Chromebook in an Elementary Classroom

The Chromebook is very popular in schools.  The device is relatively inexpensive and it serves a variety of technological needs.  However, Chromebooks have strengths and weaknesses, so they have their fair share of critics and supporters.

The upside is there is no need for downloading expensive software, updating or upgrading any software or hardware on this machine.  Everything on a Chromebook can only be reached by a browser.  Normally, the programs accessible are all online and always updated.  Depending on the way the device is set up, there may be no need to assign a specific Chromebook to a student or little need to have a flash drive to save to.  The files are saved online.  Often, all you need is a username and a password.  I love the fact that each of these machines can be operated without a recharge for most of the workday.

The downside is the flipside of this.  You need internet access.  You can't bring your files and programs with you - you must be wired to get them.  It is also a bit of a chore to print.

Now, how can an elementary teacher use this device efficiently if there are no programs loaded onto the local device?  I have many ideas, and I would suggest that if you've worked with a Chromebook, you could add a few more.  Here are my top five:

5) Blogs (4-7)
There is no better canvas to do a school presentation than on a blog.  The variety of easy backgrounds, writing tools, ability to embed pictures, sounds and videos make it easy to put your thoughts down on paper.  It's easy to share - or not share - depending on the need.  This presentation is done on a shareable blog that can be shown on any device.  Converting files and updating software is not a problem when done online.
(https://www.blogger.com/, http://www.wordpress.com/)

4)  Coding Websites (K-7)

Students at all ages are experiencing the beginning of coding in computational thinking.  Students can go to websites where they don't even have to sign in.  They can just try to code puzzles by logically thinking through steps and dragging and dropping blocks into place.  During the International Day of Code, schools all over the world have students playing games that use building blocks for coding.  It won't be long before younger students recognize patterns and codes to script all sorts of activities.

(https://scratch.mit.edu, https://blockly-games.appspot.com/)

3)  Drawing Programs (3-7)
Having students learn how to draw on computer is a reality many artists are facing to stay competitive.  Any websites that a student can draw on, create 3D images, cartoon or animate and build 3D models give students a leg up before graduation.  I have 12 nephews and nieces.  Three of them are currently employed by companies that game, cartoon or code.  I watched a TV show recently where a famous builder was able to better plan out his design with a computer rendition of the renovation.  
(http://www.toondoospaces.com/)

2)  Classroom Portfolio and Assessment Websites (3-6)
There are many marking and assessment programs out there.  Some are free, but most of the well developed ones come with a price tag.  We have teachers that have worked with a large variety of these online programs.  One program our school is looking into for next year fits any device and is so user friendly that students can upload their own pictures and materials.  Parents can check in regularly to see how their child is progressing, and if a teacher takes a picture with one of these devices, the parent can see it as soon as it uploads.
(https://www.freshgrade.com https://www.edmodo.com/, engrade.com, edsby.com)

1) Educational Games and Sites (K-7)
Children are enticed by the bright display, the moving parts and the games that they can play while learning.  One of our primary teachers uses a reading website.  The students learn letter sounds and play games at the same time.  There is a cost to it, but the username and password is simple enough to use, and the teacher can keep track of a student's progress.  There are also math games, typing games and coding games.  Hopefully, I'm not infringing on any copyrights using links to outside websites.
(https://www.atrtonline.com, https://readingeggs.com/schools/, https://www.readinga-z.com/)

Of course, there are many more ways to utilize Chromebooks well in the elementary classroom. 
6)  Office Tools (OneDrive, Google Docs, iCloud) 
7)  Research for projects - popular amongst my elementary teachers (2learn.ca) 
8)  Communication tools (kidzworld classroom chats)
9)  Using live voting polls and surveys are always fun (pollev.com, surveymonkey.com)
10)  Current events / weather forecasts (teachingkidsnews.com, weatherwizkids.com)
11)  How to videos (hellokids.com)
12)  Answer a tough question (kidzsearch.com)
13)  Mapping quests (kids.nationalgeographic.com)

14)  Science enrichment (sciencekids.co.nz, mocomi.com)

15)  Writing / Poetry generators (readwritethink.org)

But... that will have to be another blog...