Antioch Community High School teachers have introduced Google Chromebooks into the curriculum for a variety of classes. The ACHS social studies department is one of the few who use the new Chromebooks as often as possible. U.S. History teacher and social studies department chair John Walker tries to use the Chromebooks as a daily routine for his students.
“I try to get the Chromebooks as often as I can for my students,” said Walker.
Many students would share that they do not necessarily enjoy the Chromebooks, but they do help them in class with assignments and homework.
“I think they are kind of fun to use in class! At times, there are problems with them, and it’s difficult because not everyone can access the material at home. I think everyone is going to have to get used to them because they’re going to be the future of education,” said junior Melissa Nettgen.
Walker has decided to put the assignments and handouts for his class on a website he created. Students now can access everything at home or any place that has a computer and Internet access. Google Chrome can also be used on smart phones. During class time, the students now use the Chromebooks to complete in-class assignments and share information with other students in the class. Another helpful tool for students is the organizational components of Google Drive. Students now have an easier time looking for documents in their Google Drive and the cloud aspect of Google Drive can save all documents without students manually saving it.
“The main point is that we can work more efficiently to meet the goals and standards of the class,” said Walker.
Although there are may be some problems with the Chromebooks, many students share that they do make class more interesting.
“I would choose to use the Chromebooks if I had a choice. It’s a little something different from every other class,” said Nettgen.
The future is all about change, and as technology advances, education also has to advance with it. Change can be difficult, but it will happen and being ready to learn how to use technology is key.
“It is not all about the Chromebooks, it’s about the learning,” said Walker.
