Google Chromebook provides an attractive option for teachers who want to better leverage innovative technology in their classroom. The only impediment is learning how to best use the Chromebook, something now addressed by an online class designed specifically for teachers.

Chromebook, and the search key lets you search your apps and the web at the same time. Some special keys sit along the top of Chromebook keyboards. If you’re using a Windows keyboard with your Chromebook, the F keys at the top of the keyboard will work just like the keys below.
Chrome apps were originally designed for Chromebooks (and have now been made available for Windows and Mac, with iOS and Android support to follow soon). As Chromebooks have a small internal storage capacity, they rely heavily on web-based apps.
The newest revolution in classroom computing can be found in Chromebooks—small, basic laptops that connect to the Internet using Google’s Chrome operating system. In late 2014, sales of Chromebooks to schools surpassed sales of iPads for the first time, signifying a shift toward keyboard-based technologies, especially for older students.

The “Chromebook Classroom” course from Fresno Pacific University offers educators the opportunity to learn about the Chromebook while also earning professional development credits. The 100% online course covers the “nuts and bolts” of the device while also offering in-depth information on productivity apps, online surveys and learning groups.

Chromebooks run Chrome OS, a stripped-back, Linux-based operating system which revolves mainly around the Chrome browser. Although an increasing number of apps which also work offline are now available for it, the idea is that most of what you do on a Chrome OS device is done online using the Chrome browser. Chromebooks (Chrome OS) - Effective Curriculum Ideas To Chrome or Not to Chrome? Chromebooks have great potential and are starting to make more of an appearance in schools, however Chromebooks will not fulfil everyone's needs. Chromebooks are backed by the power of Google and run on Google's operating system (Chrome OS.).

Why Use Chromebook in the Classroom?

Affordable yet powerful, the Chromebook offers teachers a low-cost way to integrate digital tools in the classroom. The Chromebook gives students and teachers access to internet connectivity and a broad range of applications.

On its education webpage, Google writes that Chromebooks make education more efficient and engaging. Chromebooks are lightweight and easy for students to carry. As with many products from Google, the emphasis is on simplicity and shareability. Students can use Chromebooks to collaborate with other students.

Google offers ideas for Chromebook use in categories that include coding, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, family and community engagement, multimedia creation, music composition, STEM and social-emotional learning.

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In one of many recent, positive reviews for the course, an Ohio teacher wrote that the class is “very informative. Assignments were things I could use in my classroom the next day! Assignments were easy to follow and relevant to the times.”

What You Learn in the Fresno Pacific Course

The Chromebook Classroom course from Fresno Pacific University first covers all the basic uses of the Chromebook before delving deeper into ways it can revolutionize how educators approach leading a class.

The course is hands-on, but you are not required to have a Chromebook. You can also use a computer with Windows or an Apple MacIntosh.

The course is taught by Steve Young, who has a Master of Arts in Educational Technology from Fresno Pacific University. A teacher himself (now retired), Young has developed online education courses for teachers since the mid-1990s.

A Pennsylvania teacher wrote in a review that Young is “always prompt and helpful.” Another teacher in Ohio wrote, “I appreciate the accessibility to Steve when I needed it. I felt challenged by the assignments and proud of my useful results. Keep doing this, Steve. We need you.”

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The Chromebook Classroom course is one of hundreds offered through the Fresno Pacific University Continuing Education program. It allows teachers to earn professional development credits in a wide range of areas. All courses are offered online, giving educators the opportunity to expand their skillset from wherever they live in the country.

Topics Covered in The Chromebook Classroom

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The Chromebook Classroom course covers a lot of ground. Topics include:

Introduction to the Chromebook
Hardware Tips and Tricks
Filing and (Cloud) Storage
Apps for the Chromebook
Using a Mac or Windows with Chromebook Apps
Using Productivity Apps

Teachers learn about using Word processing, presentation and spreadsheet documents. They also take a pre-course and post-course survey.

Learning outcomes for the course include:

Familiarity with learning theory terms as they pertain to learning with technology.
Understanding a teacher’s role in using Chromebooks in the classroom
Using modeled teaching strategies to instruct others in the techniques of instructing with technology
Developing classroom management strategies when working with Chromebooks
Identifying technology uses for peer-to-peer and student communication
Gaining hands-on experience in creating curriculum-specific projects using Chromebooks

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By the end of the course, teachers will know how to access and navigate Chrome OS, create and access documents, access and use web-based apps, manage a Chromebook classroom and work collaboratively.