I have a netbook myself (Lenovo S10e) and I have to say that (a) I understand why they’ve taken off, and (b) I really love mine, despite being a complete Mac addict (Mac tablet…where are you???). Netbooks have become pervasive in education for a number of reasons, but primarily being the confluence of web 2.0 and cloud computing, and the affordability–now going to a 1:1 student-to-computer ratio is more of a reality for many schools. Here’s a recent workshop created for Emma Lazarus High School in NYC.
Netbooks have become very popular in education. Why?
-Inexpensive, easier to create a 1:1 student-to-computer ratio
-Greater access to student hands-on use
-Apps are moving to the web, cloud computing, Google/power of computer matters less
-Platform matters less
-Software matters less/open source
-Very portable, manageable
-Usually long battery life
Some Downsides:
-Limitations: not great for large software programs, SMART Boards, Google Earth, Second Life
-Theft more tempting, easier to tuck away
-Often not as sturdy as a regular laptop
-Keyboards can pose a challenge for students with large hands
Managing a Classroom with Laptops:
-”Lids down” as a signal to pay attention
-Sign-out process that is clear and efficient
-OR always assign 1 laptop per student & keep a record
-Students directed to report tech issues immediately/setup an online form to report problems/class chart
-Desks/room arranged so teacher can see screens easily
-Timer projected for independent work
-Build in time for distribution and putting netbooks away
-Remember to recharge/plug in netbooks, leave cart in good order
-Have a check-in, check-out process for all classrooms
-Keep a print binder on the cart to report problems, as well as an online form to report tech issues
-Assign a student tech leader (which can rotate) who can assist students, facilitate the process
-Remove and secure cart keys–keep in a safe place with a check-in/check-out process as well
-Agree upon a management and sharing system for laptop carts if equipment is much in demand
Recommended Open Source Software:
-Open Office (complete Office suite)
-Audacity (audio editing)
-Gimp (photo editing)
-Firefox (web browser)
-Google Earth (mapping, but not always compatible with netbooks)
-Picasa (photo management)
-Skype (VOIP, communication, conferencing)
-Moodle (e-learning)
-Linux or Ubuntu operating system…if you’re ready
Recommended Web 2.0 Sites:
-Gmail (email)
-Google Apps (complete array of apps)
-Flickr (photo sharing)
-Google Maps (mapping, location)
-Animoto (video editing, presentation)
-Ning (social networking)
-Blogger or WordPress (blogging)
-Weebly (web site creation)
-Google Sites (wiki & web site)
-Wikispaces (wikis)
-VoiceThread (storytelling, presentations)
-Vimeo (video sharing)
-Evernote (note-taking, web clipping)
-Diigo (social bookmarking, research, web clipping)
Google Docs (docs.google.com)
-Complete replacement for Microsoft…and goes one better. Able to collaborate on a single document and has form creation.
-Online and offline access, will sync up when offline to update your work.
-Can achieve a paperless classroom: good method for students to submit assignments, presentations, quizzes and worksheets
-Great for group work (no lazy group members–revision history)
-Peer editing and collaboration truly possible, no longer artificial process
-Teacher to student feedback is terrific
-Students able to see and compare drafts, revision process made clear
-Have access to documents anywhere, anytime, from Mac to PC–no more compatibility issues
-Completely compatible with Microsoft & Open Office in both directions (can upload from and download to)
-Great for students who do NOT have a computer at home or may be jumping on when they can–keeps a central place for their work
-Completely free, education edition nearly same as corporate
-Have to work up your own classroom process with students/how to title documents/sharing with the teacher=what works best for you
Resources to Learn More:
-Netbook classroom experiences (ISTE Connects)
-Peer editing using Google Docs (Teachers Network)
-Classroom 2.0 (Ning social network)
-Web 2.0 for the Classroom Teacher (links)
-CoolCat Teacher (blog)
-Google Docs for Educators (Google)
