More and more schools are realizing that Google Chromebooks are the answer to updating outdated schools. Unfortunately though, in many cases they are making purchases for large scale deployment with little investment toward preparation for implementation issues or knowledge of where to turn to connect with others who have had experience in Chromebooks (and Google Apps for Ed) deployment.
That’s where learning networks come in. Fortunately there is an experienced online community available to support others venturing into this world.
Here are some resources:
Chromebook Edu (Google Community)
The Google+ community for Chromebooks, Chrome OS, and Chrome browser in EDU.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/111885171520981887334
Google Ed Groups – Find others in your geographic area
GEGs provide a geographically based platform for educators to collaborate with others who are using Google and live in your area. Activities take place both online and offline. Online GEGs provide a space for educators to discuss together and learn through Google+; offline, locally run events and workshops are a way to learn and share face to face.
http://www.google.com/landing/geg/groups/
Intel Chromebook support communities
Intel Education’s community for teachers engaging in innovative practices with Chromebooks, tablets, and 2 in 1 devices.
http://engage.intel.com/community/inteleducation/rightdevice
http://engage.intel.com/community/teachersengage/
Microsoft Innovative Educator – 1:1 Partners in Learning
Microsoft’s 1:1 hot topic in their Partners in Learning (PiL) community. Join a “dream team” of practitioners from around the world who have designed and/or taught in 1:1 classrooms and schools and will be sharing their ideas and thoughts.
http://www.pil-network.com/HotTopics/1to1learning
Twitter lists
Chromebook Eds – A public list by Michael Podraza (20 members)
https://twitter.com/EGHSPrincipalRI/chromebook-eds/members
Chromebook Gurus – A public list by Beth Still (13 members)
https://twitter.com/BethStill/lists/chromebook-gurus
The Chromebook EDU Consortium
The Chromebook EDU Consortium brings custom learning solutions to schools deploying Chromebooks and Google Apps. We are passionate about your success in deploying Google solutions for academic achieve and deliver a range of professional development paths.
https://sites.google.com/site/chromebookedu/chromebook-training-consortium
Have you deployed Chromebooks in your school or district? If you have, do you use any of these networks? What was your experience? Where else do you turn for support?
Lisa Nielsen writes for and speaks to audiences across the globe about learning innovatively and is frequently covered by local and national media for her views on “Passion (not data) Driven Learning,” "Thinking Outside the Ban" to harness the power of technology for learning, and using the power of social media to provide a voice to educators and students. Ms. Nielsen has worked for more than a decade in various capacities to support learning in real and innovative ways that will prepare students for success. In addition to her award-winning blog, The Innovative Educator, Ms. Nielsen’s writing is featured in places such as Huffington Post, Tech & Learning, ISTE Connects, ASCD Wholechild, MindShift, Leading & Learning, The Unplugged Mom, and is the author the book Teaching Generation Text.
Disclaimer: The information shared here is strictly that of the author and does not reflect the opinions or endorsement of her employer.
