Q&A from the audience
When someone asked if Chromebooks would have access to Google Education, Kahlich answered that Chromebooks run with chrome applications available in the Chrome web store while Google Play applications are Android applications, so they are currently two separate entities.
Why should schools use Google Apps instead of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)?
Handler replied that part of the problem with BYOD is students bring different devices, each of which supports different capabilities. With Google Apps, students receive the same device and the same functionalities.
What were the biggest challenges during implementation of going 1:1?
Handler said that the deployment of 3,000 tablets took about one week and the process was smooth. Rolling out the wireless feature in the classrooms was more challenging because passwords were frequently changed. Looking back, Handler adds, we should have set up the wireless system provisionally instead of manually.
Regarding age restrictions, Kahlich said for Google Apps, it is the school’s responsibility to handle covering age requirements for 13 and under for privacy and security reasons. Handler said that when rolling out Google Apps, parents have to sign for their children because it is part of the curriculum.
Listen to the entire webinar here.
Kristin Kahlich is a member of the Google in Education team, helping schools to transform their classrooms with the help of open, affordable technology. Before starting with Google, she was focused on computer-based learning for professionals with the marketing team at Enspire Learning, a small company that designs online simulations, courses, and games for corporate training.
Joel T. Handler is the Director of Technology for the Hillsborough School Township Public Schools in New Jersey. He has two masters degrees, one in Computer Science and another in Educational Administration from Rutgers University. He has presented at several New Jersey venues including Techspo, and NJASA, NY/NJ Google Apps Summit and ISTE 2012. Under his leadership, the district has made great strides in technology integration in a short amount of time thereby transforming the delivery of instruction and the learning of all students K-12.
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