Licensed to Type

Dana Morrison
Media

At GRACE, we have a diverse ensemble of desktops and laptops at our disposal. Most users are working in the world of Apple, using 13 inch MacBook Pros, 11 inch MacBook Airs, and a few odd-ball devices here and there. Oh, and dare I (Dana) forget to mention those that are trapped in the world of all things Windows?

For most engaged in the IT realm, I think we automatically focus on the power tools. We, or at least I, think of the full computer with the full OS and the dedicated hardware as being the tool of choice. Yet, one has to admit that not every tool is appropriate for every staff member or student. Just as you wouldn't think about setting a toddler behind the steering wheel of a moving vehicle, I think it is premature to try to put a 15 inch MacBook Pro in front of a 3rd grader.

Enter Chromebooks. Our 3rd grade students have had the opportunity to learn responsibility. They have to assemble themselves in an orderly fashion to retrieve and return the Chromebooks. They must use them in a respectful manner in the classroom. They must follow the teacher's instructions at all times. They must also demonstrate proper typing technique. Not only is it a great introduction for our 3rd graders, it is also prep for the 4th grade, where they have even greater responsibility and access to a more powerful laptop.

As an educator, I cannot simply plop any device in front of a student and expect a good result if the student has not been properly instructed first. Our 3rd graders won't be creating flyers and powerpoint presentations, editing video, or making a newsletter; however, they are at least licensed to type. We'll worry about all the other licenses later.