Using Chromebooks for Personalization, Collaboration, and Authenticity in Learning

In a journal article about mobile learning (m-learning), the authors discuss personalization, collaboration, and authenticity as characteristics that are key to effective learning through the use of technology (Kearney et. al, 2012). When used effectively and through scaffolding, Chromebooks can be great tools for teachers because they offer opportunities to personalize learning, create relevant and authentic tasks, and help students collaborate easily with their classmates and peers. Chromebooks are Google’s version of a Macbook; they operate using Google Chrome and Google’s online tools. These tools, such as Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, etc., can also be used offline for learners who may not have internet access at home. (If you want to know more about Chromebooks, their features, and how to use them, check out Holly Clark’s blog post here. She also has an entire tab on her blog dedicated to Chromebooks and Google!)

Personalization, collaboration, and authenticity are features of learning that must be considered when creating learning tasks for our students. These features help them develop 21st century skills that will serve them well as they become college and career ready individuals. Depending on a school district’s firewall, students likely have access to online tools through Google Chrome, as well as apps from Google’s Play store. Students can demonstrate their learning in any subject by creating podcasts or comic strips on a Web 2.0 tool, or curating videos using an app. Choosing how to demonstrate their learning activates the personalization feature of the m-learning framework. Gathering ideas from or working with their classmates to create a product meets the collaboration expectation. Authenticity refers to relevant or real-world tasks that require students to brainstorm solutions or gather more information. The Google Chrome feature on Chromebooks gives students access to a plethora of online resources to research and present their findings.

While Chromebooks are great for including personalization, collaboration and authenticity to learning tasks, there are also many features on Chromebooks that may distract students. Be sure to set clear expectations and help students establish goals as they are working with this resource!

References

Kearney, M., Shuck, S., Burden, K., & Aubusson, P. (2012). Viewing mobile learning from a pedagogical perspective. Research in Learning Technology, 20.