Chromebooks are experiencing great popularity in the education sector. In 2020, the already steadily growing demand for Chromebooks picked up again strongly and roughly quadrupled compared to the previous year. At the beginning of 2021, the growth trend continued as well and was once again 75% higher. (Source:
Canalys
, Gartner). This growth is primarily driven by the education sector. In the USA, the market share here is 58%, but Chromebooks are also the best-selling devices in the education sector in countries like Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and Spain.
The market is also growing in Germany. But what is it that makes Chromebooks so interesting for educational institutions compared to Windows and Apple devices? Let’s summarise the 10 most important advantages of Chromebooks for use in schools and universities.
1. Affordable devices
Since a Chromebook is designed for online use, the speed is less dependent on the laptop's specifications. This also affects the price, which is why Chromebooks are comparatively cheap. The devices are already available at a price of around 300 Euros, including the licence for the management console.
Chromebooks are already available at prices from 300 Euros.
2. Speed and long battery life
The average start-up time is less than 7 seconds. This results in significantly less time wasted during timed class periods than with conventional devices. The long battery life is also a major advantage, with most devices lasting between 8 and 15 hours depending on usage. Thus, a Chromebook lasts the entire school day and can also be used in classrooms with limited charging options.
3. Robustness
Most Chromebooks for education have been tested to military standards. This means they can withstand the drops and shocks of everyday school life, as well as splashing water.
4. Central management
All Chromebooks linked to a management licence can be centrally managed online via an admin console. This significantly reduces the IT burden on teachers. The devices can be easily set up for entire schools or universities in just a few days. The integrated and easy-to-use management console also allows non-IT staff to manage the devices.
5. Individual settings
Chromebooks offer the perfect opportunity to tailor devices to meet individual needs and requirements. In addition to setting up school-specific policies, administrators can use the web-based management console to set up user accounts, apps and user groups for all Chromebooks, no matter where the devices are located. Unwanted apps, websites and extensions can also be easily blocked.
6. Using Chromebooks for exams
Kiosk mode makes Chromebooks ideal for exam situations. With Kiosk mode, students have limited access to the browser.
Homework, assignments, or group projects can be easily completed from home as well.
7. Security
Chrome OS automatically updates itself in the background, eliminating the need for manual updates and extra anti-virus protection. With multiple security measures in place, viruses and malware hardly stand a chance. In addition, there are numerous setting options for the lessons that also increase security.
8. Use with or without Google account
Chromebooks can be used in two different ways to be GDPR compliant. The first method is without a Google account, using a so-called “managed guest” session. This means that the user doesn't need a personal login on the device and is given direct access to applications, such as the learning management system being used.
The second option is to access the Chromebooks with pseudonymised Google student accounts and therefore in conjunction with Google Workspace for Education. There is also a paid version of Google Workspace for Education, which can be used to limit the data area at EU level.
9. Shareability: Everybody can use any device
Chromebooks can be easily shared between students with or without a Google account, so not every student needs their own device.
10. Collaboration from anywhere
With Google Workspace for Education apps, multiple students can collaborate on a document in real time, and not just at the local school or university. Homework, assignments or group projects can also be easily completed from home, alone or with classmates/fellows.
Digital tools offer teachers and students an extension of their existing learning methods. There is no need for complicated set-up and management of devices. Chromebooks are a quick and cost-effective way to achieve this goal. A fast, intuitive, and easy-to-manage digital learning medium for students, teachers, faculty, and administrators. So teachers can spend more time teaching and students can have more fun learning.
With our Chromebook Trial Programme, schools and universities can try Chrome devices for 6 weeks, free of charge.