Revive old hardware with ChromeOS Flex

Hardtschule Durmersheim is a Gemeinschaftsschule in Baden-Württemberg near Karlsruhe that is committed to individual support and independent learning. The approximately 560 pupils learn at their own pace and at their own level. This innovative learning concept requires a high degree of complexity and networking between all those involved. Hardtschule Durmersheim has been a winner of the German School Award since 2020.

As an innovative community school, Hardtschule Durmersheim was faced with the challenge of organizing a complex and flexible learning system - moving away from rigid curricula and frontal teaching towards a dynamic and individualized learning environment. → Further information on the learning concept

At the same time, it was important to ensure efficient communication and collaboration between students, parents, teachers and staff. The school was looking for a digital solution that would support the individual learning process and optimize collaboration and the exchange of information.

Volker Arntz, Headmaster of Hardtschule Durmersheim, explains: “We wanted to create a kind of garden of learning for the pupils, where they can walk around independently. For successful implementation, it was absolutely essential to increase the level of networking between all stakeholders.”

For a long time, the institution used Windows devices with local Microsoft Office programs as hardware. However, the time-consuming maintenance and operational problems made a different solution necessary. At the same time, the school wanted to avoid unnecessary costs and save resources.

In order to implement the digital processes, appropriate hardware and a sufficient number of school devices were required. However, instead of investing in expensive new purchases, Hardtschule Durmersheim opted for a sustainable and cost-effective alternative: ChromeOS Flex. With this cloud-based operating system, the school was able to revive its existing Windows hardware and turn it into modern Chromebooks.

We acquired high-quality laptops that had been discarded by the industry at a relatively low price. Some of them are 10 years old. These can easily be 'revitalized' with ChromeOS Flex.

Volker Arntz

Headmaster

 @ 

Hardtschule Durmersheim

Equipped with the Chrome Education Upgrade, they can be managed online via the Google Admin Console. With just a few clicks, all selected devices can be provided with settings so that security is guaranteed at all times. The Exchange server has been made redundant and replaced by the cloud solution.

Collaboration with PCG

PCG supported Hardtschule Durmersheim with the switch to ChromeOS Flex and the provision of device management licenses. In addition, they helped with the setup and configuration in the Google Admin Console and continue to be available as a contact partner.

Hardtschule Durmersheim benefits from ChromeOS Flex in a number of ways:

• Cost-effective modernization: by installing ChromeOS Flex on older laptops, the school was able to reuse its existing hardware or purchase it cheaply, reducing the cost of new devices. This made it possible to ensure a secure and modern operating system on all devices without breaking the budget.
• Easy management: ChromeOS Flex offers centralized management via the Google Admin Console. IT administrators can easily configure devices and enforce policies. This reduces administrative overhead and saves time.
• Security: ChromeOS Flex offers a high level of security through automatic updates and a sandbox environment that isolates apps and the system from each other. As a result, devices are better protected against malware and other threats.
• Speed and stability: ChromeOS Flex is a lean operating system that runs fast and stable even on older devices. This allows students and teachers to work efficiently without being hindered by slow loading times or crashes.
• Integration with cloud-based applications: ChromeOS Flex is ideal for working in the cloud. The interaction with Google Workspace for Education applications (link to other success story) promotes collaboration and productivity for everyone involved.

In summary, ChromeOS Flex has helped Hardtschule Durmersheim to modernize its hardware cost-effectively, reduce administrative overhead and increase security.

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