Chromebooks, and presumably Google apps, have become top of the pops in Kiwi schools, Google says citing research from IDC.
Citing IDC research, Google says New Zealand has joined the list of countries, including Sweden and the United States, where Chromebooks are the number one device used in schools.
“Chromebooks continue to be a top choice for schools,” Arunachalam Muthiah, senior market analyst at IDC NZ, is quoted saying on the offical Google blog.
“After Chromebooks’ strong performance in 2016, we see a similar trend in the first half of 2017 with Chromebooks gaining a total shipment market share of 46 per cent, continuing to hold their position as the number-one selling device in schools across New Zealand.”
Muthiah told Reseller News Windows devices (across both PC and tablets) took second place with 32 per cent of education segment share in the first half of 2017. Apple, a one-time powerhouse in education, was third with a share of 22 per cent.
Google's official blog showcased the experiences of two local schools, Manaiakalani Community of Learning in East Auckland and Bombay School in south Auckland, to show how technology - and specifically the Chromebook - is transforming education.
Manaiakalani chose Chromebooks to support its education goals and to manage budget challenges.
"We broke apart the barriers of the 9 am to 3 pm school day,” said Dorothy Burt, head of the Manaiakalani education programme and digital learning coordinator, based at Point England School.
"We’re seeing not only engagement, but actual literacy outcomes improve - it’s made a huge difference to the opportunities students will have in the future.”
Students use G-Suite for Education on their Chromebooks, allowing them to work with other students, teachers, and parents from anywhere.
At Bombay School, students used to get only an hour a week of computer access. The school decided on a 1:1 “bring your own device” programme with Chromebooks, including secure device management using a Chrome education licence.
“Technology overcomes constraints,” the blog quotes Paul Petersen, principal of Bombay School, saying. “If I don’t understand multiplication today, I can learn about it online. I can look for help. I can practice at my own pace, anywhere I am.”
Access to learning opportunities increased and seemingly helped boost results: in 2014 Bombay School seniors scored in the 78th percentile for reading; in 2016, they reached nearly the 90th percentile.
