Google Apps and Chromebook Pilot Findings

Results from Google Apps & Chromebook Pilots

The feedback of the pilots from both staff and students both via the project and from the outcome of the School of Education research was hugely positive:

Working in partnership with schools

Both Westover and St. Georges were keen to work with the University from the outset, although this was not typical of many schools we visited. The feedback received from staff about the level of support received and the confidence this gave them was overwhelmingly positive. As this was a free service, further investigation would be required as to the best business model moving forwards: whether schools would be willing to pay for the service (even if operated on a not-for-profit basis), whether limited services could be provided for free, or if subscribed schools could operate a joint cost-sharing service and cover the cost themselves.

Skills and experience provided

University staff were able to operate within and on behalf of Westover Primary School efficiently and effectively, and feedback indicates that the support received was always satisfactory. Technical support and support was given by the UoP’s Information Services team, and specialist advice on the applications that could be used for certain subject areas was provided by the School of Education and Continuing Studies. If a cost sharing group was set up this specialist knowledge could be even further developed.

Solution benefits

Feedback indicates that the use of Chromebooks and Google Apps in the classroom provided real benefits in terms of student engagement and collaboration, as well as reducing the amount of administration required by tutors. The low cost of devices (from £150 per Chromebook, plus £19 per device for the use of the management console) is a major benefit for schools: a fully mobile IT suite with 24 machines and charging station can be deployed for as little as £6,500 including VAT. The use of Google Apps for Education itself is completely free, which is another major benefit for schools.

A final benefit to note here is the very low cost of supporting the devices, with the Project Team spending a total of 5 hours over the full two-month pilot providing additional help and guidance. If a shared, centralised support group was setup to provide services to a number of schools, this could be one area where significant savings are made.

Training

Initial teacher training in the use of Google products was provided by C-Learning for both the Westover and St George's pilots. In order to evaluate whether this could be delivered by a shared service group, the UoP IT Training Team attended both training sessions. The following feedback was received:

• The training content already offered by the UoP is close to matching that offered by a third party both in content and quality. 
• Content on specific products (Google Sites and Google Groups were the ones noted) could do with additional development. 
• A trainer with previous - or current - experience of working in a primary school environment will be able to offer more knowledge of using the applications in context.