Supporting Learners with Intuitive Technology

    In the right hands, a little technology can go a long way: especially in today’s resource-strapped schools. The ASUS Chromebook C202 with Intel Celeron processor is a rugged and flexible way of bringing dependable technology into the classroom. It’s a device designed for maximum usage, creating more learning opportunities for students.

    With this in mind, Intel Education gave away several ASUS Chromebook C202 deviceswith Intel Celeron processors to schools across the country. We were amazed at the resourceful ways educators were using the devices to instill 21st century skills within their classrooms.

    Lapoint Elementary School

    Jeanne Smith is a 2nd Grade Teacher at Lapoint Elementary School in Lapoint, Utah. Lapoint is an unincorporated community in northeastern Utah, on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation.

    “The Native American culture in our school is unique,” says Smith. “One prevailing trait is a tendency to be very right brained. These kids need more hands-on help, as they do not seem to get a lot of support from home.”

    A typical day for Smith starts with a language editing piece, then a calendar- and math- type review. Then she has her students take part in guided reading groups and centers, where students get computer time and engage in some type of reading or spelling activity. Next it’s math, which includes a 20-30 minute online math program that supports basic math fact practice. After math, some students go to the computer lab to practice reading fluency and comprehension through a program called Read Naturally. Toward the end of the day, Smith conducts reading/ Response-to-Intervention time before sending students off to specials including PE, library, music, art and computers (where much of the instruction is keyboarding).

    “While the students are at specials, teacher teams get together,” says Smith. “I must admit, I use the ASUS Chromebook all of the time during meetings because almost all of our business is shared through Google Docs!”

    Smith has been using her ASUS Chromebook in multiple ways: recording notes for teacher collaboration sessions, recording student responses for reading and math on a program called Mastery Connect. She has also been using the device to take online classes, maintain Lapoint’s Facebook page, share Google Docs with other teachers, and—of course—keep up with school email.

    With devices such as the ASUS Chromebook, learners are supported through assignments given by teachers for online practice. And teachers like having assignments done online because it can be immediately graded and recorded.

    “I can see the ASUS Chromebook helping a lot with statetesting, math fact practice, reading interventions, and math interventions,” Smith says. “The device is very good for reviewing student work and keeping up with seemingly endless review cycles while providing instant feedback. That said, you can’t rely solely on computers. Nothing can compare to a living teacher to introduce topics, to motivate, and to interact with students.”

    Earlier this year, Lapoint Elementary School was allocated $21,801 from the School Trustlands Plan: funding that is put in place for anything that directly impacts the classroom setting. The proposal authorized the purchase of a mobile lab with 30 Chromebooks for $7,250.52; 10 additional Chromebooks for $1,872.40; one HP design-jet large format printer with three rolls of paper and four ink cartridges for $2,200.

    The ASUS Chromebook helped give Smith a sneak peek into the potential the devices have in the classroom. They are durable, boast a long battery life, and act as portals to a universe of powerful digital tools to help bring children closer to 21st century learning.

    “As soon as kids are ready to keyboard on their own is an excellent time to invest in class sets of Chromebooks.,” Smith says. “There is so much that they can add to a class such as math fact practice games, read aloud sites, testing and assignments that can be distributed, graded and put on a spreadsheet all with minimal work from a teacher. Best of all, when you get to state assessments, you don’t have to wait for your turn in the computer lab to complete them. You will be back to a normal schedule sooner when your class can take these assessments in class everyday until they’re done. We have seen a gain of two weeks that otherwise would be lost to prolonged testing!”

    Purcell Public Schools

    Purcell—the “Quarterhorse Capital of the World”—is a city located in the heart of Oklahoma, with a population of approximately 6,000. Purcell Public Schools is #28 of 209 in the 2016 Districts with the Best Academics in Oklahoma, with a graduation rate of 87% and a 16:1 Student-Teacher ratio.

    The district is comprised of four schools—Pre-K through 12—with approximately 1,500 students and 200 employees.

    As District Technology Director, Kim Cummings provides desktop support while managing her district ‘s network. Kim refers to her district infrastructure as “flat” yet improving: challenged by network and filter issues.

    The new ASUS Chromebook Kim won through Intel Education allows her to troubleshoot when she is on the go at other buildings.

    “ASUS Chromebooks are mobile and can be moved to accommodate all users,” Kim says. “I love it! I would highly recommend it for educators and students. This particular model is definitely more rugged than the other Chromebooks in our district, and more able to survive a typical school day!”

    At a Glance

    Lapoint Elementary School
    • Students: Approximately 250
    • An average of two teachers per grade from K-5 (19:1 Student-Teacher ratio)
    • Approximately 46% of students are on the Free or Reduced Lunch program
    Purcell Public Schools
    • Students: Approximately 1500
    • Employees: Approximately 200
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher ratio
    ASUS Chromebook C202 Specs
    • Size: 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.88 inches
    • Weight: 2.63 pounds
    • CPU: 1.6-GHz Intel Celeron N3060
    • RAM: 2GB (upgradable to 4GB)
    • Hard Drive: 16GB
    • Display Size: 11.6
    • Resolution: 1366x768
    • Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 400
    • Ports: Headphone/Mic Jack; HDMI; USB 3.0; 2 USB ports
    • Card Slots: SD memory reader
    • Battery: 8.5 hours estimated battery life
    • Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
    Learn More

    ASUS Chromebook C202SA