Taking matters into your own hands

Experiences in the deployment of google chromebooks for language learning

T.MacKinnon@warwick.ac.uk

Context:

• Language classes wanting internet access• Lab provision too old and expensive• Student expectations• Real vs controlled interaction• Meeting a wide range of tutor needs

Pilot project:

• 15 devices and a charging cabinet• Use Chrome O/S, updates automatically• Contract similar to that of mobile phone• Secure domain on Google apps for education• Control panel for domain• Users can share docs to their own email

account to continue beyond classroom

Risk assessment

• Risks:Data securityDevice securityGoogle fear

• Rewards:Innovative teachingStudent engagementCollaborative teachingDigital wisdomOpening classroom walls

Activities:

• Staff training drop in sessions• Accessing activities in our VLE Languages@Warwick• Co-creating documents using google docs• Using web resources for role play support

(shopping/tickets etc.)• “Guess who” using google talk across devices• Accessing google apps for language learning

Issues and advantages:

• Availability of wifi• Staff familiarity with

device• Finding best settings for

the domain• Shifting landscape

• Greater personalisation of activities

• Speed of set up• Portability• Student familiarity with

Chrome browser• Ease of sharing • Increased ownership of

learning

Please connect to follow this project and others:

On twitter:Warwicklanguage

On youtube:WarwickLanguage