Lucie,

No discussion regarding ergonomics, however, I agree with you that if a device is going to be used for extended time each day, then user habits as well as device layout could be looked at. (As someone who has had the responsibility in previous employment to look at ergonomics, I think this is something that has had very little address in the Educational realm - perhaps I just have not been listening for that conversation and optimistically oblivious to the subject.) Keyboard size, distance of the keyboard from front edge of device, screen size...all factors in ergonomics, and more so is HOW the user interacts with the device, especially for extended periods of time.

Students in the schools I support use the CTL NL6 series Chromebook and it looks like we will be moving to the J5 for Staff. I am, again, optimistic that the flip/touch Chromebook fits both Staff and Student needs in the Chrome and Android markets (keyboarded and tablet dual functionality)...we shall see. My opinion is that we (Staff) should use as similar device as possible to what Students use. Granted, the OS and most functionality doesn't change greatly between Chromebook models. Both are 11.6" screen models.

As with any device choice, the user's needs (and habits?) should be part of the discussion before purchase.

I look forward to others' comments on this thread.

Keith

On Wed, Dec 13, 2017 at 4:35 PM, Lucie deLaBruere <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Keith you mentioned that you were switching from Mac to Chromebooks for educators..

I'm curious if there is a difference between the teacher/student device on the teacher device. And has anyone tried a Pixel or other high end Chromebook. Are they worth it?

The reason I ask is that while I was working directly with students I wanted to make sure that my device was the same as theirs so I would know what their issues are and be able to support them.

Ergonomics has always been important to me, but even more so since my work now has a different focus and I spend long hours on my computer supporting my online students. I was having some issues with wrist, shoulder, arm pain - that went away after I started I switched from a cheaper machine or Chromebook to a Mac.

Since I live in the cloud, I think I could use a Chromebook as my main device if it had a keyboard /tract pad and display that were ergonomically designed to meet the long hours I spend on a computer. I find that the cheap Chromebook I have as my secondary device is challenging for long spells on the computer.

Just curious if anyone has experience with a Chromebook that has been designed with ergonomics in mind. Any recommendations welcomed!

Lucie

--
Lucie deLaBruere
www.LearningWithLucie.com
http://twitter.com/techsavvygirl

Google Voice (802) 557 0013

[log in to unmask]

--------------------------------------
Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.
- James M. Barrie
---------------------------------------
Google Certified Educator / Google for Education Certified Trainer, Raspberry Pi Certified Educator

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Search the SCHOOL-IT Archive

Manage your Subscription to SCHOOL-IT

Keith Puffer
Technology Coordinator
Harwood Unified Union School District
340 Mad River Park, Suite 7
Waitsfield, VT 05673
802-583-7959
Fax: 802-496-6515