Pocatello school introduces Chromebooks to classrooms

Six classrooms at a Pocatello elementary school are going digital with the launch of a Chromebook pilot program.

Under the program, about 120 fourth and fifth graders at Jefferson Elementary are using Chromebooks to complete assignments in class.

The students are able to login to Google’s education app, which teachers can also access in real-time.

“All the teachers have a laptop and we’re watching what they’re typing,” said Cathy Leavitt, a fifth grade teacher. “We can also make comments on their page while they’re working.”

The Chromebooks were rolled out when school resumed in January to much praise from students.

“It’s convenient,” said student Rylee Cooper. “It’s just one little computer and you don’t have to chock your desk full with other stuff.”

“We get a break from handwriting,” said Kayden Findlay.

Jefferson Elementary teacher Chris Richardson said the Chromebooks are helping the school fulfill several federal technology learning requirements.

“It allows them to become more motivated and it allows their learning to be able to progress,” said Richardson.

Teachers say they plan to write a grant to pay for more Chromebooks.

“We would like to narrow it down and narrow it down until we each have a set for our own classroom,” said Leavitt.

Chromebooks, manufactured by Google, are designed primarily for online use only and retail for just a fraction of what conventional laptops cost.