Highland Council's Chromebook roll out prepares pupils for new era of digital learning
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Highland Council has distributed more than 20,000 Chromebook devices to all its schools.
The council wants every pupil in P6-S6 to be allocated a Chromebook for their use in school and at home for educational purposes and P1-P5 pupils will have access to Chromebooks at school.
A council spokeswoman said: "The rise of digital connectivity is transforming how pupils learn in the classroom and as such Highland Council has developed its strategic action plan to ensure all learners have access to the appropriate technology to help them acquire these vital life skills.
"Deploying Chromebooks makes up an important part of this plan in narrowing the digital skills gap."
Approximately £6 million has been spent on providing Chromebooks to schools and embedding the use of G Suite for Education into the curriculum. The provision of Chromebooks has also allowed the council to reduce the number of traditional laptop and desktop computers in schools, and in turn reduce ongoing support costs.
Councillor John Finlayson, chairman of the council's learning committee, said: “I am delighted with the success of the Chromebook Project.
“Education globally is undergoing a radical transformation due to the universal nature of modern digital lifestyles and changing youth culture and we cannot underestimate the value in learning to use culturally relevant technology in developing life skills and preparing pupils for future careers.
"Digital access for all and the skills to use it effectively is essential for health, wellbeing and prosperity. This is particularly important for areas of digital exclusion.”
