Acer, in partnership with Intel and Google, is rolling out a Chromebook pilot at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) as part of the university’s mobility strategy.
As part of the proof of concept, Acer is donating AcerCchromebooks to Wits with the expectation that the project will prove the product is better than a tablet for education.
“We believe this will be the project of the future,” says Paul Collins, commercial channel manager at Acer South Africa.
The pilot will include staff and students and a mix of faculties.
Outcome reports will examine endurance and reliability, integration in the Wits IT environment, total cost of ownership; and feedback from students.
Reliability is a big issue in education, and Collins points out that the Chromebook’s solid state drive makes in more rugged than other computers.
In addition, the Chromebook offer 8,5 hours of battery life, while being light and easy to operate.
The target consumer is students or users looking for a second device, or people invested heavily in the Google ecosystem.
Part of Wits’ five-year IT strategy is to extend the university services to the full university community, regardless of time and location. For instance, from 2015, all Wits students will be able to register online, regardless of their device or network.
Also from January 2015, all student email will be on Google, and Google services will be made available to students. Microsoft 365 services will also be made available.
Jaoa Fidalgo, commercial business manager: SSSA at Intel, explains that Intel has invested heavily in education.
“There are many choices in education technology, including tablets, PCs, and All-in-Ones,” Fidalgo says. “The Chromebook is almost the best of all worlds.”
The Intel-based Chromebook, he says, provides the best available technology solution, allowing for better performance and efficiency.
In addition, the device allows students to multitask and to collaborate, while a good battery life allows for more productivity.
The only Chromebooks currently available in the South African market are the Acer devices.
Although there is an ability to work offline, the value of Chromebook is that most data storage and processing takes place in the cloud.