<![CDATA[Want to help review protective case options?]]>A few weeks ago, I invited vendors to send in samples of their protective cases. So far I’ve received about 40 different samples.

Basically, all of them fall into three categories:  Shells, bags, and stay in cases.

 

 

 

 

 

Shell:

It’s just like a case that you buy for your phone, it fits directly onto the device.

PROS: It’s always with the device and provides the best protection.  Smaller than the other options and has a better chance of fitting into your existing bag/backpack.

CONS: It doesn’t store/carry the power charger, so there’s a better chance that you might lose your power charger.

Feedback I’ve received so far: This option has been preferred by high school students, since many of them already carry their own bag/backpacks.  The parent groups that I’ve talked to so far, they also prefer it for high school students, but have expressed interest in NOT using at 3rd thru 8th grade.

 

 

Bag:

Just a bag, something you store the device in, but you have to take it out of the bag to use it.


PROS:  It carries the Chromebook and the power charger together.

CONS: You have to take the Chromebook out of the bag to use it.  Would students actually use the bag? or just use their own?  If it’s nothing more than just a way to carry the device and doesn’t really protect it, is it worthwhile?

Feedback I’ve received so far:  Neither parents groups nor students groups have a preference for this category.

 

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Stay-in-case

A bag which not only carries the device, but you can open the bag to use the device.

PROS:  Used to carry the chromebook and protect it while its in use.  Most stay in cases comes with space to store the power charger.

CONS: If it’s too big or bulkly, will students use it? or do classrooms require students to use them (which is what is happening now at New Tech Schools that have 1:1 chromebooks)

Feedback I’ve received so far: Parent groups would like to see a stay-in-case for grades 3 thru 8, as they want the charger and the device together  – and they want the device protected while they are in use.

 

How will the decision be made and how can we provide feedback to the process?

During the month of March and early April,  I’ll be taking feedback from students, staff, and parents.  I’ve already been out to meet with some parent groups, as well as multiple student groups – but am looking to schedule additional meetings as well.  Just contact Brian Abeling, abelingb@wdmcs.org if your group is interested in seeing the samples and providing feedback.

Other options:

 

 

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