Chromebooks are everywhere in schools, except the teacher desk.

Why do most teachers use an entirely different device than their students?

Using the Chrome browser on a Mac or PC is a good start, but it’s not the same as using a Chromebook. Teachers who don’t use a Chromebook will have a hard time supporting their students and will be at a disadvantage as they design lessons.

7 common reasons I can’t use a Chromebook

It has always puzzled me that more schools don’t provide Chromebooks for teachers, so I started to ask around: “Why aren’t you using a Chromebook?”

Here are the most common responses.

1. Chromebooks are slow

Remember that time you forgot your Macbook charger at home and had to borrow a spare student Chromebook the IT department? It was terrible, right?

Teachers need the horsepower of a professional-grade Chromebook. In 2023 Google introduced the “Plus” line of Chromebooks aimed at professionals. These machines sport super-fast processors, ample RAM, and gorgeous high-definition screens.

Student Chromebooks are designed for students, not professional educators! Your experience was like trading a Tesla for a Prius! Student Chromebooks are low-cost devices designed for mass deployment. You need a professional Chromebook!

2. Chromebooks have small screens

Small, dim screens just won’t cut it when you are looking at spreadsheets, gradebooks, and student essays all day long. Chromebook Plus devices are much better suited for teachers and other professionals. Every Plus device features a high-definition screens ranging from 12″ to 18″.

You can also connect an external monitor to your Chromebook for even more room!

3. Chromebooks look and feel cheap

Student Chromebooks are inexpensive, but they lack polish and flair. Professional Chromebooks offer exceptional build quality and high-end components such as back-lit keyboards, fingerprint scanners, touch screen, digital pen support, and more. Surprisingly, even with all of these additional features, these pro models devices start at only $349.

Yes, student Chromebooks are inexpensive, but there are LOTS of devices available that offer premium features at an affordable price.

4. Chromebooks can’t run the applications and programs that I need.

Think you can’t live without your Mac or PC? Think again. I’ve been a Chromebook-only user for years, creating YouTube videos, podcasts, online courses, and even a book – all on a Chromebook. There are amazing tools out there for every task, and switching means you can discover them alongside your students.

I have found excellent applications for all of my creative needs, from video and audio editing to web design and office productivity. One of the primary purposes of this blog is to share great tools that you can use on a Chromebook!

Making a Chromebook your primary device might mean giving up iMovie or the Windows snipping tool, but there are many readily available alternatives. Your students don’t have access to those tools anyway. By using a Chromebook as your primary device, you can explore and share the best tools with them.

5. I need access to Microsoft Office

I used Microsoft Office during my first few years as a teacher. When I switched to using a Chromebook full time, I started exclusively using Google Drive. I’ve never missed Office. Not once.

If you want to improve your ability to use Google Drive, check out my online course, Designed with Drive that will give you LOTS of classroom ideas for using Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms, Sites, and more!

You actually CAN use MS Office on your Chromebook, but its complicated. The web-based version of Office is different from the desktop version and the features you have access to will vary based on the type of license your school purchased.

6. I can’t connect my printer or accessories to my Chromebook

Yes, you can print from a Chromebook. I do it every day and it works just as well as printing from any other device!

Plugging stuff into a Chromebook used to be challenging, but that has changed. Accessory companies like Wacom (drawing tablets), Logitech (webcams, microphones, and pens), and iPevo (document cameras) have all designed products that are compatible with ChromeOS.

Even interactive whiteboard companies like Smart and Promethean and lab-ware companies like Vernier and Pasco have introduced Chromebook-ready products.

7. I don’t want to give up using my Apple TV

You won’t be able to mirror your Chromebook screen to your Apple TV (blame Apple for that), but you can do the exact same thing with a Chromecast.

There is even a special Chromecast for the classroom called Cast Moderator that integrates with Google Classroom that you can use to allow your students to share their screen when appropriate.

Incredibly, a Chromecast with cast moderator is only $29. What a deal! Replacing that Apple TV won’t be any trouble at all!

Which device will help you become a better teacher?

Here’s the deal – you need to use whatever technology is going to help you be the best teacher you can be. You get to make that choice. I used a Windows device for a long time, switched to a Macbook in college, and ultimately moved to Chromebook as I experience the power of the web.

By using a Chromebook every day you will be better equipped to support your Chromebook using students and have a tangible advantage over teachers who use a Mac or PC.

If you’re planning on joining team Chrome, add your name to my monthly newsletter. You’ll get lots of tips and ideas on using Chromebooks in the classroom.