The influence of Google Chromebooks in U.S. classrooms has been steadily increasing and now the devices make up half of all devices used in U.S. classrooms.

Analysts call the increase in Chromebook sales in just a couple of years “shocking.” After all, in 2012, Chromebooks made up less than one percent of classroom technology, said NBC News.

“Combine Chromebooks with devices running on Android, and Google's share of the EdTech market is even more impressive. As of the third quarter of this year it had 53 percent of the market for K-12 devices bought by schools and school districts.”

Certainly. Google’s EdTech stronghold when quantified is almost hard to believe. According to the article, every school day an impressive 30,000 new Chromebooks are activated in schools.

Part of the reason behind Chromebooks' recent domination of the EdTech market is because of the competitive price to match the quality product.

While being affordable, Chromebooks are loaded with Google Play for Education Software, "come with teacher-approved apps and books, and let administrators share content to individuals, entire classes or entire schools in just a few clicks,” NBC News said.

Many argue that Chromebooks’ software allows for teachers to individualize learning without breaking the bank.

Though Chromebooks seemingly have little competition as of now, NBC News says Google hopes to improve its 2-in-1 device offerings, as these devices will be one of the bigger sellers in 2016. For those unfamiliar, a 2-in-1 device is a tablet that also doubles as notebook, a device category that NBC says Microsoft has typically led.

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Article by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

12/4/2015