Smooth, trouble-free recording of audio or MIDI on a Chromebook is reliant on decent internet speed.

Some websites use Flash which can be blocked at schools – test this ahead of time and take steps to allow Flash to run if necessary.

Generally speaking, web-based audio recording and editing apps are not as “robust” or feature-rich as software you install on a Mac or PC.

There is very limited space on the hard drive (less than your smartphone), so files need to be stored online.

There will be very limited access to apps and files if your internet goes down.

Software updates happen automatically (which means happy IT staff!).

GAFE includes unlimited online storage for files.

If your school is also using Google Apps For Education (GAFE), integration is seamless.

They have a full-sized keyboard for typing.

The cost is lower than a regular laptop or an iPad.

They start up quickly and battery life is good.

They are better suited to elementary and middle school students.

You can’t install “regular” software – you’ll need to use online apps.

They have very limited hard drive space.

A Chromebook is a lightweight notebook that only runs the Chrome web browser.

The good news is that nowadays there are many online music applications available and improved internet speed at schools makes the Chromebook a viable device option for students, especially at the elementary and middle school levels.

This comes as a surprise to some teachers who then realise that they can’t install the software they might have used in the past, such as Sibelius, Finale, Audacity, GarageBand, or Mixcraft. The major point of difference between a Chromebook and a “regular” laptop is that it runs on the Chrome OS (operating system) – not the Windows or Mac OS – which means that the applications you use on a Chromebook must be online or cloud-based. They are inexpensive to purchase, they are fast and are designed to be used primarily while connected to the internet. How can they be used in your music classroom? What exactly can you do on a Chromebook anyway?Ĭhromebooks are laptops that are a little…well…different. So, you’ve discovered that your school has decided to roll out Chromebooks to students. What’s the deal with Chromebooks? What makes Chromebooks different?

Chrome os audacity