On the one hand, I applaud improving access to devices for kids—on the other, we have seen this play out before:
🚫 Chromebooks are *still* nearly useless for kids when they’re offline
🛜 Internet access is over-reported due to social stigma and “a kid can walk to a coffee shop” often counting as having broadband access
🔒 Ecosystem lock-in means Google gatekeeps what “real apps” can be easily used
💀 In three years, these devices will likely be unsupported
https://9to5google.com/2023/08/04/google-chromebook-mongolia/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon
Luckily, solutions like #EndlessKey from @EndlessOS exist where we can deliver rich, curated, offline-capable self-guided learning resources to kids on Chromebooks.
When kids' devices are online at school, they can download as much interesting content as their Chromebook’s storage can handle. Then when they’re offline or using expensive Internet, they can still get a similar experience of an “offline Internet.”
I would still prefer a whole solution like Endless OS on a real computer—especially when you can get a much better experience that actually prepares students for the digital world instead of Google’s bubble. But we meet students and educators where they are with Endless Key.
@cassidy There is real value proposition to Endless in the marketplace. Hmm, I wonder why adoption isn't growing faster?
@adilarif at the same time, we have seen a lot of success in specific areas! There are entire school districts and institutions using Endless OS across the world.
@cassidy @adilarif another thing Google gets from Chromebooks in education is the management license fees schools pay. How does @EndlessOS handle schools' requirements for remote management? I've worked extensively with Google APIs building tools for schools, and would be interested to see what's possible to provide for the FOSS ecosystem.
@cassidy Yeah, I can see how brand recognition and sheer financial strength can help make big inroads into a market. Hopefully as Endless Foundation wins more school districts, their reputation will grow leading to a positive feedback loop.
@adilarif Google is one of the most profitable corporations to exist in the history of humankind. They flex that with deals like this, and encourage manufacturers to race to the bottom. The manufacturers make peanuts on each sale while Google gets lifelong Google-acclimated users to exploit for a lifetime.