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.”

#DigitalDivide #KeepAllKidsLearning

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?

@cassidy More specifically EndlessOS not necessarily the key.

@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.