Free Chromebook Trial: Acer, Intel Open Seed Program

The Acer C720 Chromebook
The Acer C720 Chromebook

Intel and computer manufacturer Acer have launched a seed program that will make Chromebooks available for schools to pilot.

The program will provide the Acer C720 Chromebook at no cost to the school. The C720 is an 11-inch clamshell-style device powered by Google's Chrome OS. It offers 8.5 hours of battery life.

In order to participate in the program, schools must complete an online application and agree to two conference calls with Acer. After a 30-day period, schools can "explore opportunities with an Acer representative for long-term use of the Acer Chromebook seed unit or return the system to Acer and owe nothing. Return shipping will be paid by Acer."

Applications for the program are open now through April 15. Only one application per school will be accepted, and no more than three schools in a given district can apply, according to the rules of the program. Complete details can be found at k12blueprint.com.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • AI toolbox containing a wrench, document icon, gears, and a network symbol

    Common Sense Media Releases Free AI Toolkit, AI Readiness & Implementation Guides

    Common Sense Media has developed an AI Toolkit for School Districts, available to educators free of charge, that provides guidelines and resources for implementing AI in education.

  • elementary school building with children outside, overlaid by a glowing data network and transparent graphs

    Toward a Holistic Approach to Data-Informed Decision-Making in Education

    With increasing access to data and powerful analytic tools, the temptation to reduce educational outcomes to mere numbers is strong. However, educational leadership demands a more holistic and thoughtful approach.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.