Chromebook Distribution

Who will be issued Devices?

At the elementary level, Kindergarten - 4th grades will be issued classroom sets of devices for use at school. Kindergarten and 1st grade will utilize iPads while grades 2-4 will use Chromebooks.

Starting in 5th grade, students are checked out a Chromebook that they can use at both home and school.

How is one student’s Chromebook identified from another student?

All the Chromebooks are the same model, so they look very much alike. Additionally, each Chromebook has an asset tag and an individual ID tag that includes the student's name, school and school ID number. All stickers that are on the Chromebook when issued must stay on the Chromebook. No additional permanent markings of any kind (stickers, engraving, permanent ink pen, tape, etc.) shall be placed on the Chromebook or it’s protective case at any time. While the devices are issued to students, they are still district-owned property. Students can add non-permanent identifying items to the case such as ribbon, key chains or other removable items.

How do students access their work?

Students have a Google Apps for Education account. Their email address (first.last@csd117.org) serves as their login to their device a well as access to their files, emails and Google Classroom. Students can change their password, but they cannot change their username. The district cannot recover passwords, but will reset them for students if need be.

Student work is cloud based, meaning the information is not saved locally on the Chromebook, but stored on a server elsewhere. This allows flexibility and easy access for students, since they can login to any Chromebook, PC or smartphone and receive access to their documents, emails, presentations and other files. In the event a student knows ahead of time they will not have access to the internet, they are able to save select files for offline review. These files will then sync when the internet is available.

Are other districts doing this?

Yes. Before our Chromebook launch, we’ve sought advice on how to move forward from other one-to-one districts, learning from them what’s worked well and how to avoid concerns. There are also online resources about one-to-one programs in K-12 schools and we are using tips and advice from those sources, as well.

Can my child opt out of having a Chromebook?

Yes, but we strongly encourage families to take full advantage of this pivotal resource.

The Chromebook is a medium that will help create equity in all time access. But, it isn't about the device, it's about what can be leveraged from it. Students can create multimedia resources, collaborate online together in real time as well as allow teachers and students ongoing access to work to allow for ongoing feedback. It is about bringing opportunities that align with both the educational mission of the Camas School District and the skills needed for the 21st century.

How long is a device checked out to a student?

Currently, students will use the same device for three years. They will then exchange that device for another. Devices that are still in working condition when it is time to exchange may be purchased for $50.

Students will keep devices over the summer breaks.

How is the hardware in a Chromebook?

Chromebooks have very few moving parts and generate very little heat. Therefore the life expectancy — if treated appropriately — is fairly significant. Four years or more is not unrealistic. Additionally, the devices have powerful processors, adequate memory, and automatically update software and security features.

In regards to storage, students using Chromebooks will have 4 gigabytes (about 4,000 megabytes) of storage on the machine, plus unlimited online “cloud” storage as part of their Google apps for Education account.

What kind of software is available in a Chromebook?

There are thousands of apps and extensions available for Chromebooks through the Chrome Web Store. Students will have the ability to download apps and extensions that have been pre-approved for their specific grade level. Downloaded items will be tied to student accounts, not just their device. Additionally, students are able to download add-ons for specific file types. For example, in their Google Documents they can add-on a thesaurus or citation assistant. Student will have unlimited storage as part of their Google Apps for Education Account. Students are encourage to backup files before leaving the Camas School District, as account will be deleted as well as all files associated with those accounts. Google Takeout is a good option for this.

Pre-Approved App and Extension list for all levels. Use the tabs at the bottom to navigate through the levels (Elementary, Middle School, and High School).