If you think you have a technical problem using Google Workspace or google classroom do not assume the problem is with the Google service. There are many reasons why you might have technical issues. 

The following information will help you understand technical problems you might encounter. Please only report a technical problem to Mr. Keyes (Assistant Digital Learning Coordinator) if you think it is something he can advise you about.

Without the right equipment or with your equipment not set up properly you may encounter problems learning online.

In School

Managed Chromebooks provide a secure and consistent learning environment for all students. By using Chromebooks that are managed by the school, we can ensure that every student has access to the same educational tools, resources, and security settings. This prevents issues like students installing unapproved apps, accessing inappropriate content, or changing important device settings. The controlled environment allows our teachers to focus on teaching, knowing that the technology is working as it should and all students are on a level playing field.

For security, the school also uses software that prevents students from using mobile phone hotspots to bypass the school's safety filters (mobile phones are banned in all schools). This ensures that students are protected from harmful content and that the school's network policies are consistently enforced, even when students are trying to access the internet through their own data plans.

Your device may be a factor in accessibility and functionality (including learning at home)

• The preferred device is a laptop, PC or tablet device (preferably Android).

• The ideal device is a Chromebook.

• If these are not available to you there are many things you can do on your smartphone if it has internet access however is is not suitable for productivity i.e. it is really not suitable for digital learning. For example, creating a google doc and typing a long essay is difficult using a mobile phone. Multi tasking and submission of assignments is difficult using a mobile phone. Moving between apps is difficult using a mobile phone.

• The preferred browser is Chrome. Other browsers lack the functionality of Chrome using G Suite and can confuse the user.

• Syncing your chrome browser to your school G Suite account is recommended. This will enable additional functionality. Learn more here.

• Its important to understand that how you set up notifications on your phone will affect how you receive notifications from google classroom if you are working on a mobile phone.

Internet speed and connectivity 

• You ideally need a fast broadband connection for effective distance learning.

• Your home wifi/broadband connection may not be as fast as the internet connection at school. 

• Do not compare the speed of working in G Suite and google classroom at home to the speed of doing the same things at school.

• If your Wi-Fi signal is unreliable, meaning it’s strong in one room but weak in another you should know this by running speed checks in different rooms. 

• Try to work where you have the strongest signal and fastest internet connection in your house.

• To run a broadband speed test go to: https://www.speedtest.net/

• Be aware that the speed of your connection can fluctuate. 

• Data transfer is not a heavy draw on your internet connection e.g. uploading an assignment like a google doc. Hangout meet is however a big draw on your internet connection and you may get a lag if the connection cannot support this. 

• Several devices connected to the internet in your house at the same time and using a lot of bandwidth (It measures how much data can be sent over a specific connection in a given amount of time.) may cause a lag or slow down in your connection.

• A microwave oven between your device and the wifi router can disrupt your connection and speed.

• It may be that around 13:00 the USA comes online and may cause a lag in google services.  This is possible since schools there may be closed and american students may be distance learning just like you using Google Classroom

• The time from 7 to 11 p.m. is the busiest time on the web for people across the nation. Users just like you are commonly free during this time and are doing the brunt of their internet activities. This may cause a lag at times.

Your device may be a factor in service speed

• Older devices using an older wifi card may perform slower than newer devices on the same broadband connection. They are simply slower working online.

• Older devices on a domestic network will slow down the network for all users.

• Run a speed test on all your devices to know their capacity. 

• Switch to the faster device for distance learning.

• Disconnect the old device from the wifi.

What should I do ?

• Check the items listed above and try to establish if you have a local issue with internet speed and connectivity.

• If you identify a local issue try to resolve it.

• If it is not a local issue then be patient.

• If your assignment is slow to submit or google classroom is slow to load just do that task later.

I think it is a google issue

• If you think there is a performance issue with google services check here: Google App Status

• A google issue is rare. You will hear about it on online news media outlets and social media. Check news online and google what you think is the issue.

If it is a google issue.

• Do not contact Mr. Keyes. 

• Wait until google resolve the issue

I think it is something Mr.Keyes can advise me about

Speak to  Mr.Keyes for support if you have a technical problem or “How To” question and cannot find the help you need on the student digital learning hub. Alternatively you can email him or the school office if you cannot attend school.