FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a Chromebook? Why did we pick this device? 

A Chromebook is like a laptop, but is less expensive, lighter and faster. It starts-up in less than ten seconds, connects to Internet-based resources quickly, and provides six to eight hours of battery life.  Learn more with Google's Guardian's Guide to Chromebooks.

What if I don't have internet connection at home?

• • • • • There are many public places that offer free WiFi.  The Chromebooks are enabled so that you can connect to other internet hot spots.  Most public libraries and local businesses offer free WiFi.  The Indian Prairie Library has WiFi hot spots for weekly check out. After school homework labs are available at Lace and EJH.  Please ask your home school for more information.

        • Your family may be eligible to subscribe to a $9.95+tax internet service at home.  This service is offered by Comcast Internet Essentials.  For more information, please visit this link: Internet Essentials by Comcast.

Are student Chromebooks being monitored?

Student issued Chromebooks are meant for educational use only.  Emails that are being distributed using the school accounts are monitored.  Words and phrases are analyzed by a program to make sure that emails are being used appropriately.  Emails containing profane language will not be sent to the desired recipient.  Instead, that email is sent to an administrator in charge.  Student use of Chromebook and browsing are monitored and geographically tracked.  Students have no expectation of confidentiality or privacy with respect to any usage of  district issued hardware or accounts, regardless of whether that use is for district-related or personal purposes, other than as specifically provided by law. The District may, without prior notice or consent, log, supervise, access, view, monitor, and record use of student Chromebooks at any time for any reason related to the operation of the District. By using a Chromebook, students agree to such access, monitoring, and recording of their use. Teachers, school administrators, and the technology department staff may use monitoring software that allows them to view the screens and activity on student Chromebooks.

How can I check my students browsing history?

 While logged in as your child, type the following URL or website.  There is NO www.  chrome://history/.

Who is responsible for caring for the Chromebooks?

 While the District reserves the right to all of the Chromebooks, students are ultimately responsible for the care of the device while it is in their possession.

Is there a place I can go to for any Chromebook related questions and issues?

 Start with your classroom teacher.  He or she can possibly help on the spot, or reach out to the tech team for assistance. 

How much do Chromebooks cost?

Estimated Costs (subject to change)

The following are estimated costs of Chromebook parts and replacement:

• • • • • Total loss, or theft is around $320 depending on model availability

        • Touch Screen $160 depending on model

        • Power Adapter $35.00

        • Bag $20.00

        • Trackpad/Keyboard $130

        • Extra bag strap $10.00

        • Single popped key $5.00

        • Peeled ID tag $5.00 

Is there a way that I can get insurance for my Chromebook in case it breaks?

Families may purchase optional yearly insurance through Worth Ave. Group Insurance.  This window is open for several  weeks at the beginning of the school year and upon request for families moving into the district.

How do I log in to my Chromebook?

 Only Darien District 61 students can log into a  District issued Chromebook with their student username and password.  Any other Google accounts will be denied. 

What if I forget my Chromebook at home or come to school with out a charge?

 Bringing a charged Chromebook to school every day is like a homework assignment. Keep in mind that there are

consequences for forgetting your device at home.   Spares will be available with a teacher request.

Some websites, like Instagram, are blocked at school.  Will I be able to access these websites at home?

Websites that are blocked at school will also be blocked at home if you are using the Chromebook.

Can families opt out of a Chromebook? 

No. All students will be required to use a district issued Chromebook for their academic studies. These devices will be integral to classroom instruction. Without a device, students will be unable to fully participate in classroom activities and assignments.

We already own a mobile device for our student. Can he/she use their personal device instead of the District Chromebook? 

No. We understand that many of our students already have laptops or other devices at home. Chromebooks will be a key instructional tool for our students, just like a textbook or a calculator. Just as we require all students to purchase the same textbook for a course, the same principle applies for a 1:1 Learning device. Use of a standard District 61 issued device will allow us to monitor student use at school, manage the devices effectively and push out applications that students will use for course work.

How are the Chromebook devices being funded? 

The district is purchasing the devices. The annual student 1:1 device fee for each student receiving a Chromebook will help offset a portion of the cost.

Do parents have access to their student’s school accounts?

Parents should ask their son or daughter for their passwords and check in on all online activity, but parents will not have their own separate access.

What will happen to the devices at the end of the school year?

3-7 grade students will retain Chromebooks over the summer and bring them back charged on the first day of school.  Families that are moving out of district and 8th graders will turn in the Chrome Books at the last week of school.

Will steps be taken to prevent computer viruses from disrupting the learning process? 

The Chromebook operating system is built in such a way that it is at extremely low risk for computer viruses. Updates automatically occur to address any vulnerabilities that arise.

Will 1:1 Learning eliminate textbooks and their associated costs?

Not necessarily. There may be some textbooks that are available in an electronic format, and families may save money as a result. Interestingly, some electronic textbooks actually cost more than their paper counterpart. The publishing industry, along with availability and cost of electronic textbooks, is not under our control; we cannot predict the long term impact that our 1:1 Learning initiative will have on the cost of textbooks for our families. We continue to seek ways to embrace digital content and save costs.

Can my child use a different bag or case for the Chromebook?

No, the bags have been carefully selected for durability and protection.  District issued Chromebooks are to remain in these bags at all times.