Chromebooks

Chromebook overview

Middle School - DCS Managed Chromebooks Procedures, Rules, & Agreement Form

Using Chromebooks in a middle school setting can offer several advantages:

• Cost-Effective: Chromebooks are generally more affordable than traditional laptops or desktops. This cost-effectiveness makes them a viable option for schools that need to purchase devices in large quantities.

• Easy to Manage: Chromebooks are known for their ease of management. They can be centrally managed through Google's Admin console, allowing school IT administrators to easily deploy apps, set policies, and manage security settings across all devices.

• Cloud-Based: Chromebooks are designed to work with cloud-based applications and storage, which means that students can access their work from any device, anywhere, as long as they have internet access. This is particularly useful for homework and collaborative projects.

• Built-in Security: Chrome OS, the operating system for Chromebooks, is known for its robust security features. This includes automatic updates, sandboxing for apps, and protection against viruses and malware, which is crucial in a school environment where many users access the devices.

• Educational Resources: Google Workspace for Education offers a suite of productivity and collaboration tools (like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides) that are widely used in educational settings. These tools encourage collaboration and make it easier for teachers to share materials and for students to complete and submit their work electronically.

• Long Battery Life: Chromebooks typically have a long battery life, which is practical for a full school day without needing to recharge.

• Ease of Use: The Chrome OS interface is generally user-friendly and easy for students to navigate, reducing the learning curve and allowing more time for actual learning and less time on tech troubleshooting.

• While Chromebooks have many advantages, it's important to consider the specific needs and resources of the school and its students. Factors such as internet access at home, the types of software needed for coursework, and the availability of technical support should also be considered when deciding if Chromebooks are the right choice for a middle school.

• We are using a Chromebook management system called Hapara which has allowed us to help our students stay focused on their learning. We are able to share sites immediately, block sites immediately (gaming) as well as allow certain sites.  The Hapara safety net extends to off campus use as well.  In other words, we can block unsafe sites both on and off campus.  Currently, our filtering system only blocks and filters when our student’s own machines are on campus.

  • Hapara works on and off campus.  In other words, you do not have to be on our network for this system to support our students.  When students use their own devices, we can not manage on campus as well nor can we help manage them off campus at all.  

• MAP testing is seamless because we do not have any outdated operating systems.  We run into operating system issues with our student owned machines.

• Our IT support group, Alerio, can track individual Chromebook usage automatically and block any device that falls out of compliance with the school’s policies.

• Install, block, or remove applications.  Alerio can install applications easily and block programs that can potentially interfere with learners’ concentration or compromise their safety.

• We can decommission our school managed Chromebooks wirelessly if lost or stolen.  We can control user groups and student access to resources through Hapara.

• Alerio can enforce Chrome OS policies that apply to user groups and accounts. This helps us to manage all the endpoints and customize access to services.

Improved Technology Support

• A teacher managing a classroom of 23 students equipped with school-supplied devices will have fewer technology issues than one who is dealing with several different makes and models of devices and operating systems.

• With our BYOD program we are unable to tackle these problems as quickly due to the wide range of devices and operating systems we are dealing with.

• As the device automatically updates, Chromebook is an easier device to protect from viruses and malware compared to traditional laptops, making it ideal for students. The simplified management, oversight, and maintenance that Chromebook offers is one reason it has made a huge splash in schools.

Frequently Asked Questions (this section is updated frequently)

• Laptop Damage, Missing or Theft 

  • The student is responsible for the care of the device. 

  • DCS expects normal wear and tear on the device.

• What if I am enrolling at DC as a 7th or 8th grader?

  • You will be provided with a school-managed device

• What if the student leaves prior to the end of 8th grade?

  • The student will need to pay the remaining dollars ($100 per remaining year) or Denver Christian School will retain the machine.

• How will the Chromebook be paid for?

  • The school managed Chromebook will be paid for through the education fees ($100 per year).

  • If the student leaves DCS prior to the end of 8th grade the student is responsible for either returning the devices or paying the remaining dollars ($100 per year remaining)

• Can I take my school managed Chromebook home?

  • A student may take the device home each evening and weekend as needed.

  • The student may turn in the device at the end of the school year and get the same device back in August.

• Will I get the same computer back each August until I finish 8th grade?

  • Students will be assigned the same computer until they finish their eighth grade year.

• Security of the device

  • The laptop is configured to apply the filter independent of connection location (inside or outside of school). Bypassing or attempting to bypass Denver Christian School’s filtering system is prohibited.

• End of the Year

  • The student will keep their devices over the summer.

  • Please take good care of the devices over the summer.

  • Please keep the device charged - when the battery completely dies, it's difficult to get the device connected to the school's network.

• Additional Software 

  • Students are not allowed to load extra software or apps on their devices.

• What if my child already has a laptop for school?

  • Your child can still use that laptop at home if he or she would like.  However, the child will use the school-managed Chromebook while at school.