Chromebooks

What is a Chromebook?

Chromebooks are similar to laptops. Unlike most computers, Chromebooks do not run Windows. Instead, they use Chrome OS, which is similar to the Google Chrome web browser. This means you can use a Chromebook to do just about anything you’d normally do online: read websites, check your email, and watch videos. Your Chromebook runs web apps instead of software programs used on other computers. For example, instead of using Microsoft Office to create documents, you can use Google Docs (docs.google.com) and Google Drive (drive.google.com) to create and share files online.

Dashboard & Connecting to Wifi

Before you log in, you may be asked to connect to a wireless network. Please connect to your home network. There are no longer WiFi restrictions on student Chromebooks taken off campus. Chromebooks only work when they are connected to WiFi, though some apps may have an offline mode.

In the lower right hand corner, there is a small toolbox for accessing WiFi networks, adjusting brightness, sound, settings, and setting accessibility settings such as enlarged cursors or high contrast screens. Feel free to access this at any time, though some settings are restricted by Epiphany School administrators.



The Dashboard will look like this, but some settings and displays may differ:

Student Sign In

Only emails that end in @epiphany-school.net domain can sign into our Chromebooks. These devices are managed by Epiphany School through our Google Admin panel. All Epiphany students are issued an email. Your students should know this information. If they don’t, please contact Mrs. Kitts using the Help Request Form.

Gmail

Students do not have access to gmail at this time. This is a Diocese of Scranton policy.

Powering on & off

Your Chromebook has a magnet in the screen which allows it to turn on right as it’s opened! If after several seconds it does not turn on, you can press the power button on the keyboard. You can press and hold the power button in the upper right hand corner of the keyboard to shut off the Chromebook at any time. Shutting the lid will log you off. Pressing it once quickly will power it back on.

Kiosk

Before signing into your Chromebook, you will see a tray at the bottom of the screen. This houses the Kiosk apps. Kiosk apps launch in secure browsers without a login. They are primarily used for testing, particularly NWEA MAP testing. When the NWEA MAP app is activated, students cannot navigate to any other parts of the Chromebook.

Charging Your Chromebook

Your Chromebook should be charged every evening. While the battery life varies, your Chromebook should last for the entirety of instructional hours. Make sure that the Chromebook does not completely die as this can damage the battery. Only charge your Chromebook with the Epiphany charger loaned with the device! Your charger may look different depending on device.

Updates

Chromebooks are updated remotely from our Google Administration panel. Updates are pushed out quickly as Google tests and releases updates. If you’d like to check for updates, you can click on the three dots in the upper right hand corner of a Chrome browser > Help > About Google Chrome > Check for Updates.

Chromebook Hardware

Chromebook hardware may differ depending on Chromebook models. Please refer to the photos below regarding ports and the keyboard. Your Chromebook keyboard works just like a regular keyboard, with a few small differences:

● Use the Search button to search your apps and the web

● To turn caps lock on or off, press Alt + Search



Chromebook Shortcuts

  • Ctrl+C - Copy

  • Ctrl+V - Paste

  • Ctrl+X - Cut

  • Ctrl+A - Select all text

  • Ctrl+Z - Undo

  • Ctrl+T - Open a new tab

  • Ctrl+Tab - Move between tabs

  • Ctrl+ +/- - Zoom in and out. You can also use two fingers on the touch pad.

  • ALT+[ or ALT+] Split screen to the left or right

There are many more shortcuts. Feel free to explore and use your Google device to your advantage!


Chromebook Help

For more information on Chromebooks visit Google's support page at support.google.com/chromebook