ChromeOS For Staff
What are Staff-Spec ChromeOS Devices?
EPSB Staff-Spec Chromebooks are ChromeOS devices designed for EDU-Enterprise class performance that are powered by hardware that is on average 9 times more powerful than a standard student device. For comparison refer to the drop downs below to see the differences between the current average student and Staff-Spec devices. Using Staff-Spec ChromeOS devices provides a number of benefits including:
ChromeOS Device Comparison
EPSB Student Device
Processor: Celeron N4020, 2 Cores 2 threads (max 2.4GHZ)
Memory: 4 GB, LPDDR4
Storage: 32 GB Flash Memory
Benchmark Score: 1556
EPSB StaffSPEC Device
Processor: Intel 1235U: 10 Cores 12 threads (max 3.4Ghz)
Memory: 8 GB LPDDR4X
Storage: 128-256GB SSD
Benchmark Score: 13572
The Comparison
The Intel 1235U is a multitasking powerhouse with more cores and speed. Think of it as a race car vs. a zippy scooter! Upgraded memory means more space for handling multiple things at once. Much more space to store lots of files and apps. Performance is nearly 9 times higher - a higher benchmark score means the Staff-Spec Chrome device can web browse, run web apps, and handle productivity tools easily.
Getting Started with ChromeOS?
Staff that are getting started with a new ChromeOS device can learn to use thier devices in a number of ways. Self guided learning using Google support materials, asking another staff member or even a student for help, connecting with an ITS school technician or reaching out to your assigned TIPS consultant are all great ways to quickly adapt to your new device. Documents are linked here to further support your learning.
TIP Try Ctrl+Search+S to open a menu of all keyboard shortcuts
TIP 2 On Windows Keyboards the search key is the same as the Windows Key
Rationale and Key Advantages of Moving to ChromeOS?
Current Use in the Division
Currently EPSB staff are using ChromeOS devices throughout the Division in a number of contexts. Since Student Chromebooks entered service in 2012 staff have used these devices in support of teaching and learning building experience with the platform. For the last two years the Division has investigated the use of ChromeOS devices as the primary workstation for staff. Beginning with small individual testing, moving onto small pods of teachers at 5 schools in the 2022 and starting this school year with full school implementation of ChromeOS devices for all teaching and school administrators growing to 4 schools with plans to reach to 10 sites by the end of the 2023-2024 school year. These sites have replaced the traditional Windows workstation hardware with Staff-Spec ChromeOS hardware with staff working fully in the cloud. Early feedback is very positive with the vast majority of teacher and administrator tasks easily completed using the provided devices.
EdTech Tools Privacy Review Database
The use of any app with students in a classroom setting should follow the existing Division processess related to privacy and data security. The Division has developed a review process and built a database of tools that have been reviewed. Some are considered software of the Division and can be used with all students, others require parents/guardians to be informed as part of third party FOIP prcesses and some should be avoided. To see the collection of reviewed tools and read more about the processes related to each type of reeview recommendation please refer to this link or click the icon on the right. Descriptions of the different types of "apps" avaialble on ChromeOS devices check out the desctiptions below
Workspace Addons
Workspace Addons allow user to add functionality to a number of Workspace apps like Google Docs, Sheets and Slides. They can be added directly from within the Google Workspace apps by selecting "Extension" in the app tool bar. These apps are housed in the Google Workspace Marketplace.
Chrome Browser Extensions
Chrome Browser extensions add functionality to the Chrome Browser. (Example Read&Write for Chrome) These extensions can be found and added in the Chrome Webstore and managed by selecting the extension icaon (Grey puzzle piece) in the top right of a Chrome Brpwser window.
ChromeOS
Apps
Apps
ChromeOS apps are native applications that run on a ChromeOS device. These are installed by links to Webstore apps but are being replaced by tools that work directly in browser tabs by 2025 so links are generally only found when shared by hardware manufacturers (Example Ipevo Visualizer)
Android Apps
A limited number of Play store android apps can be used by teachers and students. These can be found by opening the playstore on the ChromeOS device and reviewing teh available tools.