Using my Chromebook

Chromebook Introduction

Watch the video above to learn the basics about your Chromebook! 

This introduction covers: 

• Turning on your Chromebook

• Logging on through the GCPS Student Portal

• GCPS Student Bookmarks

• GCPS Student 1:1 Support Site

• Properly shutting down your Chromebook

Your Chromebook Screen

Once logged into your Chromebook, you have a lot of different features at your fingertips! Watch the video above to learn how to navigate the GCPS Student Portal, Chrome, and different apps on your Chromebook. 

Your Chromebook Settings

Watch the video above to learn about how to customize your Chromebook settings to make the most of your experience. 

Keyboard and Touchpad

The top row of keys on your Chromebook can be used to complete different functions. You can learn more about the top row of keys and common keyboard shortcuts through the Chromebook Simulator.  Explore this resource from Google to see how to pull up all keyboard shortcuts on your Chromebook.

There are no buttons on a Chromebook touchpad. You can use touchpad shortcuts to navigate your cursor. You can learn more about the touchpad through the Chromebook Simulator.

Camera and Microphone

The camera and microphone on your Chromebook can be a powerful tool to show your learning. 

Click here for directions on how to setup your camera and microphone on your Chromebook. You can also watch the video above to learn more about using the camera and microphone. 

Managing your Apps

Chromebooks are web-based devices and run off apps. Apps are used to access programs that you may need. Watch the video above to learn more about how to locate, organize, and pin apps on your Chromebook. 

Learn about how to add new apps and extensions in Chrome here. 

Managing Bookmarks

Bookmarks in Chrome allow for you to quickly and easily save a website's URL address for future use. Watch the video above or visit this site to learn how to create, view, and edit bookmarks in Chrome. 

Managing your Files

The Files app on your Chromebook contains files downloaded on your Chromebook and also shows files in your Google Drive. Watch the video above to learn how stay organized by creating folders and even pinning files to your shelf. 

Text to Speech

The accessibility features of select to speak and ChromeVox can be used to read aloud text on your screen. Use Select to Speak to read aloud selected text and ChromeVox to read aloud everything displayed on a page. 

Alternative Input

The accessibility features dictation, on-screen keyboard, predictive type, and digital handwriting can assist with entering text without the use of the traditional keyboard. Dictation allows for you to speak to enter text onto a page. The on-screen keyboard has built in features such as predictive type and the ability to use a drawing tool to enter text onto a page. 

Readability

To assist with readability of the screen, the accessibility features of docked magnifer, page and display zoom, and high contrast can be used. The docked magnifier provides magnification of the placement of the cursor at the top of the screen. High contrast changes the color of the real text. 

Navigation

To assist with navigation on the Chromebook, the automatic clicks, large and/or highlighted cursor, and sticky keys can be used. The automatic clicks will select or "click" on text when hovered over that item for a certain period of time. The large and/or highlighted cursor makes the cursor easier to see. The sticky keys allow for certain keys to continue to be pressed when performing certain keyboard shortcuts. For example, CTRL + V for paste.