In 2015, GCSD moved from computer-based programs to Google's cloud-based platform. From that point on, students and staff were no longer limited to working at school or from a home computer, but were able to access and edit their files from ANY Internet connected device!!

We are asking for your help in preserving our equipment and helping assure their usefulness and longevity. 

Please help us in reminding students some important Do’s and Don'ts listed below.

STUDENT DON’TS:

• DON'T use personal laptops or Chromebooks in class. Students must use the device provided by the district

• DON'T loan their device or charger to other students

• DON'T remove any district stickers or badges from their Chromebook

• DON'T walk around with their Chromebook lid open. Closed is the safest way to carry any laptop device should it fall

• DON'T  throw or toss their book bag if the Chromebook is stored in it. Rigid water bottles are the culprit of many screen breakages

• DON'T eat or drink while using their Chromebook

STUDENT DO’S:

• Immediately report any damage

• Immediately report a lost or stolen Chromebook or charger.

• Report any ongoing issues they might be having

• Keep their Chromebook clean and their charger cable free of knots

• Bring their Chromebook to school daily AND fully charged (the charger should stay home)Our goal with this site is to provide a one-stop location to potentially answer any Google and Chromebook related questions.

Below you will find information divided into two sections: Google and Chromebooks covering such topics as Google Apps, Google Classroom, Chromebook troubleshooting, etc.

We encourage you to use the Table of Contents and hope you find this information helpful.

Thank you!!

The Greenwich Technology Team (Area 51)

Table of Contents

Chromebooks

Expectations - Students

Students (grades 3 - 12) are expected to:

• Take their Chromebook and charger home

• Bring their Chromebook ONLY to school each day fully charged

• Exercise reasonable care of their devices (don't drop it / be careful when carrying - even in a backpack, don't eat while using device, etc.)

• If the Chromebook or charger is lost, damaged or not working, they should IMMEDIATELY report it to their teacher, building Principal or the Technology Department so that repairs or replacements can be made and the student doesn't fall behind in their work
  
  

Expectations - Parents and Staff

• If a Chromebook or charger is lost, damaged or not working, please let the Technology Department or Building Principal know IMMEDIATELY so that repairs or replacements can be made and the student doesn't fall behind in their work 

Chromebook Keyboard

The design of your Chromebook is little different from traditional notebooks. The first difference that you will notice is the keyboard.

Your Chromebook keyboard has a few extra features to help make it easier for you to browse the web. The keyboard contains a dedicated search key and a new row of web shortcut keys.

Keyboard Layout

Your Chromebook keyboard has a few extra features to help make it easier for you to browse the web. The keyboard contains a dedicated Search key and a new row of web shortcut keys.

Keyboard Keys Function

The keyboard on the Chromebook is designed to help you use the correct keys to accomplish the things you need the most. The table below is an overview of the dedicated browser keys on the top row of the keyboard.

Chromebook Shortcut Keys

The Search Key and Caps Lock Key

The Caps Lock key has been replaced with a Search key (magnifying lens). The Search key opens the Chrome OS apps menu which is similar to the Start menu on Windows. You can open the apps menu by clicking the apps icon on the taskbar or pressing the Search key.

If you REALLY need Caps Lock on, use the following keyboard shortcut...

ALT + SEARCH

This keyboard shortcut will enable or disable Caps Lock. When Caps Lock is turned on, you will see an up arrow like icon next to time on the taskbar.

No Delete Key

There is no delete key in most Chromebooks. Here is the keyboard shortcut...

ALT + Backspace - Delete the next letter (forward delete)

CTRL + Backspace - Delete the previous word

No Home or End Keys

Alternate keyboard shortcuts are...

Home - ALT + Up Arrow key 

End - ALT + Down Arrow key

Taking Screenshots

Ctrl + the Switch to Next Tab key (F5 - see chart above) takes screenshot of your current window

Ctrl + Shift + the Switch to Next Tab key (F5 - see chart above)  gives you more control. Use this to take a partial screenshot by selecting the area you want to capture

Chromebook Touchpad

You can use your Chromebook's touchpad to right-click, switch between tabs, and more. Here's how it works:

Why 1:1 Chromebooks?

Technology is an integral part of the culture in the Greenwich School District. Teachers are using technology to enhance students’ learning experiences and understanding of the world. Students, in turn, get to expand their ability to communicate, create, collaborate and think critically through innovative lessons, assignments and projects. The GCSD Chromebook 1:1 technology initiative aligns with the district’s culture and mission by providing students in Grades Pre-K - 12 with regular, equitable access to digital learning tools in school and at home.

How will Chromebooks be rotated?

Unless something unexpected occurs, students will keep their device through the end of the school year matching the expiration date. The expiration date for a Chromebook is determined by Google and is based on the hardware. When the device is issued, the sticker containing the student’s name also includes the expiration date.

Does every student receive a Chromebook?

Yes, a Chromebook will be issued to every student enrolled at Greenwich Central School in Grades Pre-K - 12.  Pre-K - 2 student devices are kept in a charging cart in their classrooms and do NOT go home with the student. Beginning in grade 3, the Chromebook becomes the student’s responsibility once it is issued. Specific circumstances (e.g., attendance, discipline, unauthorized uses) may warrant situations where students will not be permitted to bring a device home.

What does it cost a student to receive a Chromebook?

Students are responsible if their assigned Chromebook is damaged, lost or stolen – the same policy as for textbooks – in which case incident fees range on a sliding scale from $0 for a first incident up to $260 for a full replacement if lost/stolen.

Can students use their own devices at school instead of receiving a district-issued Chromebook?

No - students must use a district-issued Chromebook while in school. This allows the school to better manage all the devices and apps that students are using. It also ensures equitable, consistent access to digital learning tools among all students. A Student’s assigned device is their responsibility, and it must be charged and ready to use every school day.

What should a student do if a Chromebook gets damaged?

If a Chromebook is damaged, IMMEDIATELY report any Chromebook issues to their teacher, building Principal or the Technology Department. All repairs must be performed by authorized personnel within the district. The District may also host student help desks staffed by students trained to help maintain Chromebooks.

What should a student do if a Chromebook is lost or stolen?

If a Chromebook and/or its charger is lost or stolen, the student must IMMEDIATELY report the incident to their teacher, building Principal or the Technology Department within 24 hours of the incident. The student may be responsible for the cost of the Chromebook and/or charger.

If a Chromebook is broken or missing, what can a student do to avoid falling behind?

The student should IMMEDIATELY report the issue to their teacher, building Principal or the Technology Department. The district will maintain a small supply of loaner / replacement Chromebooks, which may be assigned once attempted repairs are  determined to be excessively time-consuming or impossible. Loaner Chromebooks are NOT allowed home and must be returned at the end of the school day.

Will students have unfiltered internet access when Chromebooks are connected at home or to other WiFi networks?

No. Student Chromebooks are configured to route all internet traffic through the Greenwich School District web filter as long as they are signed in using their GCSD provided account.

How will students use a Chromebook at home if they don’t have internet access?

Assigned Chromebooks allow the district to provide “offline” access so that students can still access Google Docs, Slides and Sheets when they are not connected to the internet. Other web-based resources do, however, require internet access. The District can provide cellular Wi-Fi hotspots to families that can demonstrate a need. These hotspots DO require cellular service in the area of use/need. The district also has several external WiFi access points outside the Middle Grade Building and the Jr/Sr High Building. Parking in either parking lot will allow a student's Chromebook to connect to the GCS network for internet access.

Do I need a case for my Chromebook?

Assigned Chromebooks are the responsibility of the student to protect and maintain. Depending on how rough they are with the Chromebook will determine if a case is necessary though no cases are provided by the district. There are many manufacturers of cases so please be sure that the case/sleeve you choose will fit the model Chromebook assigned.

Chromebook Troubleshooting

Touchpad Not Working

If your touchpad stops working, try these steps:

• Make sure there is no dust or dirt on the touchpad.

• Press the Esc key several times.

• Drumroll your fingers on the touchpad for ten seconds.

• Turn your Chromebook off, then back on again.

• Perform a hard reset.

  • • For most Chromebooks, follow the steps below:

    • Turn off your Chromebook

    • Press and hold Refresh + tap Power

    • When your Chromebook starts up, release Refresh

If none of these steps work, report the issue to a teacher, building Principal or the Technology Department.

Chromebook Won't Turn On or Is Not Loading

Drained/dead Battery

The first thing to check for when your Chromebook won't turn on is a dead battery. Plug the unit in via AC charger and let it charge for at least 30 min to an hour and try turning it on again.

Blank Screen

A "blank screen" is when the light on the power button is on, but the screen remains black.

First try powering your Chromebook off by holding the power button down for six seconds, then turning it back on again. If powering off does not work, then press and until the computer returns to a blue screen. This may take at least 15 times.

Overheated computer

If no lights turn on when the power button is pressed and the computer is very hot on the bottom, your computer may be overheated. You will have to wait a few minutes until it has cooled down. Unplug the laptop from its power cable and let it sit with the vents unobstructed. After at least 10-15 minutes, try turning the computer on again. If it boots normally, the computer was too hot. Try using the Chromebook on a hard surface to help prevent this in the future.

Corrupt operating system

If the computer lights up but gives you a message saying "Operating System Not Found", your operating system may be corrupted. First try powering your Chromebook off by holding the power button down for six seconds, then turning it back on again. If powering off does not work, then press refresh and power until the computer returns to a login screen. This may take at least 15 times.

Battery Won't Charge

First, check that:  

• The charger or adapter cables are completely plugged in, both to your Chromebook and the wall

• The power outlet is working

If your Chromebook still won't charge: 

1. Unplug your charger from the wall and your Chromebook and request a repair

2. Plug your charger back in to your Chromebook or try plugging the charger on the other side of the Chromebook (for models P28T and P29T), then plug into the wall outlet

3. Charge the device for at least 30 minutes

If the battery still won't charge, reset your Chromebook hardware, called a hard reset. 

Hard reset your Chromebook 

For most Chromebooks, follow the steps below:

1. Turn off your Chromebook

2. Press and hold Refresh + tap Power

3. When your Chromebook starts up, release Refresh

Sound Doesn't Work

1. Make sure sound isn't muted:  

   • At the bottom right, select the time

   • Adjust the volume using the slider

2. Change the sound input or output:  

   • At the bottom right, select the time

   • Next to the volume slider, select the Right arrow

   • Change where sound comes from (output) or where you speak into (input)

3. Unplug audio devices (like headphones or speakers) from your Chromebook

4. Or, try resetting Your Chromebook

Hard reset your Chromebook 

For most Chromebooks, follow the steps below:

1. Turn off your Chromebook

2. Press and hold Refresh + tap Power

3. When your Chromebook starts up, release Refresh

Chromebook Is Slow

Check for system updates. If any updates are available, install them.

Update your Chromebook's operating system 

Your Chromebook automatically checks for and downloads updates when connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet. 

1. When your Chromebook downloads a software update, at the bottom right, the notification will be colored:  

   • Blue: An update is recommended

   • Orange: An update is required

2. Select Restart to update

3. Your Chromebook will restart and update

Delete your browsing data

If you sync a type of data, like history or passwords, deleting it on your computer will delete it everywhere it's synced. It'll be removed from other devices and your Google Account. 

1. On your computer, open Chrome

2. At the top right, click More

3. Click More tools Clear browsing data

4. Choose a time range, like Last hour or All time

5. Select the types of information you want to remove

6. Click Clear data.

Google

Google Workspace for Education

Google Workspace for Education provides a suite of cloud-based tools to K–12 and higher-education institutions and U.S. homeschools.
The tools and services include messaging and collaboration apps, such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Classroom, and so on.

GCSD provides students in grades 3-12 with a Google for Education Account. The following services are a part of the Google for Education account and are available anywhere with Internet access: 

• Email - an individual email account (for school use only) managed by GCSD, until such time as the student is no longer enrolled with the district. 

• Calendar - an individual calendar providing the ability to organize schedules, daily events and assignments. 

• Drive - word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and drawing creation, sharing and storage. 

• Sites - an individual and collaborative website creation tool. 

• Video - access and storage for video projects. Using these tools, students collaboratively create, edit, and share files and websites and school related work. 

Using these tools, students collaboratively create, edit, and share files and websites for school related work. School staff will monitor student use of Apps when students are at school. Parents are responsible for monitoring their child's use of Apps when accessing programs from home. Students are responsible for their behavior at all times.

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

The Children's Online Privacy Projection Act (COPPA) helps to protect our students when they utilize online or web based programs like Google for Education. COPPA applies to commercial companies and limits their ability to collect personal information from children under 13. By default, Google advertising is turned off in Google for Education users. The district's collection and/or use of student information is solely for educational purposes. However, users should be aware that Google may collect certain information concerning users of Google Apps for Education from time to time.

Please refer to the Privacy Policy published by Google, which outlines the information that Google may collect and how it may be used. Google's Privacy Policy can be found at: http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/edu/ privacv.html

NOTE: This is the same Privacy Policy which currently applies to a student's use of any Google products, including use of Google products at home or anywhere that Google products are accessed by students. 

Google Links

Google Classroom

Google for Education

Google Apps Learning Center

Google for Education: Gmail

Configuring Your Smartphone for Gmail