Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a Chromebook?
A. “Chromebooks are mobile devices designed specifically for people who live on the web. With a comfortable, full-sized keyboard, large display and clickable trackpad, all-day battery life, lightweight and built-in ability to connect to Wi-Fi and mobile broadband networks, the Chromebook is ideal for anytime, anywhere access to the web. They provide a faster, safer, more secure online experience for people who live on the web, without all the time-consuming, often confusing, high level of maintenance required by typical computers.” (Google)
Q. What kind of software does a Chromebook run?
A. “Chromebooks run millions of web-based applications, or web apps, that open right in the browser. You can access web apps by typing their URL into the address bar or by installing them instantly from the Chrome Web Store.” (Google)
Q. How are these web-based applications managed?
A. Each Chromebook we provide to students will be a managed device. Members of Oconomowoc Area School District's Technology Dept. will maintain devices through our G Suite for Education account. As such, the school can pre-install web-applications as well as block specific web-applications from a centralized management console.
Q. Can the Chromebook be used anywhere at any time?
A. Yes, as long as you have a WiFi signal to access the web.
Q. Do Chromebooks come with Internet Filtering Software?
A. Yes. OASD uses multiple layers of filtering while at school and at home on all district owned devices based on website categories and reputations. Categories like adult, dating, violence, and uncategorized websites are blocked using several services and appliances whenever a student is using a district owned device or on our wireless network.
Q. Can my student opt-out of receiving a district Chromebook?
A. Yes. Parents may choose not to accept a district-issued Chromebook. However, students are then required to bring a laptop or a Chromebook each day to school to do the work comparable to students who are using the district-issued device. Curriculum resources, instructional strategies, and peer collaboration are accessed through a digital framework establishing the need for a device for use at school. Cell phones and tablets are not considered acceptable replacements for the district-issued Chromebook. All students will be required to use district devices at times such as required online state or district assessments.
Q. Are the Chromebooks covered under a manufacturer’s warranty?
A. Yes. All Chromebooks are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for malfunction due to manufacturing or non-performance issues. The warranty does not cover damage that is determined (by the District) to be accidental, intentional, or the result of negligent use or treatment; nor does it cover outright loss or destruction of the Chromebook or charging cord.