Classroom Chromebook Management

Chromebooks are now a standard learning tool and an essential component of the 21st century classroom. Chromebooks enhance both the teaching and learning experience. Teachers can easily distribute materials and provide individual feedback. Students can access a wide range of materials and interactive resources. 

Chromebooks are by their very nature distractive devices. The Chromebooks used in Brookline Public Schools are managed. Filters in place that keep students safe and limit access to distracting content. However, students find ways to use the Chromebooks for entertainment.  It's essential that teachers set boundaries and make their expectations on the use of Chromebooks very clear.  

Below are some strategies that teachers use to manage Chromebook use in their classroom and help students day focused on schoolwork. 

Chromebooks should only be used when directed by a teacher. There are many class periods and activities where a Chromebook is not needed and the devices should be off the desk and stored safely.

 Many teachers use the commands noted in the image (at right) to provide directions when a Chromebook is needed in a lesson. 

When students are using Chromebooks, it's important that they are aware that a teacher is monitoring. Moving about the room helps send that message. Likewise, asking students to sit where their screens remain visible supports that message. Some teachers take a seat behind students that gives them a view of student screens. While it's not possible to constantly monitor all student screens, students need to believe that a teacher may be observing. 

Some students are very adept at quickly closing or hiding browser tabs and windows. Since students cannot delete their browsing history on Brookline Chromebooks, teachers can establish the expectation that their browser tabs and history can be viewed at any time. Teachers can ask students to display open or recently closed browser tabs and windows by using the Chromebook keyboard shortcuts shown at right. 

Students can easily download and share their browser history. This can be a periodic assignment. Students use the "Export Chrome History" extension that is installed in every student account. The resulting download can be shared as a Google Sheet. The video at right demonstrates the process. 

When browser history is shared as a routine assignment, it becomes not a punitive "gotcha" but a clear message that reinforces that Chromebooks are to be used for schoolwork only.  

Work with your school administrator or Educational Technology Specialist (ETS) to familiarize yourself with your school's procedures for student Chromebook misuse. Each school has developed their own  set of consequences based on the "Chromebook Use and Care Expectations" document that each student signs. As an example, the consequences enforced at Hayes School are:

• First Offense - Review of our Chromebook Use Expectations with a teacher or an administrator. Chromebook sent to administrators and taken away for a 24hr period. 

• Second Offense - Chromebook sent to administrators and taken away for 2 days. Parents are informed. 

• Third Offense - Chromebook sent to administrators and taken away for 3 days. days and is returned after a meeting with an administrator and student. Parents are informed.

  • Fourth Offense - Chromebook is taken away until a meeting with parents where a reintroduction plan is created. Chromebook is placed in the Penalty Box until further notice.