Staff Chromebook Pilot
The goal of this pilot is to assess the viability of using a Chromebook in place of a PC as the primary device and in which use cases.
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Background
Goal:
The pilot will assess the viability of using a Chromebook in place of a PC as the primary device and in which use cases.
Overview:
Teachers and staff will use an upgraded Chromebook instead of a PC as their primary device.
Determine in which settings it makes sense to use a Chromebook and which settings it would not be a viable solution.
Explore a variety of uses including classroom teachers, shared classrooms, counselors, classified employees, employees who work at multiple sites, site and district-level administrators, and more.
Why is SDUHSD piloting Chromebooks?
More and more users are moving to web-based tools which don’t require a PC to run.
Management of devices, software and settings is greatly streamlined, creating a consistent experience for all staff.
-TOTAL- Cost of ownership is significantly lower per computer.
Portability/flexibility/speed/reliability
What does this mean for participants?
Classroom teachers participating in the pilot will have:
an upgraded touchscreen Chromebook with printing enabled for networked printers
a 27” monitor
a stand for the Chromebook
a keyboard and mouse
The ability to wirelessly connect to the projector with a device called Vivi.
Substitutes will receive a Chromebook with the sub folder that works with the pilot equipment.
Participants in an office setting will have:
an upgraded touchscreen Chromebook with printing enabled for networked printers
two 24" monitors
a keyboard and mouse
Chromebooks are great for accessing web-based tools. There are some limitations.
The desktop versions of certain programs can't be installed on Chromebooks. Examples include Microsoft Office tools and Adobe Creative Cloud programs like Photoshop, Acrobat Pro, and Premiere Pro. As a reminder, staff members have access to the online versions of Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel through microsoft365.com using their district email and password.
There is no access to H: Drives, M: Drives, P: Drives, etc. from a Chromebook. Participants should move any files they may need to their Google Drive prior to switching to a Chromebook. H: Drives are still accessible from desktop PCs in workrooms around campus.
Resources
Troubleshooting
HELP! I can't get the sound to play through the classroom speakers!
Solution: When you click to share your screen, be sure to check the box in the pop-up window to "Share System Audio"
HELP! The sound is coming out of my Chromebook and the classroom speakers and it's awful!
Solution: Mute the speakers on your Chromebook.
Explanation: The audio controls for the Chromebook and those for Vivi are completely separate. To adjust the volume of the classroom speakers, use the controls for your projector (wall panel or remote, depending on your classroom), the volume control in Vivi, and the volume control in the player you are accessing (YouTube, Spotify, etc.)
HELP! The screens are reversed and I have to go right to get to the left screen!
Solution: Open the settings on the Chromebook (Click the clock, then gear wheel). Click "Device", then choose "Display". Click and drag the boxes that represent each screen so that they are in the correct order.