FAQs

What do I do if my student(s) transfer to another school in the district?

Return the Chromebook(s) to the school your child(ren) is leaving.  Your student(s) will be issued a new Chromebook at his/her new school.

Is it safe to give Google so much access to my information and files?

This concern has been raised many times from various sources. Google insists that your information is safe. To find out more, Google has created a Privacy Policy document for users to read.

Will I be able to print?

No, printing is not an option.   “I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees for trees have no tongues.” ― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax 

The school district filters digital content while at school. Will the content on a Chromebook also be filtered?

The school district has automatically installed security features on all Chromebooks that allow IT staff to monitor any activity online. Furthermore, staff has the ability to see some of this same information for students in their classes. The filters that are enacted at school will carry over to the use of the Chromebooks outside of school. These measures have been put into place to meet national CIPA and COPPA guidelines for schools. 

Can students use Gmail?

Students have access to Gmail. Only 11th and 12th graders can send emails outside of our division. Students have access to all Google Apps that are legal according to terms of use. These include applications such as Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets.

I don't like how the trackpad works. Can I plug a mouse into the Chromebook?

A wired, or wireless mouse will work on a Chromebook. The mouse will work as you normally would use it. Wired or wireless keyboards will also work on a Chromebook if this is needed as well. No extra software should be installed for either of these input devices as long as the wireless mouse or keyboard as a receiver that can plug into a USB port.

How long does a Chromebook battery last?

Depending on the model and the settings on the Chromebook, a full battery typically will last at least 8 hours. Differing situations may change this. As an example; turning the brightness of the display the whole way up and streaming videos will decrease the length of time a battery will last. Also, since a Chromebook can be turned on so quickly, turning it off between classes makes sense and will conserve the battery further. If this is done along with keeping the brightness turned down, turning your volume down or off, turning off Bluetooth if available, and not streaming, your battery could last a lot longer. Any combination of these will also help. Of course, nothing will help if the Chromebook wasn't already charged the night before.

Can I install software such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc?

Because of the nature of a Chromebook, unless the software is essentially web-based, you will not be able to install "traditional" software. There are versions of MS Office that are web-based, but unless you have paid to use these versions personally, you may not be able to access them. Google Drive does allow you to open and edit some MS files. It is suggested that they be converted to Google documents. Other software that is traditionally used on a computer may have an online version or will need you to find an alternative through the Chrome Web Store.

Is it possible to use my USB drive on a Chromebook?

It is possible to use a USB drive on a Chromebook. Plug it into an available USB port and it should be recognized right away.

Can I connect my Chromebook to my home WIFI?

Yes. Be aware that unless you turn off your Chromebook when not using it, the computer could still be connected and use data. It's best to completely turn it off when not using it. You can connect your Chromebook to any WiFi network that is open, or you know the password too. Remember though, although you shouldn't have to worry about viruses, any confidential information you share while connected to a public WiFi network could be intercepted and stolen. This is the case for any device that connects to the Internet though.

What happens if I don't have the Internet and want to work on my files?

You can still use certain features of a Chromebook even when offline. Docs for instance will still work. Certain files will be available offline and will then sync with your online drive when you are reconnected to the Internet once more.  To get more information on how Chromebooks can work offline, click here.