A Chromebook is a personal computer running the Google Chrome OS (Operating System). Although this device has some offline capabilities, it is designed to be used while connected to the Internet. Rather than use traditional software that resides on the device itself, Chromebooks utilize web applications and cloud storage to create a unique user experience. The web applications allow the device to quickly boot upon system startup. In addition to utilizing cloud storage, Chromebooks have an internal hard drive that documents can also be saved to. USB peripheral devices such as a wireless mouse or a flash drive will work however, students will not be able to install software or run executable files.
The Chrome OS (Operating System) works with web-based applications versus traditional stand-alone software. There are no programs to load and no updates to install. The Chrome OS automatically updates, therefore you are always running the most current version. Chrome was designed for more than just speed. Because of its advanced security features, Chrome offers a very safe browsing experience. Chrome also allows you to control what information you share online.
What are the Dell Chromebook 11 dimensions?
Height: 0.83" (21.0mm) (back); 0.79" (20.1mm) (front) x Width: 11.69" (297.0mm) x Depth: 8.57" (217.7mm) Weight: 2.74lbs (1245g); 2.91lbs (1320g)
Chargers (to be kept at home) will be provided to all students
The LCD panel (screen) is approximately $160
A replacement keyboard is approximately $40
A replacement charger is $70
Due to the relative low cost of the Chromebook, most repairs are not cost-effective.
The Chromebooks are covered with a basic manufacturer warranty. Generally, negligent or willful destruction would cause a charge to a student.
The District is not offering an insurance program this year. Through the Worth Ave. Group, a comprehensive policy is available to families. Families will need to pursue this option on their own - more information about the Worth Ave Chromebook Insurance program can be found at www.worthavegroup.com
We have in place GoGuardian & iBoss internet filtering in the school district - this "filters out" most questionable sites that are categorized as such. For instance, www.poker.com is a gambling site that has categorized itself as such, thus it is blocked. This filtering works at the students' homes on their Chromebooks as well since we have GoGuardian as a forced extension - ideally, the kids cannot get around it.
Can students get around the filtering?
We can filter and blacklist, but new sites appear every minute (according to www.dailymail.co.uk, "70 new domains are registered and 571 new website are created within a minute online, at the same time there are 1.8 million likes on Facebook, 204 million emails sent and 278,000 tweets posted.") This is why, when talking with parents, we use phrases like "We can guarantee 95% safety, the remaining 5% is up to you." Additionally, students are very clever, and very quickly begin searching for webpages about "hacking school chromebook." There are literally dozens of videos, most created by 12 year olds, that show how to get around nearly every security feature ever conceived. One such poster brags that if admins block his site, just come back and he'll post a different link!
Google Apps for Education (GAFE) is an integrated communication and collaboration solution, hosted by Google and managed by NPS. GAFE will provide the ability for NPS students, faculty and staff to communicate, store files and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real time from anywhere.