Technology for Parents and Students
This site will contain support materials for parents and students to help get to know and understand the technology tools the district uses for teaching and learning.
Having issues? Check out this document.
Chromebooks
Chromebooks are a type of computer that runs on a specific system called ChromeOS. A typical Chromebook is meant to access the web and all that the internet has to offer.
Getting Started with a Touch Chromebook Video (some features may vary)
All the How Tos on a Chromebook (short video series)
Chromebook Simulator - learn how to do anything on your Chromebook
Chromebooks:
Cannot install and run programs such as Microsoft Word or Minecraft.
Use a G Suite account to sign in - typically your Google email address and password.
Signs you into all your Google sites automatically such as Gmail, Classroom, and Calendar.
Signs you into Chrome to easily access bookmarks, extensions, web history, and other settings
Westhill CSD Chromebooks:
Touchscreen
Embedded Sylus
Can also run district-approved Android apps
Are filtered and monitored by the district
Please review the Acceptable Use Policy for school Google Accounts, Chrome, and Chromebooks.
Data Privacy
We take your child's data privacy seriously. As a district, we will only use tools that are approved and compliant with NYS and Federal data privacy laws. Please do not encourage your child to sign up for accounts with their school email on websites that are not directly recommended by their teacher. For more information on Parent Bill of Rights as it relates to data privacy, click here.
G Suite for Education
G Suite for Education offers the district's staff and students a variety of tools for organization, efficient work, collaboration, and more. G Suite includes Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Classroom, Jamboard, Keep, and Meet.
Gmail is the email communication tool
Calendar allows teachers and students to schedule class events, assignments, and more.
Drive is a place to easily store and organize all files. Docs, Sheets, and Slides can also be created in Drive.
Classroom is where students can find all their assignments for the week along with other materials needed for class.
Keep is a tool used to keep lists and notes organized. It's also a great whiteboard app for drawing.
Jamboard is a whiteboard app that teachers and students can use to explain ideas or collaborate on brainstorming.
Meet is the web conferencing tool the teachers use to give lessons and provide support through video and audio.
Chrome is the cloud-based internet browser made by Google. If you sign into Chrome (or Chromebook) you can save your bookmarks and extensions to your account.
Google Classroom
This is probably the most essential part of learning online at Westhill CSD. Here you will find how to videos for parents and students such as viewing and submitting assignments.
Google Docs, Sheets, Slides
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are Google Drive's equivalent to MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. They are the suite of productivity tools teachers and students will use to create and work on assignments like essays, lab reports, journals, and more.
Google Docs
Google Docs is a word processing tool that students can use to take notes, write essays, and collaborate with peers.
Google Sheets
Google Sheets is a spreadsheet tool that students can use to organize and analyze data.
Google Slides
Google Slides is a presentation tool that students and teachers can use to create presentations in order to present information.
Kami will be site that your student may use to complete assignments. With Kami, a student can draw, highlight, and generally mark up a document with a touch or non touch device. Teachers may be giving assignments in Kami like annotating text, labeling, doing math problems, and more.
Still Need Help?
If you have a technical issue with the hardware - missing keys, touch pad doesn't work, microphone not working, etc. you may arrange to exchange the Chromebook with your building.
Check this common fixes to common problems document.
The middle and high schools have a computer aide in the Library Labs at each building for the students.