Managing Chromebooks in Your Class

Objectives:

• Understand processes for managing Chromebooks in class
• Understand policies and expectations for using online content
• Identify additional areas that require school-wide policies and procedures
• Discuss effective routines for online learning

Chromebooks:

1. Overview of Chromebooks:

• solely cloud-based
• no powering up/down, no installing programs, no viruses
• configured by account login
• information and docs automatically saved to the account / drive

2. Before Students Use Chromebooks:

• parent and student sign KBAS technology usage agreement form
• teacher reviews expectations with students, students sign Chromebook agreement form
• only use Chromebooks based on your comfort level
• implement Chromebooks one step at a time

3. How to Distribute Chromebooks:

• give independent work while other students retrieve their Chromebooks
• control the flow and number of students moving around (dismiss table by table)
• require students to use two hands, with thumbs up, while carrying Chromebooks
• have a designated start-up task (do now, when students have their Chromebook)

4. Other Chromebook Handling Notes:

• no hands on screen
• use keys gently
• only use Chromebook when on a flat, stationary surface
• don't write (or place things) on top of it
• always carry with two hands on sides, thumbs up, screen closed

5. How to Log In to Chromebooks:

• click to add a user
• username: first.last@kippbastudent.org
• password: MMDDYYYY (student's birthday)

6. Differences From Laptops:

• closing the screen does not power down
• press power button = log out
• hold power button = log out and power off
• apps menu / quick launch bar to launch Chrome apps (install more via Chrome webstore)
• start-up screens and bookmarks are configurable
• extensions are "behind-the-scenes" apps
• define a word by double clicking
• gmail counter
• keyboard differences / navigation buttons
• ALT + search = caps lock
• ALT + backspace = delete letter
• CTRL + backspace = delete word
• click with two fingers = right click
• swipe with two fingers = scroll up/down

7. Other Management Notes:

• While giving directions or working full group, have students close their screens entirely.
• Students work at different paces and have different levels of computer proficiency:
• differentiate!
• provide early finisher activities
• clearly state directions in central place
• if comfortable, allow students to help one another (let them talk!)
• Not all students can access the Internet at home, so provide alternatives if you want them to complete homework online (either an alternate assignment or alternate time to complete the assignment).
• Soon, you will have access to Hapara Teacher Dashboard to manage students' google accounts and control their screens (to a certain extent...): we will review this at the beginning of September

8. Putting Chromebooks Away & Storing Them:

• Grade levels can determine whether students keep their Chromebooks with them or only use them for particular classes (and take them out only for these classes)
• dismiss groups--or better yet, assign an order--to place Chromebooks in cart
• count the Chromebooks at the end of each period
• 
  one student (assign a job) should attach the power cords at the end of the day
• make sure the cart is locked when not in use
• students may never take Chromebooks home
• they should remain with students in his/her homeroom (8th grade: you decide)

9. What Happens If a Student Mistreats a Chromebook?

• mistreats hardware:
• replace hardware to janky laptop
• misuses technology
• preferential seating: only work on computer while directly in front of teacher
• repeat offenses:
• must attend 2-hour (?) Chromebook care class on Saturday (during Saturday detention) -- similar to traffic school
• if student skips (or offends again): in ISS until student completes proper computer use workbook, then may reenter class
• ideally, your consequence is not disallowing technology use because then you have to provide alternative assignments

10. Other Notes / Questions / Resources:

• 80 tips for using Chromebooks
• 100 tips for using Chrome (browser)
• Chrome Usage Guide by Samsung
• ways to organize your class directions / materials:
• class website (blogger, google site, etc.)
• Edmodo
• written directions on paper