Chromebook Carts Kamiak High School

What is a Chromebook? A Chromebook is a laptop running Chrome OS as its operating system. The devices are designed to be used primarily while connected to the Internet, with most applications and data residing "in the cloud". A Chromebook is an example of a thin client. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromebook Chromebooks are also called "cloudbooks" because the owner's applications, videos, image files and documents are stored remotely on virtual servers. http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/Chromebook Important to know: This is not a traditional computer with a hard drive for storage of files and program data. Runs off of the internet browser, Chrome. Requires internet access to function. Cannot install software – so programs must be web based.

Device Specific Features No file storage on the device - cloud only No printing from Chromebooks Not a computer = no loading of software Not touchscreen  One browser - Chrome Students cannot change their password on this device Lower cost = more devices Fast set up = ready to use now Battery life rated at 8-10 hours No printing = less paper used Fast login and start up times Office software available online via Office 365 Google Apps for Education also available Printing can still happen using desktop computers in the school. Student files saved on OneDrive or Google Drive are accessible from desktop computers as well as the Chromebooks. No stylus due to the fact that they are not touchscreen devices Chrome being the only browser isn’t that big of a negative – it just means that if they find a site they want to use, they should test it in the Chrome browser before using with students – they won’t have the fall back option of ‘try another browser’

Cart Storage Anthro Carts with capacity for 33 Front access with padlock for security Tub of headphones for each cart Back panel locked for repair tech access only Heavy when fully loaded – should only be moved by staff members Toggle switch on back must be set to ‘charge tablets’ not outlets Middle school carts have 30 tablets High school carts have 33 One extra charging cable will be provided and kept with school librarian.

Keys to Success: Charging Chromebooks will chart in their carts Carts cycle power in 15 minute intervals Must be plugged in EVERY NIGHT! Must be plugged into designated outlet Powerstrips can cause charging failure and are not recommended Unplug the cart before moving! Why the home classroom? Some of our buildings (or even parts of buildings) in the district have more circuitry challenges than others. Home classroom locations have been verified by facilities staff to have enough power to charge the devices. Some classrooms, or even some walls in some classrooms do not have power to charge the devices. Knowing the power cycle is important – if you have low batteries, it will take twice as long to charge as you might think. An hour of charging on the cart really only delivers 30 minutes of charge time to each device.

Keys to Success: Scheduling Plan ahead for tablet usage Include time in your planning for: Moving the cart into and out of your classroom Passing out and return of devices (at least 5 minutes each) Our building will be using SharePoint calendars. Carts are not “owned” by the staff member who houses the cart. Always report missing or broken items right away!

Keys to Success: Planning Begin with your Learning Target – then find a tool Login to a Chromebook and test the activity Have a student (TA?) test any webpage links you might want to use to be sure they work for students. Office 365 and Google Apps will give you many of the document types you need The web store found on the launcher will allow you to search for apps

Keys to Success: Vigilance Assign students to devices by number – require students to use the same device every time Consider lab-type set ups where you can see all of the student screens when using the tablets The classroom teacher is responsible for ensuring that educational technology used in class is used for appropriate purposes. Preview all websites/apps/videos and other digital resources before assigning them to students Set clear activity guidelines Provide links to websites expected to be used by students Using the same device every time makes it easier to track down for damage or other shenangins. It also creates more of a sense of ownership – take care of this device, as you will use this one every time.

Keys to Success: Security Set up a routine for returning tablets to the cart Double check that all tablets are accounted for Double check that all have power cords firmly seated When unattended, use the padlock to lock the devices in the cart The cart must be locked every day Extra tips: Fire Alarm? Lock classroom door. We did lose tablets to theft by students at the elementary level. In all cases, the cart was not checked prior to students leaving the classroom, or the tablets were not collected in the cart due to not enough time being left to pack up at the conclusion of the activity.

Notes: If you and/or your students have not already changed your district password, you MUST do so on a windows computer at school before using the Chromebooks. Report all success stories and challenges to the Cart Herders and/or Gail. If you have a broken or defective Chromebook complete a Computer Work Order at http://frost.mukilteo.schools/User/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fUser And send the Chromebook to the library with a note attached and the issue to be resolved. . If they haven’t changed their password, they will not be synced up with