Running list of FAQ’s **Last updated 7/30/18
- Running list of FAQ’s
- What is a Chromebook? It’s a special kind of laptop that uses the Chrome browser as its operating system. This makes it very fast to use and boot up once it is powered on. Although it has some limitations without an Internet connection, it does have the ability to do some viewing and editing of files offline.
- What are all the “plugs” on the side? On the right side of the Chromebook you have a power indicator so you know when it’s on, a headphone/earphone jack, two USB ports (one of which is powered), and a full size HDMI output if you wanted to hook it up to a HDTV or monitor with a HDMI cord.
- Can students charge their phone by plugging it into the USB port? They can, but it is not recommended because it drains the battery on the Chromebook faster, and they could lose the charge when they need it for instruction.
- Why did you choose a Chromebook? We simply would not have been able to provide each student with a device, if it were not for Chromebooks. We have been waiting a couple of years for Chromebooks to mature and run the needed software that we felt would suit the needs of most students until now.
- Why is Bullitt County spending so much money on Chromebooks? To prepare students for similar learning platforms they will use at higher ed, to streamline processes for teachers, increase productivity and organization, to increase collaboration among stakeholders, to reduce paper use, to increase engagement for students with the learning process, to increase the time a teacher has for working with students in class, a tool to help the learning process, increase 21st Century Learning Skills, enhance learning and improve communication, increase student ownership of their learning and the learning process, connect users to both our local and global community, and utilize a wide array of digital educational materials.
- What size is the Chromebook? Students in middle school will receive HP11.6” G4 devices and Freshmen will receive Lenovo N42 14” devices.
- Will there be a case for my chromebook? No, though we highly suggest purchasing a case or backpack for additional protection for your chromebook. Several schools are selling sleeves or cases, so check with your school before you buy. Make sure the case/sleeve will protect the device if dropped.
- Do the student have to be present to pick up the chromebook? Yes, we have the students to login to the Chromebook to make sure it works properly using their credentials.
- Do the parents have to be present, or can students pick up the Chromebook by themselves at the deployment? Parents need to be present so they can accompany their student to pay the Access 24 fee, to ensure they know how to login and convey the importance of caring for the device.
- What damage is not covered by the warranty or the district? LCD damage, keys that come off, damage to the power and headphone jack and damaged power supplies that show physical damage.
- What if I don’t want to pay the fee? The fee covers software that is added to the Chromebook every year, and it helps defray the cost of the repair parts, shipping costs, etc. We explored the price, and we have lowered our cost well below other nearby county’s which are $50.00 or greater. If you want to buy your own device, you are welcome to do so, however we have chosen what we feel is the best device for our students, at a reasonable cost. So, if you don’t pay the fee, you will have to provide an acceptable device so your child can participate in classroom instruction.
- Will there be insurance on the Chromebook? No, insurance and extended warranties can run the costs up significantly.
- We don’t have WiFi at home, how can my child use this device without internet at home? Your child could work with their teacher to get work done at school, or by using the WiFi at local public libraries, and several businesses. In addition, the Chromebooks have a small hard drive that will allow students to work “offline” using Google Drive at home for word processing, and their files will update automatically with their online storage when they connect to the internet.
- How do I know my child will be safe using the internet at home? These Chromebooks will be filtered the district filtering appliance at school AND a separate filtering appliance at home. No filter is 100% accurate at removing ALL inappropriate content, so parents should still monitor student use while away from school property. In addition, students will be completing internet training with the Digital Driver's License, which will educate students on how to safely use the internet.
- Will students have the ability to take these devices home over the summer? This is a decision of the local school.
- How will charging work during the school day? The devices should hold a charge for a full instructional day and students need to make sure the device is fully charged before coming to school. If a student needs to charge their device will there be guidelines and locations for how that is to happen? We are suggesting schools buy or use old charging carts that can be repurposed and placed in the media center, cafeteria or other appropriate locations for quick charging, or chargers can be checked out from the school at designated locations. Multiple outlet chargers may also be placed in classrooms to allow students to charge while they work.
- If a student receives a Chromebook in the 6th Grade, will the device stay with them until the student graduates high school? Many thought that in the course of 7 years the device would no longer have a useful life. The device issued in 6th grade will be sent back to the leasing company after they leave 8th grade, and a new device will be issued as a freshman.
- If a student moves out of the district after only a portion of time where the device is used, what happens to the device? The device will remain with the school.
- Will the students be able to purchase their device at the end of their senior year or 8th grade year? No
- Will students be allowed to “mark up” their device with stickers, skins, markers, etc,? Skins yes, if they are removable. They can only decorate if it is on the skin, not the device, otherwise there is a fee for defacing the device.
- Will teachers be allowed to “personalize” their device with stickers, skins, markers, etc.? School decision since schools purchased the teacher devices. Ramifications need to be explained to administrators on “marking up” the devices. Since teacher devices are not leased, it will have no impact on the device from that standpoint.
- What happens at the end of the lease? The Chromebooks are returned to leasing company
- What happens if I crack my screen, break a key on my keyboard, or damage my charger? See damage policy.
- What happens if I withdraw from school or move to another school in the district? If you withdraw from school, your Chromebook will need to be returned and inspected for damages. If you transfer to another school within the district, your Chromebook will go with you. Notification should be communicated to the STC at the school, then to the district technology department.
- If I have multiple children, will I get a discount on the leasing fee? No
- Are the schools going to do any type of fundraiser for skins/cases for the Chromebooks? School choice, and a great idea.
- I’m concerned about the camera on the Chromebook. Will anyone be able to see my child through the camera on their Chromebook? Only if the student allows access (via Skype, or Google Hangout etc.) There will be no access of the camera by district personnel.
- What about recording audio and video? Remember that in order to record audio, video or still pictures of others, you must not only have consent, but the student must have a district “permission to capture” form. If you’re in a classroom setting and you don’t have permission from your teacher, do NOT record any media of another person.
- What is G-Suite and how do I log in? In order to access your Google Apps for Education account and your school Google Drive, you will log into the Chromebook with the same credentials as your school email and password. In fact, on any device with a Chrome browser or Google Drive app, you will be able to login and access your files.
- What if my child drops or damages their device, is the repair covered with the $35.00 fee? No, the fee does not cover accidental damage, nor does the warranty, so the student/parent will be responsible for repair costs. See the cost breakdown for repairs in the TRUE Document.
- Can I loan my Chromebook to another student? Never loan your Chromebook to others -- remember, the only person signing into your Chromebook is YOU.
- What happens if I forget my chromebook at home? If you do not bring your Chromebook for three school days in a row, it will be considered lost and appropriate action will be taken.
- What if the Chromebook has a problem and has to be repaired? During the first year, repair costs will be covered under warranty. If there are technical issues, not caused by accidental damage, district technicians will repair or replace the device. We chose to repair the devices in-district after the first year. While the devices is being repaired, students will use a day user Chromebook, but it cannot be taken home.
- What if I need to check my email or use Microsoft Word or Excel? Students can go to login.microsoftonline.com and login into their email. There you will also have the option to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint or other Microsoft product.
- Will this device do everything my child will need in school? It depends, the Chromebook should handle most of the tasks students will need in school. Students taking advanced courses, which are hosted outside of our district, may not be able to do everything needed for those courses. Since software is not installed on a Chromebook, there may be some cases where a Windows or Mac based computer will still be required. For all regular classwork, the Chromebook should work just fine.
- Another student knocked my child’s Chromebook off the desk, who pays for that? This will be something the school will investigate to make a determination of who is at fault.
- I received a Chromebook last year, do I show up at the deployment launch again this year to pick up my device? No, contact your school to find out when you will receive your Chromebook from last year.
- Can I buy an insurance policy for my child's Chromebook? Yes, click on this link: https://goo.gl/BK1SBQ