NUSD Chromebook Guide
Table of Contents
Welcome Letter from the Director of Technology…Page 3
What is a Chromebook?…Page 4
What is the Chrome OS?…Page 5
Tips for Using a Chromebook…Page 6
Chromebook Specifications…Page 8
Information and Technology Standards…Page 9
Benefits to Student Learning…Page 10
Student Expectations…Page 11
Care and Maintenance…Page 12
Internet Safety…Page 13
Resources…Page 14
Acceptable Use Policy…Page 15
Dear NUSD Families,
In the Natomas Unified School District, we believe today’s students are true digital natives who are becoming accustomed to instant access to information. Our NUSD board policy provides access to computing and networking for all our students. We believe that access is crucial to ensure that all students graduate as college and career ready, productive, responsible, and engaged global citizens. To guide the development of our students, NUSD has recently deployed over 2000 new student Chromebook computers. When a student logs into a Chromebook with a username and password, the Chromebook becomes a personalized learning device that can securely save your student’s work to their personal account on the internet.
NUSD is pleased to offer your student a regular opportunity to use these new computers and our network at school. We are also excited to issue each student a personalized username and password. In accordance with board policy 6162.9, your student may only use these resources once a signed Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is on file for your student. If an AUP is not on file for your student, we will be sending a copy home in the coming days. Each family will receive a copy of your student’s username and password.
Your student may use this username and password to login to our Google Apps for Education accounts at school or anywhere they have internet access. Students will be able to share documents with their teachers, and teachers will be able to comment on student work – all through the internet. Although the username is built using an email address, student email is currently disabled.
We are pleased to offer these opportunities and are grateful for your support in helping us educate children on how to care for and utilize technology appropriately. The following list highlights several of our expectations for students.
Technology Guidelines:
- The Chromebook is an educational tool and should be used in that capacity only.
- Do not eat or drink near the laptop.
- Cyberbullying will not be tolerated.
Once again thank you for your support.
Sincerly,
John Eick
Director of Instructional Technology
Natomas Unified School District
What is a Chromebook?
Introducing the new Chromebook
Chromebooks are easy to use, and don’t slow down over time. They have built-in security, so you’re protected against viruses and malware. They come with apps for all your everyday needs, and keep your files safely backed up on the Cloud. And with free, automatic updates, your Chromebook keeps getting better and better.
A Chromebook is a personal computer running the Google Chrome Operating System(OS). 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.
You can easily share a Chromebook with multiple people. Switching accounts takes mere seconds, and everyone gets their own files, apps and settings. Plus, it’s simple to use. There’s no set-up, and your files are automatically backed up in the Cloud. At just 2.43 pounds, 0.69 inches thin, and with up to 7 hours of battery life*, the Samsung Chromebook can go anywhere you go. It’s built to stay cool, so it doesn’t need a fan and runs silently. It also includes 100GB of free Google Drive storage (for 2 years), a built-in webcam, and dual band Wi-Fi to make it easy to connect to wireless networks.
What is the Chrome OS?
The Chrome OS 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.
How to Use Chromebooks in Your Classroom
Step 1
Instruct students to open their NUSD Chromebook and click Add User (bottom left corner). Have students login using their NUSD Google username and password.
*Be sure they include their student domain username@nusdk12.org
Step 2
Introduce students to their Google Drive
To access the Google Drive:
Student clicks on the Google Drive icon also available from the apps icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Overview of the Google Drive:
- All your files & folders. Click to open or select checkbox for options 2 and 3.
- Options to share, open, delete, files etc.
- Another option to share files, rename etc.
- Features to sort your drive
- Store & View Pictures
- Search Bar for your drive. Easily find your documents.
- Create new files or upload existing files from your computer
Step 3: Have students create and share a Google Document
Create a Google document
To create a new document, go to your Drive, click the Create button, and select Document.
A window with a new Google document will open, and you’ll be able to edit the document, share it with other people, and collaborate on it in real-time. Google Docs saves your document automatically, and you can always access it from your Drive.
How to share your document
With Google Drive, you can share files — like documents, images, and PDFs — without having to email them as attachments. Sharing is as easy as indicating which email addresses or mailing lists should have access to a given file.
Share a file with an email address
- Go to the google drive
- Check the box next to the file or folder you’d like to share.
- Click the Share icon.
- Type the email addresses of the people you want to share with in the text box below “Add people.” You can add a single person or a mailing list.
- Choose the access level from the drop-down menu next to each collaborator: “Can view,” “Can comment,” or “Can edit.”
- Click Share & save.
Chromebook Specifications
NUSD is using the Samsung Chromebook…
Portable, Powerful, Cooler
The Samsung Chromebook’s dual core processor delivers exceptional performance and battery life in an ultra-slim package. And unlike traditional computers, it has no fan or moving parts, which means it stays cooler on your lap and runs silent (no humming, unless you’re listening to music).
Oversized, Multi-Touch Touchpad
You can enjoy better control using a large multi-touch touchpad. With an image sensor it provides a stylish and convenient way to use your Chromebook.
Full-Sized Keyboard Designed for Chrome
The keyboard is optimized for Chrome with a dedicated search key, a row of web-enabled keys, and a comfortable, full-size layout that doesn’t cramp your fingers.
Simply More Flexibility
The Chromebook has a range of ports, including HDMI and USB 3.0/2.0 ports, to enable greater flexibility for sharing data and multimedia playback. Its unique hinge design makes it easier to connect all of your peripherals.
Information and Technology Standards
The California Information and Technology Essential Standards are integrated into your child’s everyday learning experiences. These standards are divided into four key skills that are fundamental in preparing students to be successful. These include:
- Sources of Information
- Research Process
- Technology as a Tool
- Safety and Ethical Issues
Your child will benefit greatly from the resources provided by the schools in the Natomas Unified School District. Students will have access to Google Apps for Education, an online suite of productivity tools.
Examples:
- Writing: Production and Distribution of Writing
- Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
- Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
- Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
Benefits to Student Learning
Collaborate on Documents
Create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and drawings with apps like Google Docs, Zoho and SlideRocket. With productivity apps, you can collaborate in real-time with others, access your documents from any computer, and have your files backed up automatically. Access other everyday files using the built-in PDF and document viewer.
More Storage in the Cloud
With 100GB of free Google Drive storage for two years, you can keep your apps, documents, favorites and settings safe and securely accessible from anywhere. You don’t have to bother downloading and installing any applications onto your hard drive.
Student Expectations
Computing expectations for student use have been outlined in the NUSD Acceptable Use Policy. A copy of this policy is available in this resource as well as the NUSD website for review at any time. Every time a student logs into any NUSD computer they are agreeing to the Natomas Unified Schools Acceptable Use Policy and the guidelines within.
Care and Maintenance
It is recommended that the NUSD issued Chromebook be carried with both hands. Avoid placing anything heavy on top of the device as this may damage the screen. Also keep food and liquids away from the device.
If your child happens to experience any issues with their Chromebook, charger, or any application on it, each school has resources to help troubleshoot the problem. Each school has been assigned a Technology Engineer to assist with hardware issues such as cracked screens, missing keys, or booting issues. When a problem occurs it is the responsibility of the student to alert their teacher immediately.
Internet Safety
The Internet provides endless opportunities and information for student learning. We can email classmates, talk to experts, or even teach ourselves something new. This is what makes the Internet a powerful educational resource. There are things we need to know in order to stay safe while online. We will teach your child how to navigate the World Wide Web safely and responsibly, but keep in mind that children need to have the same safety measures in place at home.
Natomas Unified Public Schools have safeguards in place to keep your child safe. Lightspeed is the Internet filter and virus protection that we have on all computers. This filter and virus protection is in effect on ALL Natomas Unified computers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No filtering system is perfect but we can monitor closely and block inappropriate content. However, thousands of new sites are created everyday and our filter may not catch all of them. If your child comes across inappropriate content have them report it to their teacher so that a Technology Engineer at their school can block the site. Teachers also incorporate Internet Safety into their classes.
Many people like to socialize online using social networking sites. A social networking site is a website that allows you to build a profile and connect with others. NUSD does not support or endorse social networks beyond Google Apps for Education. Most social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are blocked for students, but as a parent it is important to be aware of them.
Cyberbullying is defined as using technology such as the Internet or cell phones to bully or harass someone. Here are some tips that you can utilize to help protect your child against cyberbullying:
- Know your child’s username and passwords for all social networking sites.
- All social networking sites have a minimum age limit listed in their terms of service or privacy policy. Most of these, including Facebook, state that they are not intended for individuals under the age of 13.
- Friend or Follow your child and check their page often for any suspicious or mean- spirited comments.
Resources
Google Education Resources
http://www.google.com/edu/training/
http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/chromebook
Digital Safety
http://www.netsmartz.org/Parents
http://www.staysafeonline.org/
http://www.ikeepsafe.org
http://www.google.com/goodtoknow/
http://www.google.com/edu/teachers/youtube/curric/index.html
www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/cyberbullying-toolkit
Educational Video Sites
http://www.khanacademy.org/
http://www.schooltube.com/
http://teachertube.com/
http://ed.ted.com/
https://www.teachingchannel.org/
Use of Technology in Instruction – BP 6162.7
- The Natomas Unified School District (“District”) will make its computing and network resources available to its students and staff solely for educational purposes, and to carry out the legitimate business of the District. All other uses of District computing and network resources are strictly prohibited.
- Access to District’s computing and network resources, is not a right of any person. Rather, such access, if given by the District pursuant to the provisions of District Policy and Regulations, is a revocable privilege. Users of District’s computing and network resources are required to use such resources responsibly, ethically, and in a manner consistent with the provisions of this BP 6162.7 without regard to whether a user accesses District’s resources directly, or through any remote computer or network. (Continued on Page Seven)
- As a condition of using District’s computing and network resources, every user must read and sign the appropriate “Acceptable Use Agreement” provided by District staff. All minors seeking permission to use these resources must also obtain the written permission of that minor’s parent or guardian. Any user who does not sign an “Acceptable Use Agreement” will not be permitted to use District’s computing and network resources.
- The District’s computer resources and all users’ accounts are the property of the District. There is no right to privacy in the use of the computer resources or users’ accounts, and the District reserves the right to monitor and access information on the system and in users’ accounts for the purpose of determining whether a violation of this BP 6162.7 has occurred. The District will remove any information on the system which it determines to be in violation of this BP 6162.7.
- In compliance with the requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the District will utilize an internet blocking or filtering device to prevent electronic access to visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors. However, the Superintendent or his/her designee will have the discretion to disable such blocking or filtering measures in any case in which an adult requires access to such materials for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. The Superintendent or his/her designee will review written requests from adults for permission to disable blocking.
- No person utilizing District computer resources will disclose or disseminate personal information concerning minors attending District schools.
- The Superintendent or his/her designee is hereby authorized to adopt and implement such Administrative Regulations as are necessary and appropriate to implement this policy.
Acceptable Use Policy
I have read the Natomas Unified School District Board Policy 6162.7 Use of Technology in Instruction (see Pages Six & Seven) and understand the provisions. I accept responsibility for my child’s appropriate use of Natomas Unified School District computer resources, which include all computer systems and network systems, Internet and intranet web sites or other data processing equipment owned or leased by Natomas Unified School District, as well as remote computers, or computer systems when used to access Natomas Unified School District computer resources, as outlined in the policy. I understand that use of Natomas Unified School District computer resources in violation of the Board Policy will result in the cancellation or restriction of user privileges. I agree to report any use that is in violation of the Board Policy to the appropriate system administrator, school district administrator, teacher or classified employee.