6th-12th GRADE DEVICES
A Chromebook has a traditional physical shape of a laptop but does not run a traditional operating system (Windows, Mac OSX, or Linux). Chromebooks run Google’s operating system; the Chrome operating system is built for the web, security and specifically for Chromebooks. Advertised specs vary from model to model. Lightweight and long battery life are a prime specifications of each model.
Students grades 9-12 are using the Lenovo Yoga 11e Chromebook. This device is touch screen enabled with the ability to have the screen flip and be used as a tablet device. View technical specifications.
High school students are expected to take the Chromebook home nightly and be responsible for it being charged each day. Families may opt out of their student taking the devices home, but may not opt out of a student being issued a device to use at school. ACPS considers use of the devices in the classroom a core part of the instructional program.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DEVICES
Students in the elementary grades use an Asus C100 Flip Chromebook. This device is touch screen enabled with the ability to have the screen flip and be used as a tablet device. View technical specifications.
Elementary students will receive a case with handles that will enable students to protect their Chromebook and the case will be able to hold the student’s charger as well. At the elementary schools, whether or not students are permitted to take their devices home with them is a school decision.
ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES
Accessibilty features on the Chromebook include High Contrast Mode, Screen Readers, Larger Mouse, and an On Screen Keyboard. Accessibility features can be turned on and off at any time in the Chromebook settings. To access the settings:
- Click on your profile picture in the lower right corner of the Chromebook and choose “Settings”.
- Scroll down and select “Show Advanced Settings”.
- Scroll down until you see a section labeled “Accessibility”.
- Check the box beside any of the Accessibility features that you want to enable. To disable, uncheck the box.
PERSONALIZATION
Students can personalize their Chromebook as long as it can be removed at the end of the year. Changing their desktop image is an example of personalization. A student should not put stickers on their Chromebook that may damage the finish.
CHARGING
High school students are responsible for bringing their devices charged to school everyday. At the elementary schools devices are stored in locked carts every night and are charged nightly. At the discretion of the school administrator, if students are taking the devices home, they should charge the device at home. Limited charging capability will be available at the school for students who do not bring their device charged for the school day.
MOUSE
A USB mouse can be used with the Chromebooks. ACPS will not issue mice unless proper documentation is provided.
FLASH
Flash is built into the Chrome browser and will update automatically with the Chrome updates. Java and Microsoft Silverlight will not function on the Chromebooks since these are installed plugin software programs.
PRINTING
Students will have access to a dedicated printer at their school. There are currently four of these print centers at the T.C. Williams King Street campus and two at the Minnie Howard campus. There will be at least one dedicated to each grade level of each elementary school building. However, given the cloud based nature of Chromebooks, the need to print is significantly lower than with traditional PC computers.