Chromebook FAQs
Update: 8/26/2020
I have come to realization that a few things need to be done for a Chromebook to work satisfactory with ZOOM. Updates are key, I suggest that once a week families shut down their devices and restart the next day. Chromebooks receive updates periodically and update when they are restarted. The Chromebooks that were purchased for classroom use where not purchased for ZOOMing, they were purchased for navigating to online programs. ZOOMing takes a toll on the devices. The speakers where not really needed as students use headphones in the classroom. If you are having difficulties with sound, please purchase some inexpensive headphones with a mic or a inexpensive speaker that can be plugged into the speaker jack. This tip comes from one of first grade students. I have been asked if a better Chromebook would make ZOOMs better, the answer is possible yes, but the better spec Chromebooks move in to a bigger expense moving away from the budget friendly cost of $300 to Chromebooks costing $500-1000. I cannot suggest this expense as it moves into the price range of a PC laptop or macbook. And lastly good internet or better internet coverage.
So to recap, turn off Chromebook once a week, buy an inexpensive head set with mic or external speaker. If all else fails and you keep having connectivity issues I am more then welcome swap out your device.
So to recap, turn off Chromebook once a week, buy an inexpensive head set with mic or external speaker. If all else fails and you keep having connectivity issues I am more then welcome swap out your device.
Update: 8/22/2020
From what I am hearing from various parents the budget friendly Chromebooks are all sold out. I won't recommend anything above $500 as I feel for that much money you want to look for something that gives you a lot more than a browser in the shell of a laptop. The specs are the real thing you need to have for the device to function well for school use. 4GB of RAM, this will allow multiple tabs to be open and not slow down the device. And 32GB of internal storage, most of all student work will be done in the cloud meaning all of their documents and work that will be assigned will be online. Sometimes the storage is for students to take screenshots or save a picture for a project etc.
As long as you find a budget friendly Chromebook that meets these requirements you will be fine. Touch screen is a plus, but not a deal breaker, sometimes it's easier for the younger ones as the trackpad gets a little getting used to when most students are transitioning from an iPad.
As long as you find a budget friendly Chromebook that meets these requirements you will be fine. Touch screen is a plus, but not a deal breaker, sometimes it's easier for the younger ones as the trackpad gets a little getting used to when most students are transitioning from an iPad.
To keep continuity throughout grade levels we are suggesting the use of a Chromebook. Chromebooks are budget friendly devices that allow students to log in to their school account, to ZOOM, and connect to online programs. Chromebooks need an active wifi to work.
Chromebooks do not allow software to be installed (Bummer to Gamers). These devices are more secure and updates are done automatically just by restarting the device. Think of a Chromebooks as the internet in a shell of a laptop.
Chromebooks are manufactured by well known companies and can be purchased online as well as at warehouse stores and vary in price from as low as $250-$1000. To give you an average cost the devices we purchased for use by students at school averaged $325 per device with a 3 year warranty.
For families wishing to purchasing a Chromebook for their child. These are the minimum specs I suggest for a Chromebook to last during their time at Canyon. Chromebook build as far as screen size, speakers, touchscreen non-touchscreen is a matter of personal choice.
Chromebook min Specs:
RAM: 4GB
Memory: 32GB
Chromebooks do not allow software to be installed (Bummer to Gamers). These devices are more secure and updates are done automatically just by restarting the device. Think of a Chromebooks as the internet in a shell of a laptop.
Chromebooks are manufactured by well known companies and can be purchased online as well as at warehouse stores and vary in price from as low as $250-$1000. To give you an average cost the devices we purchased for use by students at school averaged $325 per device with a 3 year warranty.
For families wishing to purchasing a Chromebook for their child. These are the minimum specs I suggest for a Chromebook to last during their time at Canyon. Chromebook build as far as screen size, speakers, touchscreen non-touchscreen is a matter of personal choice.
Chromebook min Specs:
RAM: 4GB
Memory: 32GB
Latest Model Chromebook used at Canyon for reference. This is an educational style Chromebook. No bells and whistles, just gets the job done. This is a foldable Chromebook, it can convert into a tablet and has a touchscreen.
Model: 300e
Brand: Lenovo
Model: 300e
Brand: Lenovo
Earlier Chromebook purchased for student use. Non touchscreen. (No Longer Available)
Model: Chromebook 11 G5
Brand: HP
Model: Chromebook 11 G5
Brand: HP