Welcome to Your Chromebook! This video will give you information on everything you need to know about how to care for and use your Chromebook issued to you by Harper ISD.  

All your work is done in a browser - Chrome.

On a Chromebook, once you are logged in, you automatically save to your Google account. On your school Chromebook, you are saving to your google account that is managed by HISD.

Downloads are saved on the Chromebook.  

If you download a file, such as a picture or PDF from the web, it will save in your Files section of your Chromebook. You can find your files by going to the Apps Launcher (bottom left corner) and searching for Files. If you want to access your downloads from anywhere, move the files to your Google Drive.

Chromebooks start up fast and last all day long. 

Chromebooks start up quickly and resume instantly from sleep (7 - 10 seconds). You can extend your battery life by closing the lid on your Chromebook when you aren't using it.

Chromebooks are always up-to-date.  

Each time you shut down your Chromebook and turn it back on, it automatically updates itself with the latest features, hardware and system updates, and anti-virus software.

Logging into your new HISD Chromebook:

1.  Power on your chromebook

2.  Type in your email address (lunch#@harperisd.org)

3.  Type in your password that you created on the pink technology registration form

EXAMPLE:

Email:  1234@harperisd.org

Password:  Il0v3T3c4n0L0g

Logging Out of your new HISD Chromebook:

You log out, or sign out, by clicking the Status Area (bottom right corner of the screen, where your account picture appears) and selct Sign Out.

You can also use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+QQ to sign out.

IMPORTANT

You must sign out of your Chromebooks at least once a day to get the updates.  Good practice is to sign out of your Chromebook when you are ready to plug it in and go to bed for the night.  This way, your Chromebook will update in the night and be ready to use the next morning in class!

The Chromebook Start Up Screen

Apps Launcher: The apps launcher houses all of the apps that have been downloaded/selected for your account. Choose Files to find your pictures and downloads.

Battery: You can check your battery life here.

Help: You will find tutorials on getting online, photos, printing, etc. here.

Right-click on desktop: Right-click on the desktop to change launcher/shelf.

Search Apps: You can search for an app like Camera or Google Docs here. 

Settings: In the settings menu, you can manage your wireless connection, change the theme and wallpaper, adjust settings, change your profile picture, etc. 

Shelf: Also called the Launcher.  Place the apps you use the most on the shelf at the bottom of the screen. Right-click the app and select Pin to Shelf. To remove an app from the shelf, right-click the app and select Unpin.

Shut Down: Click here to shut down the Chromebook.  You can also press and hold the power button on the keyboard.

Wireless: By default, your Chromebook will connect to the HISD-ChromeS network when you are at school.  You can connect to other networks when you are outside school by selecting the network here.

Are my textbooks on my Chromebook?
Some of your textbooks may be available to view online but you will still have an available hard copy at school.

What if I do not have WiFi at home?
Living in the rural community that we do, some students do not have WiFi at home.  You can always go to your public library, come early to school, or, stay after school.  Some students who cannot get internet at home pay for extra data on their cell phone plans and use their cell phones as a hotspot to connect their Chromebooks to.  

Why are so many things blocked?
Most things that are blocked on our network is a result of the laws and guidelines we must follow as a school district that provides technology to students.  The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about children's access to obscene or harmful content over the Internet. CIPA imposes certain requirements on schools or libraries that receive discounts for Internet access or internal connections through the E-rate program – a program that makes certain communications services and products more affordable for eligible schools and libraries. In early 2001, the FCC issued rules implementing CIPA and provided updates to those rules in 2011.  For more information on CIPA, go to https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act 

Why can't I stream music or get on youtube?
Part of the reason for the limited streaming of music and video goes back to the Children's Internet Protection Act stated above.  Also, when every user is streaming music or video, the network's bandwidth is being used up which results in very slow loading of internet pages and/or the crash of the internet altogether.

Why can't I set my own wallpaper?
Again, to ensure that we are taking measures to protect minors' access to materials harmful to them, required by CIPA, we have opted to use a general wallpaper that is the same from one Chromebook to another.  Also, this general wallpaper serves as a communication tool between the technology staff and the students about important technology related information.

I found a Chromebook.  What do I do with it?
Anytime you find a Chromebook or charger, please bring it to your Principal immediately.  Your Principal has a way to find the owner.

My screen does not allow me to see all of the program I am trying to work on.  What do I do?
This is actually a very common problem that is brought to me multiple times a year.  To increase the size of your screen, hold the control and plus button at the same time until you reach desired screen size.  To decrease the size of your screen, hold the control and minus button at the same time until you reach the desired screen size.

Do you have a question you do not see?  Fill out the form below and someone will get back to you with an answer!

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Written by Ben Stegner