Chromebooks at Holy Family
For the past 3 years, students in fourth through eighth grades have their own Chromebook at school. The transition has been a smooth one and both students and teachers are acclimating well to this dynamic learning environment. Please scroll down to read about what we've learned and what parents need to know.
What are the requirements for my Chromebook?
It's really up to you! Because a Chromebook is a cloud-based device, hard drive space is not much of an issue.
Your Chromebook should have:
How will I use my Chromebook?
All students from third grade and up have Google Education (GAFE) accounts using Holy Family School's private domain: @hfsj.org. This private domain keeps students safe by allowing document sharing among only members of Holy Family School. The accounts are closely monitored and specific applications and tools are made available for student use. Chromebooks will be used for document creation, web research and organization. Students can also communicate and collaborate with teachers and other students at Holy Family School.
How is the Chromebook better than a tablet, like an iPad?
First and foremost, the Chromebook is half the price of an iPad.
Additionally, it has a built-in keyboard to enhance the learning experience.
While both the iPad and Chromebook are cloud-based devices, the Chromebook is equipped with USB ports that allow for attachment of external devices, such as a mouse or hard drive/memory stick.
We believe the Chromebook is more versatile, better suited for cross-curricular learning, and stronger in preparing our upper primary and middle school students for high school and beyond.
Ms. Lebherz' Personal Chromebook: ASUS C300
What We've Learned
Students are very responsible! We have seen very few issues with Chromebooks left at home or uncharged.
Students LOVE using their Chromebooks! They are navigating and using Google Tools like never before.
Accidents happen. Yes, sometimes things get broken or mistreated. We discuss appropriate use both hardware- and software-wise while using the Chromebooks. Sometimes we forget!
What Parents Need to Know
The best advice is to treat the Chromebook as a multifunction textbook. Discourage use of the Chromebook as a toy or for entertainment.
The only user account needed for class or homework is the school-issued @hfsj.org account. Personal accounts added to the Chromebook are STRONGLY discouraged and may be removed at teachers' discretion.
Using non-school websites, activities or games opens the Chromebook up to phantom downloads of extensions and tools that the student often does not understand how to remove.
If you are concerned about how your student is using the Chromebook, first check the login screen that appears right after the device is turned on. Ideally, the only account that should appear is the @hfjs.org account.
Further, if you allow a non-school account on your student's Chromebook and intend to restrict the use of that account as a supervised user, please consult this article: Create & manage supervised users - Chrome Help
*UPDATE* Google is no longer using "Supervised Users," but has introduced FamilyLink to help parents setup and monitor their kids' personal Google accounts. Use caution here. The student's school account MUST remain free of parent supervision; student access to coursework could be limited.
As a faith-based community, Holy Family suggests setting the bar high for technology use. This article encapsulates a Christian view of our kids' (iGen) relationship with technology and how we can parent in the digital age.
For the past 3 years, students in fourth through eighth grades have their own Chromebook at school. The transition has been a smooth one and both students and teachers are acclimating well to this dynamic learning environment. Please scroll down to read about what we've learned and what parents need to know.
What are the requirements for my Chromebook?
It's really up to you! Because a Chromebook is a cloud-based device, hard drive space is not much of an issue.
Your Chromebook should have:
- a long battery life to last throughout the school day.
- a comfortable screen and keyboard size (11" seems ideal).
- a protective cover/case (your Chromebook will be in your backpack. And you know more than anyone what that looks like!).
- a set of earbuds for quiet study.
- a small mouse helps using the touch pad.
- typically-sized USB ports (USB Type-A. Avoid micro and mini USB ports).
How will I use my Chromebook?
All students from third grade and up have Google Education (GAFE) accounts using Holy Family School's private domain: @hfsj.org. This private domain keeps students safe by allowing document sharing among only members of Holy Family School. The accounts are closely monitored and specific applications and tools are made available for student use. Chromebooks will be used for document creation, web research and organization. Students can also communicate and collaborate with teachers and other students at Holy Family School.
How is the Chromebook better than a tablet, like an iPad?
First and foremost, the Chromebook is half the price of an iPad.
Additionally, it has a built-in keyboard to enhance the learning experience.
While both the iPad and Chromebook are cloud-based devices, the Chromebook is equipped with USB ports that allow for attachment of external devices, such as a mouse or hard drive/memory stick.
We believe the Chromebook is more versatile, better suited for cross-curricular learning, and stronger in preparing our upper primary and middle school students for high school and beyond.
Ms. Lebherz' Personal Chromebook: ASUS C300
What We've Learned
Students are very responsible! We have seen very few issues with Chromebooks left at home or uncharged.
Students LOVE using their Chromebooks! They are navigating and using Google Tools like never before.
Accidents happen. Yes, sometimes things get broken or mistreated. We discuss appropriate use both hardware- and software-wise while using the Chromebooks. Sometimes we forget!
What Parents Need to Know
The best advice is to treat the Chromebook as a multifunction textbook. Discourage use of the Chromebook as a toy or for entertainment.
The only user account needed for class or homework is the school-issued @hfsj.org account. Personal accounts added to the Chromebook are STRONGLY discouraged and may be removed at teachers' discretion.
Using non-school websites, activities or games opens the Chromebook up to phantom downloads of extensions and tools that the student often does not understand how to remove.
If you are concerned about how your student is using the Chromebook, first check the login screen that appears right after the device is turned on. Ideally, the only account that should appear is the @hfjs.org account.
Further, if you allow a non-school account on your student's Chromebook and intend to restrict the use of that account as a supervised user, please consult this article: Create & manage supervised users - Chrome Help
*UPDATE* Google is no longer using "Supervised Users," but has introduced FamilyLink to help parents setup and monitor their kids' personal Google accounts. Use caution here. The student's school account MUST remain free of parent supervision; student access to coursework could be limited.
As a faith-based community, Holy Family suggests setting the bar high for technology use. This article encapsulates a Christian view of our kids' (iGen) relationship with technology and how we can parent in the digital age.