Chromebook Information

History

The Orange City Schools 1:1 chromebook initiative began in the fall of 2013, for students in grades 3 and 6-8. Over the next few years the program was expanded to include all students in grades K-12.  

What is a Chromebook?

According to PC Magazine, a chromebook is "A laptop that runs Google's Chrome operating system and Chrome Web browser. Providing a total Web-based operating environment, all applications are downloaded from the Web, and although an Internet connection is mandatory, some apps may run offline as well. Chromebooks boot up fast and require minimal user configuration. They also come with Google's office suite (see Google Docs). See Chrome OS and Chrome browser."

Why use chromebooks in education?

The first instructional game changer for our district was moving to Google Apps for Education in 2011. Moving to this platform provided a universal medium for increased communication and collaboration among staff and students. By the time we moved to a 1:1 chromebook program in 2013 our staff and students were well prepared to utilize tools necessary for college and career readiness.

With a 1:1 learning platform, students have even greater access to technology...To Learn. To Lead. To Make A Difference.^TM 

Advantages of a 1:1 Program!

There are numerous advantages to utilizing our chromebook 1:1 program including:

1. Teachers are able to provide differentiated materials based on individual student’s needs.
2. Increased opportunities for student/teacher/parent collaboration and communication.
3. Students are more organized and better able to keep track of homework and learning materials. 
4. Appropriate integration of software into the curriculum, low cost for hardware and software tools.
5. Teacher classroom management (teachers are better able to monitor student activity and keep students on task).
6. Students become familiar with their Chromebooks and are better able to navigate required state assessments.
7. Chromebooks are maintained, managed, and repaired by Orange Technology Services.
8. Students are able to access learning resources anytime, anywhere. 
9. Chromebooks are immune to most malware and viruses that commonly infiltrate Mac and Windows machines.
10. Content and system updates and apps can be remotely "pushed" to all chromebooks simultaneously without disrupting student learning.  
11. Chrome is updated every two to three weeks providing bug fixes and incremental improvements.
12. Chrome updates happen automatically, without having to touch each machine, and with no interruption to students.

Students, grades K-12, take their chromebooks to and from home and are expected to bring their fully-charged chromebook to school each day.

Fees

Students in grades 6-12 are assessed an annual $20.00 Technology Fee that covers all accidental damage and repair.  

NOTE:

• Students will be assessed the full cost to repair or to replace any chromebook due to intentional damage or that is lost. 
• The Technology Fee does not cover chromebook chargers that are lost or stolen. Chromebook chargers can be purchased here.

Technology Services 
Technology/Maintenance Bldg.
33600 Chagrin Blvd.
Moreland Hills, OH 44022
216.831.8600 x2245

Resources

Parents

Numerous resources are available for parents to support their child's learning at the Orange City Schools. Specifically, the resources listed below provide a starting point for understanding the tools and applications your child is using on a day-to-day basis.

• G Suite for Education
• Chromebooks in Education
• Moreland Hills Elementary Technology
• Brady Middle School Technology
• Orange High School Technology