FAQs
Who will be participating in the 1:1 Chromebook program?
Can students use their own personal devices instead of the school-issued Chromebook?
Can my child use his/her own personal case instead of the district provided case?
No. In order to insure the most protection possible, students are required to use the district provided case as described in the 1:1 Chromebook Loan Agreement.
Can my child personalize the device or case?
No. Students are not permitted to personalize the device or case in any way as was agreed to in the 1:1 Chromebook Loan Agreement.
Will students be able to keep their chromebook when they graduate?
After four annual payments of $35 (IPF), the Chromebook can be bought-out for $35.
How will students identify their Chromebook?
Where can students access wireless networks when they are not at school?
Other locations include:
- Swanton Public Library
- McDonalds
- Subway
How do Google Docs compare to tools like Microsoft Office?
Is there local file storage on my Chromebook?
Each Chromebook has a 16GB Solid State Hard Drive.
Will parents have access to student accounts and passwords?
Can the device be used by other family members for personal or other educational use?
What kind of accessories can I use with a Chromebook?
Can I print with my Chromebook?
Yes. Printing is permitted only on site and during school hours. Printing is accomplished using Papercut Mobility Print.
Who can I contact for more information about my Chromebook?
1-1info@swantonschools.org
Will students receive training with chromebooks?
All students will be required to take a one hour training, facilitated by the Department of Technology.
Do students need to return their chromebook at the end of the school year?
At this point in time we plan to allow students to keep their Chromebook throughout the summer.
Will students be able to adapt to using Microsoft Office after using Google Docs?
A student proficient in Google docs will be able to use Microsoft Word at an acceptable level within an hour of instruction.
Can I plug a flash drive into my Chromebook?
Each Chromebook has 3 USB ports, which will allow you to access files on your flash drive.
Can the administration watch or listen to my child through the Chromebook?
My student is having problems connecting to WIFI networks outside of school. What can I do to fix this?
Another item that may be causing connectivity issues to outside wifi networks is the authentication that is being used on the wireless network. It has to do with the encryption method that is being employed by your wireless router that may not be compatible with the Chromebook. Most wireless routers have the ability to change the encryption method that is being used to password protect your wireless network.
Some security/filtering set up on home networks may interfere with the functionality of the Chromebooks. If you have set up special security on your home network, you may block the Chromebook from connecting to your home network. If the Chromebook connects at school, the public library, McDonald’s, etc. but not at your house, you probably have settings on your home network that interfere with the Chromebook.
Do Chromebooks work offline?
Read and write emails with Offline Gmail
Write a note or make a list with Google Keep
Create and edit documents, slides, or spreadsheets with Google Drive apps (Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides)
View and RSVP to events with Google Calendar
View and edit photos saved with the built-in photo editor
Enjoy music or movies with the built-in media player
Will my home internet be filtered on the Chromebook?
Will my chromebook be able to connect to the internet through a cellular hotspot?
Students should always ask their parent/legal guardian before connecting to any Wi-Fi connection. Note: Data rates apply to Chromebooks!
If a student enrolls in Penta or college classes, can they continue using their chromebook?
Do students keep the same chromebook through their career at Swanton?
To encourage students to take care of their Chrome book and respect it, Chrome books will remain with the same student throughout their career.
If a student’s chromebook is defective or damaged, will they be provided a loaner device?
A loaner device will be provided to the student.
What are the top ways Chromebooks are damaged?
- Shutting a pencil or pen in the lid
- Drops
- Removing it from the protective case
- Not using 2 hands to carry or exchange the device
- Liquids such as spills, cleaning fluids or rain
- Spills and/or crumbs from food or drinks
I paid for the Insurance Protection Fund (IPF). What does the insurance plan cover?
Who is responsible for the cost of repairs/replacement?
How much is the annual payment and what is it for?
The Parent/Guardian/Student is responsible for making an annual payment of $40(Grades 4-12) or $15(Grades K-3) to the Insurance Protection Fund (IPF). This fund is established in order to fund repairs in the event of accidental damage to a student’s Chromebook.
When is the annual payment due?
All 1:1 participants are required to make the $40(Grades 4-12) or $15(Grades K-3) IPF payment. Due date is 1 week after the start of school year.
Is the annual payment refundable or prorated?
What is considered Accidental damage?
Drops
Spills (on the keyboard)
Pet damage
Other special situations as determined by the district
What if my child intentionally damages the Chromebook?
What is considered Intentional damage?
Throwing the Chromebook
Hitting/Striking the Chromebook
Removing Keys
Writing on, scratching words or pictures on, or placing stickers on
Removing factory labels, inventory tag, etc
Any deliberate act of damaging the Chromebook
Other special situations as determined by the district
Who is responsible for the Chromebook?
What if the Chromebook is lost or stolen?
What if my child lends their Chromebook/charger to someone else and it is lost?
Who is responsible for the cost of repairs/replacement?
What if the Chromebook has a hardware failure?
Who can my child contact if he/she needs technical help with the device?
Please create a ticket using Swanton’s support system, support.swantonschools.org. Once the Technology receives the request, a reply will be sent with instructions. Please follow the instructions in the reply email to assist you with the technical issue you are experiencing.