Deploying Chromebooks in the Classroom (eBook)

Guy Hart-Davis is the author of more than 140 computer books, including several books from Apress—among them Deploying iPads in the Classroom, Deploying Raspberry Pi in the Classroom, and Pro Office for iPad.

Introduction Chapter 1: Planning Your Deployment of Chromebooks in the Classroom (30 pages) Chapter Goal: In this chapter, the reader takes the decision to deploy Chromebooks in her school. She learns about the capabilities of Chromebooks and their advantages and disadvantages compared to competitive technologies, such as Windows laptops and iPads. The reader explores the Google ecosystem for schools and the different ways of managing Chromebooks in schools: managing them manually, using Google Management Console, and using Mobile Device Management tools.             Taking the Decision to Computerize Classrooms or Classes             Understanding Chromebook Capabilities             Comparing Chromebooks to Other Devices             Advantages of Chromebooks over Other Laptops             Understanding the Google Ecosystem for Schools             Deciding How You Will Manage Your School’s Chromebooks             Planning to Train Yourself and Your Colleagues             Checking Your School’s Wireless Network Infrastructure and Bandwidth Chapter 2: Choosing Chromebooks and Accessories (20 pages) Chapter Goal: In this chapter, the reader learns about the different types of Chromebooks available and chooses suitable Chromebooks for her school’s planned deployment. She also learns about accessories useful for Chromebooks in school settings and chooses suitable accessories.             Choosing Chromebooks             Choosing Accessories for Chromebooks Chapter 3: Essential Chromebook Skills for Teachers and Administrators (60 pages) Chapter Goal: This chapter brings the reader up to speed with essential Chromebook skills—everything from controlling power (startup, sleep, etc.) and navigating the Chrome OS interface, connecting to Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices, configuring input devices and external devices, and running apps. The reader also learns to take screenshots to illustrate and document processes quickly.             Startup, Sleep and Wake, Shutdown, and Restart             Navigating the Chrome OS Interface             Connecting to Wi-Fi Networks             Connecting and Using Bluetooth Devices             Using and Configuring the Keyboard             Using and Configuring the Touchpad             Connecting and Using External Devices             Running Apps             Taking Screenshots on a Chromebook Chapter 4: Configuring and Managing Chromebooks Manually (60 pages) Chapter Goal: In this chapter, the reader gains experience in configuring and managing Chromebooks manually. The reader learns the range of configuration settings available and how to choose suitable settings manually for everything from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to privacy, security, and accessibility. The reader also learns how to reset and “powerwash” (erase) a Chromebook.             Configuring Network Settings             Configuring Bluetooth Settings             Configuring People and Sync Settings             Configuring Appearance Settings             Configuring Device Settings             Configuring Search Engine Settings             Configuring Startup Settings             Configuring Date and Time Settings             Configuring Privacy and Security Settings             Configuring Passwords and Forms Settings             Configuring Languages and Input Settings             Configuring Downloads Settings             Configuring Accessibility Settings             Resetting and Powerwashing a Chromebook Chapter 5: Configuring and Managing Chromebooks with Google Management Console (60 pages) Chapter Goal: In this chapter, the reader becomes expert with using Google Management Console to manage the school’s Chromebooks. The reader gets started with Google Management Console, adds the school’s Chromebooks, and assigns the Chromebooks to users. The reader then moves to to preinstaling and configuring apps, working with users and groups, configuring network and Internet access, and configuring user settings. The reader also learns to deploy custom themes—for example, to apply school branding to the Chromebooks.             Getting Started with Google Management Console             Adding Your School’s Chromebooks             Assigning Chromebooks to Users             Pre-Installing and Configuring Apps             Working with Users and Groups             Controlling User Access to Devices             Configuring Network and Internet Access             Configuring User Settings and Deploying Custom Themes Chapter 6: Choosing and Managing Apps and Extensions (30 pages) Chapter Goal: In this chapter, the reader chooses the apps and extensions the students will use on the Chromebooks, deploys the apps and extensions, and manages them. The chapter gives the reader in-depth training on Google Suite for Education, which includes Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, and Classroom.             Getting and Using Google Suite for Education             Finding Suitable Apps and Extensions for Your School’s Needs             Deploying and Managing Apps and Extensions Chapter 7: Connecting to Resources and Printing (20 pages) Chapter Goal: In this chapter, the reader connects the school’s Chromebooks to the school’s local resources and Internet resources. The reader also learns about the various options for printing hard-copy documents from Chromebooks and how to implement printing.             Connecting Chromebooks to Your School’s Local Resources             Connecting Chromebooks to Online Resources             Printing from Chromebooks Chapter 8: Giving Lessons Using Google Classroom (60 pages) Chapter Goal: In this chapter, the reader learns what Google Classroom is and how to use it to organize and run classes. Coverage includes getting started with Google Classroom; practical moves for running a class on Chromebooks with Google Classroom; and how to set, collect, and manage assignments.             Understanding Google Classroom and Its Capabilities             Getting Started with Google Classroom             Running a Class with Classroom             Setting, Collecting, and Managing Assignments Chapter 9: Troubleshooting Chromebooks in the Classroom (40 pages) Chapter Goal: In this chapter, the reader learns how to troubleshoot problems that frequently occur with Chromebooks, focusing especially on problems that teachers and administrators are likely to encounter in the classroom. The chapter starts by recommending a repair-and-replace strategy the reader can use to keep Chromebook-equipped classes and classrooms operational.             Developing a Replace-and-Repair Strategy             Troubleshooting Network and Internet Issues             Troubleshooting Audio Issues             Troubleshooting Display Issues             Troubleshooting Keyboard Issues             Troubleshooting Bluetooth Issues Appendix: Chromebook Information Resources for Teachers and Educators (10 pages)