FAQ'sContact Information
support@slstm.org |
These Quick Reference Guides are designed to help you learn how to use the various technologies here at St. Mary's SMART
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my student's Chromebook breaks
A loaner Chromebook is available for use at school. Loaner Chromebooks do not go home. They are left with their teacher at the end of each day until repairs have been completed. At home, students can use a regular laptop or computer to access their account and apps. Use the Google Chrome browser and sign into their account with their regular email address and password. Here is a quick reference guide on how to log in using another computer Is there a way that I can access my Google Drive from another computer?
Yes! You can access your Google Drive by using computer that has internet access. Here is a quick reference guide on how to do this. How long does it take to charge my Chromebook?
It takes about 1 1/2 - 2 hours from zero to 100% How do I know when my Chromebook is fully charged?
There are two ways to determine that your Chromebook is charged. 1. With the charger plugged in, and without opening the Chromebook, look at the light in the back: solid orange light means charging, solid green or white light means fully charged. 2. With the Chromebook open, click lower-right corner, and see percentage of battery life that remains. It also shows estimated number of hours and minutes left before charging is needed again. I want to share my Google Drive with several people. I have to enter individuals separately and hope I did not forget anyone. Is there a way to create a group so with one click I can share a document?
Creating a group is easy. For instructions on how to do this visit this page. https://support.google.com/mail/answer/30970?hl=en IS THERE A WAY TO TURN OFF THE AUTOMATIC NOTIFICATION EMAILS I GET EVERY TIME SOMEONE UPDATES A DOCUMENT?
Yes you can do this easily. You can turn off comment notifications for a document as described here: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/1216772?hl=en Is it possible to filter emails that you would not like to receive?
You can set up an email filter to automatically MOVE or DELETE messages. For complete instruction on how to create email filters read this document. https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6579?hl=en How do I get my other browsers bookmark into my Chrome Browser?
For complete instructions on how to import your bookmarks into chrome visit https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/96816?hl=en When I opened the screen and see a completely black screen despite having the power button on, how do I get to the login screen?
It's easy to fix! 1) Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn it off. 2) Wait 5 seconds and turn it back on. 3) If you still see a black screen, press power button for 2 seconds to put into SLEEP mode, then press the power button again to turn it back on. When I shut down my Chromebook and turn it back on I have to log in as if I have never logged in the computer before. What can I do to prevent this?
Just close the lid of your Chromebook. Doing this will put your Chromebook in the "Suspend" mode. (like going to sleep) When you lift up the lid you will be prompted just for your password. It will make it easier for you. No need to put in your username! Do you have any tips on caring for the Chromebook?
Yes! Our first tip is to use a case when transporting your Chromebook. We have other great tips for you. Check it out! How do I change my Chromebook Password?
You can change your password by sending an email message to support@slstm.org In your email please provide the new password you would like. Keep in mind that the requirement is 8 characters. Passwords are case sensitive. Will I be able to use my other Gmail account with my Chromebook?
No, this Chromebook has been assigned to your @slstm.org email. You can only use your school login on this Chromebook. May I use the Chromebook for personal use?
No, The Chromebook is intended for school work only. Should I connect the Chromebook to my home wireless?
Yes! We hope that you do connect to your home wireless. Since the Chromebook is a Cloud Based tool you need internet access. May we change our Desktop Image or Icon?
Yes, you can change your Desktop Image or Icon. There are many Quick Reference Guides on how to do several things. Check them out. Should I keep my charging cable at home?
We recommend that you keep your charging cable with your Chromebook. It should be accessible in the event you need to charge it during the day. May I email Friends and Family using my @slstm.org email?
No, you may only email others that are within our slstm.org domain. Keep in mind that this Chromebook is for school work only. What is the STM # underneath my Chromebook all about?
The STM number is the number we use to identify the specific Chromebook. We also maintain a database of each student and the Chromebook that has been assigned to him/her. Our Teacher has a website classroom that we access for homework. Will I be able to access it with the Chromebook?
Yes, you will be able to access all approved sites. Please ask your teacher if you have any questions regarding approved sites. I see that there is a link for YouTube. Does this mean that I can visit this site?
You will be able to visit YouTube when your Teacher provides you with the direction to do so. Keep in mind that this Chromebook is for school work. There is a link for a Calendar, may I create one?
Yes, creating a personal calendar for you is a good idea. You will have a lot of key dates to keep track of. Check out the quick reference guide on Calendar Basics to learn more about calendars. Why did you decide on a Chromebook?
The St. Mary's Technology Committee carefully reviewed the school requirements given the available technologies and cost. We chose the Chromebook which met these overall objectives. Moving to Chromebooks enabled us to leverage the infrastructure that currently exists with the diocese. By doing this we were able to reduce costs as well as leverage the in-house expertise. We were then able to purchase more Chromebooks which will be deployed to all 5 - 8 graders. For more information on Chromebooks visit http://shar.es/ESLGX When my child graduates from St. Mary’s will they be able to purchase the Chromebook?
No, your child will not be able to purchase the Chromebook. The Chromebook will remain at St. Mary’s school and will be reassigned to another incoming student. When my child graduates from St. Mary’s will they continue to have access to their Google Drive?
No, once your child graduates they will not have access to their Google Drive. We will work with all graduating students to download all of their work on to a flash drive. Where can I get a copy of the SMART user agreement?
Will you have back up Chromebooks for students if their laptop becomes defective?
Yes, we do have back up Chromebooks. Please work with your child’s teacher and St. Mary’s Technology Manager for a replacement. How will the Chromebooks be identified from one student to another?
There will be a unique identification number on the bottom of the Chromebook. Students have been asked not to decorate their Chromebooks with any stickers. Will Students receive a case with their Chromebook?
Yes, thanks to the generous support of the PTO. If you have a backpack that has a pocket for the Chromebook you can use this as well. Keep in mind it is your RESPONSIBILITY to protect your Chromebook. So use your own case or the one provided by the PTO. Will Students be able to print using a Chromebook?
Yes the Chromebook will be able to connect directly to any printer providing it has a USB port. There is also a way to print wireless to your home printer. Check out the quick reference guide on how to do it. What are the dimensions of the Chromebook?
The silver ones: Height 8 1/4" X Width 11 1/2" X Depth 3/4" The black ones: Height 9 1/2" X Width 13 1/2" X Depth 3/4" Will we provide a mouse with the Chromebook?
No we will not provide a mouse with the Chromebook. If the student feels they need one they could purchase one on their own. The mouse must use a USB and work without installing software. Why do only the 5 - 8 grades have Chromebooks?
We decided to provide the 5th and 8th graders with Chromebooks as our pilot group. We will continue to evaluate the needs of our students to determine if other grades will also participate in this program. Students in the younger grades have the benefit of having workstations they can use in their classroom. Will students have the ability to download apps?
No students will not be able to download apps on their own. Currently all Apps will be determined by the teachers curriculum. What is the useful life of these Chromebooks?
We anticipate that these Chromebooks will have a useful life of 4 - 5 years. We will continually evaluate the emerging technologies and determine replacement timing. Who should I contact if the Chromebook is Lost or Damaged?
Any lost or damaged Chromebook should be reported to your students teacher and Jeanne Kops (St. Mary's Technology Manager) Why can't I download some Chromebook Apps from the Store?
At this time we want to limit the number of Apps that are on the Chromebooks. We will be adding additional Apps based on the classroom curriculum. You will be notified when a new App becomes available. We are excited about the educational apps out there and will be deploying them. Stay Tuned! I am new to using a Chromebook, where can I find more information on how to use it?
We created quite a few Quick Reference Guides for you. You can also find additional information by clicking on the Apps link on the bottom left corner and select Get Started app. This will provide you a complete tutorial of how to use the Chromebook. If you have any ideas of other tips you would like to see let us know! Will students have the SAME Chromebook from year to year until they graduate?
Our plan is for the student to keep the SAME Chromebook from year to year. The plan however is to collect the Chromebook at the end of the school year. These Chromebooks will be given back to the student at the beginning of the next school year. If I have a question regarding St. Mary's Technology who should I contact?
Please contact the School Principal, the Technology Manager for Father if you have questions regarding the technology being used here at St. Mary's Will any training sessions be available for parents to attend?
Yes! We heard from many parents of their interest in learning more about Chromebooks and Google Drive. We will plan sessions sometime in the near future. Stay Tuned! In the meantime you may want to visit the Quick Reference Guides, also you may find additional information on the Apps link on the bottom left corner and review the Get Started app. Will the teachers have the ability to view the student's screen as they use their Chromebooks?
In certain situations, yes, the teachers will have the ability to view the student's screen. |