Chromebook Updates

Fun Fact:  Did you know that Chrome is updated about every 6 weeks?  

When you see this little arrow icon near your account photo in the shelf, that means there is an update available.  FINISH THAT UPDATE by clicking on the arrow icon to restart.

If you have Chromebooks that aren't used regularly, they may need a little nudge to run an update by following these instructions:

• Log into your Chromebook (if you aren't on campus, make sure you are connected to WiFi)
• Click your account photo.
• Click the SETTINGS icon that looks like a flower.
• Click the SETTINGS MENU icon, aka "the hot dog,".
• Click "About Chrome OS" on the bottom of that menu
• Under "Google Chrome OS," you'll see which version of the Chrome operating system your Chromebook is using. 
• Click Check for Updates. 

If your Chromebook finds a software update, it will start to download automatically. You may be asked to restart your Chromebook to complete the update.

 

CAASPP Chromebook Update!

The AIRSecureTest App, used for Interim and Summative CAASPP Assessments is now compatible with Version 48 of the Chrome Operating System that is on our newest Chromebooks. The AIRSecureTest App has been pushed out to all Chromebooks. However, a random sampling of recent deployed carts at different school sites revealed that while most devices have the app, there are some devices where you may see the following message.

Any device with this message needs to be reported to the tech team via helpdesk ticket so we can make some changes to ensure access to the AIRSecureTest App. Please include the cart number and device number in your ticket.  

Before you plan on administering interim assessments on these recently deployed Chromebook carts, I recommend teachers complete the following steps with their students.

1) Following a regularly planned lesson using the Chromebooks, have students completely sign off the device.

2) Direct Students to click on the Apps in the bottom left hand corner, next to Shut down.

3) If students see AIRSecureTest as shown in the picture above, the device will be ready to use for Interim testing. If they receive the message that the app can not be downloaded, please note the device number and complete a helpdesk ticket.

Now that you have verified that all your devices in your newly deployed carts are ready, be sure to follow the steps described in this previous blog post when you are ready to administer the Interim Assessments on the Chromebooks.

Using Chromebooks for Interim & Summative Assessments

 

Using your Chromebooks for CAASPP Interim & Summative Assessments requires a different procedure to access the AIRSecure App than what you may be used to using the Computer Lab.

Following these steps will ensure connectivity to our wireless network when using the AIRSecure App in the required kiosk mode. These steps are outlined in this screencast and are also available in written form.

All Chromebook carts deployed before 2/5/16, including School Site shared carts purchased with title monies, will work for CAASPP testing, both interim and summative testing.

Currently, all Chromebook carts deployed after 2/5/16 will not work for CAASPP testing. This is a known problem related to both the AIRSecure App and how Google provisions new Chromebooks. CAASPP is currently testing the AIRSecure App for compatibility with the newer Chrome OS and there are pending requests with Google to disable the auto-update feature during provisioning. Launching the AIRSecure App on these new Chromebooks will result in an compatibility error message. All districts will recently purchased Chromebooks are currently experiencing this issue and we are unable to provide a timeline for resolution at this time. We are actively monitoring this situation and will let you know of any updates.

If you have any questions about using Chromebooks for Interim & Summative Assessments, please let us know. The tech team is here to support you and your students.

Update (2/29/16): The AIRSecure App is now compatible with the new Chrome OS on the recently deployed Chromebook carts. This CAASPP Chromebook Update contains recommendations to check these devices in advance to ensure connectivity.

Coming Soon: Easier Chromebook Sign-in for Students

Starting next week, signing into Chromebooks will be even easier for students!!

This is the login screen you will start seeing next week on the Chromebooks. Notice the automatic addition of @wusdstudents.org. This means that students will only need to enter their username when they login to district Chromebooks. I think this change will make it easier for ALL of our students, especially our youngest.

Staff logging into Chromebooks will still need to type their complete email address, including @wusd.k12.ca.us.

Please note: This change does not change how students login to Google at home or in our computer labs. Students logging in at home or in our labs will still need to type their complete email address.

Staff printing from Chromebooks

This post would not have been possible without the
help of RCHS Spanish Teacher Deborah Rodriguez.

Now that almost 100 teachers are using Chromebooks with your students (or will soon be), you may have noticed that you haven't quite gone paperless but definitely less paper. There are times when you still need a hard copy of that document you created on your Chromebook and would like to print. You used to have to login into a different device to print. Not anymore. Thanks to Deborah!!

Here's the steps to set up Cloud printing on your district-provided Chromebook. Note: The first step must be completed on a hard wired, networked teacher computer (not your Chromebook.)

1. On your district provided, hard-wired, networked computer, open Chrome. Verify that you are signed into Chrome with your WUSD Account. (If you're not sure whether or not you are signed into Chrome, visit the Chrome Menu (hotdogs) > Settings. At the top of the page, you should see something like below. If not, click on the Sign In Button.)



2. Go to Chrome Menu (Hotdogs) > Settings > Show Advanced Settings and Scroll down to Google Cloud Print > Click on Manage



3. Under Classic Printers > Click Add Printer > Select SecurePrint-BW
4. Go to your Chromebook and you will be able to print to SecurePrint-BW when on our network. After completing steps 1-3, I highly recommend signing out of your Chromebook and signing back in to ensure that these changes take effect.

Be sure to thank Deborah for this great tip! We are better together!!

Keep Your Rigor!

Guest Blog Post 

by Robbert Perrine, Stonegate Elementary

Wow! How exciting! A new cart full of Chromebooks, eager excited students, eager excited teachers, California Common Core Standards, 315 minutes of instruction minus 20 minutes for PE, how can I possible use these in a meaningful rigorous manner!? Incorporating Common Core with the adaption of technology into our classrooms can be quite a feat. So here are some ideas and suggestions to help you keep rigor in your instruction using the Chromebooks.

Want the use of Chrome books to run smoothly and effectively in the classroom without pulling your hair out? You have to go over routines, procedures, and computer safety. Students will be at different levels in their understanding of who can see what and the permanence of the web. It is also very important for students to understand how to care and protect the notebooks. I also highly recommend a set structure for getting the Chromebooks to the desks and putting them away in an organized manner. The use of steps and procedures posted near the Chromebooks is highly recommended.

classroom.google.com

Ready to dive in? I have chosen to use Google Classroom as a way to organize my class, send messages, and I use it as in-box to collect assignments. With our focus on writing, and the way the LA tasks are set up on the SBAC, Google Classroom is an excellent place to Practice this skill. Our grade level has been working on opinion pieces, so we have been using the prompt question of “Would you rather?...” I create the assignment on Google Classroom by posting a couple of informational articles, and have the students use evidence from articles (Close Reading) to form their opinions. We have tackled tough questions about swimming with box jellyfish, or great white sharks, California Dams good or bad, and recently we compared being a California Fish and Game Officer to being a California State Legislator.

We have tried to keep the writing process in tact by starting with a graphic organizer than moving to an outline, drafting, editing, and publishing. Both Word and Google Docs work great in Classroom and after a few short mini-lessons on editing, adding, saving, etc. students become self-sufficient very quickly. I have found that students are much more willing to fix, repair, improve and keep their writing fluid. Collaboration with peers and myself is something the students are not dreading. They look forward to being able to get new ideas and respect their writing to produce a quality product. I have had students voluntarily revise their writing 3-4 times. Using Google Classroom will open your eyes to a whole new world when it comes to writing!

I know this is a short overview, and you may have questions. I am very willing to collaborate, help, answer, or listen to your thoughts, questions and ideas. I can be reached at rperrine@wusd.k12.ca.us. Future posts will discuss blogging, story board summaries using Paint and pictures, Class DoJo, and great teacher dashboard sites and apps to help you keep your rigor up using our awesome new technology!

Mr. P.