Chromebook Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Chromebook is a relatively new type of computer that combines simplicity, speed, security and very long battery life at an affordable price.

There are several factors and almost a year's worth of work that went into making the decision. We were looking for several things when choosing our devices, including:

1. Simplicity. Teachers and students should be focused on teaching and learning, not figuring out the technology.
2. Low cost.
3. Performance.
4. Reliability. In order for students to rely on these devices as instructional tools, the devices must be extremely reliable. Chromebooks do not suffer from the complexity and malware (virus, etc.) threat that plague other platforms.
5. Simple support and maintenance. If a student's device breaks, we can replace it and have them running in five minutes.
6. Long battery life. Your device's battery has to last all day if you want to rely upon it as a tool.
7. Compatibility. The District utilizes a variety of web-based instructional software and content which need to work with our devices.

Yes. The Chromebooks are instructional tools, just like a textbook.

All of the core productivity tools utilized by The District can work offline (without Internet access). You can check your assignments, work on documents, and much more - even without Internet access. Of course, ANY mobile device is much more capable WITH Internet access.

Yes. Students may connect their Chromebooks to WiFi at home, or anywhere else they may have WiFi access. Visit Connecting your Chromebook to WiFi

The District utilizes Internet filtering systems to reduce exposure to inappropriate content - even when the device is used at home. Parents should be advised that no filtering system blocks 100% of inappropriate content, and we highly recommend that student use of Internet be monitored by parents.

Please visit the Parent Guide to Internet Safety. This web site provides links to great information regarding Internet and social media safety, as well as information on prevention and reporting of CyberBullying. This information is provided by Common Sense Media.

We have planned for accidents. All District Chromebooks include Enhanced Durability:

• Semi-ruggedized design that meets US MIL-STD for durability, pressure, temperature, humidity, shock and vibration.
• Spill resistant keyboard and trackpad.
• Accidental Damage Protection from the manufacturer so that drops and spills are covered at no cost to parents.

The assigned students, and ultimately their parents / guardians, are responsible for the device. Please review our GlobalLee Student and Parent Guide for the detailed process for reporting and replacing lost or stolen devices.

No. The State of Florida has encouraged the transition from textbooks to digital content (ebooks, documents, video, audio, interactive tools, and more). We do however maintain a mix of digital and paper content. The mix of products a student will use will be determined by the course, level, and individual student needs.

No. Chrome OS and Google Apps for Education solutions:

1. Do not mine staff/student data.
2. Do not display advertisements to students/staff.
3. Do not sell any information.

Read more about Google's committment to student privacy.

Unfortunately we cannot directly provide technical support for in-home technical issues.

Please notify your teacher. Your school has a process to provide a replacement Chromebook.

Step-by-step instructions are available on the Parent and Student Guide

Need More Help?

Google provides additional instructions for connecting your device to WiFi

If your WiFi router was provided by your Internet provider they will have a technical support line that you may call for assistance. Some ISPs put the technical support phone numbers directly on a sticker on the WiFi router or the box in which the router was delivered. If yours did not, check your Internet bill or the Internet provider's web site for technical support information. Be sure to have your account information ready when contacting your Internet provider for support.

The two most common broadband Internet providers in Lee County are Comcast and Century Link. Their phone numbers are:

• Century Link - 1-877-646-3282
• Comcast - 1-800-XFINITY / 1-800-934-6489

If you purchased your WiFi router from someone other than your Internet provider, the router manufacturer should offer technical support. The phone number is usually available in the user manual as well as the manufacturer's web site.

Yes, if you have a WiFi enabled printer. There are three ways to setup a printer for a Chromebook.

Most newer Hewlett Packard printers and multifunction devices can be setup by installing the HP Print for Chrome extension.

Most WiFi-enabled printers manufactured since 2014 support Google's Cloud Print technology.

If you have basic networking knowledge, you can setup Direct Printing in Chrome.

Yes, your data is portable. Prior to withdrawing, simply use the Google Takeout tool to download a copy of all of your data. Instructions for using Google Takeout