Chromebook Forms and Agreements
One-to-One Device Program Student Pledge and Insurance Form
Regulations for Acceptable Use of Technology
What is a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is a laptop running Chrome OS as its operating system as opposed to Windows (or Linux) for a PC, or OS X on a Mac. The devices are designed to be used primarily while connected to the Internet, with most applications and data residing "in the cloud". A Chromebook is an example of a "thin client" computing device, with much of the power reliant on internet based solutions.
Why a Chromebook?
Canton Public Schools elected to move towards Chromebook along with many school districts in Connecticut. The price point of a Chromebook device (usually around $200 each) and its integration with Google's gSuite's free Educational productivity suite made it a very compelling initiative. Chromebooks are fully supported by the State of Connecticut online testing (SBAC) and have an extensive high quality collaborative productivity toolset. Although initially skeptical about the Chromebook model, I have learned to appreciate the overall value of the solution. When Canton Public Schools first purchased its Chromebooks we estimated the life of the Samsung x303 at four years. We are now entering our sixth year and the devices are for the most part, still operable. Support for them through Google's management suite is ending this year but they will still be used in everyday curriculum, just not for state testing purposes.
What Model Chromebooks do we use?
Canton Public Schools uses a variety of Chromebook models, including Samsung xe303, and Acer C720 Chromebooks. Lenovo N21, N22, N23 and 100e Chromebooks are available to all Canton Middle and High School students as part of our 1:1 initiative. Chromebooks at Canton Intermediate School are on carts in classrooms, but are available to every student on a 1:1 basis as well. Cherry Brook Primary School uses both iPads and Chromebooks depending on grade level as tablets are well suited to young children.
For a more detailed discussion of Chromebooks, please see the Canton's Education Technology Page.