by AGParts Education | Chromebooks, Tips and Tricks
There is no other device that is more mysterious or more misunderstood than the Chromebook. After all, what is a Chromebook exactly? Why are Chromebooks so weird? Why don’t they have a caps lock key? Today, we’re breaking down the Chromebook basics that every user needs to know.
What is a Chromebook?
First things first, let’s put the mystery to an end. A Chromebook is a type of laptop that is run on the Chrome OS. Chromebooks are unique in that they are internet-heavy machines. They’re a favorite for ed tech programs across the nation because of their affordability and ease of use.
Chromebook Basics
Here are seven Chromebook basics to help you navigate your device like a pro.
1. Right Click
The most elementary of Chromebook basics, the right click. If you aren’t using a mouse, how on earth do you right click? Similar to other laptops, you can right click on a Chromebook by tapping two fingers at the same time on the touchpad.
Note: This will only work if tap-to-click is enabled, which is most likely enabled. If disabled, toggle the setting on under Mouse and Touchpad Device settings (Settings > Advanced > Manage Accessibility Features > Mouse and Touchpad > Open Mouse and Touchpad Settings).
You can also right click by pressing Alt while you click with one finger.
2. View all Keyboard Shortcuts
Chromebooks pride themselves on a streamlined approach, so it’s no surprise that they’re full of handy keyboard shortcuts. And, even less surprising, there’s a keyboard command to see all keyboard shortcuts. Press Ctrl + Alt + ? to view a keyboard overlay with keyboard shortcuts.
You can also check our handy guide to Chromebook keyboard shortcuts.
3. Customize Your Shelf
Customize your desktop by editing your shelf and its position. The shelf, aka taskbar or dock, is located at the bottom of your screen by default. It displays which apps are running and holds app shortcuts for easy launch.
Customize your shelf to reflect the apps you use most frequently. Here is how you add and remove apps to your shelf:
- Add an app: Use the launcher key to find the app you wish to pin to your shelf. Right click on the app icon and select Pin to Shelf.
- Add a webpage: Open the site you wish to add to your shelf. Click the snowman menu (three vertical dots), then select Create Shortcut. For a desktop experience, select open as window.
- Remove an app: Right click on the app icon in your shelf that you wish to remove and select Unpin.
Don’t like your shelf at the bottom of your screen? No sweat. Change its position by right clicking on the shelf and selecting Shelf Position. You can also hide the shelf by selecting Autohide.
4. Use Guest Mode to Share Your Chromebook
Since Chromebooks are so internet-centric, they rely heavily on the primary user’s Google account. You are always logged into your Google account for ease of access to Gmail and Google Drive. This can make sharing your Chromebook a bit unsettling.
Have no fear, Chromebooks do have a Guest mode that allow for someone to use your Chromebook without disturbing your settings or files. Simply select Guest Mode from the lock screen.
5. Turn Caps Lock On/Off
You may notice that your caps lock key has been replaced with another key which is clearly not caps lock. While we don’t imagine you’ll be using shouty caps that frequently, it’s handy to know how to use caps lock when you need it.
There are actually two ways to do this. Caps lock has been replaced with the launcher or search key which shows all your apps and launches Google assistant. You can change the functionality of this key under Keyboard settings by selecting caps lock under the Search field (account > settings > keyboard settings).
Or, if you like the functionality of the launcher/search key, just toggle caps lock on and off by using the keyboard shortcut Alt + search key.
6. Split Your Screen
This is a Chromebook basic to make you feel and look like the productive beast that you truly are. It’s especially handy for students that need to watch their teacher and take notes or complete assignments concurrently. There are a couple ways to do this. Pressing Alt + [ ] (both bracket keys) splits your screen into two tabs. Or press Alt + [ (left bracket) or Alt + ] (right bracket) to send a tab to the left or right side of your screen respectively.
7. Parental Controls
This is a great tip for anyone monitoring a student’s progress on their Chromebook. You can create a supervised user and then edit permissions, which allows you to block certain websites. If your device is managed by your school, there is a chance that your student is already using a supervised account.
Here’s how:
- Create supervised user: From the sign-in screen, click Add User then Create Supervised User. Enter child’s Google account info.
- Edit/manage permissions: Sign into your account and edit user permissions under Supervised Users Dashboard. Select Manage to edit which websites the user is allowed to view. To block a website, insert an asterisk in place of www in the web address, e.g. *.google.com.
This also works if you are sharing your Chromebook is your family computer. You can easily set up supervised accounts for your children, or anyone else in the household.
AGParts Education supports 7,000+ school districts across the nation as their complete 1:1 Chromebook deployment partner. Find out how we can help your district. Contact us today!
by AGParts Education | Chromebook Parts, Chromebook Repair
Ready or not, back to school is here. Soon, tech-tastrophes will descend upon many a technology department. As more schools opt for in-house repairs through dedicated IT departments or student-led electives, preparing your workspace with a Chromebook repair tool kit is essential.
Today, we’ll outline everything your school needs to be ready to replace “oh-no” with “oh yes!” (Spoiler alert: it’s more than your standard screwdriver and pry tool). Before we dive in, let’s review why more schools choose in-house repairs.
Why In-House Repairs?
A popular choice amongst 1:1 Chromebook deployments, in-house repairs offer these benefits:
- Ease of repair: Since parts of a Chromebook are few, repairs are generally straightforward, making repairs ideal to perform in-house.
- Cost savings: Only pay for parts rather than labor and parts.
- Time savings: Get your devices back into your students’ hands faster.
Chromebook Repair Tool Kit Essentials
Here’s everything you need for a Chromebook repair tool kit to handle in-house repairs like a pro. You can grab our entire repair kit here.
5-Piece Chromebook Repair Tool Kit
Anti-Static Accessories
Anti-static accessories include an anti-static mat and an anti-static wrist strap. These accessories provide grounding and prevent static electricity discharge that can damage a unit’s motherboard. While they’re essential when handling motherboards, it’s highly recommended to incorporate these tools into your regular repair routine.
Anti-static wrist strap
Organizers
Einstein famously quipped: “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?”
While it’s a great question to ponder, let’s agree the best workstation is organized, especially regarding Chromebook repairs. Work mats with organizers or containers can help you keep screws and components separated as needed. Bonus points if organizers are magnetic.
Incorporate a work mat with organizers but keep your motherboards protected by using it in conjunction with anti-static accessories.
Did you know? In a pinch or under tight budgets, you can use clean lids from food containers as quick, inexpensive organizers.
Silicone repair work mat
Tools
A good tool set is worth its weight in gold when performing Chromebook repairs. Here are the staples you’ll need:
- Screwdriver set – pick one with a magnetized head and changeable bits
- Spudgers/pry tools – a mix of metal and plastic preferred
- Tweezers
Other items that could be helpful are a carrying bag, eject pin, and ruler. Good thing our universal tool kit includes everything you’ll need for your in-house repairs.
78-Piece Universal Tool Kit
Lighting
Easily overlooked leaving you in the dark, appropriate lighting will make seeing those teeny tiny screws and handling components so much easier. Shoot for LED lighting that can easily be moved, like our Flexible USB LED Light with Desk Clamp.
Flexible USB LED light with desk clamp
Let’s face it, back to school can be filled with tech-tastrophes 😱 We’re here to make sure you can conquer anything that comes your way. We’ll help you minimize downtime and stay within budget with our large inventory of Chromebook parts, buyback services, and more. Contact us today!
by AGParts Education | Acer, Announcements, Chromebooks, Education Technology, Lenovo
The Chromebook—the device of the twenty-first-century classroom. Their simplicity, price tag, and mobility make them the most popular choice for K-12 1:1 deployment nationwide. Here are eight new models to be introduced in 2023, all designed to endure the strain of everyday classroom use.
Acer Chromebook Vero 712
Release: April 2023
Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U, Intel Pentium Gold 8505, or Intel Celeron 7305
Battery: up to 10 hours
Memory: up to 8GB
Storage options: up to 128GB eMMC
Display: 12”
Resolution: 1366×912, LED-backlit TFT with IPS (touch optional)
Ports: 2 USB-C, 1 USB-A, 1 audio jack
Other features:
- Reinforced hinges and corners, metal-plated ports, and spill-resistant keyboards.
- Stereo speakers
- Dual microphones
- 720p webcam
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
- 5mm headphone/speaker audio
Acer Chromebook 511 (C736)
Release: April 2023
Processor: Intel Processor N100 or N200
Battery: up to 12 hours
Memory: up to 8GB
Storage options: up to 64GB eMMC
Display: 11.6”
Resolution: 1366×768, optional touchscreen
Ports: 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A, 1 audio jack, MicroSD card slot
Convertible: No
Other features:
- Reinforced hinges and corners, metal-plated ports, and spill-resistant keyboards.
- Stereo speakers
- Dual microphones
- 720p webcam
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
Acer Chromebook Spin 511 (R756T)
Release: April 2023
Processor: Intel Processor N100 or N200
Battery: up to 12 hours
Memory: up to 8GB
Storage: up to 128GB eMMC
Display: 11.6”
Resolution: 1366×768, touchscreen, optional USI stylus
Ports: 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A, 1 audio jack, MicroSD card slot
Convertible: Yes
Other features:
- Reinforced hinges and corners, metal-plated ports, and spill-resistant keyboards.
- Stereo speakers
- Dual microphones
- 720p webcam
- Optional 5MP webcam
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
Acer Chromebook Spin 512 (R856T)
Release: April 2023
Processor: Intel Processor N100 or N200
Battery: up to 12 hours
Memory: up to 8GB
Storage: up to 128GB eMMC
Display: 12”
Resolution: 1366×912, touchscreen, optional USI stylus
Ports: 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A, 1 audio jack, MicroSD card slot
Convertible: Yes
Other features:
- Reinforced hinges and corners, metal-plated ports, and spill-resistant keyboards.
- Stereo speakers
- Dual microphones
- 720p webcam
- Optional 8MP webcam
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
Lenovo 100e Chromebook Gen 4
Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 520
Battery: up to 16 hours
Memory: up to 8GB RAM
Storage: up to 64GB eMMC
Display: 11.6” anti-glare display
Resolution: 1366×768
Ports: 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A, 1 HDMI, 1 audio jack
Weight: 2.71 lbs.
Other features:
- Durable keyboard with full skirt keycaps and reinforced ports and hinges
- Wi-Fi 6 and optional 4G LTE3
- 720p HD front-facing camera with privacy shutter
Lenovo 300e Yoga Chromebook Gen 4
Processor: MediaTek Kompanio 520
Battery: up to 16 hours
Memory: up to 8GB RAM
Storage: up to 64GB eMMC
Display: 11.6” IPS touch display featuring Corning Gorilla Glass, optional garaged stylus
Resolution: 1366×768
Ports: 1 USB-C; 2 USB-A; 1 HDMI; 1 audio jack
Convertible: Yes
Weight: 2.9 lbs.
Other features
- 360-degree hinge and rubber bumpers
- 720p HD front camera with privacy shutter and optional 5MP world-facing camera
- Wi-Fi 6
Lenovo 500e Yoga Chromebook Gen 4
Processor: Intel Processor N100 or N200
Battery: up to 16 hours
Memory: up to 8GB RAM
Storage: up to 128GB eMMC storage
Screen: 12.2” IPS touch display with 16:10 aspect ratio featuring Gorilla Glass and TUV certified low blue light
Resolution: 1920×1200
Ports: 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A, 1 HDMI, 1 audio jack
Convertible: Yes
Weight: 2.9 lbs.
Other features:
- Touch display support and optional active stylus pen
- 1080p or 720p front-facing camera with shutter and optional 5MP world-facing camera
- Wi-Fi 6 or 6E2 and optional 4G LTE3
Lenovo 14e Chromebook Gen 3
Processor: Intel Processor N100 or N200 or Intel Core i3-N305 processor
Battery: up to 14 hours
Memory: up to 8GB RAM
Storage: up to 128GB SSD
Ports: 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A, 1 HDMI, 1 audio jack
Convertible: Yes
Weight: 3.2–3.3 lbs.
Other features:
- Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E
- 720p or 1080p front-facing camera with privacy shutter
- Water resistant keyboard, up to 350 mL
Find out why 7,500 districts and counting have trusted AGParts Education for Chromebook buyback, parts procurement, and more. Contact us today!
by AGParts Education | Chromebook Parts, Chromebooks, K-12 Education
If your district is implementing a computing program, Chromebooks are an essential consideration. Low in price and secure, Chromebooks are internet-heavy devices running on Chrome OS.
One of the most attractive features about a Chromebook is the fact that they are relatively low maintenance. With little to no software, OS and app updates are often automatic and occur in the background. In terms of hardware, there are very few moving parts in the device.
Parts of a Chromebook
Even though they are lean on hardware, you should still be familiar with their parts. Here are the parts of a Chromebook:
Motherboard
The heart of your Chromebook, the motherboard is the main circuit board. It holds and enables all communication between many crucial systems in your Chromebook. The motherboard holds the central processing unit (CPU).
Battery
Chromebooks use lithium-ion batteries, which are rechargeable. Another draw about Chromebooks is their long battery life. Most Chromebooks can support an eight-hour school day easily on a single charge.
A/C Adapter
Also referred to as a power cord or charger, a Chromebook’s A/C adapter is its external power supply that recharges the battery.
Display
Referred to by many names, a Chromebook’s display is composed of an LCD and the glass screen. Depending on your Chromebook, it may also have a digitizer.
- LCD: Liquid-crystal display, or LCD, is a flat-panel display that uses liquid crystals in its primary operation. LCDs are extremely common today, and largely replaced light-emitting diode (LED) displays.
- Screen: The protective glass that covers the LCD
- Digitizer: If your Chromebook features a touch screen, it will have a digitizer which enable s the touch screen functionality.
Bezel
Typically made of plastic, the bezel is the border around the display.
Web Cam
The web cam is located above the display in the bezel.
Microphone
The microphone is typically located beside the web cam.
Ports
Chromebooks come equipped with a variety of ports which can include:
- USB ports: type A, C, or both
- Headphone and/or microphone jack
- Micro SD slot for expandable storage
- SIM card slot for Chromebooks with LTE capabilities
Keyboard, Touchpad, and Palmrest
Often sold as one part, the keyboard, touchpad, and palmrest is where the action occurs on the Chromebook.
- Keyboard: Although still in QWERTY format, Chromebook keyboards differ from a Windows laptop or MacBook. The caps lock key has been replaced with the search/launcher key. There are also no enhanced function keys (F1-F12).
- Touchpad: Also referred to as clickpad or trackpad, the touchpad is a touch-sensitive panel that controls point-and-click functionality.
- Palmrest: The plastic cover surrounding the keyboard and touchpad is the palmrest.
Top and Bottom Covers
The shell of the Chromebook is comprised of the top and bottom covers. They can be made of plastic or aluminum.
Repairing Your K-12 Chromebooks
Although Chromebooks are low maintenance, they sometimes do need to be repaired. The good news is that they are generally easy to repair and oftentimes the repairs can be completed in house.
All you need is a reliable Chromebook parts supplier to source parts and a tutorial. That’s where we come in! AGParts Education has the capability to support school districts of any size in parts procurement with:
- An inventory of 500,000+ OEM new and reclaimed parts
- Orders that ship the same day plus free shipping
- Discounts on bulk order
- A dedicated sales executive to simplify and assist your district in managing your 1:1 program
- A comprehensive YouTube library of 250+ repair tutorials for a variety of models and variety of repairs
AGParts Education has been in the classroom since Chromebooks were first introduced, partnering with Council Bluffs School District, one of Google’s pilot schools. Find out why 7,500+ school districts, including Council Bluffs, rely on us for their Chromebook parts, technology buyback, and more. Contact us today to see how we can help your school district today.
by AGParts Education | K-12 Education, Student Wellness
Many school districts wrestle with how to support students’ health and wellness effectively. With more students seeking mental health services, a school district’s role in supporting students and providing adequate resources and care is critical.
In the 2021-2022 school year, 96% of public schools reported providing mental health services to their students. Of those, 88% of schools agreed they could not effectively provide mental health services to students in need.
Schools identified an insufficient number of mental health professionals to manage their school’s caseload, inadequate access to mental health professionals, and inadequate funding as three limitations to effectively addressing their students’ mental health needs.
How can districts effectively support their student’s mental health needs? One consideration is through health and wellness apps.
Before we explore the apps available, let’s learn more about student wellness.
What is Student Wellness?
Student wellness is defined as the recognition by schools, districts, and educational professionals that there are many factors that impact a student’s academic attainment. It is an approach that focuses on supporting the whole child and is composed of seven factors—emotional, intellectual, social, personal, occupational, physical, and environmental wellness.
- Emotional wellness is the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt to change. Emotionally well students have a positive attitude, high self-esteem, a strong sense of health, and the ability to recognize and share their feelings with others in a constructive way.
- Intellectual wellness is a person’s ability to recognize their creative abilities and find ways to expand knowledge and skills. Intellectually well students have good study habits, critical thinking skills, are creative problem solvers, and can communicate clearly.
- Personal wellness is a person’s ability to create a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Personally well people are empathetic, have a clear sense of right and wrong, and can explain their beliefs.
- Social wellness is a person’s ability to develop a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system. A socially well student is assertive, self-confident, and able to work in a team effectively.
- Occupational wellness is a person’s ability to gain personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work. Occupationally well students experience satisfaction from completed work and understand their personal learning style.
- Physical wellness is a person’s ability to learn and model healthy practices and routines. When a person is physically well, they are attentive and alert.
- Environmental wellness is a school’s ability to promote safe and supportive environments that encourage wellbeing in the home, at school, and in the community. When a school is environmentally well, it creates of culture of respect within its shared norms and values.
Health and Wellness Apps
Health and wellness apps can help districts address their students’ health and wellness needs. Some of these apps could be used supplementally, while others could form the foundation of a robust health and wellness program. Here are four health and wellness apps that could better equip schools to address their students’ mental health needs.
Oasis Mental Health Applications
Oasis’ mission is to create technology that increases human connection and provides quality, holistic mental health care. Their comprehensive program is designed to get students back to learning and teachers back to teaching.
For the K-12 environment, Oasis offers the Oasis Education app featuring:
- Assessment and roadmap: Oasis’ clinical team works with you to assess your individual needs and creates a unique support roadmap.
- Student Support: the app provides students with on-demand support from mental health professionals and evidenced-based content to improve mental health and learning.
- Faculty & Staff Support: the Oasis Connect App provides educators with 1:1 classroom management coaching, as well as resources that support their mental and emotional health.
- Platform Implementation: Oasis’ clinical team guides you with evidence-based strategies to determine how to best support your students and teachers.
Sanvello
Sanvello’s aim is to meet people where they are in moments of need and surround them with tools and strategies that provide relief. Their app offers four types of support—self-care, peer support, coaching, and therapy.
- Self-care includes a daily mood tracker, guided journeys, and coping tools. Through weekly check-ins, Sanvello creates a roadmap for improvement.
- Peer support allows users to view posts from other members about a diverse range of topics in a judgement-free, label-free space.
- Coaching is like a fitness trainer for your mind. When users need help achieving their mental health goals, they can find the support and encouragement they need.
- Therapy can help users get unstuck, out of a spiral, and back to their lives. With a Sanvello therapist, users can identify unhealthy thoughts and patterns, and create a plan to feel better.
Daylio
Daylio is a self-care bullet journal with goals, a mood diary, and a happiness tracker. Without writing a word, users can easily track their moods and habits to compile a mood journal. Daylio then crunches the data and displays them in stats, charts, and correlations.
Teen Talk App
Teen Talk App provides a free, anonymous, safe space for teens to request support from trained peers and learn from others with similar experiences. With over 200 teens trained nationwide and teens supported in 100+ countries, the app has a 89% satisfaction rating.
Supporting your students’ health and wellness is paramount for any school district. Health and wellness apps can equip schools to provide students with the foundation for healthy lifestyles.
Find out why 7,500 districts and counting have trusted AGParts Education for Chromebook buyback, parts procurement, and more. Contact us today!
Sources:
National Center for Education Statistics
New Hampshire Department of Education
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